disney with 4 kids

[momof4boys]

HELP! I am looking for advice from all disney veteran Moms and Dads. My DH and I have been to WDW several times as singles, married w/o kids, and with kids of various ages. Last time that we went the boys were 7yrs, 4 yrs and 2 yrs. Now they are 9yrs, 6 yrs, 4 yrs and the newest addition will be 17 mos when we go. We have never been there with a baby before and our friends and family all think we are crazy for not only taking 4 kids to disney but with a baby as well. We are all very excited about this trip. We are staying at the Poly, but have also rented a car. We plan on bringing our own double stroller because our 4 yr old is big but has asthma that can wear him out at times. We are going 12/4-12/13 so we hope that the crowds and the weather won't be an issue. Last time was August, way too hot and crowded for my liking. We plan on taking breaks during the day as needed and we know that Disney is not going anywhere, so we won't be disappointed if we don't see everything while we are there. There is always next time!! We will be celebrating DH's b-day and our anniversary while we are there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Regina

 

[cmcvean]

Oh, you are going to have a great time!!! We stay at the Polynesian as well. Last year we went with my 4 daughters, 4, 3, 1, 7mo old. We are going again this year too! The Polynesian makes it so easy with the monorail going to MK/EPCOT. My advice is to try and take the big boat from the TTC to MK once at the beginning of your trip. We found that it was so much easier to take the stroller on that (we didn't have to take the kids out), especially coming back late at night if the small ones were asleep in it. Of course we didn't figure this out until our last day .

We also found it easier to take our car to MGM and AK. The buses were just too much of a hassle between the wait and the stroller and our kids screaming.

We found that if you go towards the handicap parking at AK it will lead you to a closer regular parking space as well. We go in January when there really aren't alot of people around anyway.

So, don't worry, you are going to have a BLAST!!! The baby is going to love it too!!! You will see the excitement in his eyes!!


Christine

 

[4greatboys]

I have 4 boys too and they are pretty spread out, 16, 13, 3 and 18 months. Last year was our first trip with all 4--the 2 little ones were 2.5 and 5 months then. We stayed YC concierge which was heaven. So great to have the lounge to pop down and get the kids a snack, milk or soda. This year we only took one stroller as our 3 yr old (actually 3.5) said he didnt want a stroller, wanted to walk. Well that lasted about a day or 2 then everywhere we went he said he was tired so rented a stroller at every park. I think its a good idea that you are going to have one for your 4 yr old, he will probably need it. I would also say when your boys get a little older try a 2 bdrm at OKW. We stayed there our last visit and it was huge, plenty of room for the boys to have their own space and the kitchen and washer/dryer came in really handy. I didnt cook but we froze water for our days in the park. My main advise would be for everyone to pick one or 2 must see attractions and be sure you those but dont worry to much about seeing "everything". Have a great trip!!

 

[Harambe]

Oh, what fun! The Poly is so nice. Hopefully you will have great weather. When it is time for Baby to nap the older kids can go to the way-cool volcano pool with Dad and have a blast! The Water Mice that you rent to go around the lake are also an option and are reasonable priced. Just playing on the beach in the sand is awesome.

My favorite all time memory of the Poly is the first night we got there. We were exhausted, but the kids wanted to swim (we're from New England!) so we went to the pool. I sat at a table, sipping a MaiTai and the MK fireworks went off. I could have cried! Both kids watched then from the top of the volcano slide!

You will be shocked at just how many other families are there with kids the same age as your kids! Enjoy!

 

[funhouse8]

You will have a wonderful time. It is a good idea to bring the double stroller. It will be much more comforable for the kiddies. Your kids are all still childrens price for meals. Lucky you! Do the
rehitching ceremony at the Garden Grill for your anniversary. This sounds like it would be fun especially on your special day. The kids will love it. I'm not sure but you might be able to do it during the ice cream social which is only $7.00 per person(not sure about the kids.)
Find a spot you love - take and picture of your kids and every trip take a picture in the same spot. It's so much fun to see how they have grown!
Take the kids over to the campground for the campfire and movie. This is free and you don't have to use your passes.
I'm going to the CP for my birthday. I'm not sure if your little ones will sit for this. Then we are having dinner at San Angel. Always wanted to eat here and now can because it's my birthday. Ha. Maybe you can ask your husband his favorite Restaurant and go there. Don't forget to get him a birthday pin at town hall the morning of his birthday.
Enjoy your children while they are babies. I have four and this is the first time we are going with just three. My 20yr old switched schools and now doesn't have off the same dates as our vacation. Boohoo. Even he is disappointed.
Go and enjoy you sound like you will have a wonderful time! Gina