Comment from family has me rethinking!

[JJ&JSMOM]

Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement...it has made me feel so much better. That this is "do-able". Of all my sisters I'm the one that has the most kids so everyone else thinks its a real big deal. But you all are right - I'm used to this and I do it everyday so I can do it at Disney too. It might not be as easy as at home. I think I just need to relax & enjoy myself. I'm too uptight...I need to relax. How do I do that? I'll try my best.

I have prioritized my lists (yes I'm a list person!) so that we make sure we hit the attractions my kids really want to see & do and then anything else we do is icing on the cake.

Thanks again!

 

[mom2aredhead]

I have prioritized my lists (yes I'm a list person!) so that we make sure we hit the attractions my kids really want to see & do and then anything else we do is icing on the cake.

Thanks again!

Great plan, regardless of how many kids you have!

 

[mama4]

Awwww, cute pic Kristi!

Thanks Liz! I think about that smile everytime I hear that someone is worried about taking little ones to WDW


JJ&JSMOM- sounds like you are right on track! Have a great time....23 days to go....so close

 

[PaulaSue]

We went last Jan with our girls being about the same age. It was really a vacation for us which I think has to do with all the preplanning I did. Hope your trip goes as well.

We stayed onsite and used all the Disney transportation from the airport and I had all the big meals ressies each day. I had preplanned each park each day and the few must dos in each. We didn't try to do it all and I think that really helped us enjoy our trip not trying to pack too much in.

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

We are going in September over my son's 2nd birthday- but we've already went to DL last year, with our kids, and MY family (including my Grandma who was on oxygen). It's doable and it will be enjoyable

 

[girlegirl7101]

Hey My husband and I flew from ca with or children, 3 boys, 3, 22months at the time and 5 months at the time. I MUST SAY IT WAS SO FUN! We want to go back soon too! So go and enjoy it!

 

[bridegirl]

We have gone once a year every year since before we were married, and we have three kids DS 8, DS 5, and DD2 - so we have gone with the kids at all ages - from infants up to where they are now. We love it and always have a great time!

I agree with what other posters have said, the best advice is don't think commando, you're not going to do everything and see everything. I also agree about splitting up sometimes, and changing up who rides with who - it's all great advice.

One other thing I wanted to point out in terms of the older ones, is that it's good to make a plan with them about "how we choose what to do". In our house it means they have to try and enjoy the fact that little sis still loves It's a Small World (like they did when they were her age) - and that enjoying your sisters happiness on a ride is as important to the family as them having their own vacation fun. We always look at scrapbooks of our past trips with them when they were little before we go to try and reinforce this. This has been very successful for us and they have embraced the concept completely.

The other thing to try and get them in the loop about is geography. WDW is large and there's always drama when one of them just HAS to go on a certain ride next, but they don't understand that it's a twenty minute walk away. If they will, go over the park maps with them in advance, ask them to point out things they are interested, try and give them some sense of the geography.

Make your own family's version of how the plan will go. In our family, we let them each pick the next ride or activity WITHIN THAT VICINITY one a time. For example, we're standing in Fantasyland and we say okay here are your choices, and we list them, and then they each get to pick one at a time. If they keep saying "I want space mountain" - we remind them that Space Mountain is in tomorrowland and that we WILL ride it, but not right now.

And the last most important thing to remember, others have said it but I will say it again, BE FLEXIBLE! It's the certain path to maximum enjoyment. If you miss your Crystal Palace ressie because someone's melting down halfway across the park - you will still find food and won't starve. If the little one falls asleep in the stroller right when the parade you waited an hour for is finally starting, than the rest of you can enjoy it.

We always joke about our WDW trips because I think we go on far fewer rides than alot of families with kids our age, but I think we have more fun! We certainly have less stress.

Pixie dust,

Susy

 

[PrincessasMommy]

Last trip was with our 3 girls - 9, 27 months and 8 months - we had the time of our lives! We took them all to Mexico the next year and didn't have half the fun as WDW which is why we will be going again shortly after I deliver this one! Ages will be 12, 4, 3 and new baby will be 3 or 4 months old (due the end of June)!! We travel from Canada so it is quite a trek for us but we love it, love our children's faces and the memories are priceless!! We don't see our kids as "work" though - like the pp said ...it's all in your perspective!! You will have a great time!!! Have fun!!!

Edited to add......our oldest is also "special needs" - legally blind and allergic to the sun - so I swear if I can do it and LOVE it so will you!!! Can't wait to read your trip report when you get back!

 

[Becky2005]

Let's see we took 4 kids to Disney World with the youngest being about 1 1/2.

Plus, we drove (so basically 2 days in a car). Other than there were 50,000 bathroom breaks, it worked for us. You can read all about it in my trip report.

They ALL can't wait to go back (except DH but that's another story!).

Honestly, it wouldn't even phase me to take them all especially with another adult. I want to go again but the thought of 4 kids & 1 adult freaks me out due to the age span -- otherwise I would do it in a heartbeat.

Go, have fun. It will be fine. Yes, it will be work but I don't think any more than usual.

 

[tinaluis]

I'm glad you're feeling better about your trip. I know people mean well, but I hate when something a stranger/relative says gets under my skin. You're used to dealing with all three of them all the time. As long as your expectations of the trip are realistic, you'll have a blast.

We have three DDs and they have been going to WDW since about 8 weeks of age. When our oldest was born and we scheduled a trip, everyone thought we were crazy. We went and had a GREAT time!!!! They didn't even question us when #2 and #3 came along and we scheduled trips. We have very fond memories of those trips.

Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Yes you will be fine! The last time we went , my kids were

8, 5, 3, and 11 months! We can't wait to go back next year!

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

We have so many wonderful memories of our times with our children at WDW. These memories are priceless to me I was just looking at pictures of my 6 year old toddling around there and it makes me so happy. I cry when the commercials come on, I know that sounds crazy, but it just means so much to me!

You are going to have an amazing time there, please don't worry about what your family member said, people sometimes say things and they do not even know what they are talking about People always say to me, "why don't you go somewhere else this year or wait until your children get older" and I say to them come with us and you will see!

 

[momamy]

my daughter had a blast when she was 2. She wansnt very intrested in the characters other then mickey and minnie! but she loved to see the other kids so happy! there are a ton of kid/baby friendly rides! i took her on all except the fast upside down made for adukts and older kid rides! she loved the different foods and the play areas also! there are a ton of lil playgrounds scattered throughout disney! plus alot of the younger /older kids stuff is near each other! Like donalds water boat and the playground in MK. Also goofys barnstormer and meet the character tent is right there!

It is the perfect ages to take the older kids!

 

[kileybeth]

yup, yup, yup, such good advice here and such encouragement!!

I love these boards!

loved the comment about "you do it everyday at home"

2 is a great age, ours loved to hug the characters and even understood the "we have to wait in line" thing, and what could be better than free admission?! ;

also, what better place to deal with diaper changing than in Disney, clean, clean restrooms, yipee.)

have a magical trip!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for all the encouragement...its appreciated. Took DD2 & DS7 (on vacay) to the mall today to get sneaks and sandals for DD2 for our trip. DD2 did very well...she wouldn't try on the sneakers or sandals so I just bought her size and I'll try them on her later. She is still refusing her stroller but did very well walking around and somewhat stayed w/us w/reminders. So much for her to see and touch!!! So we'll have to see what to do about a stroller at Disney...if she won't sit in one I might just rent at the parks (no since in dragging it on the buses). I know they don't recline but by looking at pics of them...I could probably bring a towel and pad it for her to lay down if she wants. Sorry I got off topic there!

I appreciate the responses and actually feel like I can do this. DH will be there to help...somewhat . I shouldn't be mean...he does try! Thanks again!

 

[Disneyforus]

We have 4 kids and I have been told that it's a lot of work to go to Disney with more than 2.......... I'm not worried at all. We are a family and we do everything together, we always have.

Thankyou!
I can't believe the number of people who say, "Going to Disney with 4 kids, you are crazy!" Or a variation of that comment.
So, what...should we not enjoy ourselves because we have 4 kids...I don't get it. We are a family of 6, that's that. I'm not worried either, we do everything together also, and that's just how it is.

Have a great time!!!

 

[barbmouse]

Hi!! I think you and your family will have an awesome time!! I would suggest that you have a (flexible) plan for each day and work in rest times for the little one. Maybe dh could take the older 2 to the pool in the early afternoon while the little one (and you) take a nap. I don't think you're crazy and I know you won't regret it!! enjoy this special time with your kids...they are all at grest ages for Disney!! We have taken two years olds....there is a lot of fun stuff for them!

 

[TheDizMom]

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. My sister has done it with 4 and the first time her youngest was 2 and they were just fine. Don't let his comment cause you to lose your excitement and enthusiasm for your trip. My advice just remind your kids every morning before you go out and before you head into a restaurant what kind of behavior you expect from them and I know you'll be just fine. If the little one has a tantrum don't sweat it because everyone's kid has, it comes with the territory! Kids are kids and you can only expect from them what their age will allow them to do. If you go in realizing that your toddler is doing what all toddlers do at times, it won't stress you out so much.

 

[PA Princess]

We have 4 kids ages 12, 11, 6, and 2 and in September we will make our 7th trip with kids. We have traveled to Disney with every age from 3 months to 12 years and everything in between. It has never occurred to us to place the lives of the older kids on pause waiting for the younger ones to "be old enough" - what is that really?

Traveling is something dh and I have always enjoyed together..whether it was simple tent camping weeking in the mountains or a luxury hotel. Having kids has not dampened our desire to travel and vacation...seems to only have increased those desires because those shared family experiences are just so precious!

In our experience, Disney is one of the easiest places to travel with kids...it is why we keep going back! We have gone other places, but they do feel like work. In Disney I feel like we all get to play Truly Disney makes it has easy as it can be to vacation with family...I hope you have a joyous family trip.

 

[GreatLakes5]

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.....