Is it too soon?

[Max Rebo]

Just finished reading "The Ecstasy and the Agony" chapter of the Unofficial Guide, and am having second thoughts about our planned June trip to WDW.

The main fear is that we could be going a year (or more) too soon.

Here's the background:

By the time of our trip, DD7 will be two months away from being 8, and DS4 will be merely days away from being 5. That said, both are smallish, and DS4 may very well likely be too short to go on many rides (38 inches right now ... we're hoping for 2 inches of growth by June) DD7, meanwhile, just isn't much of a thrillseeker.

For us, a WDW vacation has been something we've dreamed of for years. DW and I have both been there several times, the most recent visit coming in 1998. We always said as soon as we had kids, and they were old enough, we'd take them to WDW. We wanted to take them when they were still fairly young, young enough that it's all still magical to them.

Also, financially speaking, WDW will be a strain. We have the money to do it, but it's just not something we'll be able to do every year. If we go this June, it will likely be at least another 5 years before we could even think about going again.

The wheels are already in motion for our June trip. The kids are aware of our plans. We've watched the Disney planning DVD. I'm halfway through the UG. We have a sizable chunk of money set aside specifically for Disney. WDW is a regular topic of conversation in our house. In other words, slamming the brakes on our June trip would have an impact on our family.

So here's my question for you folks: Should we go forth with our plans for this June? Or should we wait a year?

 

[Chuck65]

I say go. If you've put this much planning and preparation into already, I see no need to put it off for a year and a half. Go and have a great magical time!

 

[AKLRULZ]

I am so not a fan of the Unofficial Guide becuase it is so negative - I haven't read it probably in 4 or 5 years so I'm not real familar with the chapter you've read, but I will say that we've gone every June since 2002 (well this year we went in July) and I've been in June a lot prior to that time and it's always been a great time. If your concern is crowds - well yeah it's crowded, but it doesn't diminish the fun and there are lots of ways to mitigate the impact of busy season.

Don't let one book get ya down. I hope you're able to plan your trip for June 2007!

 

[Step]

Hmmm, I don't have kids so I'm not sure if this is ok, but you could hype the younger one up for the "next" trip after where he will be tall enough for the big kid rides. Make him feel like it's a special goal that only he can reach.

In turn I would also tell the older child that he shouldn't go on some of the more tottler type rides, and explain to him that he is the big kid now. Make him feel special about that. Also make the 4 year old feel special for having rides that only he is allowed on.

This may seem bizarre... but that is probably what I would do.

 

[brentalex]

I think you should go. The MK which is probably where you would spend most of your time with little kids does not have that many 'thrill' rides. Both kids should be able to go on just about everything there. They will be very excited to just be there and are both old enough to be able to remember it for a long time.

 

[laughinplace199]

How would your kids react to postponing the trip? If they'd be ok with it since they don't really know what they're missing, then you might want to wait another year. By then, your little one would be tall enough for more rides.

However, if they have their hearts set on this trip and would be upset to postpone it, I'd go with the plan to go this year. Even if the little guy is too small for some rides, you will still have tons of fun. There will still be so many rides that he can go on. Plus, as you know, there are shows, parades, fireworks, swimming, character meals, etc. which are fun for all ages.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

My kids are now 6, 4 and 22 months and they've been 4 times already. There is sooooo much to do that missing a few thrill rides won't take the fun out of it AT ALL! Especially if your son isn't a thrill seeker. If you and DW want to go on the thrill rides do a child swap.

I wouldn't postpone...

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't think I would postpone either. You've already set the plan in motion and I think your kids are at good ages for WDW. Your 5 year old will LOVE it and your 8 year old will still really appreciate the magic.

There aren't all THAT many thrill rides at WDW and with SO much to do and see, I doubt your little guy will know he's missing out on some of them.

 

[thotfulspot]

I agree with most of the above posters -- go!! There's such an amazing array of attractions that it's simply not possible to fit them all into one trip anyway -- at any age range, you have more than enough to have a fabulous, magical time!

I was 7 on my first Disney trip (lo these many MANY years ago), and the pure unquestioning sense of magic that I felt then has stayed with me on every trip since. By all means, go and have a great trip!!

 

[disneydiva06]

I'm not a fan of the UG, either, again because I found it very negative..that said...I say go and have a great time!! We went this past June with my (then)5 year old DS, and he LOVED it! He's a bit small for his age..just barely 44 inches..but it didn't stop him at all! It was busy, yes, but nothing that was at all unmanageable!

 

[Bay in TN]

Oh, go! My kids were about the same age as yours the first time we took them, and I had just read the UG and worried about the same chapter that's worrying you. My husband and I will *never* forget the look on the kids' faces when we turned the corner of Town Square and they saw Cinderella's Castle for the first time -- *never*. I'll never forget the joy my younger son experienced on IASW -- I can't even get snooty about that ride any more because it made him so darned happy.

WDW with younger children is different than it is for adults. It's really, truly magical, and they believe with every fiber of their beings. It might be a little rough on you, but you'll adjust and have those memories to carry around with you for the rest of your life.

For what it's worth, I love UG for its negativity. I'm the sort of person who needs to be prepared for the worst, and I'm always delighted to find out WDW isn't a fraction as awful as UG tells me it's gonna be. LOL! Don't let that chapter get you down -- just let it teach you, OK?

--Bay

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Go and have fun! I agree...the UG is very negative. I like Birnbaums better...

There will be lots for your whole family to enjoy...I took my son when he was five and he had a blast.

 

[ukwildcat]

I absolutely loathe the UG. Very negative. Although I have my issues with certain things at WDW (who doesn't?), I am nevertheless very Pro-WDW.

Get Passporter's guide to WDW. It's great.

Take the kids. Have a great trip.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

GO GO GO!!!!

My DD is 19months and has gone once already and DS will be 9 months and he's going too!! we leave in 36 DAYS!!! you will have soo much fun!!!

 

[BlindTyldak]

GO. Rent a stroller for the 4 year old (trust me, the guide is dead on on that one) for the length of your stay. if DD7 does decide to want to go on a thrill ride or two, if worst comes to worst split up for an afternoon with each parent taking one child. You WILL have a great time, there's PLENTY to do without ever setting foot on a big ride, and when you go back in 5 years, they'll appreciate it even more.

 

[ryanmilla]

I'm with the other posters, definitely go! I think your kids are at the perfect age for a first trip. It will be so magical to them.

We took our kids when they were very young. DD when she was 2, 3, and twice when she was 4. DS went when he was 3 months, 16 months and 18 months. They loved all of the trips. With exception to the 3 month trip, just b/c he didn't really realize what was happening, our DS loved the other times he went. He knew what was happening and was so excited. He may not remember those specific trips, but he knows what WDW is and Mickey and gets excited when he sees them on TV. So, 4 and 7 will be perfect ages for your kids at WDW.

And if planned well, WDW does not have to be as expensive as it always sounds to be. You can get loads of tips here on these boards, if you haven't already.

Anyway, best of luck with your decision. And the good thing to know is that WDW isn't going anywhere, so if you do decide to wait it will be just that much more sweet.

 

[Eeyore4me]

Absolutely GO!! Kids grow and the next time you make it to WDW it'll be a whole new adventure! My kids are on the little side too...DS just turned 6 & isn't even 43 inches! The years he was too small for all the 40" rides, DH took DD on a ride and my son & I would have our own adventure. There is PLENTY to do at all the parks for the littler kids. You'd never be able to do it all! Have Fun & don't WORRY


Lauren

 

[DVCLiz]

Absolutely go!!!!

The Unoffical Guide is a fantastic resource, and what some people see as "negativity" is really just common sens and realistic advice about what you are likely to find if you do absolutely NO advance planning for your trip. I've read that chapter many times, too - my favorite part is when she says it felt like they had worked in the yard all day. If you'll re-read that page, you'll see that the family took none of the UG's advice - no FastPasses, no meals early or later than the crowd, etc.

Your children are the perfect ages for a magical WDW trip. Read the book (or choose another one if you must, although the UG has the best info as far as I'm concerned) and then adjust when you are there. But don't delay - it's a wonderful vacation!!!

 

[Dancemom]

I totally argree with DVCLiz. I love the UG. I gives you a pretty accurate look at what MIGHT happen if you don't plan. It was the only resource I used when I planned our first trip in 97. My DD was 6 at the time. I wish that we had taken her when she was 4. My opinion is to go. Your family will have more than enough attractions to enjoy and who knows by June your oldest may be more of a thrill seeker. With proper planning I think you will have a magical trip that you will always treasure. When we went on our first trip we thought we wouldn't be back for 5 or 6 years but we've made it back every summer( yes , we always go in July or June) except 2001 and 2006. Our trip is already booked for June 4-12 2007. Have a great trip!!

 

[Linzybrooke]

Having never read the UG I'm not familiar with what they say about June, but that being said I have gone the last 2 years in June and it has been fantastic. Just make sure you have ADR's in place and invest in one of the water spritzers...they may seem pricey but its the best money you will spend!