Comment from family has me rethinking!

[alicenwonder99]

Of all the trips we've been to WDW and DL (see my sig), the hardest was when my youngest was 2 1/2 years old. He was afraid of EVERYTHING. The only ride he didn't scream on was IASW. So, we adjusted our trip plans: we all took turns taking him on IASW. Most people can't get that song out of their heads after one ride on IASW, imagine after about 30 rides!! LOL.

It's been 4 years since we've been to DL, and ds is now 6 1/2. He can't wait to ride Indy, Splash, Matterhorn, etc.

Have a great trip, just be prepared to have a back up plan in case the 2 year old gets cranky.

(we laugh about that trip now...lol)

 

[annasmama]

We are taking our 3 kids, ages 8, 6 and 2. I do feel somewhat guilty about the 2 y/o b/c she won't remember it, but at the same time my older two are at the perfect age and don't want them to miss it. My parents waited until my sister and I were 11 and 12 to go to DW (so we would always remember it) and I don't want to make that same mistake with my kids. I want them to find it all very magical.

When pp make ignorant comments to me about handling 3 kids, I tell myself that they are just jealous, and in awe, of my wonderful parenting skills They wish they were good enough to do a week in Disney with 3 kids.

GL, you'll do fine. And we'll be there at the same time

 

[kstinw19]

I think it is great to go when they are little...the magic is still in their eyes!

I hear so many people tell me they are going to wait until their kids are older, which is fine, but they are really missing out on the amazement and excitement in their little ones eyes.

We took our oldest kids when they were 4 and 3 and it was an incredible trip! We have gone back every year since, even with our latest, who is 2.

It's a bit more of a challenge with 3, but as long as you plan well, you will be fine.

Next year we will be taking four...not sure if I am ready for that yet...but I am sure we will have a great time!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Nope not crazy! it's all in what you think you can handle! our trip for this year has 2 kids under 3! Next years trip has 3 kids under 4!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for all the replies...I'm feeling much better about this all. I'm a very organized person so that helps me plan everything. I'm at the point now where I need to relax and go w/the flow. I have an itinerary in mind...a very kid friendly itinerary w/a definite break after lunch for the pool/nap. Maybe 1 afternoon (or more if older two want too), one of us we'll take the kids to park while DD2 naps to see a parade or ride more attractions. I have ADRs booked but am willing to forgo them if we need too or split up in case DD2 gets cranky.

I'm ready to go! Now if I can get the stroller issue taken care of we'll be all set.

Thanks again everyone.
JOanne

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

If you have the discipline to lose 39.5 pounds (WAY TO GO ) you can handle Disney with your three little ones. I wish we would have taken our kids a bit earlier - my eldest went for the first time at 11 because we waited for our youngest to be in the 5-6 range.... You'll do well.....

Now the secrets to weight loss.....

Thanks...part of my weight loss motivation was our trip so I could keep up w/them. And now that spring has sprung here in Maine (finally!!!!) I've found that I can keep up w/them playing outside. It really helps. I am pretty disciplined thats part of my problem...I need to relax a little. I'm working on it!

As far as my secret it was just doing Weight Watchers and sticking to it. Setting little goals so they were "do-able" and before I knew it I was down. Just went to the doc's the other day and they were very surprised and pleased...that felt really good! Of course exercise was part as well but I dieted probably 3-4 months before I really started exercising...I would be exhausted if I tried. Once I lost the bulk the exercising was so much easier and not as frustrating. It gives me so much energy. I still get in ruts but its easier to come out off them now. Never give up!
Thanks again!
Joanne

 

[TnTWalter]

We had an umbrella stroller which was great. DS often napped while we watched parades. There was a day when I took DS back to POP to nap and the others stayed and went on rides. He was so good and I was worried, but being able to fall asleep in the stroller made all the difference!

DDs were perfect age for all the princess stuff and I'm so glad I didn't miss out on that. They were such a great age for all the characters and just the disney magic. Even my DS LOVED it. So glad we went.

We're going again this October...they'll be 5,6,8.

Trish

 

[Swimnoid]

Just a note on the stroller, JJ&JSMom. We started taking DD when whe was 3. We never took a stroller and she was fine and we didnt carry her a whole lot either.. Now 2 is a bunch younger than 3 but dont sweat it. If she wont do it you'll still have fun and probably when you get there and she sees a million strollers she'll think they are a ride too and want one!

 

[bumbershoot]

We are taking our 3 kids, ages 8, 6 and 2. I do feel somewhat guilty about the 2 y/o b/c she won't remember it, but at the same time my older two are at the perfect age and don't want them to miss it.

We took our son at 1 year 4 months, he didn't remember anything (not that he could tell us, at least).

Then again a year later. The memories WE have are absolutely wonderful, and even if he didn't remember it it was still worth it.

However, a few months after we got back, after months of silence on the subject, he suddenly started talking about Disneeeewand. Out of the blue! Now he's approaching 3, we don't talk about it unless he does, we don't GIVE him memories, and he's remembering more and more about our visit! He "plays" Disneyland, pretends he's on the Pooh ride, points things out, etc. Talks about other rides, too.

Just yesterday he bumped his face, and through his hand said "oh, I hurt my nose, I can't go on to Disneeeewand".

Anyway, don't feel guilty b/c the 2 year old might not remember. Something as BIG as Disneeeeworld, the kiddo might very well remember!

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

..."I don't envy you taking 3 kids to Disney" and he laughed...Now I'm really wondering if we are nuts!...
Joanne

We did it with three - DS5, DD3, DS1- back in '91 and then again with another addition in '97 when the youngest of our four was DD5 (time flies). We survived. And there were times it was more like work than a vacation. But if I had it to do all over again I wouldn't miss it for the world.

You will have your moments - but there will be good ones as well as bad. But in the future you have this to look forward to: We (DH50 - me, DW46, DD19, DS16, DD15 are going in early June for a week (off-site pool home) - and we all insist that we will once again ride those Dumbos!