Need some opinions on trip with children

[Firescooby]

We are scheduled for our first family trip to Disney Nov 17-24 2010. We haven't been since 1999/2000 Millennium when it was just the two of us.

My daughters will be 6yo and 18 months. We have been really excited, but been doing some "thinking".

We probably won't be able to return for 3-5 years after this trip.

I am just wondering if my youngest daughter might enjoy the trip/ participate in more things if we waited a year (November 2011). We like going this time because we won't have to pull oldest out of school for too many days, it's cooler, and just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday we are hoping to avoid some of the crowds.

Let's hear it.

 

[YodaGirl]

I think that the youngest will enjoy no matter what.

I was 18 months old on my first trip to WDW. I, of course, don't remember it, but my mom says that some of her favorite memories were of that trip.

My brother was 3 1/2 that trip.

DD was 2 1/2 her first trip. She had a blast, but within several months didn't really remember it.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I have always maintained that Disney World is not for children,,it's for adults, and I firmly believe that.
Yes there are several rides/shows/things at Disney for children, but most are geared for adults.
Will the kids have fun,absolutely,,will they remember the trip, who knows ,, but more importantly is that you'll have fun with your children and take away memories from the trip that can be shared with the little ones later.
Hava great time !

 

[arielmomma]

It is true, your youngest will not remember this trip and that is something to consider.

Nonetheless, I would still go. You and your children will still have a wonderful time this year. Some of my favorite memories were when my children were toddlers (it wasn't that long ago, my youngest is only 3). Then, if (what am I saying - WHEN -) you return in 3-5 years your youngest will be about the age of your oldest now. They will be able to look back over the pictures together and the oldest will be able to be the "tour guide" remembering and sharing all of the great experiences you are going to have with your youngest.

I have a lot of health problems in my family so I must admit that I'm a huge "live for the day" person. Why prolong a trip that you already have planned? Take it. Have a wonderful time. You know you'll want to come back even if it takes a few years. Look at what WDW has done to all of us!

 

[wak648]

All 3 of my kiddos made their first trips to Disney when they were under a year old. Some of the fondest memories I have is them interacting with the characters during meals, there heads contorting in all sorts of directions so they can see all the lights and activity, and just spending some time with them in the most magical place. I always wondered how much they remembered but I suspect it is a lot. It is very enjoyable to see their faces light up when they see something that is familiar to them.

We head back down in just over a week and I just can't stop smiling when hear my DD7 and DS 5 telling my DS2 (actually turns 2 while we are there) about all the stuff he is going to see and do.

 

[krimi]

My boys are 11,9 and 7 now. I absolutely didnot enjoy trying to cart them around disney, /Seaworld, etc in a two seat carriage when they were younger. They usually passed out early. I especially felt bad for my youngest after the two older boys were able to get on more of the rides and he was stuck in that carriage waiting. You gotta think 30- 40 minutes or more while rest of family is going thru the line etc. Now we get the passes and go multiple times a year. Everybody can walk on their own..and ride everything! Get used to waiting at the exit of rides for parent swap. Your 18 month old will love the fort though. Maybe it was just me?

 

[Disneylitch]

Mine were 5, 3, and 18 month on their first trip to The Fort. Actually, at this point in time, 26, 24, and 22, they don't really remember anything. However, all of them had a great time. Also, look at it this way, at this age they are also free. The only advice I can give you is to take it slow and have a great time. If they nap at home, well have them nap at The Fort. That's what we did and mainly avoided meltdowns. We just went at their pace. The 5 year old liked Epcot, but I don't think there is much there for the younger ones. Mine weren't impressed. If you have to pick and choose parks, pick the ones that you think the kids will like best. I wouldn't postpone the trip, you will have a great time.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

Like others have said, even though a toddler won't necessarily remember, you will. The sights & sounds will keep them entertained, take lots of photos & videos. Don't forget the all important afternoon naps for the kids (and you).

When our kids were small and we were using the buses (& other transportation), my wife's job was to heard the kids. My job was pack mule. I would carry the diaper bag, back pack, stroller, & camcorder. I would get on the bus then walk to the rear & stand near the back door. When we got off the bus, I would be first off, set up the stroller & hook the bags to it.

Even though you will miss being able to do some things before the kids came, that one year they will be grown & gone, then you can go back to just the two of you at Disney - at least until the grandkids come...

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

We went in 2007 with a 9 month old. We are going back in December now that she is four. I have some great video of her interacting with the characters, like playing with Minnie's nose at Chef Mickey's. I think she enjoyed herself, although she obviously doesn't remember, I have memories that will last for a long long time.

 

[Srackangast]

We will be there too! same dates! My youngest DD is 4 she has been 5 times and 1 was at 18 mths. She loves everything Disney. Lots and Lots of great memories already Go take your time and enjoy life.

 

[3girlsfun]

My DD's will be 5, 20 months and 10 months when we go! I know they will have a blast, and I will have a blast watching them. Enjoy the trip! It will give you such special memories, and you will have the pictures to show them later in life. That means a lot !

 

[indimom3]

We took my oldest to Disneyland for the first time when she was about 18 months old. She had a blast, and actually retained some of the memories for longer than I thought she would. We had a ball with her.
We took my youngest to Disney when he was about 15 months old. He also had a great time, but we only did 2 park days and took it slow. He's a seasonsed Disney veteran now at 2.5yo and knows his favorite rides and all the characters.

There really is no 'perfect age.' Your trip is very different when you have little ones. I personally think your 6yo is going to have a great time. If you wait until she is 7, will the princesses and fairies have lost their magic for her? That's what I would wonder about.

 

[BradyBz12]

Our friends were at WDW the same time we were in Nov with their 18 mo and 4 year old. Our friends themselves had been to WDW a bunch of times, so this trip was all about the kids. They planned their days around the kids and if they needed to change plans in mid-gear 'cause the kids had had enough, they did. That kept the meltdowns to a minimum. They were also willing to split up and each take a kid to different attractions if that worked out for the best.

Will their 18 mo. old *remember* the trip? Unlikely. But she very definitely had a great time, as did the whole family.

 

[Firescooby]

Thanks everyone, I think you have me convinced to go ahead and go. I know they won't remember, but we will.

We are planning on taking it slow and easy and coming back to the camper during the day if need be and go back in the evening. We won't be going to the park everyday, so we'll have time to enjoy the fort and relax as well.

Thanks!!