Disney w/3 month old twins???

[RedRuby]

I'm one of the moms of singeltons who replied to her question, which wasn't "Should I go?" but "any advice?". She's already booked it and maybe she can't cancel. It would be GREAT if some more moms of twins gave her advice for being in WDW with twins in case she goes anyway....

Well, I think the fact that NONE of the parents of multiples suggested going at that stage is a pretty strong indication of the realities of newborn multiples. December is a fair ways off, and it's extremely unlikely that the OP can't cancel. And, it may be worth whatever penalties there *might* be, to wait because so much of life with multiples is unpredictable.

I'd also keep the comments of the mothers of singletons *and* twins in mind; they've done ith 'both ways' and can give perhaps an even more helpful view. It is a common saying (nearly a mantra) in "twin -circles" (including higher order multiples, too!) that "They just don't understand", they meaning people with singletons who haven't been around multiples.

And heck, part of it depends on the personality/habits of the baby, too. I know some singletn babies who would have been difficult to impossible to travel with at that age!

Basically I feel the evidence and risks are too overwhelming for me in good conscience to suggest that the OP make plans to go when her twins will be so young. I wouldn't automatically discount a last minute trip *once* she and her partner/husband have experienced life with twins. No matter how much anyone tries to educate you about it...it's just different and more work and overwhelming at times.
(Not to mention often *much* more expensive than predicted, for a number of factors).

If the OP had said, yes, we're going at all costs, I'd still probably have tried to add to the information she has, to assist (if I could) in her making an informed decision. The problem is, the way she'll be best informed is by being there, and doing that (as a mother / parent of twins).

All of that to say --- I think there's a good reason none of the people with *experience* with newborn twins made posts to support the trip. Also, there might not be anything specific to taking care of twins at WDW versus anywhere else, it's more the idea of having any time to do anything other than look after one baby after the other after the other in a never ending cycle. Literally. Getting a shower some days is an achievement!

 

[The Disney Bunch]

My twins were 10 months old when we went - It was tough but we managed with help from my parents. Be sure to plan a mid-day break - you and the babies will need it - at that point you might be just getting some sleep & will be tired - I know I was. Drink plenty of water- be sure you know where the baby station is in each park - There is only one in each park & they are not near the entrances! You may wish to bring the individual packs of formula for those times that you are unable to nurse the babies out, for whatever reason. Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes & clothes -

I know Beattyfamily meant well in requesting that people give you advice to use on your trip rather than advice period but I am with the other posters - You may wish to re-consider your visit - talk to your doctor and the babies pediatrician about going- It appears you are due sometime in September but you don't know under what circumstances you may deliver - my babies ended up being 4 lbs each (& I went to 39 weeks & a day - mine were born in January) & our doctor asked us to restrict any outside of the home time for the first 4 months. You will find when you do get to leave the house that people tend to stop you and talk to you about twins & they are not shy about touching them - even when you ask them not to. I had people try to pick them up - people are also very inconsiderate about coming near babies when they are sick - they don't the common sense things about babies doesn't apply to them. Also bear in mind that not only would you be going in flu & RSV season - your babies will also not be immunized for a large number of diseases yet. There are people attending WDW from countries that may or may not be sick with something that your babies can contract & not be protecte from.

Hopefully you will have many visits to WDW with your family - risking their health at such a young time is a risk I wouldn't take. The trip isn't for them at that age.

Enjoy your babies -a friend who had twins gave us some advice that I wish I had taken - sleep & when you think you have slept enough - sleep some more because for the first couple of months - you don't sleep - I always figured if I got 2 hours a day I was doing great! Somedays I wasn't sure if I was wearing underwear! It is exhausting but exhilarating!

if you have any questions about twins- please feel free to email me Get Dr. Barbara Luke's book about what to expect when expeting multiples- wonderful book!

 

[GaTech]

As a Dad of twins that went they were 3 1/2 months old and again at 11 months old, I say "Go and have a great time!" The twins(DS & DD) are now 1 and we also have a DS 8 and a DD 3. Being Mr. Obvious here, you will have to be flexible to meet the needs of the babies. Hey, a trip to Disney that you don't get to do everything you usually do is still better than not going at all. If you have questions about naps, nursing, rides, etc I'll let you know how we did it and maybe it will help.

 

[pjupton]

It would be GREAT if some more moms of twins gave her advice for being in WDW with twins in case she goes anyway....

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins?

Go ahead and rent a wheelchair or ECV for your entire stay because there is no way you'll be able to tour the parks after having an emergency c-section, nearly dying, and spending 5 days in the ICU.

You'll want to bring along your hospital-grade rental breast pump, since you'll need to pump after every feeding to increase your milk supply - being dreadfully ill does not make for an abundance of milk. Don't forget your nursing supplementer and tape to attach the tubes to your nipples since your babies are inefficient nursers who require supplementing at every feeding.

Actually, don't bother buying park tickets for yourself since you'll spend most of your time on the couch at the resort nursing the babies. Probably no need for DH to have tickets either since he'll need to pick up the slack on baby care and will be too sleep deprived to enjoy it.

Plan for your parents to bring you back take out from whatever restaurant they go to. There's no point in going to a restaurant because one or both of the babies will likely cry the whole time anyway. You and DH can eat the take out while you each hold a baby. You'll likely be nursing the one you are holding while you eat.

Am I being sarcastic? Yep. Am I describing what our experience was like? Absolutely. Does it happen to everyone? Nope - some moms of multiples carry their babies to 40 weeks, have unmedicated non-surgical (the smut filter blocked the word for the way babies are born that doesn't require surgery) births, take their happy healthy babies home the next day and jump right back into their prior routines. But not many. I tried to say this in a nice way in my first post on this topic. There are never guarantees in pregnancy & childbirth, but much less so with multiples. I worried and worried the whole pregnancy that the babies would come too early, be sick, and go to the NICU. Turns out they were fine. I was the one who was very, very sick. Babies were actually discharged from the hospital 5 days before I was.

It is only June. The OP booked for December. I doubt she'd be losing much money if she canceled now. It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies. NFW would I go.

 

[beattyfamily]

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins?

Go ahead and rent a wheelchair or ECV for your entire stay because there is no way you'll be able to tour the parks after having an emergency c-section, nearly dying, and spending 5 days in the ICU.

You'll want to bring along your hospital-grade rental breast pump, since you'll need to pump after every feeding to increase your milk supply - being dreadfully ill does not make for an abundance of milk. Don't forget your nursing supplementer and tape to attach the tubes to your nipples since your babies are inefficient nursers who require supplementing at every feeding.

Actually, don't bother buying park tickets for yourself since you'll spend most of your time on the couch at the resort nursing the babies. Probably no need for DH to have tickets either since he'll need to pick up the slack on baby care and will be too sleep deprived to enjoy it.

Plan for your parents to bring you back take out from whatever restaurant they go to. There's no point in going to a restaurant because one or both of the babies will likely cry the whole time anyway. You and DH can eat the take out while you each hold a baby. You'll likely be nursing the one you are holding while you eat.

Am I being sarcastic? Yep. Am I describing what our experience was like? Absolutely. Does it happen to everyone? Nope - some moms of multiples carry their babies to 40 weeks, have unmedicated non-surgical (the smut filter blocked the word for the way babies are born that doesn't require surgery) births, take their happy healthy babies home the next day and jump right back into their prior routines. But not many. I tried to say this in a nice way in my first post on this topic. There are never guarantees in pregnancy & childbirth, but much less so with multiples. I worried and worried the whole pregnancy that the babies would come too early, be sick, and go to the NICU. Turns out they were fine. I was the one who was very, very sick. Babies were actually discharged from the hospital 5 days before I was.

It is only June. The OP booked for December. I doubt she'd be losing much money if she canceled now. It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies. NFW would I go.

Boy, some here are pretty touchy We certainly agree on this part: "It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies".

I don't think I said anything whatsoever to get anyone in a tizzy. I feel SO sorry for the OP though.

 

[pjupton]

Boy, some here are pretty touchy

Yep. Still pretty touchy about it all. You probably would be too if you'd lived though it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. And I'd hate to see someone lose lots of money on a vacation they couldn't take if it happened to them.

She asked for advice. You suggested we give some. I did.

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

 

[beattyfamily]

Yep. Still pretty touchy about it all. You probably would be too if you'd lived though it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. And I'd hate to see someone lose lots of money on a vacation they couldn't take if it happened to them.

She asked for advice. You suggested we give some. I did.

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

Maybe and maybe not (I'd be touchy too). I don't have twins but I did have a C-section and breastfed.

FYI...I said in my OP that I wouldn't go myself until my kids were at least one.

Yeah, you gave her advice but you also quoted me so I responded.

I still feel REALLY bad for the poor OP who wanted advice on bringing twins to Disney (not whether she should do it or not). I hope she hasn't been scared away.

 

[GaTech]

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

My wife says she has no regrets about going either. We tried to limit the time the babies were in the park. For example, I would take my older 2 kids to the park in the morning while my wife took care of the babies. At lunch we would swap kids. My wife would go to the park with the older 2 while I took care of the babies. We have a van and were able to make the switch at the TTC Kennel parking lot. For the most part the babies slept in the room or in the van but we did take them to the park in the late afternoon when it wasn't as warm. We were there in October and it wasn't that crowded. The down side to this adventure was the coordination it took to make the switches and my wife & I didn't see each other much during the day. We still had a great time!

 

[krahema]

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins? ...

I kind of agree with you, pjupton. I must say, your recent posts have been pretty harsh, but they do tell the truth! I also, in my previous post tried to be as gentle as possible in saying that 3 month old twins are very unpredictable, but the truth of it is, most mothers of twins are at wits end around 3 months.

My word of advice is to cancel the trip and wait to rebook until November, when you have had some time with your babies and know your health status and theirs.

I didn't have the same experience as pjupton, but there were some similarities. My girls were born via emergency c-section at 32 weeks. Fortunately they were quite healthy for that stage and "only" had to spend 18 days in the NICU. Mind you we had some of the healthiest girls in the NICU and it still cost 100's of thousands of dollars. Fortunately we have great insurance, but still it cost us a good amount out-of-pocket.

I had the best of intentions of nursing the babies, but after 6 weeks of attempting to breastfeed and pumping 8-10 times a day to try and keep producing milk, I very sadly gave up. I don't need any breastfeeding proponent to tell me what my daughters and I missed out on - I've been hard enough on myself. I wish I had had more realistic expectations going into it.

At three months, I had been getting up numerous times every night for 3 months. Even though I new that 2 babies would be a lot of work, I wasn't prepared for the extreme exhaustion I would feel.

My biggest concern for the OP is the risk of RSV and/or other illnesses. RSV is very serious and December is about the peak of the season. They are immune-booster shots that her babies will probably get if they are born more than a month early, but it doesn't reduce the risk of getting RSV, it just minimizes the symtoms. These shots are extremely expensive - some insurance companies won't even cover them. Many people sacrafice a lot to afford to pay for these shots for their children.

If you are flying to Orlando, chances of their being an air-borne illness floating around on the plane are great. You and I might be able to fight it off, but any three month old baby, let alone a baby that was born prematurely would be much more likely to catch it.

Also, as a previous poster mentioned, you babies will probably have gone through only one set of immunizations at 3 months. And, as the PP stated, people come from all over the world to WDW - many of which do not have the same immunities as we in the US do.

I know that the OP was only looking for suggestions on how to make the trip easier with 3 month old twins, but I am just trying to point out that there are some serious considerations to be made before taking a trip like this. There are many of us who have walked a long road in dealing with premature multiples (and singletons for that matter). Quite frankly, after going through the ordeal I did with my girls, it makes me kind of upset that something like this isn't being taken more seriously. I'm not saying that to upset anyone else, but I am just being honest, based upon my experience.

I really hope that the OP has a perfect pregnancy and carries here babies to full term, has a text-book delivery, has 2 babies that latch on the first time they go to breast, and are healthier than most singleton newborns. But, she should just be prepared for the possibility that it won't go quite as smoothly and she may have to cancel the trip last minute.

By the way, is the OP still looking at this thread, or has it just turned into a debate between responding posters? (I'm saying this in a friendly way )

 

[pjupton]

I kind of agree with you, pjupton. I must say, your recent posts have been pretty harsh, but they do tell the truth!

Well, I didn't mean to get quite so sarcastic, but really, the reason why none of the mother of twins (GaTech and his wife excepted) had any advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW is that no one who had been there and done that would DREAM of making the trip. I truly mean no offense to Beattyfamily or any of the other singleton moms who responded, but like RedRuby said, "they just don't understand". Having a surgical birth and nursing a singleton can in no way compare to having a surgical birth, nursing two, and otherwise caring for twice the number of normal newborns.

I had the best of intentions of nursing the babies,

I'm sorry you didn't get to nurse your girls. It sounds like you worked very, very hard at it and it is a shame it didn't work. 32 weekers, no matter how healthy, often have a very difficult time getting it together to nurse in the beginning and have an even worse time transitioning to breast when they are older.

Quite frankly, after going through the ordeal I did with my girls, it makes me kind of upset that something like this isn't being taken more seriously. I'm not saying that to upset anyone else, but I am just being honest, based upon my experience.

Me too.

I really hope that the OP has a perfect pregnancy and carries here babies to full term, has a text-book delivery, has 2 babies that latch on the first time they go to breast, and are healthier than most singleton newborns. But, she should just be prepared for the possibility that it won't go quite as smoothly and she may have to cancel the trip last minute.

Me too. WDW will always be there. I wanted to go last year, but I didn't. I'm actually worried that I'm being selfish by planning our upcoming trip when they'll be 22 months and I wonder if I should wait until they are older.

By the way, is the OP still looking at this thread, or has it just turned into a debate between responding posters? (I'm saying this in a friendly way )

Hehehe. Probably not. It's just you, me, Beattyfamily, and GaTech left at this point. Maybe RedRuby too if I know her!

 

[shaylahc]

Hi! Your post caught my attention and even though I have been a long time lurker, I had to register just to add MTCW

Last December we traveled to WDW with our 4 kids then ages 7, 5, 3 and 2 months. I had *assumed* my 2 month old son wouldn't be much trouble because after all, don't 2 months old spend most of their time sleeping??? Well let me tell you---my son did NOT like the change in his routine at ALL! First of all we drove 12 hours each way which means we spent about 6 hours each way listening to my son scream bloody murder because he did not want to be in his car seat. Then he insisted on being carried everywhere at the parks and would scream if we tried to put him down. Then to boot he refused to sleep more than 30 minutes at a time because he was in a strange environment and it upset him.

As if trying to wrangle a 7, 5, and 3 year old wasn't enough, we had the baby from hell to contend with, too Let me tell you---FUN is not the word I would use to describe that trip. My DH and I were totally exhausted by the time we got home. We all lost weight from the sheer exertion of carrying a 15 lbs infant for miles a day and getting virtually no sleep. Looking back I have to wonder what I was smoking to think taking a 2 month old to Disney was a good idea

When I hear someone mention taking 3 month old twins all I can say is don't do it to yourself! A trip to Disney is not cheap, and babies are unpredictable. No way would I spend that kind of money to visit Disney when I know the odds of having a nightmare situation pop up are very high. Babies do NOT like changes in their schedules and routines and I can't imagine with 2 babies in a hotel room that anyone would be getting much sleep. How much fun is anyone going to have when they are sleep deprived and exhausted?

I also agree with others who mention concerns about the flu and RSV season.

I would say save your money, and when the babies are older (1+) you could go back and know that everyone will have a lot more fun.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[minnie61650]

Hi! Your post caught my attention and even though I have been a long time lurker, I had to register just to add MTCW

... When I hear someone mention taking 3 month old twins all I can say is don't do it to yourself! A trip to Disney is not cheap, and babies are unpredictable. No way would I spend that kind of money to visit Disney when I know the odds of having a nightmare situation pop up are very high. Babies do NOT like changes in their schedules and routines and I can't imagine with 2 babies in a hotel room that anyone would be getting much sleep. How much fun is anyone going to have when they are sleep deprived and exhausted?

I also agree with others who mention concerns about the flu and RSV season.

I would say save your money, and when the babies are older (1+) you could go back and know that everyone will have a lot more fun.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

I am a 55 year old grandma and I also agree with most of other posters on the board.
Your babies haven't been born yet so you don't know how healthy they will be or how well you will be feeling.

The RSV and Flu are very real threats to little ones.
You said you are WDW vets so it's not like you have planned this trip for years and it's only chance to go.
I also love Disney and I know it will be a bit of a let down to have postpone your trip but for the well being of your precious little ones you should wait a while longer.
Just think if you wait a few more months till the little ones are able sit up they will be able to see all the wonderful sights and colors Disney has to offer.You will be so glad you waited.
Good luck with your pregnacy and may those little ones be happy and healthy.
Linda
Only 97 more days
Our 3 year old grandson will meet Mickey for the first time

 

[ozzyla]

I have taken my twins twice to Disneyworld once when they were 11 months, then at 4, and we are going next month, they will be almost 6. I recommend you stay as close to a transport (bus stop) if at all possible. Be prepared for changing weather, we went in November (when they were 11 months old), then had pneumonia before the week was out. I wouldn't recommend it, but sometimes we don't get to choose on family trips.

 

[rgribik]

Hi again, I am still watching the posts, I wonder what the op thinks now too. I am also glad the other moms of twins(with the 1 exception) agree. I just wanted to add after reading that it comes down to a question of not can it be done, but should it be done? We skipped our annual family trip the year the twins were born(they would have been 3 months) and waited until a cooler time of the year when they turned 11 months. Sure it can be done, and if she does it I hope she comes back and says every thing was great(like the one poster, but that didn't sound like a vacation to me) but I would hate to be the mom who's kids come back sick because I wanted to go to Disney. People tend to think nothing bad happens in Dis. Like, can a 4 year old go on mission space, and can they love it----sure---but should they go on at 4? We all have to make those calls for our kids, I just don't want to be the one going ---It was some one else's fault my kids got hurt, or why did I do that?(and I'm not really over protective, after 5 kids you loosen up a bit).

 

[RedRuby]

Me too. WDW will always be there. I wanted to go last year, but I didn't. I'm actually worried that I'm being selfish by planning our upcoming trip when they'll be 22 months and I wonder if I should wait until they are older.

Hehehe. Probably not. It's just you, me, Beattyfamily, and GaTech left at this point. Maybe RedRuby too if I know her!

- I wasn't around but am now catching up

 

[Skamper_Five]

I'm the mother of 4yr old twins and I really recommend not going to Disney w/ 3mo old twins. If you go, plan on spending most of your time "relaxing" around the resort and little time in the parks. Twins are wonderful but they are also exhausting and it's a big adjustment. You will have plenty of time to take them to Disney when they're older.

 

[Jackson4]

I totally understand - We are going in August with my husbands family. I have a 2 yr old and a 3 month old (that I am breastfeeding) and I have no idea what to expect. At least you know you will have some help there. Good Luck!

 

[Loops]

Personally, I wouldn't go with 3 month old twins. But everyone is different, all the power to you if you go....if you do go please let us know how it went.

I had my twins in November and we kept them out of very public places. The only trips we really took them on were to the doctor's office for their monthly check-ups.

We took our twin Boys (and DD-5 at the time) to Disney when they turned 1....it was easy.....we just made our second trip there this past April and they are 2 1/2 (DD 6)......boy was that a lot of work because they are at the age they don't want to be in the stroller. I personally would wait until they are at least 1 year old.

I strongly recommend you check with your OB and pediatrician and see what they have to say. December is RSV/Flu season. My twins were born at 35 weeks and one of them had to spend a little time in the NICU.....I had a problem free pregnancy.

Good luck!

 

[The Disney Bunch]

Maybe and maybe not (I'd be touchy too). I don't have twins but I did have a C-section and breastfed.

Right there you disqualified yourself from giving advice - you do not have twins & have no idea of what it is like - It is not peaches & cream - it is exhausting - even for mothers who had wonderful pregnancies & deliveries.

What did the OP decide?

 

[beattyfamily]

Right there you disqualified yourself from giving advice - you do not have twins & have no idea of what it is like - It is not peaches & cream - it is exhausting - even for mothers who had wonderful pregnancies & deliveries.

What did the OP decide?

I can certainly give advice if I want to, to anyone who asks and then they, in turn, have the option to take it or leave it. I will continue to give advice to anyone who asks whether I have first hand experience with it or not. So only certain people with certain life experiences can give advice on those topics? I disagree completely.

FYI, if you read my first post, I told her I'd personally not do it until my kids were over 1 years old.

Why oh why can't this thread just die?