I have a slight problem with my 2 DSs

[oogieboogie]

I think in this case since you've gone to WDW many times and probably will go again in the near future, I would set ground rules: all or nothing. Everybody rides or no one rides.

If the younger one pouts, explain that you can't leave brother all alone waiting outside while you two go in a ride. That's not fair to brother, and unfortunately with mom not going, some compromises have to be made.

 

[DizBelle]

What I would do is only take in attractions that you can ALL agree on. Your oldest may already feel a bit embarrassed because he's not as "adventurous" as your youngest. I also think it would cause hard feeling doing things with them separately. It's a tough call but the type of things all parents have to deal with. How about doing "manly" things like DisneyQuest, mini golf, swimming, eating at ESPN club...you know...the things that "Mom" doesn't like to do...for your guys weekend?

But if the older one gets to ride everything he wants but the younger one only gets to do half of what he wants because older brother won't go on the rides he wants, won't the younger one think that is unfair? I think that is unfair.

I'm not sure what the solution but older brother shouldn't be the only one to have to sacrifice. Maybe the CM at loading can escort the older one to the exit to wait for dad and younger brother. I think 8 is old enough to wait for the duration of a ride from load to exit. For the more daring rides, that can't be more than 5 minutes.

 

[tommygirl79]

I, for one, would choose the option of not going to WDW without my spouse. Not for any other reason other than it wouldn't be near the fun without my DH there and he would feel the same way. What about just going for a weekend with the WHOLE family somewhere near home and socking the money away for a BIGGER and BETTER vacation next year with baby. That way, since someone would have to sit back with the baby, the situation would take care of itself. I can't imagine one of us going without the other, but that's just how we work. Some of these suggestions will certainly take care of it...

 

[lfama]

tommygirl79, this is totally off topic, but the photo of your baby (assuming it is yours) in your signature is the most adorable photo. That baby should model! What a smile!

 

[Selket]

I"ve got boys with different ride tolerances too. We haven't yet been to WDW without 2 parents along but I like the idea of doing a kids club for one of them - or taking turns putting one of them into the club during the evening and riding with the other.

The other option, as someone suggested, is paying for a babysitter to go to the park with you. That would be expensive (sitter fees for all day plus the person's park ticket).

Would they let the older son wait in the off-loading area of the ride? I probably wouldn't feel comfortable doing this myself since he is only 8 but it could depend on the ride.

I think it can't hurt to encourage the older one to try some of the thrill rides. My 7 year old is like your 8 year old and once he tries something he almost always LOVES it.

I like the idea of a boys only trip and why not do it? If nothing else works and the younger one has to miss some favorite rides perhaps this is something else you could do JUST for him - like a fishing cruise, Disney Quest, eat at a certain restaurant he wants to do, etc. Or make his older brother do all his chores.....

Have fun!

 

[kalidk]

What I would do is one of 2 things.

1.)some of those rides have a child swap place where one parent waits with the child who is not going on the ride and then they swap and the other parent gets in the front of the line to ride. I would see if your child can wait there. He/she can wait in line with you and when you get on have a cast member take them there. it would only be about 5 min wait tops (and there will most likely be other adults there).

2.) Sent him/her up on a bench with and ice cream have her/him not leave.

Have a wonderful time