DVC'ers help, please! We rented a kid!

[Peepster]

Mods, please don't send me somewhere else...I trust my fellow DVC'ers and this is very important to me.

For our 33rd trip to our favorite place on earth...VWL...we had talked about what it would be like to take a child to WDW. Well, "what ifs" are becoming a reality. First we said to each other that we probably couldn't get a one bedroom anymore but thought we'd try and sure enough one was available. Then we figured that the child's mom and dad would know us well enough to realize that (at least at WDW) we are NOT grown-ups and not allow their wonderful son anywhere near us. Unfortunately, they jumped at the chance to rent him out. So in the space of an afternoon we have a trip planned and an 8 yr. old rented. I'm ecstatic and frightened at the same time. I rented this child's dad in 1986 and we both survived (I have, however, aged considerably since 1986)...but I have a plethora of questions for all you DVC parents out there.

First, the Mom and I agreed that we wouldn't tell him until about a month before the trip. How would you ask him if he wanted to go? We don't see each other real often but when we're together we really hit it off so I'd like to make it special.

Second, what restaurants will an 8 year old like? (He's not a picky eater.)

And C, are there companion bathrooms through out the World and are they on a map somewhere?

Any planning help you could offer would be much appreciated.

PS I'm hoping he's not a scardy cat about rides...I've been waiting years for someone to rid TOT, SM and now EE with!

Thanks dear friends!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi!
I know you wanted DVCers help, but I think the Board for Kids and Families will help you a lot too!
However, DH and I have hosted a Fresh Air Fund Child and we do have an understanding of what you're feeling. One word of advice..be sure if the child says that he can swim that he really CAN swim. Our charge couldn't but thought he could. I wouldn't assume that he'll like the wild rides, in spite of lots of bravado, ours didn't the first year we brought him to Great Adventure.
Get him the book for Kids at WDW, and go spend time going over it with him. We brought 2 "honorary nieces" to WDW 7 years ago and we had a blast, however, it didn't help when my DF, their mom, called and said she "missed her little ones!" I hope you can avoid that scenerio.
I don't know about companion rest rooms. I think you're right in not mentioning the trip too far in advance! Have a ball!
Bobbi

 

[Ellester]

A) Hmmm, I might go ahead and order the latest planning DVD and ask him to watch it and then let you know if he wants to go. I can't imagine any kid saying no, but he might be leery of traveling without his parents if he hasn't done it before. One Christmas we wrapped a series of boxes within boxes with the outside of the boxes saying "Guess" "where" "you're" "going?" and put autograph books and some Disney paraphernalia in the final box. There was much rejoicing that morning (details in my trip report linked in my siggy).

B) You are probably safe with any character meals. I think every kid on the planet loves Chef Mickey's. He may not be too keen on princesses, but then again he may not mind being fussed over by Belle et al. Buffets are good with kids since you can usually find a few bites of something healthy to make them eat before hitting the sundae bar! Plus there is less waiting for your food, a big plus with the preteen set. Plan on eating breakfast in the villa to save time, money, and frustration. Our kids usually have cereal or poptarts and milk while watching the Disney channel while we get ready for the day.

C) Unfortunately, the companion bathrooms are few and far between. There are always the Baby Care centers, but they are not always strategically placed. You may want to discuss bathroom procedures with his parents. You could also do a search for one of the MANY threads on the family board about how old boys are before they are allowed in Disney bathrooms alone. Many moms still bring their 8yo's in the ladies room but there is much heated debate on the subject.

I'm sure you will all have a wonderful time! It is so much fun seeing the World anew through the eyes of a child!

 

[staceyj2]

Mods, please don't send me somewhere else...I trust my fellow DVC'ers and this is very important to me.

For our 33rd trip to our favorite place on earth...VWL...we had talked about what it would be like to take a child to WDW. Well, "what ifs" are becoming a reality. First we said to each other that we probably couldn't get a one bedroom anymore but thought we'd try and sure enough one was available. Then we figured that the child's mom and dad would know us well enough to realize that (at least at WDW) we are NOT grown-ups and not allow their wonderful son anywhere near us. Unfortunately, they jumped at the chance to rent him out. So in the space of an afternoon we have a trip planned and an 8 yr. old rented. I'm ecstatic and frightened at the same time. I rented this child's dad in 1986 and we both survived (I have, however, aged considerably since 1986)...but I have a plethora of questions for all you DVC parents out there.

First, the Mom and I agreed that we wouldn't tell him until about a month before the trip. How would you ask him if he wanted to go? We don't see each other real often but when we're together we really hit it off so I'd like to make it special.

Second, what restaurants will an 8 year old like? (He's not a picky eater.)

And C, are there companion bathrooms through out the World and are they on a map somewhere?

Any planning help you could offer would be much appreciated.

PS I'm hoping he's not a scardy cat about rides...I've been waiting years for someone to rid TOT, SM and now EE with!

Thanks dear friends!

I can't answer a lot of your questions but since I am the proud owner of an 8 year old boy, I thought I would try to give some insight.

You will definitely have to hit the star tours ride at DHS. It is my son's favorite ride. The Indiana Jones show and Toy Story ride are also things he really looks forward to. Space mountain and Splash mountain should be huge hits. He also loves primeval whirl (not sure if I got the spelling right) at AK. Out of all of the character meals we have attended, the Lilo & Stitch breakfast at the Polynesian is his favorite. He also likes the Sci Fi restaurant.

If I think of anything else, I'll pass it along. 8 Year olds should love most of the rides, so you should have a blast with him.

 

[mikesmom]

As the former owner of an 8 year old (I didn't send him back, he grew )I would also check for his "geek level". Mine adored all things Epcot - particularly Innoventions (though it ain't what it used to be). He also was big on any and all arcades. While that may not be YOUR idea of fun at WDW ("you can play those anywhere") a visit to Disney Quest may be in order.

 

[crisi]

Kids are terribly variable. Our last trip involved my just turned nine year old son, my eight year old daughter, friends eight year old son and their seven year old son.

Neither of my kids are daredevils - as of yet, no Tower of Terror, last trip was the first for Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. My son thinks Sci Fi Drive In is a VERY COOL restaurant, they also like San Angel Inn (with the Volcano) and Beirgarten (eating 'outside'). My kids, by DISBoard standards, seem extraordinarily timid.

Their kids were FAR more timid than mine. No coasters, one of their sons was frienghtend by Philharmagic and had to take his glasses off!

So talk to the parents about the type of child you've rented - has he done coasters before? Does he have issues with dark, loud, scary, wet, fast, spinning? Also find out what his behavior is like when he is tired and/or hungry. The biggest battle with a kid at Disney is keeping them from getting so exhausted or having their blood sugar drop so low that no one is having a good time. Snack often and pace yourself. Fill in lots of walking with attractions where you spend ten minutes sitting.

 

[RumpleMom]

When we have taken our kid's friends, we take their insurance card and parent's cell number so they could be reached day or night in case medical permission was needed. You might want to investigate carrying a letter that gives you permission to seek medical attention. The family board can help you with this or maybe the pediatrician.

Fortunately, it was only our kid that got sick, but we were prepared to parent our friend's child.

Also we brought along the brand of over the counter medicine that the other kid was used to (Tylenol, etc.) just in case.
I didn't want to try something new on vacation.

 

[BCV23]

I would talk the companion bathroom idea over with the parents and child first unless you mean that you would wait outside the bathroom. My kids would never have wanted to use those with someone else. There is no privacy in them.

Have fun with your rent a kid!

 

[ILuvMulan]

We are not yet DVC owners, so I am sure I will be back with questions of my own. In the meantime, I could not resist answering this question. For our last visit in the spring our 2 boys were 8 and 10. They also LOVED the Sci-fi at Hollywood Studios. The lunch with Chip and Dale at the Garden Grill was also a huge hit. The meal is family style with kid friendly food like Mac and Cheese and chicken fingers. They alsi loved the fact that the resturant rotates. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Cricket2]

Make sure you get the Collision Damage Waiver!

I agree with BCV23 about the companion bathrooms. Zero privacy and an 8 year old will most likely want you to wait outside.

 

[crisi]

I would talk the companion bathroom idea over with the parents and child first unless you mean that you would wait outside the bathroom. My kids would never have wanted to use those with someone else. There is no privacy in them.

Have fun with your rent a kid!

I wouldn't DREAM of going into the bathroom with my eight (now nine) year old son. I do wait outside the door and I do choose my bathrooms (no truckstops in the middle of nowhere - he's better off peeing on the side of the highway!) But ask the parents what they expect - some parents are far more concerned than I am. WDW bathrooms are pretty high traffic, and most of the people going in and out are parents - in my opinion, they are pretty low risk bathrooms.

I haven't looked for companion restrooms, but they don't seem to be common at WDW or I would have noticed.

 

[NSL]

I have to agree with the parent letter giving permission for you to seek medical attention for their child. We always do that when we go out of town and leave our children with my parents. I take copies of the health insurance cards and always write a quick note saying they are authorized to do whatever they need to while I am away. I usually have in notarized as well. It just gives me a little more security. I am the proud owner of a 7 yr. old boy. However, they are all so different. My kid loves all the "scary" rides. Expedition Everest, Mission Space, Dinosaur, well all of them. He is anxiously awaiting Rockin Roller Coaster because he will finally be tall enough this year.

As far as bathrooms, I wouldn't worry too much. I have never been concerned about the safety with that. Either my husband takes him in and waits outside the door or I wait outside the men's bathroom for him. He does fine, we have talked a lot about what to do in certain situations though.

With kids, an autograph book is a must have! Don't forget to get it right away.

My kid's first trip to Disney we did not tell until we got there! It was so fun to see their expression when they were told we were in Orlando and not the Omaha Zoo! We live in Iowa and we told them we were just flying to the Omaha Zoo because we knew they wanted to fly in an airplane. Yeah right! We didn't want to tell them too far ahead because they get too excited! This was a while ago though and I don't think it would work with an 8 year old. Another fun thing to do is a construction paper chain countdown. You could make one when you tell him and he can pull off one of the chains each day until you go. It is a great way for them to see how much longer until they go. Time is a little hard for them to understand at that age.

Food, Chef Mickeys for breakfast is always a big hit. So is the 50's Prime Time Cafe, they think it is so funny to have someone force their mom and dad to eat vegetables. Also, they love Tony's Town Square. We are trying the Lilo and Stitch breakfast this year too.

Have a great time on your trip and fun planning!

 

[Peepster]

Many, many thanks to all of you. You've given me some great suggestions.

Just wanted everyone to know that I have no intention of going into a companion bathroom with Mr. Rental. I was just worrying a bit about letting him go in alone to a regular bathroom.

This is a very nostalgic trip for me as it seems like only yesterday that I "rented" his Dad and did we ever have a blast! No, don't worry (I live with a psychologist) I'm not placing any expectations on the child or this trip. I wouldn't do that to him. But (I'm glad we're kinda anonymous here) I can tell you I know I'll bawl like a baby when we hit that train tunnel!

Thank you for all the great ideas! You all are why I love being a DVC'er!

 

[AlexTina]

Just thought I would chime in here as I try to use the companion bathrooms as often as possible it makes life much easier with a 6, 3, and 1 year old and a stroller. There are quite a few of them. The ones that come to mind are at MK by SM, near auotopia, and in toon town. In Epcot there is one near England and I believe in America (there are likely others but I can't remember). Although we visit AK and DHS I can't remember their exact location but they do exist. HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Princess Roo]

The Baby care centers all have either a toddler-sized potty in it's own room (obviously, Mr. Rental doesn't need one that small, but presumably could use it) or they have a small bathroom intended for the parents. I can't remember which ones had which, but I'm sure if you post on the family board someone could tell you.

Good previous advice on restaurants. Coral Reef in Epcot is also cool, if he likes fish. And my DS loved the different food on the buffet at Boma, plus being at AK to see the animals. (And the buffet also had the typical kid station that works if they don't like the exotic stuff.)

It could be fun to get Mr. Rental a copy of the book and get yourself a copy and go over parts of it together on the phone to decide what he wants to do. Talking frequently to you on the phone in advance may also help to ease any homesickness he might feel. He also might enjoy a disposable camera to take pictures to show his parents when he gets home (not that you wouldn't share your pics). YouTube has videos of many of the rides, too, so he could see in advance what he's up for. If he's never been to a theme park before, good advice is to start with the tamer rides and work your way up.

Have fun!!!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Mods, please don't send me somewhere else...I trust my fellow DVC'ers and this is very important to me.

First, the Mom and I agreed that we wouldn't tell him until about a month before the trip. How would you ask him if he wanted to go? We don't see each other real often but when we're together we really hit it off so I'd like to make it special.


At 8 our son (who is now 16) loved to pin collect. I think he enjoyed that as much as the rides. He had a budget for each trip with money that he earned.
When you ask him if he'd like to go you might want to present him with a lanyard with his favorite disney character pins.
And I would also agree about getting the autograph book as soon as you get there, if not before.

 

[WDWJWEB1]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Peepster[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wasn't sure if you still needed this info on the companion restrooms or not? but here are the locations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animal Kingdom[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, just before DinoLand USA entrance on the right
Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland USA
Near Maharajah Jungle Trek on the left before the entrance
Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek to the right as you exit the Bat House
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch
[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Disney-MGM Studios[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Opposite Star Tours
Right side of Millionaire building on Mickey Avenue
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster
Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Fantasmic! amphitheater
Right side of Lights, Motors, Action![/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Epcot[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Spaceship Earth On Left as you face SE
Spaceship Earth on Right as you face SE near Gateway Gifts
Future World West opposite The Land
Future World East opposite Test Track
Refreshment Port (right side of World Showcase - before Canada)
Morocco on the right
Germany on the right
Norway opposite the Viking ship
[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Magic Kingdom[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table in the Castle
Pirates of the Caribbean
Near Splash Mountain
To the right of Space Mountain
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate [/FONT]
​

 

[SB in KY]

What a wonderful trip for you and rent-a kid!! You will all have a ball. I wouldn't sweat the small stuff.... he will be able to tell you in no uncertain terms what he likes and doesn't like in terms of rides and I suspect he will LOVE any of the meals mentioned below.

I only have girls so I cannot jump in on the what-an-8-year-old-boy-likes thing....as my girls reached their mid and late teen years we have had the joy of taking assorted friends kids along and even took my BF's 5 year old daughter for her fist WDW experience.....and it is so much fun.....just thinking about her adventure makes me want to go find another kid to take!!

 

[Caren]

How cool! I'm going to WDW with a rented 6-year-old nephew next week. We haven't done WDW restrooms yet, but in other public venues, I've just staked out the restroom entrance while he went in. These were in what I would consider to be "safe" areas--Science Center, etc. I'm not yet entirely sure what we'll do at WDW, but I'm thinking we'll probably let him go in by himself (he's almost seven and fairly mature), but seek out the smaller WDW restrooms.

 

[Peepster]

WDWJWEB!, you are the high priest(ess?) of lavoratories! Bless you, knowledgable person, and be assured that your list is already in our traveling packet.

The trip is so far away........and I'm supposed to be the grown-up....I'd make myself a paper chain but I'd probably have to kill a tree.

Again, many thanks to all of you. All suggestions and ideas are being added to aforementioned packet.