I'm Sure This Will Get Me Lynched!

[HeyNowFL]

For what it's worth: this will be the first time for my 3 kids. They'll be 5, 8 and 10. Prior to last year I was home with the kids; we couldn't afford this kind of vacation on one teacher's salary.

But does the stroller rule also apply to the elderly? If someone isn't able bodied and able to walk WDW, should they be denied entrance? I'm not sure your "wait till they can walk" rule would go over well with AARP or the parents of any handicapped kids.

I think the guideline should be this: remember that it's all about a family vacation. Try to stop 10 minutes before the meltdown occurs, regardless of who is about to have it.

Any parent can see 90% of the tantrums coming if they just pay attention. Some are unavoidable. The rest we should try to avoid.

I wasn't talking about anything other than having 2 kids who are both under 5 and needing a double stroller. Have you seen those things? They are almost the size of a VW Beetle.

Again, it was just my opinion that I would not want to be at Disney with 2 kids pushing a double stroller around all day.

You are going to have a great time with a 5, 8, and 10 year old.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I wasn't talking about anything other than having 2 kids who are both under 5 and needing a double stroller. Have you seen those things? They are almost the size of a VW Beetle.

Again, it was just my opinion that I would not want to be at Disney with 2 kids pushing a double stroller around all day.

You are going to have a great time with a 5, 8, and 10 year old.

We avoided that by bringing 2 singles and had a great trip

 

[DisneyPhD]

DH and I have been to WDW with small kids at least a dozen times, if not more. We have never had a bad time, and as much as difficult moments happen when you have kids for the most part we are happy and having a wonderful time.

Maybe it isn't the people with small kids are not having a good time because they have small kids, but because they don't have a good time often for other reasons no mater where they are. It could be the mall, or WDW.

DH and I have a good system down. We travel well together (and with our kids) and we don't mind a double stroller (I shopped around and bought a good one with Disney in mind.) Seriously I don't have any memories of any of us crying or yelling while at WDW.

I have not read the whole thread yet, I will go back and do that now.

My point is having small kids doesn't mean you can't have a good time. At least for us. People who are not enjoying themselves stand out a lot more then those who do.

I would not give up the trips with my young kids for anything and I am so greatfull we were all able to have those times together.

 

[WDWfor5]

MartDm - We completely agree! We love traveling with our children and have taken them many places at a young age from Hawaii to Disney World and more in between. These vacations are different than they would be if we had no children, but so is our life. We adore our children, enjoy spending time with them and don't have any problems adjusting our vacations to meet the needs of our entire family. We went to Disney on our Honeymoon and it was commando rides, we went again for the day when DD was 3 and DS was 1 and had an awesome day, rode very few rides and got to watch our DS take his first steps to Tigger Considering our DS was born at 28 weeks and 2 1/2 lbs this was was a priceless memory. We went againwhen DD was 6, DS was 4 and the "baby" DS was 2 1/2. It was an amazing trip and the last time my DD thought the characters were real We're going again in 2 weeks and DD is now 8 1/2, our DS's are 6 and 4. Our children are seasoned travelers, love to try new resturants and adore flying on a plane.

Why should we stay home just because other people don't like vacationing with their young children? We enjoy our children and don't consider them "toomuch work" to take on vacation. I'm not sure how that makes us selfish but whatever.

So, because you had a bad experience we should stay home until DS is 5?!? And no parent can have fun with a child under the age of 5?!? Sorry, but that is one of the most ignorant statements I've ever read here.

Perhaps waiting until your children were older was the best decision for your family, but that doesn't mean that is the case for everyone. Many of us are ready, willing, and able to take on the extra effort of taking care of a young child at WDW because the payoffs are priceless!



Also one of the most ignorant statements I've ever read. Are there some families who don't yield to their kids' needs and who push them too far at WDW? Well, of course there are! Does this describe all families with young children at WDW? Hardly!

Call me selfish if you want, but that's not what I am. I'm giving DS a fun and stimulating experience, which no matter what you might want to believe is actually good for a 6 month old. We'll do a few rides, walk around the F&WF a bit, enjoy the hotel a lot, & have lots of relaxing time as a family and he'll be calling all the shots in terms of scheduling so there is no chance of overload. I anticipate we'll have lots of very nice memories of this trip

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

My mom has almost 24 years of pictures of me, but one of my favorites is my grandparents with me in a stroller in front of the castle in DL. Nope, I don't remember it, but I love having that picture!
And I sure hope my babies will love their pictures taken with the same (great)grandparents when I take them in eight months.
Someone earlier said we're not guaranteed tomorrow, so we should enjoy life and live in the moment. I hope the next eight months are happy and healthy for our family and we can make it to the world. You better believe we will be living for the moment!!
I only hope no one is throwing us dirty looks while we stroll through WDW with a two and five year old in a double stroller. Of course, I imagine we'll be having too much fun to notice!!
But, I just thought I'd let anyone who doesn't want to be subjected to my little darlings' tantrums know that we'll be there next May, so you might want to stay home.

 

[mommylicious]

eh...whatever.

I have little kids. They are now 7, 5 and soon to be 1. They took their first trips at 3, "almost 2" and 3 months respectively and we thoroughly enjoyed each trip. We don't do commando style touring and we make sure everyone stays fed, hydrated and rested with an afternoon nap/swim break every day and a few "off mornings" to allow for some extra sleep. We have yet to have a meltdown from any of the kids and we are going for their 9th trip in December (the older 2 at least!). DH and I have been in total agreement since DS 1 was a baby that if we are eating out or at a show or whatever and the baby starts to fuss, we remove him from the area untill he is calm even if that means getting our meal to go or that I eat while DH holds the baby then he eats while I hold the baby. We do our best to be considerate of others.

As for strollers...of course the baby will have one but we will have days we will have a double rental for the big kids too. Reason being DS 5 has a medical condition that does make walking all day incredibly difficult for him so having that stroller makes all the difference in the world for him, for us, and for the people around us who would have to listen to him fussing if he had to walk. DS 7 could walk it alone but we do the double so he can hop a ride too if he's tired. We only "stroll" the big kids from one major area to another. We park in one spot and the walk to do everything we possibly can in that area before strolling to the next major area. We are respectful stroller pushers and I can guarantee you if I hit your ankle, it's b/c you stopped short in front of me not b/c I was using the stroller as a battering ram or not paying attention. Even if it is because you stopped short, you'd still get an appology from me (though if you are snotty I'll be quick to point out if you hadn't stopped quickly it wouldn't have happened in the first place )

I notice more families with kids in the "tween" and early teen age group arguing than anything else. The kids seem to have one of two "issues" going on that cause fights between the kids and the parents. It's either the "I'm too cool for Disney and I'm going to act all pouty and snotty like I don't want to be here even though I really do" thing or the kids are wanting to go off on their own and the parents are saying no to that idea. They are also the families more likely to be going commando and the kids still need more rest even though they are big kids now.

I always want to suggest renting a nice private island for their next vacation when people seem to be so bent out of shape by what others are doing (big kids in strollers, babies at the parks, refillable mug violators etc). Bottom line for me, I'm to busy enjoying my vacation time with my family to worry about what other people are doing with their families. If the fact that we have a baby with us, that we have 2 strollers, that 2 of our strollees are school aged or whatever else you may have to complain about...too bad, so sad, hope the rest of your trip is better and you don't run into us again.

 

[badblackpug]

I see both sides of this debate. I doin't necessarily think there is an age to wait for. I thi k that depends on your child and his or her personality. Several years back we went with a friend and her son. He was 5 at the time. He freaked out and tantrumed over EVERYTHING. Every time he had to wait in line, every time his view wasn't totally unobstucted...everything. My 5 year old, never a complaint. He waits in line, he walks everywhere, he has a great time. Different kids. I don't think it is necessarily fair to make an older child wait until a sibling is "old enough." There is a certain age where it is still "magic." They think the characters are real, the rides are ALL fun, etc.

Now on to tantrums. I don't have tantrumers. Partly due to the fact that no good will ever come of it. They leave off tantrums at about 2 when they realize this. I don't like the attitude that "some kids just have meltdowns, and my kid does, so you will just have to deal with it and not judge me." If your child is acting up and disrupting others, then you need to remove your child from the situation/area. I should not have to sit in a restaurant/show/line/what have you and listen to your kids perform. Many people do find it disruptive and annoying. My kids know the rule..."show out and you are out of here!" ...and believe me, there is no fun alternative. You will be sitting in the hotel without a TV.

Much can be said for overscheduling. If your kids are hungry/overstimulated/tired. It is time to eat/relax/call it a day. Remember they are little, and there is a lot to take in.

 

[Aliceacc]

I wasn't talking about anything other than having 2 kids who are both under 5 and needing a double stroller. Have you seen those things? They are almost the size of a VW Beetle.

Again, it was just my opinion that I would not want to be at Disney with 2 kids pushing a double stroller around all day.

You are going to have a great time with a 5, 8, and 10 year old.

Thanks, I just can't wait!!! My husband and I have both been there lots of times, but not since 1990!

And I'm happy not to be pushing our old double stroller around WDW too. But to be quite truthful: Had someone offered me a trip during the double stroller years, I would have jumped at the chance. If you can swing it financially, why not? I would imagine that my kids didn't get all they could have from our trips to the Poconos or Lake George during their early years. But it's all about taking a family vacation-- turning off the cell phone and the TV and all the distractions and being together as a family, enjoying each other. The actual location is just a matter of finances and personal preferences.

And, for the record, last year's vacation to Lake George (upstate NY) was pretty much characterized by my middle child's perpetual bad mood that week. While she certainly was old enough to be there, she was just in a foul mood for several days for a reason that none of us (including her) could determine. It's not just Disney, it's being the parent of a young child and loving that child, even when he or she morphs into a cryining whining unappreciative baby. (This year's vacation, thankfully, was the best ever!!! Three model children having a wonderful time-- where are the TV crews when you need them???)

Of course we should accomodate the most tired or hungry member of the party. Of course we should try to head off the tantrums before they happen.

But kids are funny people; there's not always a rational (to us adults anyway) reason for their behavior. So some tantrums simply cannot be foreseen. And sometimes a hug really IS the best cure, even though outsiders looking on might not agree.

 

[Ariel8676]

I just have to say that we have 3 young girls 6,4 1/2, and 22 months...we have been goin got WDW with them since my 6 yo was about 8 months old, and about 2 times a year since. I can honestly say that we have never had a bad time there. We have awesome pictures and wonderful memories.
I feel that there is a very small "window" when everything at WDW or DL is "REAL"...the princess', the characters the Fairytale is all real. I believe THAT is the perfect time to take the kids.
Now the problem of meltdowns and arguing occur when people try to do too much... but that is understandable, Disney is very expensive and most people don't get to go a lot, so they want to do all and see all. But its not just parents of babies or young children or the babies and young children having meltdowns..i have seen teens, older people and even couples by themselves argue and fight.
I try to look at it through my kids eyes' and understand that young children can get overstimulated...that is when we go back to the resort and swim, or get something to eat or take a nap...we can always go back again. I want my girls to have wonderful memories like i do from when i was very young..when my Grandparents took me 2 times a year....i want them to remember having fun and laughing, not arguing and fighting..so if i miss a show..oh well, now we have an excuse to go back again.

 

[disneywith4boys]

I wasn't talking about anything other than having 2 kids who are both under 5 and needing a double stroller. Have you seen those things? They are almost the size of a VW Beetle.

Again, it was just my opinion that I would not want to be at Disney with 2 kids pushing a double stroller around all day.

You are going to have a great time with a 5, 8, and 10 year old.

Guess what-we were at disney with 4 kids, pushing 2 double strollers! Oh, the horrors! We had the most wonderful time, not a meltdown in sight. I guess to each their own.

 

[caracap]

I wasn't talking about anything other than having 2 kids who are both under 5 and needing a double stroller. Have you seen those things? They are almost the size of a VW Beetle.

Again, it was just my opinion that I would not want to be at Disney with 2 kids pushing a double stroller around all day.

You are going to have a great time with a 5, 8, and 10 year old.

You would have loved us, we just returned with a single & a double and all of our kids are under 4. I can think of other things in Disney the size of a VW Beetle, not my double stroller. I actually enjoy the exercise of walking all day pushing either a stroller or carrying my kids. It keeps my DH & I in great shape!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

We bought our double stroller with trips to WDW in mind. It is a peg pergo aria twin and it isn't too big, to bulky or that heavy. It folds down well and in 3 trips to WDW it more then paid for itself (over the cost of rentals.) I think it has been to WDW 6 times now, if not more and countless other trips to other places. We get good diaper bags, plan, prepare and pack well ahead of time. My kids were all breast feed, super easy you have all you need for milk with you at all times, warm and ready to go.


It is really easy to look a someone who might be struggling in the moment and think "I would hate to do that." What you don't know is if that is just a moment for that person, or even how good of a planner that person is and how their coping skills are. They might not have a good time anywhere.

Then again maybe it is the person who is judging others with young ones, thinking "I know if that I was me I would be having a terrible time." What is really important is how well the family travels and handles the issues that will come up. DH and I had been to WDW 6 times before we ever had kids. When we have the kids it is all about them, we are just enjoying being there with them. We don't think about how much it is costing us so they better enjoy every minute and get my moneys worth. We don't think this is our last trip, so we have to do everything now, we know there will be another time.

In fact now that my kids are older (my oldest is in 1st grade,) we have to slow down how many times we go. A few years we have done 3 trips in one winter/spring time. We can't take her out of school 2 or 3 times in a year, so it is back to once a year for us. I am so happy we had those trips back when we could go often.

Looking back I can think of a few times when the baby was crying at WDW, but then again I can't think of a week when a baby never cried anywhere. For the most part it was never long and we were able to handle it. I had a few meals where I had to hold her the whole time, it wasn't as much fun for me, but it was better for those around us. I think my worst memory was sitting too close to a very cranky women who complained and insulted every other person at WDW while eating her meal (including me.) My DH says he didn't' know how I managed not to yell at her. I told him my time with my family and the example I set to them is more important to me then putting her in her place. She was just one women amount many. The rest of us where having a great trip.

I agree the time of year is important. I would not jump all over going in the warmest and rainiest times of year (like now and a few weeks ago.) We did an Aug trip once and that was enough for us. It is about planning again and knowing what you are doing.

 

[java]

You know we have brought all of our children since they were babies(we have 4 of them) and I can't imagine waiting. It is what works for our family. I love the pictures of a big bald head baby boy with a lip print from Cinderella on his head! And a HUGE smile on his face. My kids travel well so it has always been easy. Now that said I am sure through the years I have had a temper fit over something - but not the kids!
We sometimes feel for the people that waited thinking they'll never get that magic back from the early years. Seeing as you feel superior for waiting I'll just say I'm very very glad we didn't.
Oh and our double is a city store friendly narrow one easy to fold and only 10 pounds.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know, I think it is hilarious that everyone attacks my opinions. It is shocking to me that everyone thinks I am personally attacking them when all I have done is posted my opinion. I thought that was what this board was for.

If you want to bring kids under 5, go ahead. I didn't say not to - I said I didn't understand it and then explained why I didn't understand it.

As for the selfish comment, the definition of selfish is thinking of only oneself. The posts I was referring to are multiple people saying things like:

1) the kids won't remember, but I will.
2) I like to see the kid's reactions the first time they see stuff

That sounds to me like they are thinking of only themselves so that is why I posted it.

Also, the irony is that I have a 6 month old and annual passes.

You didn't state your opinions as opinions, you stated them matter-of-fact'ly, as though anyone who does other than your law is absolutely wrong.



The comments you numbered in your posts are *responses* to arguments that others use. The whole thing is very circular and almost pointless.

Someone comes in and says "if you're only doing this for the kids, it makes no sense to do it until they can remember." Instead of the responding person saying "that makes no sense, let's talk more about this at length", the soundbite reply is to say "they might not remember, but I will."

And obviously, to some, that can then sound selfish.

But the fullness of the statement is that it's for an entire family. The small children get the "in the moment" wonder of it all, which does make for a fuller, happier childhood. And the older people around them get to experience their children being happy. It's a win-win situation.

When we soundbite-it it loses something, so think of the full statement next time you want to label it as selfish.

And seeing a child's reactions isn't selfish, it's part of having a family! It means that the small one is having a wonderful time. I mean, we're not poking kids with pins just to see THOSE reactions...we're taking a child to a place full of wonder and fun, and seeing happy reactions! It's not a bad thing, to do something lovely for a child partially for the payback of seeing how happy it makes them.



And if you have a 6 month old and APs, but you don't believe in taking small children...well, either you aren't getting much use out of those APs, or you're leaving a 6 month old at home with someone...and leaving a 6 month old isn't something I could ever do (and not just b/c I nursed my baby exclusively until he was close to 1 y.o., and then for as long as he chooses to nurse (and will do so for any other babies I have), so long separations are impossible), so I'm a bit confused at this point.


*****************
It makes me sad to continue to see posts by people talking about how their toddlers won't remember! I don't think my guy is the smartest kid in the universe (OK fine I do, but that's just me being silly, LOL), but he remembered and talked about our trip when he was 2 (his second trip). And he very much wants to go back to DL after our trip a few weeks ago, he's talking nonstop about it! When we were at DL this time, he talked about a few things we did on our second trip that we had forgotten about (and that we did NOT do on the recent trip)...he even remembered something from his FIRST trip... I think we're doing little ones a great injustice by continuing the expectation that they won't remember, because clearly some/many (if not all?) of them DO remember quite a bit!

 

[Fintastic]

People will generally become offended when you call them selfish.

Yeah, not only are these people selfish, they're too sensitive.

 

[Caitsmama]

We took our DD when she was 3. She did great.. But, we made SURE we stuck to her "schedule", taking day naps, and reg. snacks/meals.. and we were back in our room to put her to bed by 8pm. Yes, that was harder on us,lol, -- but, in the end, it was much easier on her..

I think some people go to WDW and forget about a normal schedule.. they burn the candle at both ends, keep the kids out late and then up early... it can add up to no good.

 

[disneywith4boys]

I'm still having such concern with those who say don't bring your young children to Disney because they "won't remember it". Does that mean for young toddlers and children we should never do anything to make them happy just because they won't remember it? Never make them laugh, sing a funny song, talk in a gentle voice? Lets wait until they're 6 for this, then they'll remember what we did to make them happy. The joy a parent experiences when they see their childs face light up isn't selfish, it comes from knowing their child is being led down a strong path toward being a happier adult. Sure, it is an expense to go to Disney to make them happy, but what people choose to spend their money on is personal. Making children happy is helping to build a better person, and whatever method a perent chooses is their decision. I could better understand those who say not to bring their children because it is a lot of work on the parents part, but those who don't mind the hard work are certainly those who are not being selfish, but selfless. Remember, all adults are made from pieces of their childhood, build a better childhood, build a better adult.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I'm still having such concern with those who say don't bring your young children to Disney because they "won't remember it". Does that mean for young toddlers and children we should never do anything to make them happy just because they won't remember it? Never make them laugh, sing a funny song, talk in a gentle voice? Lets wait until they're 6 for this, then they'll remember what we did to make them happy. The joy a parent experiences when they see their childs face light up isn't selfish, it comes from knowing their child is being led down a strong path toward being a happier adult. Sure, it is an expense to go to Disney to make them happy, but what people choose to spend their money on is personal. Making children happy is helping to build a better person, and whatever method a perent chooses is their decision. I could better understand those who say not to bring their children because it is a lot of work on the parents part, but those who don't mind the hard work are certainly those who are not being selfish, but selfless. Remember, all adults are made from pieces of their childhood, build a better childhood, build a better adult.

Very nicely stated! And a very good point.

 

[Mkrop]

I'm still having such concern with those who say don't bring your young children to Disney because they "won't remember it". Does that mean for young toddlers and children we should never do anything to make them happy just because they won't remember it? Never make them laugh, sing a funny song, talk in a gentle voice? Lets wait until they're 6 for this, then they'll remember what we did to make them happy. The joy a parent experiences when they see their childs face light up isn't selfish, it comes from knowing their child is being led down a strong path toward being a happier adult. Sure, it is an expense to go to Disney to make them happy, but what people choose to spend their money on is personal. Making children happy is helping to build a better person, and whatever method a perent chooses is their decision. I could better understand those who say not to bring their children because it is a lot of work on the parents part, but those who don't mind the hard work are certainly those who are not being selfish, but selfless. Remember, all adults are made from pieces of their childhood, build a better childhood, build a better adult.

I agree with this.

I mean if we use that theory of they wont remember it, then I guess they shouldnt sit on Santa's lap either or go to the beach or anything that fills family memories. I say do what is best for your family, know yours and your familys tolerance and limitations and go for it!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

DS's first trip to WDW was when he was 3 1/2, DD has been going since she was 9 mos. I don't remember either of them ever having a meltdown in a park.

That said, we don't drive them into the ground either. We always took breaks, didn't keep them out too late, pretty much kept to their normal waking hours, - which is easier for us as we live in the same time zone as WDW. We also make sure everybody gets a chance to do what they want to, like the kids get lots of pool time too.

As for them not remembering it - DS does have a few memories from that 3 1/2 year old trip, DD doesn't remember her first trip at 9 mos - but we do! She loved the characters, I have the best memories of her cuddling with Tiger and Pooh at the Crystal Palace. I think she thought they were big toys. And even though she doesn't remember that trip - I have awesome pictures to show her and tell her about it. Also with DS, that first trip we went to MVMCP and I have pics and wonderful memories with him.

I think a person sees what they want to see. If you're looking for crying babies and unhappy people - you'll surely find them. However, I think there's just as many people having a good time and doing a trip that works with young kids. I get that the crying kids and short tempered people are more annoying and get your attention, but if you look for it, you'll see the happy people too.

Quality time with your kids, whatever age and place - priceless!