I'm Sure This Will Get Me Lynched!

[Mkrop]

You see children (and adults) having those same tantrums here at home -- at grocery stores, shopping malls, local amusement parks. Do you suggest we all just stay home until our children grow up?

This is what I was going to say. This could happen anywhere, anytime not just WDW. And for the record it was me (at 38) who had our meltdown at WDW. Waiting in no shade for them to get off Everest, we had to go get ice cream so I could regrooup


I think certain parents push their kids all the time "oh honey just one more store and then we will go home" or like the thread I started on the CB "oh honey we have to stay and watch Bobby soccer game" meanwhile said child is about to lose it bc they are bored, hungry and cold. No you dont need to do either, you need to get "honey' back home or to the hotel for a nap!

 

[asmit4]

My family and I just returned from 9 days in the World. My kids are 9 and 11.
That being said, for the majority of our vacation we were inundated with crying babies and over-stimulated toddlers throwing tantrums and crying. Parents were sniping at each other, just terribly nasty!
My husband and I both agreed that waiting til the kids were older was the right choice.
What is the attraction to taking your kids there when they are so small? I'm not trying to sound nasty, but it seemed to me that the majority just were not enjoying it at ALL. The parents looked exhausted and as I said before, taking it out on each other.
Case in point. We were on the boat at DTD waiting to come back to our resort. The captain told us that a lightening storm was in the area and we'd all have to disembark and use alternate transportation. No problem for us. But the family ahead of us turned it into a disaster. It was a mom, dad, a three year old and an infant with a double stroller.
The mother started arguing with the father because we had to get off the boat. The poor guy didn't stand a chance. She sniped at him the whole way back to World of Disney where we took another turn. I mean, it's not his fault a storm was coming. She *could* have stayed on the boat in the lightening while sitting on her metal seat. lol
This was common place. People just nasty to each other. It was very hot and that makes tempers run short, but geez. This is supposed to be a vacation. And no one is enjoying it.
Is it worth the money for a few photo ops? The kids won't remember it. And the most expensive souvenier is going to be the marriage counselling you'll need afterwards.
I felt so badly for so many parents. Can someone tell me what I'm missing here?

I didn't even read all the posts about this issue, just yours and to be honest I have been DYING to ask this same question but didn't want to wear a flame suit

I have to 100% agree with you but to each their own I spose!

 

[abolanwoski]

We just came back from a week with DD3. It was her second trip (first at 14mos) We don't go to ride the roller coasters or see everything in record time. We take breaks every day from lunch until dinner. It was so incredible to see her enthralled by the Hoop-de-doo and I loved riding Dumbo, Peter Pan and Alladin's carpets 500 times. She thought it really was Cinderella at lunch with her. We've been back a week and this morning when we got up she asked me if we could go back to the park today with her Daddy and Pappy.

And shortly afterwards, at home, after breakfast and ten hours of sleep, she threw herself to the floor screaming because I had the audacity to try to help her put her shirt on. If I have to put up with that sh**, I may as well do it at the happiest place on earth.

We also had my 12 year old nephew with us and he thought everything besides the roller coasters was "lame" - not a lot of magic left at that age. But at least he didn't put a crimp in his parents plans to run all day long and see everything, since when he melts down, he's old enough to know to do so quietly.

 

[lighttech]

I'm glad to hear so many people have had such a wonderful time and in so many diff't ways with their young ones at WDW. DH and I are taking DS 2 1/2 for the first time in November. We had planned on waiting until he was older since we can't afford to go very often... (and DH is not in love w/ all things Disney like I am, although he did love the one vacation we took there as a couple)... but, the stars aligned so to speak. I am being sent to a convention in Orlando the same week our babysitter is off (to visit Disney, ironically) so DH would have to use the only week vacation he gets to stay home w/ DS and we wouldn't have gotten a family vacation at all. So, I said, well, my plane ticket is paid for, and your using vac anyway... let's go to Disney. (Plus, I get to be w/ my 2 guys instead of all alone in a hotel. )

So, we're doing the World. But, only for 4 days. And then, DH and DS will get to hang w/ an old college buddy for the 2 days I'm working.

I'm a little worried, b/c DH and I have always been Vacation Commandos, trying to do and see everything. And, w/ only 4 days, and a toddler, that's going to be impossible. But, I AM doing my research as some have said. I know DH will be loathe to slow down and miss rides, but I don't mind as much. So, we're mapping out the kiddie play areas, the baby centers, and the quiet corners so that if DS needs downtime, we can go off and veg while DH hits a few of the big rides.

DS is not one of those who NEEDS his nap, although it helps. It can easily be replaced w/ just some downtime of anysort. I figure we'll save the time not going back to the hotel, DH will get what he wants, DS will get what he needs, and I can pick and chose my compromises (which as Mom, I've gotten pretty good at at this point.)

I was a bit nervous about the trip, but, at this point, I wouldn't miss even the anticipation for the world, let alone the trip itself. DS pretends every day that he is on an airplane going to Disney World. He makes me sit with him and flies us there, then he pretends to go on rides. The other day, he pretended Mickey was cooking for him.

We haven't even left and I already love it. Thanks for all the advice, inadvertent as it may have been in this thread!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Like many others...we always chant the "happiest place on earth" mantra. I also remember that for every rough moment DD had, we were fortunate because she was having a rough moment AT DISNEY We never had a major meltdown...couple of minors ones...but again...we were at DISNEY, who cares?!?!

 

[rrkman]

If you would have seen the look on my DS's face (then 22 months) when our ME bus entered WDW, you wouldn't be asking this question. He is now 3 and taking his 3rd trip (less than 2 months away)...and, either he is the smartest kid in the world or kids that age can remember these trips...because he talks about the monorail, the magic carpet ride, small world, etc. all of the time.

Plus, our thoughts are that we want to take our children as much as we can before they start school because we value a good education and don't want them to miss alot of school just because they can't go to WDW until they are 'old enough'.

 

[NemoMOm]

I see this stuff on the boards all the time, that and how rude other guests are.

DH discuss this all the time last time when we were actually there.

WE NEVER SEE THIS. And we like to people watch too. We go twice a year and never have seen this type of behavior.Not even a really rude guest.
We have seen a lot of lost children and even abandoned children

That being said it would not shock us because it IS a place for families and that includes little ones. I always tell people I've not seen it but if you don't care for it, don't go.

 

[NemoMOm]

I also wanted to mention that I think a lot of parents may fight because some people have a hard time spending so much time together with the other person. Not mention the heat. DH and I never argue and in fact both work from home and are happy being in each other's pockets. We love going to WDW because it is pure time spent together with no distactions.

That being said people tell us we are nuts for it and they would end up killing their spouse So, that may be what people are seeing.

 

[Schachteles]

Okay, this will probably get me lynched too: I feel bad for kids that don't get to experience Disney at a young (under the age of 6 or so) age. I'm not being snarky--I seriously do.

There's something so magical when they think the characters are real. The look on my 4 year old's face when she met her hero, Ariel, was priceless. And although I'm sure they'll love WDW just as much when they get older (I hope!) those years when they really believe it's Tinkerbell flying out of the castle can never be repeated.

I went to WDW for the first time when I was 10, and I wish my parents had taken me when I was younger. At 10, I could've cared less about the characters, knew Cinderella's castle wasn't really where she lived, and was "too old" (or so I thought) for rides like Dumbo. I didn't even ride it that trip!

None of my kids's cousins have been to WDW or DL yet....and I feel sorry for them. My 6 year old niece looked through our Disney photo album last week, and was exclaiming over everything...all excited, and saying she wants to go to Disney world. Dh and I both said we wished we could've taken her with us, because it'll be years (if ever) before her parents take her. I almost felt bad we had let her look at the photo album.

Kelly

​

I absolutely agree with you...we have been taking my DDs at least once a year since they were born...seeing Disney through their eyes has made my love for it even more. It broke my heart last week when my five year old told me that she knew a person was in the costumes, the magic for her is slowly going away. Disney provides some of the best family memories we have!!

And tantrums happen, when we go to Disney we are balls to the wall...we get there right about opening and we stay till close, you just have to take it slow, sometimes one of the kids will crash in the cart and we just take down time, but do not leave the parks and come back.

 

[LadyShea]

I see people like that all the time, everywhere -supermarket, mall, park, restaurants- I just figure if they're like that at home, they probably don't change at WDW.

We were on a Disney bus at WDW last week, and this woman was on her cell phone (listening to voicemail I think because she wasn't talking), and she slammed her elbow into her son's chest and told him to "shut up" at least twice because he was talking excitedly, but not loudly, to his dad about Pirates of the Caribbean.

He was about 7 I'd guess and didn't seem shocked by this behavior from his mom, so we assumed she does that stuff all the time. DH and I, on the other hand, were disgusted.

Our DS, 20mos, was excellent the whole trip. He had two episodes with getting scared/bothered and he cried so we simply removed him him from the situation those times.

 

[r4blessings]

I also did not read through all the replies yet, but just thought I'd add my 2 cents! We just did WDW in Aug (and it was HOT, like always!) with ds9, ds6, dd3 and ds who turned two that trip. We did the same trip last year, and before that we went twice, when the older boys were 4 and 1 and then again when they were 5 and 2.

Going at a slow pace and making sure kids (of any age) are well rested and well fed are key. Also, we made sure to give the younger ones plenty of opportunities to be out of the stroller and walk/run around. For instance, one night my DH had my two older boys on test track and we spent 45 minutes just playing in the fountains!

However, there were times when the little ones had to wait for something, or were tired of sitting in a restaurant (and we chose mostly character meals so the kids would be entertained!) or doing something they didn't find interesting, like watching Beauty and the Beast stage show (that my dd3 was totally into, and ds2 NOT!) where they had a mini meltdown. And does that stress me out and might I snap at my DH or he at me, while trying to wrestle a tantruming toddler, you betcha!

But those same things happen here at home too, like at the grocery store, a birthday party, or a little league game(and I get stressed out and embarrassed then too! Especially this morning's tantrum at the grocery store!). So we kind of expect it and don't let it deter us from enjoying a family vacation with our family. Again, the key is to be fair to all involved and don't push for more than any one person can handle, but tantrums are a way of life for most of us with toddlers.

 

[Morley Dotes]

Lighttech, the best advice I can give you is to make this trip about your child. If you go at your childs pace, (and naps are helpful because it is so easy to get overstimulated...but you will see as you give if it is or is not needed....depends on your child), your son will have an awesome time, and you guys will be thrilled. I was not a huge Disney fan until we took our kids. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't "magical," for me. It was nice. But when you see your kids faces light up, and get so excited, that is where the real magic is, at least for me. You may have to pry them away, or deal with some crying when you are going to LEAVE the park, but then, doesn't everyone want to stay? Don't let anyone frighten you from having a great time. I would also recommend buying some Disney DVDs, they have sing-alongs, etc., that show the park, sing songs, and show the characters. This way, your son can familiarize himself with them, and when he sees them he will not be scared of them (some of them are big and can be scarry for a little tot). It's A Small World is always a nice relaxing ride if you need a place to veg out. I would NOT take him to any of the 3-D shows, as there are some scenes that might really freak him out. Have a wonderful time, and be prepared to see a big change in your husband when the trip is over.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I think Disney is what you make it and some people are just grumpypants all the time. We had ONE incident on our trip in 06 where I was buckling dd (age 1) into the stroller and dh said to me, you need to move out of the way they(strangers) wanna take a picture. I said "WELL THEY ARE GONNA WAIT" he was so embarrassed but my dd safety is more importantant then a photo op. The strangers must have thought I was the devil herself cause I was mean. I learned ALOT from that inicident though. This past trip in 07 was pure joy. Not a bit of a tizzy from anyone. So laid back. We were the Happiest people at the happiest place on earth. I can understand how some people do get snippy. So I let it go.

 

[lighttech]

Lighttech, the best advice I can give you is to make this trip about your child. If you go at your childs pace, (and naps are helpful because it is so easy to get overstimulated...but you will see as you give if it is or is not needed....depends on your child), your son will have an awesome time, and you guys will be thrilled. I was not a huge Disney fan until we took our kids. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't "magical," for me. It was nice. But when you see your kids faces light up, and get so excited, that is where the real magic is, at least for me. You may have to pry them away, or deal with some crying when you are going to LEAVE the park, but then, doesn't everyone want to stay? Don't let anyone frighten you from having a great time. I would also recommend buying some Disney DVDs, they have sing-alongs, etc., that show the park, sing songs, and show the characters. This way, your son can familiarize himself with them, and when he sees them he will not be scared of them (some of them are big and can be scarry for a little tot). It's A Small World is always a nice relaxing ride if you need a place to veg out. I would NOT take him to any of the 3-D shows, as there are some scenes that might really freak him out. Have a wonderful time, and be prepared to see a big change in your husband when the trip is over.

Thanks so much for the advice. I am SO excited. And, I know DH will chill out and enjoy himself once we get there. He has trouble PLANNING to go at DS's pace, but he just adores him, and once we get anywhere, he slows down and lets the little man thoroughly enjoy himself.

We've done some of the sing-a-long DVDs, and showed him pictures of us w/ the characters when we went a few years ago to show him how big they were. (And, we did a dry run w/ some mascots from a local baseball team too... DS was great, he kept asking if he could hug them again... they seemed like giant teddy bears to him. )

I'm sure we'll hit Small World a few times, and thanks, I was wondering about the 3D movies.

I really do hope its magical for all of us, but I'm trying to go in w/ easy expectations and roll w/ the punches.

Thanks!

 

[Buzz & Woody]

we first took our children when they were young. They were 10 months and almost 3. We had a BLAST. We planned our days around nap times and bed times. We brought snacks, drinks and took lot's or rests-we had FUN! and we didn't have whiney, crying kids. THis was a vacation for us and them. DH and I didn't argue or fight, we made sure that we were all rested and that made for a great trip. I think that so many people try to cram so much in, in so little time and don't take time to rest and relax. We've been going every year since the kids were little and they are now 5 & 7 and going on their 6th trip this December-and we can't wait!I realize that not all kids are the same and not all parents are the same, but you can't knock them for that. I think that most are trying to do their best. It's too bad that grumpiness happens-but there's nothing that an outsider can do but ignore it

 

[Morley Dotes]

Lighttech,

It sounds like you will have a great time! WRT 3D, we took our son when he was 2.5 to Honey I shrunk something (I think it was Audience, but I don't remember which one it was), but when the spiders came down, he started to cry. So, being the smart, logical parent that I am, I told him, don't worry, just take off the glasses and you will see they are far away. So, we took off our glasses and there they were, right infront of us. Well, needless to say I took him out of there as fast as I could and I felt terrible. I don't know who was more traumatized, him or me. He got over it, but obviously I still have issues. I look forward to hearing about what a great time you had.

 

[momofdrewluke]

I am a mother of two small children, DS5 and DS3. We were in Disney in May 2007 for our first Disney vacation. My boys are regular nappers at home and have a pretty regular bedtime. While in Disney we still took regular naps and although bedtime was not always regular, we did take in consideration what we were doing that day (i/e if we would be out late for Wishes, Spectro, we would make sure to sleep in a little later, nap a little later, get to bed a little later. We also took cues from them on when to stop and eat and let them rest. Although we did our best to keep them rested, fed, etc. we still had a few moments when we would have a meltdown of some sort.

I would not take the time we spent in Disney for anything. My DS3 squealling with delight when he rode Goofy's Barnstormer for the first time or DS5's face after riding Small World the first time. They talk about our trip to Disney literally every day! We had not planned on returning to Disney until 2009 but after this trip will be back May 2008. These are truly wonderful memories for all of us.

Kids and famalies are going to act the way they always act whether at Disney, at home, or some other vacation. We do the best we can to keep our family running at their best at Disney and at home. I will continue to enjoy my family on vacation and if one of our ill timed meltdowns makes someone think "Why on earth would you bring small children to Disney" then so be it.

 

[Morley Dotes]

.... I will continue to enjoy my family on vacation and if one of our ill timed meltdowns makes someone think "Why on earth would you bring small children to Disney" then so be it.

Well said.

 

[Fintastic]

We aren't doing it so that they will remember; we're doing it so that we will .

That's a really good way of putting it.

Our upcoming trip (22 more days!) will be DD's first. She'll be turning 4 while we're there and I consider this a golden time for her to go to Disney! She's old enough to enjoy herself and young enough to believe in the magic. She may not remember every second of our trip, but she'll remember some of it for sure and 20 years from now she can look at the pictures and she'll see how much fun we all had together, even if it's not crystal clear in her memory.

And this trip is going to be amazing for us as parents, watching her experience everything. I'm more excited to go to Disney this time around than when we went on our honeymoon. It makes me teary to think about seeing it all through her eyes. I'm a sap.

I wouldn't want to take a baby or toddler, simply because trying to lug around bottles and diapers and whatever else they need wouldn't be a vacation for ME, but DD is at the perfect age now for Disney, IMO.

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

When are you going in August? We are thining of planning another August trip. Mid august since my brother is getting Married Aug 23rd. Either that or we will go right after his wedding and my parents will come too!

August 4-16th!!!

It will be a hot, humid, sweaty......WONDERFULLLY HAPPY vacation of a lifetime (with many repeats, I hope.) It is also a 12 day ploy to brainwash my husband into being a DISNEY NUT like me! He's never been there so it will be a first for my daughters and him!