Little Little Kids

[ScottJayhawk]

Hello all -
First of all let me thank everyone for outstanding participation on these forums - it is an amazing resource!!!

Now I need some help. We are planning a trip with a large group of friends and we all have small children, very small. Probably too small but we got a great deal on a house down there so what the heck. Any advice on just about anything would be greatly appreciated. Best rides/attractions for example.

Here's the group
7 adults - 3 couples and a single dad - ladies???? He's a great guy!

5 kids!
5 years old - obviously she'll have a blast with her single dad! She's easy.

My little boy will be 15 months
Our friends have 2, 19 months and 11 months - interesting math! She was pregnant WHEN they adopted!! After 7 years of being told you can't have kids, she wasn't too worried - but surprise, surprise and a double stroller. And although I've probably already given TOO MUCH INFORMATION they might be expecting their 3rd which would push the trip up 4 months and change all the ages.......

Lastly a 1 year old. I hope I got them all???

Are the kids going to just be holy terrors to have at the park and not like or be able to do anything???

Thanks in advance for any advice - even if it's oh my gosh do not bring kids that age!!!!

Scott

 

[CamColt]

First off , Welcome to the Dis!
You will get plenty of feedback on this subject Im sure. IMO, kids are never too young or old for WDW. While you will definitely have your hands full with all those little ones, its definitely possible to do it and to enjoy it. The main thing to remember with little ones is to be flexible.
When we took the kids when they were 8 months and 3 1/2, the 8 month old was easier to deal with. The 3 1/2 yo had been previously at 15 months and was no trouble at all then. Sometimes the younger they are the easier they are.
Good luck!

 

[ahutton]

Welcome to DIS! We've done trips with our girls - now they are 2 & 4, but they went as early as 3 weeks old! I don't think it is crazy to plan with so many around a year old - they will have a wonderful time, as long as the group remembers to give them time at their own pace as well as time where the adults set the pace.

As for rides, I found it easier when they are less than 2 - they don't understand enough of what is happening to be scared! It was much harder with our older being 3 and not wanting to do things. At younger ages they don't voice the "no" as often. For the ones a bit older I suggest a small flashlight - a small one that you can put on a keychain and fasten to something. If the dark starts to get to them it is a wonderful thing to have.

Know where the baby centers are, and that they have movies and play things for small toddlers. It is a great place to let them play at their own pace for a bit before getting back into the stroller. Also they have nice changing facilities there, and it is a bit less stressful than in a regular restroom.

I'm sure others have lots of great ideas and plenty of reassurance!

 

[hammertime]

I have some advice. When the kids get tired get out of the park and let them get there rest and then you can rest too. I was just in MK and I saw so many poor parents holding there sleeping child while waiting inline for a ride. Then waking them up to go on the ride. Poor little kids.

I recomend afternoon siestas for you and the kids. you don't necessary have to take a nap you can hang out by the pool or watch tv. Just chill out for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I bet all the kids and adults will benefit greatly from this decompression time which will lead to a truely enjoyable vacation. Dh and I were just there and when WE started to get cranky we headed back to the resort to decompress for awhile and were able to hit the parks in the evening with lots of energy.


I think if your going with small kids it's a great idea to go in a big group.

 

[tzvdmd]

I have to agree with not pushing the kids to see everything. Even the somewhat older ones tend to get worn out.
I will say that when you see how magical it is for the small kids you will never regret taking them. We have some great pictures and video of our son from when he was small.

 

[bjakmom]

Scott - Welcome to the DIS !

Be sure and check out the Disney for Families forum - I'm taking a baby for the first trip in a veeerrrrry long time (grandchild) and I've gotten some great tips and advice over there. I first took my now grown kids when they were almost 2 - the tips already given are the best - take a rest each afternoon and don't try and see or do too much - go with the flow! - and Enjoy!

 

[Desnik]

You have gotten great advice already. I have been with both my kids when they were 8mo. Also DD has gone every year since then! I would never leave her behind!!! That's what Disney is all about, the kiddies, and the big ones too
Here's my 2cents:
Take advantage of the baby centers in each park. They are wonderful! Accept the fact that you are not going to see everything. Be flexable and just have the mindset that you are going to have a great time with your friends. I'm sure you will have alot of fun. Remember to keep the little ones hydrated(you didn't mention when you are going) Keep hats and sunscreen on the kids(ask Dr if any are under 6mo about the sunscreen) When the kids had enough, don't push them to keep going. Take a break. Even if it is a ride on the monorail or walk through one of the resorts. Maybe split up if one kid needs a break while the others don't. Remember Disney is alot of stimulation for small children. Bring your own strollers for the babies, you will need them outside of the parks too. A sling or carrier works really well in lines and for a break from the stroller. The kids will have a ball. They can go on just about anything with you, obviously not the fast rides like RnRc!!
Any more questions just ask.
Oh, and welcome to the DIS!!!!!

 

[PattiPB]

I agree with the comment about utilizing the Dis for Families board--a wealth of info over there!

1. Make sure the house you are renting has alarms on the windows if it has a private pool. Visit Orlando Attractions board for rental home suggested questions/info.

2. You are doing the GREATEST thing going with other families! This way parents can switch off their kids and go on rides together! We've done this, and it gives all of the adults a chance to do rides as couples while someone else takes control of the children for a little while.

3. I'd try to cut down on the number of strollers in your group by bringing/renting two doubles and one single, instead of each family having their own (4 strollers). This way it's easier to maneuver through a crowd, easier for less adults to move the whole group, and will keep the kids more contained.

4. With one obviously older kid, try to cater to that child's wishes about rides and characters. That's the only kid who will have an obvious preference!

Hope any of that helps! We've taken our kids since birth, and never regretted a minute of it!

Patti