dont over do the kids

[johnboywallnut]

For those people heading to wdw for the first time with kids,
dont over do it. Go early in the morning and leave the park around noon.Relax in the room or in the pool. Then go back to the parks at dinner time or after.

 

[grinningghost]

You are so right. We made the mistake of overdoing it when DD was 4. She was exhausted and cranky. We learned the hard way. It's not worth it. Taking that midday break when you have little ones is mandatory if you want to save your sanity.

 

[Crazy4mandms]

ROFL!!!! Don't overdue the little ones? How about the little ones not overdoing the parents!?!!! Had to fight with my 7/11 yr old DSs about taking that midday break so hubby and I could nap! And ya think the kids relaxed? They swam and ran around ont he football field at AS Sports and hit the arcade, always keeping either hubby or I to flip a coin of who would nap and who would chase after them!! And that was all the way up to the last day of our 8 day trip!!! The only time my 7 yr old said he was tired was when we did the Eride night! We had an awesome time, tho!!!!

 

[FreshTressa]

Nah, that is half the fun!!! We drive our kids right into the ground. They get so tired they fall asleep at the lunch and dinner tables. Then we drag em around some more. It sure LOOKS like we are having fun in all those photos.

 

[tbickford]

Originally posted by johnboywallnut
For those people heading to wdw for the first time with kids,
dont over do it. Go early in the morning and leave the park around noon.Relax in the room or in the pool. Then go back to the parks at dinner time or after.

We were blessed on our trip with our 4 year old twins in November 2002. We stayed 11 nights and I had an itinerary that I shared with everyone on the forum with planned nap times and breaks that I thought we would do, but the kids went from that morning (even early entry mornings) til closing time. They didn't get cranky. We had many priority seatings for breakfast too. They were up before us most of the mornings ready to go again. We did most of everything and all the parks. We even did Sea World too. Kids are stronger than what you think and are so excited to be there. It was the most remarkable and unforgettable vacation for us. And we will be back in 14 days to share that magic again.

 

[kashkdz]

Originally posted by Crazy4mandms
ROFL!!!! Don't overdue the little ones? How about the little ones not overdoing the parents!?!!! Had to fight with my 7/11 yr old DSs about taking that midday break so hubby and I could nap! And ya think the kids relaxed? They swam and ran around ont he football field at AS Sports and hit the arcade, always keeping either hubby or I to flip a coin of who would nap and who would chase after them!! And that was all the way up to the last day of our 8 day trip!!! The only time my 7 yr old said he was tired was when we did the Eride night! We had an awesome time, tho!!!!

I can second that ! We went last Nov, my wife and I and our DS8 and DD 5. I think from the moment we had the recorded Mickey wake up call in the morning until after the parks closed at around 10:00 did two of our kids finally wind down. We almost felt like waking them up on the nightly bus ride back to our hotel, for fear that their 20 minute snooze might turn into an energy-rejuvenating power nap. Yikes ! And this year our DS4, who didn't join us last time will be with us to complete the family vacation. Hey I'm glad the're enjoying themselves, and are willing to enjoy the Disney magic !!

 

[tonysgal34]

I would like to take a break midday, but it seems that a few people have mentioned that the parks close early during value season and thus we don't think that we'll have time to take a break if we expect to hit everything. Does anyone know what times the parks are open in the beginning of November??

 

[montessori]

Hi johnboywallnut,
You are in the Dis Class Yearbook!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=385337&referrerid=28080
Your yearbook picture is on page 79.
Have a great Disney vacation!!

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Although we go just about every year for the past 20 years, I remember the second time we took my oldest son. If anyone has seen Chevy Chase in Vacation then you are looking at the attitude my husband has when he goes to WDW. Anyway, at the time only Epcot and Magic Kingdom were open. My husband would not take the time to rent a stroller because he thought the line was too long. He made this little 4 year old walk all over and then carried him. He said we would lose too much time and the stroller would hold us back in tight situations. I remember we did both parks all day and then the Hoopty Doo at 10 pm since that was the only available time!! Well at the end of the show my son fell asleep. My husband carried him back to the bus and then to the hotel. We did not even undress him but let him sleep as he was. I was so afraid, I slept with my hand on his chest to see if he was breathing. He did not move once all night!!!!!

Well let me tell you the next time we went I brought my own stroller and my second son never walked a foot. If you ask me it was cruel and unusual punishment for a 4 year old. I told my husband that we would NEVER go again if he kept up the merciless pace. Well it has gotten better after 20 years thank God but I think it is because he is older (my husband that is).