I'm Sure This Will Get Me Lynched!

[asmit4]

Why do people post stuff like this on a board that is "all about WDW"...I mean seriously, you post on a board that is all WDW, all the people here LOVE WDW, plan trips, save each year to go, know everything they can about WDW. It's obvious that many people on here take their very young children too.

So you post on a board blasting those that take their kids under age 6 or whatever to WDW and you expect to not be hammered? As an FYI- this is not directed at the OP, but the "selfish" remark.

I'm all about people having an opinion, but I do KNOW when to not post things. I wrote a simple one liner to the OP, basically that I won't be taking my little ones when they are young and left it at that.

Bottom line- EVERYONE leads their own lives, every family has to do what is right for them and every family knows their OWN kids. Some kids can handle it, others can't. Some parents can handle it, others can't.

It isn't a question of "right or wrong" it's an issue of doing what is right for YOUR family. I'm not about to call a person taking a 2yo selfish anymore than I would want them to call me selfish for waiting til they are 8!

 

[SherylR]

Why do people post stuff like this on a board that is "all about WDW"...I mean seriously, you post on a board that is all WDW, all the people here LOVE WDW, plan trips, save each year to go, know everything they can about WDW. It's obvious that many people on here take their very young children too.

So you post on a board blasting those that take their kids under age 6 or whatever to WDW and you expect to not be hammered? As an FYI- this is not directed at the OP, but the "selfish" remark.

I'm all about people having an opinion, but I do KNOW when to not post things. I wrote a simple one liner to the OP, basically that I won't be taking my little ones when they are young and left it at that.

Bottom line- EVERYONE leads their own lives, every family has to do what is right for them and every family knows their OWN kids. Some kids can handle it, others can't. Some parents can handle it, others can't.

It isn't a question of "right or wrong" it's an issue of doing what is right for YOUR family. I'm not about to call a person taking a 2yo selfish anymore than I would want them to call me selfish for waiting til they are 8!

I didn't say anyone was selfish for taking their kids there when they were very young. I just asked a question because I truly didn't understand WHY people do. I knew there would be people who disagreed, hence my title post.
Didn't say it was wrong to do it either. There's nothing wrong with having an opinion and asking a question. It's a public forum. I don't see you posting like this to people who have a bad restaurant experience. Or a rude CM at a check in counter.
Taking our kids when they were older was the right choice FOR US. And our thoughts were confirmed when we saw so many unhappy people at "the happiest place on earth". Our children wouldn't have gotten the same out of it as they did when they were old enough to experience everything. To each his own.
I've read a lot of these posts as to why people take their kids when they're young and that's terrific if it works for them. I think a lot of parents go with high expectations of their children and when the reality of the place sets in, it becomes a big disappointment when their child complains of wearing a heavy costume or they're tired from walking/waiting/being knocked around by crowds. That's frustrating to everyone involved.
Maybe the week we were there was just an off week. As I said in my original post, it was incredibly hot and humid most of the days and that makes tempers run short.
You can't expect people to always post sunshine and roses just because it's all about WDW. That's not reality. There's good and bad everywhere. We loved our trip and can't wait to go back. But from the other posts I've read, I can see that I wasn't alone in my question.
Sorry if it ruined your day!

 

[asmit4]

SherylR- I think maybe you missed the line about how my post was directed at HeynowFL- who DID say that parents are "selfish" for taking their little ones b/c they want the experience themselves. I made note of it in my post but I probably should have quoted it just to make sure.

I think your post was well written and was not an attack on any one at all. It's a great question and to be honest- I happen to see your side of the story completely and for my family- I happen to agree with you allthough everyone can do what works for them.

HeynowFL got up on their "high horse" and started namecalling and that was not appropriate at all. I was responding to her selfish comment.

 

[shelly3girls]

I have not read all the replies yet but I wanted to post that we experienced the exact same thing. I brought DDs 6 & 8 for a girls trip. I left DH and DS (15 months) home. I felt terrible leaving him and joked that all the crying kids kept me from missing him. Honestly it is not selfish to bring young kids to WDW. In fact it is an amazing experience for all. Parents are selfish when they do not allow time for young children to nap or rest during part of the day. I know several parents whose kids end up in a melt down b/c "it is too expensive of a vacation to spend time at the hotel." IMHO this is a selfish attitude and with the right rest WDW can be an amazing vacation for all. We have taken our kids several times a year since our oldest was 1.5. We never had meltdowns or crying fits but we always rest and never push them beyond their limit.

 

[splashmt]

Well here come my standard answers...

1. Should parents of young kids never take vacations because the "kids wont remember it"?

2. Should the parents of young children not throw birthday parties until "the child can remember it"?

3. Should the parents of young kids stay at home under cover for fear of their child getting upset & "ruining" someone else's time?

4. Should the parents of young children never be able to share something THEY enjoy with their children/family because they have young children?

5. Who gets to say what the "magic" age is for Disney?

6. Should the parents of young kids shake their head & think "What were THEY thinking" when they see a family aruging with the temper tantrum throwing preteen or teenager in Disney (yes it does happen)?

Peopls should take their kids to Disney at whatever age they want to & works for their family. Period. I dont pass judgement on those who take babies, I dont pass judgement on those who wait until their "kids can remember it", I dont pass judgement on people who wait until their kids are teenagers. It is THEIR vacation, let them do it THEIR way.

Me, I am to busy enjoying myself with my husband & son to worry about other people & their vacation. I am just enjoying MY vacation.

amen. amazing that the OP would post this on the family board and actually make a comment about probably being lynched. My son is autistic. Should I not bring him because he will make a negative impact on HER stay?

 

[Miz Diz]

We have been going to WDW since before we had any children. We go every year with our kids at whatever age they happen to be. We aren't doing it so that they will remember; we're doing it so that we will . If we were only planning one trip to the World during our kids entire childhood, then I would definitely wait until they were old enough to build memories.

We are the types to all take a million breaks a day if the baby/toddler needs it .

This is my family exactly!

Also - kids have breakdowns all the time - not just at WDW. My friends and I were talking today about how the tiniest thing can make a toddler break down. One friend's son was crying and pitching a fit because he wanted his brother's water, my DD had a fit at home today because she wanted to throw a tag away that I took off her new shirt. I didn't know it and threw it away before she could.

I think people need to realize when they go, it is best if they don't cram everything in, in 3 or 4 days. Go longer and relax a little. We usually only a couple hours, go back to the room for nap and swimming, then go back out. We usually don't even get to the parks right when they open.

Oh - and my DD2 is usually high maintenance at home, but every time we take her to Disney (she's been 7 times), we always say how we can't believe how well behaved she is being. She's never had a meltdown at Disney. On this last trip my dn6 cried because we got an orange car at Sci Fi Dine In and my ds6 cried because he couldn't ride Primevil Whirl twice in a row.

 

[kileybeth]

aaawwwww come on Dissers I know you know what to do here and it is not more WORDS people. . . .Pictures are worth a thousand words . . .lets turn this thrread around and show that the proof is in those jumbo smiles and magical moments. If I had a clue how to post a pic, I would in a heartbeat but alas, I'm still learning.

Pictures folks! I want pictures! um and yes, we just returned from 8 days in Disney with 4 kids and 2 parents in one Disney hotel room, talk about a few rough spots! But overall, I'd go back in a heatbeat with my 2 teens and 2 toddlers! And it is my toddlers who will not stop asking to go back everyday! oh my! and my now 4 year old-then 2 year old kept referring back to our trip of two years ago with details we never thought he could/would remember! Amazing!

PicturesPrettyPlease

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I have not read all the replies yet but I wanted to post that we experienced the exact same thing. I brought DDs 6 & 8 for a girls trip. I left DH and DS (15 months) home. I felt terrible leaving him and joked that all the crying kids kept me from missing him. Honestly it is not selfish to bring young kids to WDW. In fact it is an amazing experience for all. Parents are selfish when they do not allow time for young children to nap or rest during part of the day. I know several parents whose kids end up in a melt down b/c "it is too expensive of a vacation to spend time at the hotel." IMHO this is a selfish attitude and with the right rest WDW can be an amazing vacation for all. We have taken our kids several times a year since our oldest was 1.5. We never had meltdowns or crying fits but we always rest and never push them beyond their limit.

Exactly!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

My husband and I went to WDW last summer with three kids, ages 3,5,1. All I have to say is that it was the best vacation I have ever had. Honestly I myself do not remember everything about the trip, but I have photos. But it is not all about photo ops, it's about being with your children and really spending time with them at their level. I will always remeber walking to the tea party at the GF with my DD(5) and telling her things about my mom who passed away 3 yrs before, I will always remeber swimming in the waterfalls at the poly with my DS(3) who prior to the trip hated water, and I will always remember playing in the sand and rocking my son to sleep in a hammoc on the beach at the poly with DS (1) while everyone else went swimming. You might think that these memories could have happened anywhere but then you truly would not understand the magic of WDW. These are the special mommy moments I will replay in my head the next time I am deployed, moments I could not capture on film but are forever in my heart. Is it worth it ,even if the DS (3) will only remember is favorite ride, the tower of terror, I can only say, YES YES YES.

Armymom you've just made me cry!!! - This is EXACTLY why i'm taking my DS4 and DS9mths next May!!!!

 

[PrincessasMommy]

You are right to feel like you are going to get lynched , you clearly asked for it by offending all of us who love to do things with our young children.

So............Why you were so busy paying such close attention to another struggling couple when you had 2 kids to pay attention to?

If you weren't talking to your own family about the impending lightening storm, the rain, your plans for later...then did you offer to assist the young couple with getting their double stroller off the ferry???

I have 4 kids and I carry the baby in a sling, the 3 & 4 year olds go in the double stroller and our oldest walks everyday, everywhere. This is normal everyday life for alot of us. So the Mom was inconvenienced and was upset - you have never been inconvenieced and upset?


That said......

We took our 3 kids to WDW for the 1st time in 2005 - ages 8 months old, 27 months old, and 9 years old.

We are leaving next week with our new addition too!!! We have 4 daughters....ages 4 months old , 3 years old, 4 1/2 years old & our oldest (who is also special needs) will turn 12 the day we leave!

I won't even attempt to explain why we LOVE to vacation with them when they are so little and will once a year, every year, forever (every 2nd year is WDW).

I am so very sorry that you just don't get it.

 

[*love*2*shop]

Disney sounds like it isnt for you....I would Suggest trying a Private resort type place next time for your family.....

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?

 

[waltskids]

I agree, Disney may not be the vacation spot for you and your family. It can be a bit overwhelming with all of the screaming and crying (from babies, children and adults).
With that said, My DH and I have been to Disney numerous times before our DS was born and DS will be going on his 4th trip to WDW for his 1st birthday in November. We have some wonderful photos and memories to last a lifetime from his previous trips and I'm sure this upcoming trip will be magical as well. We take it slow and know that plans may have to be rearranged, but we wouldn't change it for anything. We are blessed with the opportunity to be able to afford to travel frequently, and so do many other families. Waiting until a child remembers it or is older is not something for us. We want to experience our vacations with our child and staying home is not an option- ha ha We love to vacation so much!

 

[MeLady]

I am just so shocked that this post has not been locked yet.

 

[badblackpug]

In defense of the OP, I see her point. I do not think that there is a line drawn in the sand as to when is too young (or too old, for that matter) I see her point as to why you would take children who cannot handle a WDW level of stimulation to WDW. I think you need to base it, individully, on your kids, and arrange your touring plans around your kids. If you have that kid who cannot handle any type of frustration or change in their routine then WDW is not for YOU. You need to know your limitations. If you end up more stresed on vacaion than at home, what's the point? No one wants to hear non-stop screaming and crying. From you. From me. From your kids. From my kids.

Case in point. We took my oldest when she was 5. I had no other kids at the time. It was great. She was big enough to ride everything (my kids are big) She didn't need a stroller or naps. It was magical. The next year we returned and my friend and her son went with us. He was 5 at the time, but he is one of those kids that tantrums over EVERYTHING. He threw a tantrum in every line. He refused to walk at all. Every time something was not exactly to his liking he threw a tantrum. If he wanted a toy, a snack, if he wanted to stay on a ride. If he was too small to get on a ride. If he didn't get his own seat on the bus. If he didn't get to pick the TV show in the room. If he had to put on sunscreen. He screamed and yelled and cried through the whole vacation. It was a disaster. To the point where my then 6 year old said to me "If I acted that way, you would kill me."
His mothers' reaction was much like a lot of people I am hearing. "That's how kids are, it's a place for kids, people need to expect it." I am sorry, that is NOT "how kids are."

While I understand that no children are angels and they get whinier when they are tired and/or hungry, I also don't think it is fair to subject a million perfect strangers to your kids (or your) bad behavior.

 

[MommySiobhan]

Doesn't so much of it depend on the people?

People who get stressed and snippy and snotty will do it anywhere, whether if be WDW or a day at the zoo if things aren't going their way.

We took our kids on their 1st WDW trip last year, ages 5, 3, 2 & too young too remember 3 months )

We had THE best time as a family. It was so nice for dh and I to enjoy eachother and the kids in such a happy place without all of the stresses of everyday reality.
Worth every minute.

I think maybe some people just have such high expectations of things running exactly a certain way and when it doesn't happen they just can't handle it.

Why not just enjoy it as it happens.

 

[badblackpug]

Doesn't so much of it depend on the people?

People who get stressed and snippy and snotty will do it anywhere, whether if be WDW or a day at the zoo if things aren't going their way.

We took our kids on their 1st WDW trip last year, ages 5, 3, 2 & too young too remember 3 months )

We had THE best time as a family. It was so nice for dh and I to enjoy eachother and the kids in such a happy place without all of the stresses of everyday reality.
Worth every minute.

I think maybe some people just have such high expectations of things running exactly a certain way and when it doesn't happen they just can't handle it.

Why not just enjoy it as it happens.

Yes, exactly what I was trying to say.

 

[michellev]

Someone said something about posting pictures?

This picture really sums up for me, why we decided to take our (then) 3 year old and 2 year old to Disney. They believe in Tigger and were soooo unbelievably excited about him. I think there's something to be said about Disney for each age your child is at and we plan to enjoy each stage to the fullest with our children.

 

[ty&brenmom]

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!

I'd love to try and tell my 10 year old to sit on Santa's lap, because now he would remember it.

 

[ChillyWilleys]

My DD is 3 years old and has been to Disney twice. The first time she was 2. We took her because my husband and I enjoy Disney very much and wanted to share the experience with her. I had no intention of her remembering a thing. My memories of her there though are absolutely priceless. To see her on the fountains at DTD, to chase Chicken Little all over the park trying to find him unsuccessfully and then having him run over and hug her during a parade! That trip is some of my favorite memories from my life! Then when we took her a year later she shocked us by telling us about things she remembered. Did we have some tense time on the trips? yes but I actually think there were fewer than at home. They're toddlers it happens! If you see a couple stressed out it doesn't mean thats how they were the whole trip. It is the happiest place on Earth, some people will never get that, but one of my greastest joys in life was experiencing it again as an adult through the eyes of a child.

 

[npmommie]

It can be a bit overwhelming with all of the screaming and crying (from babies, children and adults).