First disney family trip as parents - what wouldn't we think of?

[moesy4]

First, it's a family vacation. 'Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind.

There is no way I would leave my 2.5 year old behind. Heck, our 1 year old is going on his 3rd trip in April. Just because he's a baby doesn't mean he can't go with us on vacations. That idea makes me sad.

That being said. If your kids are into characters, I would definitely do some character meals, and that way you can see a bunch of them and the characters come to you versus having to chase them down.

I would definitely use a stroller for the 2.5 year old. I suggest a City Mini, which is great for the parks.

We personally don't avoid EMH. We love the nighttime ones, in fact.

With kids, we have found that it is best to have morning time at the park, then lunch and return to the resort during the day for nap/pool time. We usually head back out to the parks around 5 for the evening activities.

I don't get why people think it is horrid to have the 2.5 year old stay behind? We are planning a trip in the fall and are planning to take our 2 and 1 year old, but we took a cruise last year without them (did take our 6 year old) and it was fantastic. Yes...the child is free, but 2 year old can also be unpredictable, have meltdowns, and add a whole other level of difficulty as far as navigating, sleeping arrangements, needing naps, and schedules. Our oldest was the easiest 2 year old in the world and went everywhere with us, but our middle son is EXTREMELY high spirited and sensory stimulated, we are basically adapting our entire trip around his needs. Not bad, but it is a whole new level of difficulty for someone who won't honestly remember it (but it is his adoption trip, so we obviously wouldn't leave him behind lol). I think it is perfectly acceptable to leave LOs at home to create a great vacation for older ones and/or yourself. My parents left my youngest sister at the time home when we went when I was 6. She is not in therapy. They took a trip after I left the house, and while I'm sure I could've attended and paid my own way, it was for the siblings still at home.
Our cruise would've been a "trip" with our youngest two, but without, it was a very relaxing and amazing vacation. The ship had no nursery for kids under 3, but older DS was able to utilize the kid's club so we could have fantastic dinners together at the steakhouse. We can't even go to McDonalds without it being chaotic at home with all 3. Our oldest could do all the excursions and activities, and we had a great time. The kids were happy to see us when we returned, and it was a win/win.
To each his own, but I don't think trying to make the OP feel guilty for taking a certain type of vacation makes logical sense.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Honestly, 2.5 is really a good time to bring the kid. You might even want to leave the older ones behind instead!

But, back to point:

If the younger one is still nursing (or semi/comfort nursing at night, a travel boppy or pillow is a good idea.
Squeezy apple and other fruit pouches. Or pouches of cheddar fish or whatever snack that is easily carried that float the kid's boat. Sturdy travel glasses. (I like the playtex no-spill sip cups because they simply DON'T spill. Best ever.) Beware that airplane cabin pressure and sip cups with straws do not go well. I learned that the hard way when water started gushing out the straws. Man, I really should have paid attention to water and physics.

Stroller - you can rent one, which is good with three kids since they can trade off on riding in it. The Disney ones are great, but I don't think they have much boot room. For my money, the two I have liked best are my Britax b-adgile and my Summer stroller (I forgot the brand, but it's sold both on Amazon and BuyBuyBaby and it has a HUGE canopy.) Whatever you do, make sure that it has a big canopy. I see a lot of little MacCaren babies here with tiny canopies. Also, on that topic, bring lots and lots of sunscreen for you and kids, as well as a hat for each. Or buy a special Disney hat. I like Aveeno and Badger sunscreen. Sunsticks too, they are great for kids who hate liquid sunscreen on their faces. And don't forget to screen up your entire body - you would be amazed where that sunburn can get too!

Don't go full on - respect your kid when it comes time to ride stuff. Even if you desperately want to see the parade, or have FP for Peter Pan - if your kid melts down, no one will have a "magical" time. As a certain character from a movie that I loathe says, "Let it go". There will be another time to ride Peter Pan. Or maybe your kid will be more mature to ride Haunted Mansion in two years. But let them go at their pace, not yours.

With that said, maybe it's a good time to set expectations for them as well. Youtube has some great POVs of the rides, and you guys can watch them and decide if a ride is too scary or if it's just right. We did that with our boy - and it's incredible to see what he likes. I hate Country Bears. He thinks it's great. So we go there. Also, don't forget to tag-team with your wife. When she gets exhausted, jump in there! My DH will pay for food, then I find seat with boy - he sits with boy while I get drinks and stuff - you get the idea.

AK is our family's favorite park. The safari ride is great, and the Wilderness Guide is a really fun family activity. You get to learn all about animals, and get stickers and stamps in a fairly sturdy little booklet that you get for FREE! Yay, FREE! Also, Sororcer's Apprentice game is also fun, free and addictive. That's at MK, in the Fire station building.

Stay on site. With all the kids, I think Riverside at the New Orleans resort is a nice place. Get the Alligator bayou rooms. Or AoA (heard that is cool) or even see if you can get a DVC at Beach club (behind Epcot - for the awesome water park pool) or AKL because of the awesome savanna view.

When you eat at a QS, eat at off times. It helps. Share food with the kids, because even kids portions are big. And the top on the Colombia Harbor House has a great view of the Fantasy parade at MK (Shush - don't tell anyone!)

Bring santizer. When Bath and Bodyworks has their sale - stock up for everyone. We ALWAYS come down with Disney junk, and it starts with the kids.

Character meals are great, since you get to see the characters in one sit down session. And if you have a Chase card, you can even do a special M&G with the characters. Maybe a character meal for your landing day (you are coming from Cali to here?) so that you can kinda get a little park sparkle in without going to the park. Like, go to Chef Mickey's or O'Hana, then stay a little longer to watch the Electrical Water Pagent or go to the top of the Contemporary Hotel to look at the park lit up at night?

And lastly, don't be the family that "demands the Magic". Remember that it will happen, but it's not a thing that can be demanded. (Although you can ask to wake up Jose at the Tiki room!)

I guess that's about it for me. I'm sure others will pop in for more advice.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I don't get why people think it is horrid to have the 2.5 year old stay behind? We are planning a trip in the fall and are planning to take our 2 and 1 year old, but we took a cruise last year without them (did take our 6 year old) and it was fantastic. Yes...the child is free, but 2 year old can also be unpredictable, have meltdowns, and add a whole other level of difficulty as far as navigating, sleeping arrangements, needing naps, and schedules. Our oldest was the easiest 2 year old in the world and went everywhere with us, but our middle son is EXTREMELY high spirited and sensory stimulated, we are basically adapting our entire trip around his needs. Not bad, but it is a whole new level of difficulty for someone who won't honestly remember it (but it is his adoption trip, so we obviously wouldn't leave him behind lol). I think it is perfectly acceptable to leave LOs at home to create a great vacation for older ones and/or yourself. My parents left my youngest sister at the time home when we went when I was 6. She is not in therapy. They took a trip after I left the house, and while I'm sure I could've attended and paid my own way, it was for the siblings still at home.
Our cruise would've been a "trip" with our youngest two, but without, it was a very relaxing and amazing vacation. The ship had no nursery for kids under 3, but older DS was able to utilize the kid's club so we could have fantastic dinners together at the steakhouse. We can't even go to McDonalds without it being chaotic at home with all 3. Our oldest could do all the excursions and activities, and we had a great time. The kids were happy to see us when we returned, and it was a win/win.
To each his own, but I don't think trying to make the OP feel guilty for taking a certain type of vacation makes logical sense.

You are correct, to each their own. I was expressing my feeling about that scenario, which I think I am allowed to do. If the OP feels guilty about leaving their child, it's not because of my post it's because they felt bad about leaving their child. I personally wouldn't exclude a family member from the family vacation because of convenience. We are all in this together in my house. It's our family philosophy. It doesn't have to be yours.

 

[LovesTimone]

So my kids will be 5, almost 4, and 2.5. Wife and I have been a bunch of times as kids and adults. We're thinking of taking all 3 kids, or leaving the 2.5 year old home. But either way, what key things do we need to think of? What do we need to bring? I'm thinking the lightest weight backpack I can find to carry snacks, water, and maybe a spray bottle, and sunscreen. the youngest may or may not still be in diapers at the time we go (june).

also, what key things have changed in the past 6-7 years? I've never planned this trip for a kid-friendly trip. either went as a kid, or planned for my wife and i.

also - i'm told by some to avoid parks on days of extra magic hours. thoughts?

Everyone in the water, don't leave the littlest fish out.

I would look at booking a moderate just for a bit more room, or AOA in a family suite would be perfect fit for your family. There would be enough room for strollers, pack & play and all the kids stuff. Plus 2 bathrooms might come in handy, plus the kitchenette would come in handy too for snacks, milk, and such.

I strongly suggest at least double stroller, with three kiddos, the 2 older ones would have to take turns, if possible a single for the littlest, make sure it reclines, and a double for the other 2, you will have plenty of room to store your stuff, make sure to get a rain cover, mid day thunder showers happen here, nothing worse than coming out of a ride to find everything wet. You might want to think about stroller rental they have several companies that deliver to the resorts just so you know.

June is super hot, and humid. Lots of sunscreen, apply in the resort room, as most kiddos won't stand still long enough to let you get it on once you get to the parks, plus this will give it time to soak in. Reapply at meal times or if they play in a water area. Hats and sun glasses.

With it being so hot & humid, plan on lots of water, bring it with you it is costly in the parks, juice boxes work well. When our DD's were little we used a collapsible cooler, with those gel freezer things, we would put in bottles of water, juice boxes, grapes, carrot sticks, even a can of coke. I would bring 3 gel packs to be able to rotate out.

I would plan to get out early, take a break head back tot he resort for lunch pool side, nap time, then back out for dinner and more rides, using your fast passes then. Don't forget to repack the cooler.

Bring familiar snacks and drinks, with the toys, we would let DD's each bring 1 doll or stuffed animal to sleep with, and we had what we called park toys, they only got them while in line so they did not get bored with them. Also a few coloring books, and quite toys for while getting ready for bed, to help them relax and get sleepy.

Do your homework on QS location and what they offer, nothing worse then heading in a QS and there is nothing that they will eat. Think about character meals at off times, DH and I looked forward to sitting down, and being waited on after all mom and dad are on vacation. For us it was a 3 for 1 deal, 1)Character rotate through pictures and autographs, 2)food that offers something a little more grown up. 3) Air conditioning, and sitting down)

Make ADR's you don't want the chance of being turned away with a walk up and a hungry spouse and 3 hungry kiddos.

There is kid swap so that you and your spouse can ride some big kid rides.

That's all I have for right now.

 

[InTheWick]

stroller
stroller rain guard
zip lock bags (so valuable for just about everything!)
glow sticks! go to target... 15 in a tube for $1. great for the parks and buses at night!

 

[Legendteri]

Pack their clothes for each day ahead of time in ziploc bags. This made mornings much easier for us.

Bring in your own snacks and drinks, but still something a little special. For example, we brought in our own snacks and drinks but we used Capri Suns as my kids only get those on rare occasions. We also brought circus animals ? You know, those little animal crackers with pink and white frosting with sprinkles. We felt this was a happy compromise between saving money on food but the kids also got to eat something special.

If you plan on going to Animal Kingdom and seeing Rafiki ( or wherever he is now) bring him a stuffed Simba doll and see what he does with it.

If the older ones are big enough for Soarin', bring a golf ball with you and put it in your pocket. There will be a scene where someone hits a golf ball towards the screen and will feel like it flies right past you. Pretend to reach out and grab it then give it to one of the kids. The video is on you tube if you want to get an idea when the golf ball scene is. This of course is saying it isn't closed or the movie hasn't changed by the time you go.

 

[Pesky]

One piece of advice I got on the DLR boards before heading to DLR with a 4 YO and 6 YO was make sunblock easy. A few folks recommended this stuff especially for ears and hairlines/parts and it worked brilliantly and was easy to apply and reapply to my squirmy 4YO, plus small and lightweight. It's not cheap but it lasted a good long time for us. Just watch out for the translucent as if you have dark hair, it shows up white on there. https://www.colorescience.com/products/sunforgettable-mineral-sunscreen-brush-spf-50 BTW, the main thing I think that will have changed is you having kids now! Yeah, I crack me up. Seriously it is a totally different trip with kids in tow and honestly a ton of fun to see it how they do. Just be sure to park in some breaks to run around or just hang somewhere quieter and watch the birds or ducks. I found it was easy for my kids (mainly that DS) to get overstimulated so I made sure we had some breaks with comfort snacks like cheerios and apples.

 

[djandleanne]

Please don't leave your littlest one home!! That's so sad. We have only done 2 trips to disney (both for 10 days) but the 1st time we had a 7 month old, 2 year old and 4 year old. The 2nd time our boys were 1 and a half, 3 and a half and 6. We are planning a trip for the fall and now have a baby girl! She will be 1 and a half and the boys will be 4, 6 and 8 and a half. I would never dream of going to Disney and only taking the older ones.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Bring the 2.5 year old! It really is a great age to bring them to the parks.

I would advise against park hopping. It seems like such a hassle with young children. It's much easier to plan on park per day. I suggest getting to each park at opening, so you can take advantage of early morning low wait times. Plan your FastPasses for the afternoon or the evening, if you plan on returning to your resort mid-day for a nap or a swim. Don't try to do everything. You will be amazing at how slow your pace is going to be compared to what you're used to. It won't be a perfect trip, there will still be meltdowns. I would still suggest trying to stick somewhat close to bedtimes and keeping some semblance of a routine.

You will definitely want a stroller. I suggest a sit and stand type so that way your four and five year old can alternate, too. They'll be very tired as well.

 

[LovesTimone]

Hi
I am back again, I thought of few more things.

Ear muff, noise cancelling head/phone, ear plugs, whatever works for your kiddos, When DD's were little they hated the noise from the firework, its a simple fix.

With clothing, make sure everything fits properly - and buttons are all there, zippers work, good socks so they don't slide down into the shoe, New shoes as long as they are broken in, just not fresh out of the box, blisters are not fun at any age.

I have a what the we call the boo boo bag, basically its a small zipped pouch that I put in band aids, neo to go, Tylenol - liquid for the kiddos & some for mom and dad, Tummy pills, a couple of safety pins and a needle and thread kit which has come in handy more than a few times. I was in the bathroom at typhoon lagoon with the DD's, and there was a young girl round 12 crying in one of the changing stall, my oldest DD (15) asked her if she was okay, she said her strap had broken and could not fix it, so DD got her show her the problem, and yelled mom bring the boo boo bag. She was alone, and said her dad was outside waiting for her, so I went out and told him what was going on, and that we were going to help her, he looked so relived, and said he did not know what was taking her so long. So we were able to help her get her top fixed so that she could enjoy the rest of her day.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Don't forget that each park has a baby care center and a first aid. They have been invaluable to me over the years for things such as band-aids, ibuprofen, diaper rash ointment, etc... Every CM I've encountered in them has been super pleasant.

As far as the 2.5 year old goes, do what you feel more comfortable with. That said, I've brought 2.5 year olds to WDW and I've brought 4 and 5 year olds. There 2.5 year olds were always easier. They had no idea what to expect and therefore did not put any demands on the vacation and they sleep in the carriage. Heck, when DS16 was 2.5 one of his favorite rides was the bus that brought us to the parks, LOL. 5 year olds are tall enough for the big rides, little enough to want to ride the 'kiddie' rides, want to meet all the characters, too old for naps but not old enough to be on their own at all. A magical age, but IME, the most exhausting as well.

 

[bradykp]

OK, figure I might as well clear a few things up:

1. I'm undecided on bringing the 2.5 year old, but to be completely honest, nothing said here is going to convince me one way or another. I get that people are passionate about what to do or not to do, but I was just looking for what I need to plan for a walt Disney world trip with kids, vs. before when it was just adults. To those giving me great ideas - thank you!
2. I'm on the east coast, not coming from Cali. Not sure where that came from.
3. We definitely don't expect to fit in everything. Have to go at the pace of the kids.
4. we're not routine people. bedtime = whenever the kids are tired when we're on vacation. some days that could be 8pm, some days it could be 11:59pm. we're on vacation so we won't sweat it.


Thank you all for the great feedback so far. definitely some great ideas!

 

[Figmentmommy]

OK, figure I might as well clear a few things up:

1. I'm undecided on bringing the 2.5 year old, but to be completely honest, nothing said here is going to convince me one way or another. I get that people are passionate about what to do or not to do, but I was just looking for what I need to plan for a walt Disney world trip with kids, vs. before when it was just adults. To those giving me great ideas - thank you!
2. I'm on the east coast, not coming from Cali. Not sure where that came from.
3. We definitely don't expect to fit in everything. Have to go at the pace of the kids.
4. we're not routine people. bedtime = whenever the kids are tired when we're on vacation. some days that could be 8pm, some days it could be 11:59pm. we're on vacation so we won't sweat it.


Thank you all for the great feedback so far. definitely some great ideas!

I think you received so many responses about bringing your youngest because it was one of the first things you mentioned.

 

[bradykp]

I think you received so many responses about bringing your youngest because it was one of the first things you mentioned.

maybe. but it was just information. it wasn't one of my questions:

We're thinking of taking all 3 kids, or leaving the 2.5 year old home. But either way, what key things do we need to think of? What do we need to bring? I'm thinking the lightest weight backpack I can find to carry snacks, water, and maybe a spray bottle, and sunscreen. the youngest may or may not still be in diapers at the time we go (june).QUOTE]

 

[alliecat523]

Use FP+
Take breaks
Book some ADRs so you have a guaranteed meal where you can sit, cool off, and recharge. Possibly see some characters as well.
First aid and baby care stations will have what you need if you run out of something.
Pack light!

 

[ktlm]

The last thing you want is blisters on little feet. There is a product called Body Glide. You can get it on Amazon or locally they usually have it a jogger/runners shops and sometimes bike shops. Dick's Sporting Goods sometimes carries it, but not all the time. You rub it on their feet in the morning before you put their shoes on and it will keep them from getting blisters. I have used it on DD at WDW and DLR since she was 2 and she has never gotten a blister. I'm very blister prone. I never had a WDW or DLR trip without getting a blister somewhere on my foot until I started using it and I have not had even one blister at WDW/DLR since. I usually always get blisters when I get a new pair of shoes too and now I use it for that and again, no blisters. I learned about it here on the DIS and it is terrific.

I think you've heard far more than you want about bringing the 2 year old, but I will say that DD was 2 yrs 10 months on her first trip and it was one of my favorites because everything was new and magical to her. She had a wonderful time. BUT...I will admit that we didn't have 2 other really young kids to chase either! Have a great trip whatever you decide!

 

[ktlm]

Any tips for families with time zone changes? We are flying in from CA

If you have littles that are not morning people, with the 3 hours time change don't expect them to be hyped up and ready for the pre-park opening breakfasts that you see everyone rave about here. We had just a 1 hour time change and quickly discovered when DD was 2 that pre-park opening breakfasts were not got good for a night owl child by nature who was dealing with a time change. We quickly found that best for her was for DH to go to resort quick service and bring it up to the room. She could eat, watch cartoons, and wake up while DH and I got ready. Then, we would make it to the park right at rope drop or maybe 10 minutes after. Pre-park opening breakfasts at the park, or even in a sit down restaurant at the resort, were just too early. Now, if your kids are very early risers it might be different. If they are really little, don't expect their internal clocks to adjust to that time change immediately- it will likely take a few days. (The good thing for us is that when we go to DLR- with a 2 hour time change the opposite direction- it is very easy to be standing outside the gates before rope drop even for the typical 8:00 a.m. opening (as opposed to 9:00 a.m. at WDW). We've even done EMH at 7:00 a.m. there a couple of times without it being so bad.)

 

[Tara1988]

Why would you not bring your 2 year old? They would love it and they are free.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

If you bring the 2.5 year old, learn about kid swap! They make it really flexible. You and the older kids can go on a ride while another adult in your party stays with the little one then they will give you a ticket so the other adult can take up to 2 kids on the ride without waiting in line. It's like getting another FP. Your older kids get to do double the rides (you can bribe the youngest to wait with snacks). You can also use it anytime that day so if you don't want to ride again right away, you can save it. We did that and went back on the rides in the afternoon after one of us took DS3 back for naps (although the child who is too young needs to be there for the initial ride when you get the ticket).

If there is anything that snaps your 2 yo out of tantrums (book, lovey, phone app) bring it with you (if you bring the 2 yo). They will, in all likelihood get tired/hungry/frustrated/bored/whatever at some point and melt down.

Oh and if your 4 yo doesn't know your cell number well, there are water park type bracelets you can buy with info printed in the inside (lovable labels and Mabel's labels) in case they get lost. Or people have suggested using sharpies on the inside of magic bands.

 

[djandleanne]

Thank you Tara1988! Disney IS FOR KIDS. How could you not bring your 2 year old? Because it would be easier for you? Sounds selfish.... Yes they will melt down some, yes they will cry some, yes they will need a nap some.... (this goes for all the ages you mentioned) BUT the memories your going to create, and the joy you will see on your 2.5 year olds face (such a magical age) is not replaceable. My husband and I both could not enjoy ourselfs if we went to Disney and we had left behind our child. I don't mean to sound mean at all, but you sound like parents that I just have a hard time understanding. It's your baby! Take your 2.5 year old!