I can't believe it.....help!

[tinkerpea]

What does your husband feel about it? Has he passed it over to you to decide or is he leaning one way or the other?

It's a tough one

Yes he has asked me to decide due to it being me who has to travel alone with my boys and mum.
I am finding it hard to decide, I'm one of those wife's who love spending time with their husbands lol and I really enjoy the excitement of the night before the flight and the flight with hubby,
However my main concern was the dealing with 3 tired children after such a long flight, there normally useless at best when tired haha.
Once at Universal resort I'm not too worried.x

 

[edinburghlass]

If you decide to go I would contact both Gatwick and MCO and ask for special assistance through the airports. I would pack one suitcase for myself, have each boy take their own hand luggage with what they personally need and pack a further suitcase to be brought out by hubby as I'm sure he could manage two suitcases.

I do hope Mum is okay it's very frightening to have to wait on results especially when it could be cancer, everyone's worst nightmare.

 

[bex7583]

i would go. you will be surprised how helpful people can actually be.

i decided to take my 3 toddlers and triple buggy on train to london for the day , night before i had a major panic but it was great . staff at the stations and other people were great.

also when we got to orlando airport they were all tired non of them wanted to carry there little bags my 4 year old was nearly asleep , a couple walking in front offered to pull our largest suitcase so dh could carry dd.

by the time we got to the hotel all 3 of them were asleep , again other people helped us and offered to help with bags etc

will you be driving when you arrive ? if not could you not book a good private transfer that will come and meet u in arrivals , ok mite cost a bit more but at least there will be somebody waiting to give u a hand x

sorry you are having to change your trip plans again

 

[Elise79]

Yes he has asked me to decide due to it being me who has to travel alone with my boys and mum. I am finding it hard to decide, I'm one of those wife's who love spending time with their husbands lol and I really enjoy the excitement of the night before the flight and the flight with hubby, However my main concern was the dealing with 3 tired children after such a long flight, there normally useless at best when tired haha. Once at Universal resort I'm not too worried.x

By the fact you are asking makes me think you aren't comfortable with it therefore I would cancel or postpone.

 

[2Tiggies]

Yes he has asked me to decide due to it being me who has to travel alone with my boys and mum.
I am finding it hard to decide, I'm one of those wife's who love spending time with their husbands lol and I really enjoy the excitement of the night before the flight and the flight with hubby,
However my main concern was the dealing with 3 tired children after such a long flight, there normally useless at best when tired haha.
Once at Universal resort I'm not too worried.x

Can you postpone and have Disney shift the dates? You must be approaching your 8 week window so I guess you need to make a decision sooner rather than later.

 

[queendisney]

Having read through the posts it's only the 'Airport' side of things that you are worried about. You are ok with the flight itself and also once you are in resort. I know this is going to be very simplistic but it only really amounts to a few hours that you are worried about. If it was me I'd go for it as there will be people about that you can ask for help. But obviously I am not you, so only you can decide.

 

[DisneyDreamer2020]

Life can be full of regrets if you let it so your mother's illness not withstanding don't let this be one of them.

Kids are awfully resilient and more capable than we give them credit for. If the only issue is the luggage then get a trolley to move it and ask for help.

As you're staying on-site you can use the boats or shuttles to get to the parks and can spend more time relaxing at the hotel if you wish until hubby gets there.

If it came down to it I would go on my own because sometimes life is short and you must do the things you can while you can. It will be a very short 3 days I bet.

Give your 11 year old responsibilities like keeping the twins calm and topped up with juice and sweets and hugs, make him/her feel like a grown up on an adventure with mum, get them all involved in the adventure by explaining what's going to happen and what needs to be done. Make them feel like you're The A-Team on a mission. When you get to the hotel give them extra spending money and tell them it's because they did such a superb job of helping you and you're very proud.

You must be used to having to spend time on your own with your kids without hubby so just imagine it's the same but on a slightly larger scale.

Only you can decide what's best for you but I personally would do it because you just never know what next week will bring.

Good luck to your mum and to you on your decision.

Hugs

 

[penlanspice]

Sounds like the only issue you seem to have is the airport, I don't have kids so can't comment on experience but we've taken my BIL a number of times who has autism and we've only ever found everyone helpful.
On arrival at Gatwick you can use a trolley to get to check in so that shouldn't be a problem, doesn't sound like you have any worries with the flight, so it's just on landing. Once collected your luggage put it on the next conveyor and pick it up in the terminal (if your flying in MCO) pop it on a trolley or get a porter to help you, kids wouldn't even need to take their own cases.

You will only have 2 full days without DH, I would be totally gutted at this stage to cancel, especially as your only concerns are the airport. Not to mention the money it would cost to change flights.

 

[Kath2003]

By the fact you are asking makes me think you aren't comfortable with it therefore I would cancel or postpone.

This. You can deal with the practicalities of kids in the airport etc. - but if you're going to be missing your husband and worrying about your mum, you're not going to enjoy as much as you should. That's the question I would be asking myself - will I enjoy this by myself for x days?

 

[higgy66]

I'm the opposite to some other posters - I think the fact you're asking our opinions means you are considering going or you would have just canx

If you're like me - sometimes you just need someone to tell you you'll be ok and talk you through the bits you're worried about

I only have two children so I appreciate this is a BIG difference to three - to start with your only two hands so that puts you at a disadvantage straight away!

If it were me I would still go but I'd sit the children down and explain the only way we can go rather than cancel would be if they are on their best behaviour and I'd tell them the expectations you have of them and what roles they need to play at the airport etc. You will be amazed at how they will want to help!

When mine were younger if I just took them out for the day they could be little monkies but if I sat them down the day before and said I'm thinking of taking you here but to be able to do this, this is what I need you to do etc and do you think you could do this? We would all agree before hand and I have to say on those trips they were amazing and we had the best days out!

They're 11 & 10 now and I wouldn't hesitate to take them on my own to Disney

Good luck with your decision

 

[Ciorsdah]

What a time of it you are having lately *hugs*.

Whilst I can't offer any advice based on personal experience, I can tell you about one of my friends who is a widow with 3 children.

She has travelled for the last 9 years on family holidays with 3 children (when she took them to WDW they were 14,11, 6) and has never had any other "adult help". In terms of luggage, she takes the bare minimum, and splits over 2 cases (with a 3rd empty case inside the larger one). She takes one bag, her eldest takes the other.

Each child has a wheely "cabin bag", which they pack with their bits and bobs and they are responsible for. Her kids seems to like this, they feel important that they have to look after something in the airport etc - helps focus them.

To help with general behaviour, she offers a $50 "reward" for having an incident free trip ( from leaving the house, to arriving at the hotel) - each child will get $50 if all 3 are on their best behaviour, if even 1 acts up none get the extra spends. This seems to work wonders!!

At the airport, don't be afraid to ask for help - and even mention it to the airline who might be able to assist in some way.

Please don't let something like the worry of travelling with 3 children put you off, for the most part you'll be sat down watching a film anyway.

It sounds like you and the family need this holiday right now, so jump in. Get on the flight and make us all jealous with trip reports and photos - You will get there in one piece.

X

 

[2Tiggies]

Playing devils advocate here, but just a thought:

Are you able to choose your seats in advance, even if for a fee? Not sure who you are flying with or what the aircraft seating configuration is but although you will almost certainly be seated together, if there are not a block of four seats in the centre aisle (I know our flight is 3-3-3), then you may be seated as 2 and 2, one behind the other.

That's not meant to put you off, but it is worth trying to sort these things out before, rather than panicking at the check in / bag drop desk.

 

[wilma-bride]

Playing devils advocate here, but just a thought:

Are you able to choose your seats in advance, even if for a fee? Not sure who you are flying with or what the aircraft seating configuration is but although you will almost certainly be seated together, if there are not a block of four seats in the centre aisle (I know our flight is 3-3-3), then you may be seated as 2 and 2, one behind the other.

That's not meant to put you off, but it is worth trying to sort these things out before, rather than panicking at the check in / bag drop desk.

I seem to recall the OP saying before they have to know where they're sitting beforehand because of her son's Autism (aspergers?) - srorry, I can't recall exactly why but I do remember a conversation about having to let him know well in advance exactly where they will be sitting so I'm pretty sure that will all be sorted.

OP, apologies if I'm getting you confused wth someone else.

 

[tinkerpea]

What a time of it you are having lately *hugs*.

Whilst I can't offer any advice based on personal experience, I can tell you about one of my friends who is a widow with 3 children.

She has travelled for the last 9 years on family holidays with 3 children (when she took them to WDW they were 14,11, 6) and has never had any other "adult help". In terms of luggage, she takes the bare minimum, and splits over 2 cases (with a 3rd empty case inside the larger one). She takes one bag, her eldest takes the other.

Each child has a wheely "cabin bag", which they pack with their bits and bobs and they are responsible for. Her kids seems to like this, they feel important that they have to look after something in the airport etc - helps focus them.

To help with general behaviour, she offers a $50 "reward" for having an incident free trip ( from leaving the house, to arriving at the hotel) - each child will get $50 if all 3 are on their best behaviour, if even 1 acts up none get the extra spends. This seems to work wonders!!

At the airport, don't be afraid to ask for help - and even mention it to the airline who might be able to assist in some way.

Please don't let something like the worry of travelling with 3 children put you off, for the most part you'll be sat down watching a film anyway.

It sounds like you and the family need this holiday right now, so jump in. Get on the flight and make us all jealous with trip reports and photos - You will get there in one piece.

X

Thank you,
I've had all wk end to have a really good think about it,
Ive majorly struggled with my health the last few years, as a pp said, I've been through 4 major head surgeries in the last 3years 12wks with a pick line in and a round of chemo.I'm 28
No one can tell me if I'm going to get better they described it as a controlled ticking time bomb!

However, I've done really well the last 5months with only a quick spell in hospital last month,I didn't want to bring all these details in as I wanted to know if anyone would do this trip start alone with 3 kids,
The answers have really helped and I don't want to take this trip away from my children,
I feel strong enough to do this and I will use all the advice of asking for help,getting the boys to help out plus giving them extra spends for being good!

I was hiring a car from the airport however that's something I do not feel I could do,so will collect the car after dh arrives! And will look into getting a private car transfer so I don't have to worry about finding a taxi

 

[tinkerpea]

Playing devils advocate here, but just a thought:

Are you able to choose your seats in advance, even if for a fee? Not sure who you are flying with or what the aircraft seating configuration is but although you will almost certainly be seated together, if there are not a block of four seats in the centre aisle (I know our flight is 3-3-3), then you may be seated as 2 and 2, one behind the other.

That's not meant to put you off, but it is worth trying to sort these things out before, rather than panicking at the check in / bag drop desk.

Thanks for the thoughts,
Yes I'm making sure to book seats we are flying with virgin and so will book at 60 days out, we are able to book for free due to booking tickets last year in June.

 

[tinkerpea]

I seem to recall the OP saying before they have to know where they're sitting beforehand because of her son's Autism (aspergers?) - srorry, I can't recall exactly why but I do remember a conversation about having to let him know well in advance exactly where they will be sitting so I'm pretty sure that will all be sorted.

OP, apologies if I'm getting you confused wth someone else.

Yes that's exactly right we try and do everything we can to make it smooth for him, and this is something that is the biggest panick starter for him..
We can book seats from 60 days out.

 

[Chilly]

You mentioned your Dad lives in the USA, is there any chance he can fly down to Orlando to help you for a few days and see his Grandkids or is that not an option?

 

[tinkerpea]

I'm the opposite to some other posters - I think the fact you're asking our opinions means you are considering going or you would have just canx

If you're like me - sometimes you just need someone to tell you you'll be ok and talk you through the bits you're worried about

I only have two children so I appreciate this is a BIG difference to three - to start with your only two hands so that puts you at a disadvantage straight away!

If it were me I would still go but I'd sit the children down and explain the only way we can go rather than cancel would be if they are on their best behaviour and I'd tell them the expectations you have of them and what roles they need to play at the airport etc. You will be amazed at how they will want to help!

When mine were younger if I just took them out for the day they could be little monkies but if I sat them down the day before and said I'm thinking of taking you here but to be able to do this, this is what I need you to do etc and do you think you could do this? We would all agree before hand and I have to say on those trips they were amazing and we had the best days out!

They're 11 & 10 now and I wouldn't hesitate to take them on my own to Disney

Good luck with your decision

Exactly I would not have even asked anyone's advice if there was no way I was comfortable or not considering it, infant I was the opposite and wanted to make sure I wasn't making a huge mistake

I've spoken to the boys and told them that the only way we can go is if they are a huge help,and do not continually argue with each other!! There at that age where they get on each others nerves alot..
however we do have lovely times.

I will miss my hubby alot and I won't feel the same excitement as I would if we was going together but once there will make the best of it for the kids
And we will have a blast when hubby comes out x

 

[Brave5]

I have also traveled with my three boys on my own to Seattle (11 hour flight!!). At the time they were 4,7 & 8. I was very tired by the time I got there but I managed and we spent the rest of the day in the hotel room relaxing/sleeping. I used two trolleys and had the 7 & 8 year old push it together next to me. It was slow but the kids LOVED it (they still talk about it now - 14,13,10). I frequently travel with all three on my own - my husband always flies on different dates due to work.

My advice is just do it - relax and don't let the small stuff bother you - make the kids feel a bit grown up and give them very easy grown up jobs like pushing the trolley. If your worried about toilet breaks use the disable toilets - all of you and luggage can fit in no one hasever batted an eye when I comeout with all the kids and bags

 

[PJB71]

Really sorry your plans have had to change Cindy

Have you tried to speak to your airline to see what help they could possibly offer?? (Sorry I hope that dosnt sound condescending it's not meant that way), it's just that we were on a flight a couple of years ago and there were a few unaccompanied children & everyone from ground staff to cabin crew were fantastic in offering these children extra help and assistance took them through immigration etc &, I just wondered if there was something they could do to help, in this way especially as your own health is unpredictable

We use a fantastic taxi/car hire service were they meet you at the luggage carousel, help you with all of your luggage, stop enroute for a quick supermarket shop if you want it, then help with all of your luggage when you get to your accommodation we have used them for years now and wouldn't use anyone else. I can give you there details if you would like?

Hope things work out for you Cindy