Just back from WL with DD6 and DD2: Planned vs. What happened

[PenguinWaiters]

Thanks for your post. We have a similar "Plan" with our DD 2 1/2 for Feb. so now I feel like I know a bit better what our "Backup Plan" might want to be. I appreciate your input!

Terri

 

[tink_lover]

Thanks for the post. We are going in April with our 3 kids who will be 8,5 and 4. Got lucky and will stay in the Family Suites. We have tried one room in the past and it just didn't work for all the reasons you mentioned. I appreciate the tips on planning. It has made me re-think some things...

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Hi, OP! I think you make a wonderful point about planning a trip to WDW, expecially a first trip, with children. No matter how much you read, plan, and schedule, you have to be ready to toss it right out the window if need be. I had everything planned around the fact that my kids are super-early risers, even when they stay up late. Guess what? They kept sleeping in for the first time in their lives, LOL! We just went with it. Slept in when they did, didn't worry about getting to the parks at opening, and everything went fine. I had also planned on going back for naps, but with the sleeping in we didn't end up doing that more than once.

Luckily, the only morning ADR we had was on our last full day. That also happened to be the day that we surprised our kids with meeting up with old friends, so we knew that would help carry them through, even if they were a bit tuckered out.

I would also second the poster who suggested not planning anything for the first day. We had really early flights (had to wake the kids at about 4 am, and nobody went back to sleep in the plane), checked in, had lunch, and then went to MK. I was so excited to see their first reaction to the castle! Well, they were so beat by then that they were like, Oh, that's nice. Then DD4 promptly fell asleep in the stroller and didn't wake up until our ADR at Chef Mickey's. I chalk it all up to lessons learned! Of course, I'll plan it out next time knowing all this, and they'll throw me a curveball anyway! My dad always said about DSis and I growing up, "Once you have them figured out, they go and change on you!"

 

[wdwpjs]

I guess we have been "lucky". We have never had to leave the parks for naps. We have been to Disney with all four of our kids ages 15- 1 and have been with them at all different ages. The biggest piece of advice that i have for this is to rent the double strollers. They are huge and it makes it easier for the kids to get comfy for naps in the parks. We also take a midweek break. This includes sleeping in, shopping at downtown that day, and an early dinner. This helps with the rest of the week. We do go commando in the parks and i guess our kids are just used to it. I have also used the Baby Stations in the parks for the kids when they were infants. It's a nice little quite area where I could relax also.

 

[Whosemom]

We have freaky park kids, although they are some bigger now (10, 7 and 5 on last summer's trip). When they were smaller, we rented the double stroller, anyone big enough to sit up would ride in that. Anyone too little was in the baby sling. We'd get there fairly early, when someone gets tired, they pass out in the stroller. We'd have our sit-down meal of the day around 2 or 3 when everyone is tired, cool and restful. Do low impact stuff there in the middle, like ride the train all the way around the park. We stay til the fireworks or what ever. Then, see, the kids are so stinking tired, they pass out in the room. LOL. Our only real meltdowns have ever been once we say we are leaving, so the walk to the bus, and then from the bus to the room. Its like, they can stay pumped for the next thing, but the adreneiln goes when there is no next thing.

 

[PA Princess]

Disney is huge and overwhelming on that first trip and with kids the trip is complicated with further variables. We have 4 kids ages 12, 11, 6, and 2, and we have been making trips with all 4 kids at various ages for the last 10 years. We were lucky first trip because it was a trip we planned last minute as an extra part of a trip to a family wedding in SC. We only had a few days, so we only planned one park (2 visits) with a rest day in between. This was ideal since it gave us a chance to get our feet wet and make dreams for future visits.

On our last trip in September '06 our dd6 was harder than dd2. I think the walking did contribute to her moments, but truth be told she does not have a go with the flow type of temperment.

We stayed at WL when we had 2 ds's and oldest dd was 2, and we found the rooms cramped even with the bunkbeds. We need 2 rooms now with 4 kids, so we have not been splurging on deluxe the last 2 trips. However, I think the mods have a better set up than WL for one very important feature...we put dd2 in her pack 'n play in the dressing area with the curtain closed. It works like a charm to help her settle down fast.

Other things we have found that worked for us to aid night time sleeping...dh rocked dd to sleep in the WL rockers; we bring baby monitors along so we can sit outside the room (not far from the room like 50 feet...down the hall in a rocker bump out above the lobby at WL, at the conceirge lounge in the Poly, on the beach at CBR, etc); drapping light blankets or sheets on sides or across the the top of pack 'n play (when we are in the room).

We do currently go back to the room for naps because youngest dd will not sleep in her stroller. This is a matter of knowing your kid...each of mine were different. I do build rest periods into our plans... a morning off, an early evening, etc. Disney is tiring and traveling with kids is tiring, so no need to go at warp speed on top of all of that

I think another key to trip planning is figuring out what each person needs to help them relax. For dd6 that means coloring at the kidcot stations in Epcot...something about coloring helps her decompress. DS's need an hour or 2 playing video games to unwind. Sounds like your dh needs some sports and TV time to unwind. Completely understandable, but just be sure you build in time for mom as well...dad plays with the kids at the pool while mom curls up with a magazine uninterrupted for an hour or maybe taking turns at night in the room with kids so mom can go soak in the hot tub an evening or two.

 

[Elmo888]

I think another key to trip planning is figuring out what each person needs to help them relax. For dd6 that means coloring at the kidcot stations in Epcot...something about coloring helps her decompress. DS's need an hour or 2 playing video games to unwind. Sounds like your dh needs some sports and TV time to unwind. Completely understandable, but just be sure you build in time for mom as well...dad plays with the kids at the pool while mom curls up with a magazine uninterrupted for an hour or maybe taking turns at night in the room with kids so mom can go soak in the hot tub an evening or two.

That is fabulous advice and would have helped my situation. I did need some time because I felt completely overwhelmed taking care of things. I finally had some time on Friday because we slept late and DH took DD6 to MK while DD2 napped and I sat on the bed and read. I just didn't know how much I needed time until I had it. The hot tub is good advice, too. I could have used an evening out while he sat in the room with the kids! I just couldn't really think of where I would want to hang out - I didn't really want to sit in the bar. I'll have to remember the hot tub!

I built in rest times...just not enough! And I skipped the baby monitor because I didn't know where we would be able to go. It sounds like you have more experience!

And I thought later about a mod and the curtain. We splurged on the WL and loved the boat ride to the MK, but the curtain in a mod room might have worked better for our sleeping situation.

Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[fairestoneofall]

We went in November and, other than our ADRs, we didn't try to follow a set schedule. We just kind of went with the flow, even though I'd read all of the books and knew others who've scheduled all details. I wasn't in a hurry and we got to do everything we wanted and then more. We didn't go back to the room to nap, other than the day we went to AK (since it closed early). And DD 5 didn't nap that day, but DS 2 did. DS 2 napped in the stroller most days and had no problems. Granted, we didn't try to stay super late in the parks and usually left the parks around 8 pm each night.

My kids also had no problem falling asleep with us in the rooms. They were out and got up each morning around 7:30. DD 5 did take one nap, the day we were going to MVMCP. DH, MIL, DD and DS swam in the morning, ate lunch and then napped. DD, MIL and I went to the party and DD made it to midnight!

Anyway, we were totally ready to take breaks for naps, if needed. But both kids totally adapted and did really well. I think it's important to pay attention to your kids and be aware of what they can handle.

 

[jodifla]

That is fabulous advice and would have helped my situation. I did need some time because I felt completely overwhelmed taking care of things. I finally had some time on Friday because we slept late and DH took DD6 to MK while DD2 napped and I sat on the bed and read. I just didn't know how much I needed time until I had it. The hot tub is good advice, too. I could have used an evening out while he sat in the room with the kids! I just couldn't really think of where I would want to hang out - I didn't really want to sit in the bar. I'll have to remember the hot tub!

I built in rest times...just not enough! And I skipped the baby monitor because I didn't know where we would be able to go. It sounds like you have more experience!

And I thought later about a mod and the curtain. We splurged on the WL and loved the boat ride to the MK, but the curtain in a mod room might have worked better for our sleeping situation.

Thanks for the thoughts!

OP, your post is a good one. It's hard to know how things will play out with small kids!

Situations like you describe are exactly why we bought in to DVC. We normally get 2 bedroom units even though there are only three of us. DH and I love having our own room to sleep in. Now THAT'S a vacation.

We also like to put DS to bed in his own room, then make ourselves a nice dinner. We have wine, watch TV, talk, sit out on the balcony....it's great.

So if you ever get a chance to rent DVC points, I highly recommend it!

PS We sometimes stay in studios for very short stays. DS does fall asleep OK in the room, but it's not the same having to tiptoe around him!

 

[unbroken chain]

Thanks for sharing your experience. When my kids were young, they had a problem sleeping in any hotel. They were just used to their bed, and it wasn't their bed. At that age, it's routine, routine, routine. And any change in routine can just throw kids off.

 

[Traveliz]

Last year DH and I took out then 3DD and 1DD for 7 days at WDW. I also struggled with the question...to go back and nap, or not to go back and nap. I played it by ear on the first "park day" I was lucky my kids took naps in the stroller. I took our own stroller so they would be more comfortable. They napped for about an hour after lunch. It worked out so well that this became the plan for the whole trip. During their nap, my DH and I took turns riding the bigger rides or we would find a shady spot and rest and have an mickey bar. It was great! After their nap, we would resume all activities. We usually had an ADR for dinner and the kids did great in the restaurants. After dinner we would continue doing rides and things until about 9 or 10. The kids were so tired by the end of the day, they fell asleep quickly. We were tired too by that time and went to bed at the same time most nights. We did sit out on the porch a couple of nights.

Looking back, I think the short nap in the middle of the day gave the kids enough energy to get through the rest of the day, but not too much to keep them from sleeping at night. I liked it because I didn't feel like we wasted time traveling back and forth to our room at the Boardwalk. My DH and I enjoyed our "alone time" while they were sleeping.

We will try and do this again in April. I hope it works as well this year.

I know this only will work if one has children who can/will nap in a stroller. Having a child who is older makes it hard. I can't picture a 6 yo trying to get comfy in a stroller

That is pretty much the drill I have found works best - my little one is 20 now but we did the same when she was little and I have taken numerous nieces and nephews at the same time when they were around ages 3,4,6 -- I found we were best to just keep going until they crashed - then take the rest and resume until late night.

Liz

 

[Zoemakes5]

First, we have experiences that helped us remarkably with some of the issues you have. For anyone who has never spent time in a hotel room, all I can say is rent a room near you a couple of nights and "practice". My kids have been going to hotel rooms at various times/locations since shortly after birth. As a result, they are used to noise and lots of people in a small location. While I much prefer a suite or separate bedroom, often it's not possible for us for various reasons. We always have tv on and watch tv and hang out while/after the kids fall asleep.
As our kids have gotten bigger, we've found an increased, not decreased, need to go back to the room and nap. Or at the very least rest. First, because our Aspie boy gets overwelmed and needs down time. Second, when they were little, they would easily sleep in the stroller and they had less walking. As they get older, they don't have the stroller and have much more walking. We go back to the room and sleep every day. We let the older boys choose to read or play their video games/listen to music, but the room is quiet, most of the time dark. Typically by day 2 or 3, all of them will have napped for at least one day. I always recommend making sure you have some (or buy some) books for when you're in a hotel room. We also used to bring bath toys, though now we've pretty much outgrown that.
And, I agree, you gotta go with the flow as much as possible. The best laid plans. A funny memory about that....when my DS1 was 16 months old, we took him to WDW for a 5 day trip. Trying to be smart and save money, we scheduled our TS meals for mid-day. We thought it would be a nice transition, go sit down, have a nice meal, head back to the hotel and nap and play in the pool and then go back in the evening (DS was a night owl and could also sleep just about anywhere!) Apparently, though DS's biorythms were way off because our placid, sweet incredibly quiet boy turned into a raving maniac at lunch time! OMG, I've never been more embarassed. First day it was at Liberty in MK, second (and, last!) day was at Alfredos in EPCOT. At Alfredos, DS decided first to knock everything off the table, then threw his food, then finally, it a fit, just flopped his face right into his spaghetti! DH took him to clean up and I got the check and got out of there. We quickly changed our TS reservations to our evening meals, and DS was an angel. We even had other diners come over and compliment us on our sweet boy! Go figure. It was so out of the realm of what we expected, and we had traveled with DS alot, and took him out for meals alot. Lesson learned, you just never know how they are going to react to WDW, even if you've had other travel experiences with them! And, the great news is that with more than one child, you'll have a completely different experience and different challenges next time. Simply expect the unexpected and you'll be fine!!

 

[blessedby3]

My kids are a bit older now- 16,11 and just turned 8, but we have always had them nap at the parks in the stroller when they needed one. After about 4-5 they werent napping, even at Disney. We are a commando family and this works great for us. Once they hit 5 there was no napping and they definately went to bed easier at night- they were ready. If I put my youngest DD down for a nap she is good until about 1am. Doesnt work well for us so I never give her a nap.

 

[Starr W.]

We just have always gone with 2 adjoining rooms or go for 2br villa/condos. No way I could get or let my 2 boys sleep in the same bed. They don't at home and I don't think I want to try on vacation. They are 10 & 5, little one likes to annoy the bigger one.

We did Thanksgiving at SSR in a 2br, had a great time. So much so we bought into DVC. We had a rough idea of what parks we were going to do when so we booked ADR's in those parks. If we were planning on doing MK in the morning and Epcot in the pm, I didn't make an ADR for dinner at a resturant at AKL(I think we did LTT for lunch and Biergarten for dinner).

 

[PrincessKellen74]

Thank you for posting this Thread. In August 07 we are going for a Magical Gatherings (10 of us) for my mom's big 5 0. She paid for EVERYTHING Me and DH are just respoisible for our spending money and that of DS who will be 18m and DD who will be one month shy of 4. I am kinda nervous b/c i have been to Disney dozens of times, but never with DKs!

My mom and i have been planning and re-planning and debating that same question...to nap or not to nap.

I read something that i am DEF. going to do, someone said to take decently long walks or trips to the mall over DKs nap times so that they get used to sleeping in the stroller, and also invest in a reclining storller and if there is no need for it after Disney, sell it on EBAY or to a consignment shop.

DD will sleep anywhere, DS i' m not so sure with so i will start getting him used to napping in his stroller. Also get the fans that clip on the strollers to make sleeping more comfortable. I hope this helps, i'm def gonna do it.