Nervous Mom

[arielslm]

Hello all. I'm new to the site, because I'm trying to find out as much information as I can before my husband and I travel to Disney from Jan. 28th to February 3rd via plane with our four kids ages 17, 5 1/2, 3, and 16 mo. I'm to the point now where I'm wearing myself out and now nervous about the trip. Nervous because my husband doesn't really want to go, I'm trying to keep my 17 yr old from falling behind in school, I know my 5 year old will love it, my 3 year old is a very difficult and crys and holds his breath at the drop of a hat, and my 16 month old is really to young. However I myself am suffering from withdraw because I love Disney and I want my 5 year old to see Buzz before he outgrows him. Am I nuts?!? It's now to late to change plans because tickets have been bought and I don't want to waste the money. Has anyone gone on a trip with this many kids and survved without major damage?

 

[nextidiot]

Just go at your own pace and make the most of your trip regardless of the obstacles. You and your DH will tire long before your kids will and your youngest will stage a mutiny by day two and try to hijack your vacation. Take it in stride and be prepared to split up the group for several hours at a time.



I wish you luck. ixiedust:

 

[NemoMOm]

I took DS at 18 mos and he loved it. I don't think your 16 mos will be too young. We let him watch Mickey clubhouse so he would know Mickey. Also he loved the rides. He would yell RIDE! everytime we passed by one. The first time he did not understand that we had to wait in line or that we had to get off, but we explanined to him and repeated the process and he got it. Remember to take them back to the hotel and nap. Have lunch early then head home. When they wake up give them a little time to wake up then take them back to the parks. It makes a big difference. Let me know if you would like anymore tips. I only have the one but he turns 2 in Feb and this will be his 4th trip from NY. So, we are veterans.

 

[PeabodyJen]

Arielslm, I would highly encourage you to try your best to relax and try not to have any expectations of what you think the trip will be like. I have a challenging child and have a tendency to set my expectations high for things like this, and often end up disappointed that everything didn't go as I'd hoped. I'm learning to live in the moment and try to enjoy the good with the bad, and appreciate this thing called life! Take a deep breath, hope for the best, but definitely go with the flow. I imagine everything will be great and you'll find plenty of magic to go around. Good luck!

jen

 

[momz]

you can do it. make sure the 5 yo understands what is expect of them, consider a harness/leash for the 3 yo because he/she might not want to ride in the stroller the whole time. have plenty of snacks, take your time. let the kids smell some flowers and poke along a bit. don't expect to hit every attraction. take it slow and easy.

 

[arielslm]

After reading your replies and reading other threads I've learned a lot, but the bottom line is to take our time, listen to the kids needs, and try to enjoy ourselves. I think this forum is so awesome for anyone that's looking for advice on traveling to Disney no matter what your family make-up or needs are. A special thanks to those who responded. I appreciate your time and helpful words. With much appreciation, arielslm

 

[calif disney 1]

It's to bad you were not here this weekend, Downtown Disney was auditioning for that show the "Nanny" maybe she could have helped... Ha but I am sure once everybody gets to disney the magic will begin...good luck

 

[vacation dreamer]

Hello all. I'm new to the site, because I'm trying to find out as much information as I can before my husband and I travel to Disney from Jan. 28th to February 3rd via plane with our four kids ages 17, 5 1/2, 3, and 16 mo. I'm to the point now where I'm wearing myself out and now nervous about the trip. Nervous because my husband doesn't really want to go, I'm trying to keep my 17 yr old from falling behind in school, I know my 5 year old will love it, my 3 year old is a very difficult and crys and holds his breath at the drop of a hat, and my 16 month old is really to young. However I myself am suffering from withdraw because I love Disney and I want my 5 year old to see Buzz before he outgrows him. Am I nuts?!? It's now to late to change plans because tickets have been bought and I don't want to waste the money. Has anyone gone on a trip with this many kids and survved without major damage?

First take a DEEP breathe and slowly let it out.......OK now that I feel better.......and hopefully you, too. My hubby wasn't into going our first time and he just said today that he hopes he can join us soon on another trip sometime this year. I'm hoping your hubby is an involved Dad and will help you with the little ones. One suggestion is maybe to leave Dad and the 2 little ones at your resort mid-day for a nap and just you, the 17 and 5 year old enjoy some park time. You need to rest your mind and think good thoughts!

 

[akrake]

i just took my four by myself...I would have loved to have a teen to help me!! It will be fine....you can see how I did it if you read my trip report (See link in signature).

even if your husband doesn't want to go...once he gets there he won't be able to resist the disney charm!!

are you staying onsite? that will make it MUCH easier (faster to get back to hotel, etc).

 

[gottalovethem]

Let the kids know what types of behavior are expected at Disney and repeat it daily. Every day go over what happens if....you get lost, need to go to the bathroom, see something across the way... etc.

The youngest, including your 3 year old, will know what to expect and will be able to lend a hand. Just set those expections now and repeat it daily. I'd get a double/triple stroller if you can. Or a double and a single, as you will have others to help push two strollers.

I took three, then ages 4, 3 and 6 months, and it worked out fine. Go at their pace.

Good luck, relax and have fun. Know that you will not be able to do everything, but anything you do will be an exciting experience.

Good luck!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

We went in march 2005. We also have 4 kids! At the time they were 11 months, 3, 5, and 8. My kids knew they had to stay by my side at all times, and knew what was expected of them. We had dd11 months in her own stroller, and rented a double. We had a blast, we had no problems! Just don't overplan, you should be fine.

 

[susykt4]

I only have 2 kids (DD6 and DS4). DD loved her first trip at 17 months. She enjoyed the rides (esp Fantasyland) but was also completely fine with the slightly more intense rides such as Pirates and Haunted Mansion. She also liked the characters.

DS is a strong-willed, independent little pain in the booty! He's mostly grown out of tantrums now, but at ages 2 and 3 was awful. For some reason he has been EXCELLENT the two times he's been to WDW. His first trip (just under 2 1/2) DH and I decided to make the trip all about princess-loving DD and we had a schedule to take turns taking him back to the resort when he got too awful. We NEVER had to take him back and he NEVER had a major tantrum! (We did break for naps/rest every day.) We went back a year later and he was great once again!

Both kids love Epcot and Animal Kingdom almost as much as Magic Kingdom. Our family likes MGM ok, but my kids are a bit impatient through all the shows and prefer the characters and parade to most of the attractions. Have a blast! It's a great time of year to go!

 

[dsnymomof4]

OP - don't worry - you'll have a great time! Although my 4 aren't as spread out as yours (5-13), we always have a wonderful time and find things that everyone likes. I understand how you feel about the 17yo missing school, but hopefully will be able to catch up when you get back. Just relax and have a good time. Don't try to "do it all". Take breaks when you need to. I think it's great that you want your kids to go before they're too old and that DH is going even though he doesn't really want to (hopefully this trip will turn him into a Disney-lover!) It's hard not to have a great time when you're in Disney - it truly is a magical place.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

You are going to have a great time! Just relax and go with the flow! My dh wasn't that into going when I planned our first trip but now he makes me crazy asking when are we going again?!!! He is more of a Disney lover than all of us! The kids will surprise you. There is so much to see that they will probably be little angels. Don't stress. It all works out in the end!

 

[1of6]

We were there last year with 4 and I agree with everyone that has said to take it slow. Don't be afraid to change your plan if it is not working.