Gifting a trip for my niece

[JanaDee]

Man, I just want to know how you've convinced your niece's parents to let you take her to WDW! My brother's wife is so anxious, I don't think she'd let me take my niece to the park down the street, let alone to Disney! She barely lets the kid out of her sight most of the time.

You're so lucky...and I'm so jealous. My niece is almost 3 and ever since she was born I've been daydreaming about taking her to WDW. I'm pretty convinced that I'm going to have to fork over enough cash for the entire family to go if I want it to ever happen!!

You shouldn't be letting an almost 3 year old out of your sight.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I have a 6 year old and 4 year old. I wouldn't let my 32 year old sister in law take either of my kids for a mini vacation. I can't see myself doing it until maybe 8/9 years old.

The only thing I can see allowing her to do is to do an overnight stay at Disneyland and that's only because we live less than 10 miles from there. I'd wait or see if it's a trip they'd(her parents) like to join you on.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Personally, I would wait until she is 5 or even 6 yrs old. A 3 year old can be very difficult, especially on a trip. Also, you should wait until she might remember it.

 

[kathy884]

My brother offered to take my son on vacation when my son was four, but I didn't agree except for a time when my mom and dad would be there too. I really and truly just thought that it would be too much work for my brother and cramp his style when my son was younger (His three children are older than my son and were more independent at an earlier age too). I really thought my brother was a little clueless about what would be involved in this undertaking also. With my mom, though, I knew grandma would love it and not mind, and my son is very close to his grandparents and they had had him alone without us at their house for a few days before (no rose covered glasses here about what's involved).

When my son was 16, though, and my brother asked if my son would like to join them on a houseboat trip I said yes. And although not asked, I insisted on paying airfare and a contribution toward the boat too even though my brother said that wasn't necessary. I just thought it was really nice for him to include my son, and although my brother's really and truly in pretty good shape financially, we have more disposable income than he does and I didn't want this eating into his vacation budget.

Do note and this has been true ever since my son was a baby: My son adores my brother, and my brother adores my son.

 

[a1tinkfans]

What a sweet though Op, but being the aunt and not mom/dad can be a world of difference for a 3/4 year in an unfamiliar place. Personally, I'd suggest that you wait till she is a bit older... Like 9/10.
Though I know some say that little ones don't remember the early trips, my own ds was 18 mos old, first trip... Many memories made that trip, and his special time with grandpa (who sadly is no longer with us) and the myriad pictures has helped us all recall that special trip. He " remembers" thru the pix n album I made and can recall details years later.
Good luck with ur decision and pls don't be disappointed if ur db n sil don't think ur niece is yet ready, ya never know.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I took my then 3.5 year old daughter on a WDW trip back in 2010 - just me, no mom. It was great. Its a different kind of trip, and yes they won't remember much, but you will remember it and you will planting the seed of loving Disney. She may not recall specific things from that trip, but the warm feelings will be there and she'll have it the next time you want to do this.

I took three of my nieces on an overnight trip to universal when they were 8, 9, and 11. Two of them flew with me from Wash DC and the other lived near Orlando. Another great trip that makes me smile when I write about it now. Two years later we did it again with more cousins.

And different parents will have different reactions to this idea. I think many will love the idea of a special trip with an Aunt PLUS a rare weekend of grown-up fun / no kids for a couple with little ones. I'm in the camp that would love this.

 

[JanaDee]

I took my then 3.5 year old daughter on a WDW trip back in 2010 - just me, no mom. It was great. Its a different kind of trip, and yes they won't remember much, but you will remember it and you will planting the seed of loving Disney. She may not recall specific things from that trip, but the warm feelings will be there and she'll have it the next time you want to do this.

I took three of my nieces on an overnight trip to universal when they were 8, 9, and 11. Two of them flew with me from Wash DC and the other lived near Orlando. Another great trip that makes me smile when I write about it now. Two years later we did it again with more cousins.

And different parents will have different reactions to this idea. I think many will love the idea of a special trip with an Aunt PLUS a rare weekend of grown-up fun / no kids for a couple with little ones. I'm in the camp that would love this.

There is a huge difference taking your own child on a trip (your first paragraph) and taking an 8,9 and 11 year old nieces on a trip without their parents.

A 3 year old isn't an 8 year old.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

There is a huge difference taking your own child on a trip (your first paragraph) and taking an 8,9 and 11 year old nieces on a trip without their parents.

A 3 year old isn't an 8 year old.

I'm not sure if you meant it this way, but this came off as snarky/nasty. As I said:

And different parents will have different reactions to this idea. I think many will love the idea of a special trip with an Aunt PLUS a rare weekend of grown-up fun / no kids for a couple with little ones. I'm in the camp that would love this.

The right aunt could easily handle a trip like this with a little one. My wife is stay-at-home, so my trip was unusual for my daughter, having me care for her 24/7. But it really wasn't an issue because we were at DISNEY WORLD. She was so excited about everything else, that the change in routine wasn't an issue. I get that an aunt is more of a stretch, but I definitely think this trip could work out.

 

[SharonZ]

I'll cast my vote for waiting until she is a little older. And, if I offered to take my niece on vacation, I would assume that I would be paying for the entire trip. Asking her parents to help pay is like buying someone a nice gift and then asking them to pay for a portion of it.

 

[JanaDee]

I'm not sure if you meant it this way, but this came off as snarky/nasty. As I said:The right aunt could easily handle a trip like this with a little one. My wife is stay-at-home, so my trip was unusual for my daughter, having me care for her 24/7. But it really wasn't an issue because we were at DISNEY WORLD. She was so excited about everything else, that the change in routine wasn't an issue. I get that an aunt is more of a stretch, but I definitely think this trip could work out.

You are also her father, not a relative she sees infrequently, like the OP.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

You are also her father, not a relative she sees infrequently, like the OP.

I agree.
Personally, I don't think it's a big deal at all for a dad to spend extended time with his kids, stay home mom or not.
Tell me it was 3 yr old triplets and I'd be a little impressed.

Some aunts are very much a part of their niece/nephews lives and it would go smoothly. Others and are occasional visitors in a child's life and it may not be so magical.

 

[NJlauren]

What about suggesting that you all meet in MCO and then get two rooms (or rent a house) and during the day you take your niece to the parks and do 'Disney things' and the parents can do parent things, Spa, Shopping, Sleep in etc! You can do a family dinner a night or two. It can be a vacation for everyone. Then she isn't away from her parents for 4 full days but you also get to take her to Disney.

You could say you will pay for the parks, and all Disney related things and you can split the hotel or rental house and flights.

 

[DisneyFave]

Well I had the big discussion with them on Christmas Eve. It went GREAT! I wasn't sure if they'd want to hold off for another year, but my bro said that he would be OK with it as long as my niece wanted to go. She's very independent already and wanted to stay over at grandma and grandpa's house that same night. I wasn't sure if she knew what Disney World is, but when my bro said, "do you want to go to Disney World with auntie?" she FLIPPED OUT! I wish we caught it on video, but that viral video of the 3 yr old riding the train for the first time reminded me of her. This was basically her reaction: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/06/article-2274444-1762C0D7000005DC-536_634x448.jpg

She was so excited to go to "Mickey's house" where "the dog lives too???" (Goofy. I showed her some videos of the water parks, which I think she is even more excited to visit. I also showed her videos of bibiddi bobiddi boutique but assured the parents that it would be my treat

My sister in law expressed some interest in joining, but my brother really wanted to leave their other baby with grandma and grandpa and have a mini-vacation just the two of them. Either way I win--and they said they would at least pay both of our airfares because I'm "giving her such a great experience"!

Now I just have to secure a DVC BLT studio for 3 nights in September including one of the MNSSHP nights. AHH I'm so HAPPY!

 

[NewRVLady]

Have you asked your brother and his wife for permission to take their child on a trip? Before you buy anything, you should ask if it is okay. Every family is different, but I would not have let permitted my child to go on a vacation without me at age four.

Me either

 

[Julylady]

Well I had the big discussion with them on Christmas Eve. It went GREAT! I wasn't sure if they'd want to hold off for another year, but my bro said that he would be OK with it as long as my niece wanted to go. She's very independent already and wanted to stay over at grandma and grandpa's house that same night. I wasn't sure if she knew what Disney World is, but when my bro said, "do you want to go to Disney World with auntie?" she FLIPPED OUT! I wish we caught it on video, but that viral video of the 3 yr old riding the train for the first time reminded me of her. This was basically her reaction: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/06/article-2274444-1762C0D7000005DC-536_634x448.jpg She was so excited to go to "Mickey's house" where "the dog lives too???" (Goofy. I showed her some videos of the water parks, which I think she is even more excited to visit. I also showed her videos of bibiddi bobiddi boutique but assured the parents that it would be my treat My sister in law expressed some interest in joining, but my brother really wanted to leave their other baby with grandma and grandpa and have a mini-vacation just the two of them. Either way I win--and they said they would at least pay both of our airfares because I'm "giving her such a great experience"! Now I just have to secure a DVC BLT studio for 3 nights in September including one of the MNSSHP nights. AHH I'm so HAPPY!

I'm glad your brother and sister in law are letting her go! I have 7 nieces and nephews and we have taken them all on various vacations without their parents. My youngest niece was just three on her first trip. We make a big deal out of calling their parents every day, but not just before bed when they might be feeling a bit homesick. We are currently in the planning stages for two trips with the two youngest: 5 nights in Chicago for spring break, and a WDW trip in July. I hope you have as much fun as we do on these trips!

 

[DisneyFave]

I'm glad your brother and sister in law are letting her go! I have 7 nieces and nephews and we have taken them all on various vacations without their parents. My youngest niece was just three on her first trip. We make a big deal out of calling their parents every day, but not just before bed when they might be feeling a bit homesick. We are currently in the planning stages for two trips with the two youngest: 5 nights in Chicago for spring break, and a WDW trip in July. I hope you have as much fun as we do on these trips!

Ah 7 nieces and nephews! You're so lucky. I have two nieces. DH and I have been considering whether or not babies are in our future and I have to say I could get used to this whole "fun aunt who takes the nieces to WDW" thing i just can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees the castle for the first time. I just got her a Cinderella dress through the Disney Store sale to surprise her when we get there.

 

[Julylady]

Ah 7 nieces and nephews! You're so lucky. I have two nieces. DH and I have been considering whether or not babies are in our future and I have to say I could get used to this whole "fun aunt who takes the nieces to WDW" thing i just can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees the castle for the first time. I just got her a Cinderella dress through the Disney Store sale to surprise her when we get there.

We have been taking them for nearly 20 years! The oldest was eight when we took our first trip with he and his five year old brother. He is now 27 and honeymooning next year at Aulani. His brother is planning a WDW honeymoon! We still have 10 and 13 year old nieces. Our next trip is in July to celebrate my 59th birthday. We usually took them in sets of 2 or 3, all the boys one year followed by all the girls the next. One year we took five at once! We continued to take them until they were through college. We have had loads and loads of fun, and have great memories!

 

[Cirlonde]

I don't think that was what she meant by that statement. I'm pretty sure she meant the mother doesn't let anyone babysit for her. Of course a responsible parent always has an eye on their toddler.

Correct, this is what I meant. I may not have kids of my own but I've been around PLENTY of young kids, taught Sunday School, etc. I would never ever leave a child unsupervised and I definitely think my sister-in-law is a great mom. She can just be slightly overprotective, like many first-time moms. Aside from that, if I were a parent, I'm sure I wouldn't want to let my toddler go to Disney without me...I'd want to be there to experience it with her! I was just jokingly lamenting that much as I'd like to, I'll probably never get to take my niece on a vacation.