Newbie-"ish" questions

[GingerRage]

Hello all! Long time lurker here!

A little background:

Me - 34 yr old singleton, College Program Alumni, lived in FL for 2 years (2010-2012) so I literally went to the parks every weekend plus some week nights on a regular basis. I can tour any park pretty much blindfolded (not sure if I should admit that! Lol)

I may be a singleton BUT I've "rented" two of my cousin's children ages 3 (girl) and 5 (boy) for their very first Disney adventure as it would be an opportunity their parents would not be able to afford in the foreseeable future.

We will be staying at Wilderness Lodge for our September trip.

We have ADR's (Chef Mickey's and 1900 Park Faire), FP+ all arranged and the Memory Maker. I have rented a double stroller from Kingdom Strollers for the duration of our trip. Last week I did a complete shopping spree for clothes, underclothes, and new shoes (to break in beforehand).

I obviously know lots about my two "rentals", both are early risers, high energy, and late to bed, no naps. I was a Nanny for 10+ years and these two require the least amount of sleep I've ever seen!! I am beginning to think I may be the only one tired on this trip!

We will be attending two MNSSHP's (only entering the park for the parties those two days) and have a 5 day hopper. We have Pirates League appointment for "rental" boy and BBB appointment for "rental" girl for our last MNSSHP.

I plan to work their schedule and have no problem returning to the resort for quiet time, swimming, etc. I've literally seen everything I want to see, this trip is for them and them specifically.

A friend of mine with two of her very own lovely children meeting us for a good chunk of the trip (two girls ages 4 and 6). Also staying at Wilderness Lodge.

Questions:

1) First airplane ride tips (I took these two little ones to Radio City for the Christmas Show where the younger of the two broke out into a very loud and complete rendition of "I came in like a wrecking ball" during the nativity scene...they have huge personalities!)

2) What should I expect from their normal routine, will they vary as the week goes on, is that typical?

3) Any curveballs I may not be anticipating?

4) How do you politely separate from others joining you when needed (a need for space, melt downs, ride preferences, etc)

5) Something(s) I may not think to pack?

Sorry for the long winded post and thank you so much from all of you "family experts"!

 

[Nancyg56]

First, you are in for a treat! Kids and Disney? Best thing ever!!!

AS to their normal routine? WE tried to stick with my DGD normal rising and bedtime. She was a nightowl when she was a tot, so we did not plan RD with her, and kept later dinners. For her there was a difference between arriving for RD and getting to the park early.

WE also found that sometimes she got overwhelmed or overstimulated, and the stroller was a blessing. She is an only, so being able to remove herself from all that crowd once in a while was nice. YOur little ones may not feel that way, the little girls we took with us last August were the opposites and they only used the stroller becase it was wicked hot.

I think kids are interested in the details a lot of adults miss, and those details are often at their eye level. I would let the "plan" go to heck in a hand basket if the children find things that enchant them. They see so many things that are wondrous.

We always bring children Tylenol and ibuprofen, as well as a small neosporin and bandaids.

Don't be surprised if teh best part of the trip is the pool. LOL! When we had finally saved enough to bring my own family (a long time ago!!!) my youngest told us his favoite part of that vacation that involved several FL attactions as well as WDW, was the chocolate chip pancakes. I thought my DH was going to faint.

I found that when you need to separate for any reason there may be times when direct is better than polite. I asked my DD aunt to join DGD, my adult niece and I when Kady was 4. Holy mistake! My DGD had just stated taking a medication for her reflux and some belly lesions that was not under control yet, and it inadvertantly heightened her anxiety level that was already sky high. My SIS IL was all over the poor kid, with so much attention that she was overwhelmed. I finally had to get blunt and tell her to just let me take her off to calm down. The constant hovering was very stressful. If you need to take the kids, or youselves off, just be honest. Your fiend will undestand.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Very nice of you to do this.

I'll probably add more later but I'd suggest:

Bringing a bag of snacks and fun activities for the plane. Stuff they don't normally get (but are mom and dad approved) so they will before excited about them.

I'm sure you already do but make sure you know their allergies and take their meds with you.

Be prepared to visit every single bathroom there is. Ask the children every time you pass one of they need to go. At that age just because they didn't have to go two minutes ago doesn't mean they don't know. And when they have to go it can be urgent it doesn't matter if you are 35 minutes into a 40 minute ride line.

Characters may be overwhelming at first for them. Although they may love them right away. With kids it's a big toss of for their reaction.

Even though they never sleep at home a trip to WDW will wear them out like no other. My DS who never sleeps either was just telling me how the beds at Sports are the comfiest he's ever been in. They aren't at all. He's just so beat by the end of everyday.

Children are the most atypical creatures in the world. Don't ever plan on figuring them out cause once you think you have they will change it all up again.

Kids usually have no concept of dollar amounts so having a certain equal dollar amount for each sounds like a fair plan but it may not work out that way if they are the comparing type. Unless you are going to spoil them throughout, give them a day to look forward to and take them to a store and buy them equal amount of items. You don't realize as a lone adult how everything is for sale everywhere in WDW. Almost every ride exit enters to a shop! The I wants can get overwhelming for kids.

 

[Nancyg56]

Very nice of you to do this.

I'll probably add more later but I'd suggest:

Bringing a bag of snacks and fun activities for the plane. Stuff they don't normally get (but are mom and dad approved) so they will before excited about them.

I'm sure you already do but make sure you know their allergies and take their meds with you.

Be prepared to visit every single bathroom there is. Ask the children every time you pass one of they need to go. At that age just because they didn't have to go two minutes ago doesn't mean they don't know. And when they have to go it can be urgent it doesn't matter if you are 35 minutes into a 40 minute ride line.

Characters may be overwhelming at first for them. Although they may love them right away. With kids it's a big toss of for their reaction.

Even though they never sleep at home a trip to WDW will wear them out like no other. My DS who never sleeps either was just telling me how the beds at Sports are the comfiest he's ever been in. They aren't at all. He's just so beat by the end of everyday.

Children are the most atypical creatures in the world. Don't ever plan on figuring them out cause once you think you have they will change it all up again.

Kids usually have no concept of dollar amounts so having a certain equal dollar amount for each sounds like a fair plan but it may not work out that way if they are the comparing type. Unless you are going to spoil them throughout, give them a day to look forward to and take them to a store and buy them equal amount of items. You don't realize as a lone adult how everything is for sale everywhere in WDW. Almost every ride exit enters to a shop! The I wants can get overwhelming for kids.

Oh yes!!!!!!! We solved the shopping dilemna by giving my DGD an envelope for each day. If she did not spend it all she put the money into the next day's envelope. It was an effective way of breaking down what seemed like a large sum of money into increments she could understand, and allowed her to plan ahead at the same time. Because all those shops!!!!!!!!!

The bathrooms also are like a magnet! Can you tell I miss taking little ones?

 

[richmo]

That is really nice of you to "rent" the kids. Ages 3 and 5 can be a bit challenging and its great you're up for it.

The main thing I'd encourage you to do is to remain flexible and have the knowledge that you're not going to be able to do everything. They're going to be on input overload. Hopefully it won't happen, but they may melt down or hit the wall at totally different times. The Wilderness Lodge pool may be your saving grace. It sounds like you're already anticipating down time, so that's a good thing.

One thing you might want to consider is to somehow have your cell phone number attached to each kid, in the unlikely event one gets lost. There's various ways to do it: attach a tag to shoestrings that won't come off, write the number on a MagicBand, write it directly on them, etc. I'm sure you know that WDW is one of the best places on earth for returning kids to the right place, but them having access to your cell phone number can make life easier for everyone involved.

The other thing is you should get written permission from the kids' parents to obtain medical treatment, as well as any insurance cards they may have. Hopefully you won't need any of that, but better to be prepared.

 

[DLM22]

You are so awesome for doing this for them! Our first trip to WDW, kids were 4 and just turned 6 (3 days before the trip!), so very similar in ages to your rentals. They had a blast (and so did we), but we had LONG days. Even if these kids don't normally nap, I highly suggest "rest time" during the middle of the day. My kids weren't nappers at the time of our trip ("Big kids don't nap!"), but all 4 of us napped every single day of our trip. It helped - a lot.

Other than that, I only have two pieces of advice that I don't think anyone's mentioned. #1 - baby wipes. You might not need them for their hineys, but faces and hands can get unbelievably sticky and dirty and baby wipes are an easy way to get clean and feel a little refreshed in the Florida heat! #2 - Be prepared to have all your plans go out the window, and just roll with it. Our son was SO EXCITED to get made over at Pirate's League but after about 5 minutes of walking around the park having people wave and say hi and comment on his appearance, he freaked and started crying and wanted all the makeup off and his "regular" clothes back on. Oh, actually, here's another tip - that makeup is hard as heck to get off!! (He did the Jack Sparrow-ish version with the heavy eye makeup) It broke my heart to see my son so upset, but we stayed calm and managed to roll with it and he was right as rain after awhile.

Oh, actually, one more thing. Agree to the rules BEFORE the trip. No fair getting them hyped up on Disney Magic and then lowering the boom. Let them know how you expect them to behave, what will be allowed (staying up late, eating ice cream for breakfast , etc) and what will not.

I hope you have a great time!!

 

[DLM22]

That is really nice of you to "rent" the kids. Ages 3 and 5 can be a bit challenging and its great you're up for it.



One thing you might want to consider is to somehow have your cell phone number attached to each kid, in the unlikely event one gets lost. There's various ways to do it: attach a tag to shoestrings that won't come off, write the number on a MagicBand, write it directly on them, etc. I'm sure you know that WDW is one of the best places on earth for returning kids to the right place, but them having access to your cell phone number can make life easier for everyone involved.
.

YES! Forgot this. You can write directly on the kids, or they make temporary tattoos that you can put your phone number on. https://new.safetytat.com

 

[amycakes]

They are going to have so much fun! Great that you are taking them!

Kids are often distressed with their ears on the plane. Try to have some water so they can swallow on the descent to pop their ears before it starts to make them uncomfortable.

Yup, as others have said, you will get to know all the washroom facilities at the airport, on the plane and in the parks! I would bring an extra change of clothes in case of an accident in all the excitement or in case they get wet in the splash areas. Hats are good if they will wear them. Lots of sunscreen in the park bag

Snacks are your friend! Have a few of their favourites handy and plenty of water. The heat wears them down quickly at that age and sometimes they come off cranky when it's really heat exhaustion. Watch for it and take frequent breaks in the A/C.

The hardest time we would have was when the kids would fall asleep on the way home. They are almost impossible to wake and get walking to the resort room. I remember thinking as my husband carried 2 unconscious bodies to the room that I would have been in a pickle without him. We always had strollers from that point on.... and park strollers can't leave the park. Maybe a little umbrella stroller for the 3 year old? You can just leave it in stroller parking when not in use .

Have a plan for when one wants to go on a ride and the other child does not. The friend that is meeting you may be able to help out in this regard. And any mom will understand when you say that the kids are on the edge and need a break from whatever... even if it's you that needs a time out Lol!

If they have a favourite stuffed animal or dolly that they are bringing with them don't bring it out of the room if you can help it! Losing a comfort toy can be disastrous! Haha

It's so wonderful to see the magic through the eyes of the children! Enjoy

 

[GingerRage]

Thank you ALL for your responses!!!

I've already started collecting items for their airplane "fun bags" and have the iPad with headphone splitter loaded with their faves (plus JetBlue has TVs). For the plane I am only nervous because the airplane is set up 2x2 not 3x3 so I will be across the aisle. Nervous a take off or landing freak out will occur and I will feel helpless.

I've already obtained a notarized medical Power of Attorney just in case because I know things can just happen anytime with little ones!

I've also started collecting little surprises to keep them busy in lines (bubbles, glow sticks, etc).

I'm not too worried about the shopping, quite frankly, I am not a "no" person in most regards. Thankfully I am in a position that money for extras is a non-issue. They are the youngest of 5 children (older siblings, they were both adopted at birth from the same bio mommy) and with money being tight they don't ask for much.

Great idea about tattoos or some form of kid friendly identification. If they got lost they would tell them that Mommy and Daddy were at home . I will have to get on that one!

Also, will ask their Mom to pack Advil or Tylenol with dosing info. (I've already given her a box of gallon ziplocs and told her she must pack their stuff that way )

Great call on the wipes and extra outfit! Watching the 3 year hold crawl all over the top on the toilet to get on "by myself" makes me want to bathe her in Purell.

Thanks for the tips on separating if need be. I think I may be the one needing it more than my rentals!

I am uneasy with the new Fast Pass Plus as I'm used to the old way and felt like it would have been easier to adapt to each day's needs easier. With the new system I feel a little locked in and pressured. But, I'm hoping once I'm there I will be able to "let it go" easier. With of course the exception of the highly coveted Frozen Ever After fast pass which gives me nightly heart palpitations.

Any suggestions on "base rules"? They are very well behaved children and I bought gold stickers to put on their First Visit buttons to reward great behavior for "treats". Will "stay with me always", "no running", "stranger danger" and "remember your please, thank you, excuse me, no ma'am/sir, yes ma'am sir" suffice? Yes, I am big on no/yes ma'am/sir and they know that already!

Thank you again! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your wonderful insight!!!

 

[loves to dive]

You can rent me any time you want, just saying a free trip to WDW, how nice.

Since you have been a nanny you probably know they are most likely going to try see how far they can push you, even the greatest child when near their parents can become a holly terror when away. If they are supposed to be polite at home, I don't see any reason to reward it away from home, that might send the wrong message. Also, I wouldn't over book special things. For little ones just being there is special and they can be completely fascinated with the littlest things and even though you might want to spoil them it could end up with a senses overload and backfire. Definitely play it by ear and go with the flow, if they want to ride Small World all day, that is fine. I know when my son was that age even standing in line was an adventure, no games needed, he loved just looking and asking questions.

 

[stobaugh6]

I think a lot of children are actually better behaved when the parents aren't around. Lol! I'm super excited for you!! I am the mom of 7 children and have been to WDW many times with kids the ages of your "rentals". There is nothing like watching a child experience WDW for the first time. You've gotten some great advice already. I don't really have much to add, but I wanted to tell you that I think what you are doing is such a fantastic thing! You are truly a blessing to your cousin and these children. Hope you have a magical vacation!!

 

[GingerRage]

I think a lot of children are actually better behaved when the parents aren't around. Lol! I'm super excited for you!! I am the mom of 7 children and have been to WDW many times with kids the ages of your "rentals". There is nothing like watching a child experience WDW for the first time. You've gotten some great advice already. I don't really have much to add, but I wanted to tell you that I think what you are doing is such a fantastic thing! You are truly a blessing to your cousin and these children. Hope you have a magical vacation!!

You're spot on with behavior, at least from my experience! Parents are generally baffled as to how I got their child to do or try this or that.

According to all of my "rentals" that are all grown up, I apparently only need to cast "that look" for them to auto correct lolol. I have yet to see myself do this "look" but it has proven effective!

 

[GingerRage]

You can rent me any time you want, just saying a free trip to WDW, how nice.

Since you have been a nanny you probably know they are most likely going to try see how far they can push you, even the greatest child when near their parents can become a holly terror when away. If they are supposed to be polite at home, I don't see any reason to reward it away from home, that might send the wrong message. Also, I wouldn't over book special things. For little ones just being there is special and they can be completely fascinated with the littlest things and even though you might want to spoil them it could end up with a senses overload and backfire. Definitely play it by ear and go with the flow, if they want to ride Small World all day, that is fine. I know when my son was that age even standing in line was an adventure, no games needed, he loved just looking and asking questions.

Lol, I have a waiting list! Lol!

My "older" rentals are sad they aren't coming so I made up for it with short weekend trips Ziplining, Outer Banks, and Las Vegas! I love them!

Yes, thank you for the tip on not overloading special stuff! The only reason we are doing two MNSSHP is because one is the day we fly in. I MUST visit MK on the day I arrive lol. They close at 7 and by the time we arrive and are all settled it was looking like we wouldn't arrive until dinner time. So instead of rushing, we can nap, pool, explore and get there leisurely. The 2nd party is with our friends that are joining us!

 

[GingerRage]

They are going to have so much fun! Great that you are taking them!

Kids are often distressed with their ears on the plane. Try to have some water so they can swallow on the descent to pop their ears before it starts to make them uncomfortable.

Yup, as others have said, you will get to know all the washroom facilities at the airport, on the plane and in the parks! I would bring an extra change of clothes in case of an accident in all the excitement or in case they get wet in the splash areas. Hats are good if they will wear them. Lots of sunscreen in the park bag

Snacks are your friend! Have a few of their favourites handy and plenty of water. The heat wears them down quickly at that age and sometimes they come off cranky when it's really heat exhaustion. Watch for it and take frequent breaks in the A/C.

The hardest time we would have was when the kids would fall asleep on the way home. They are almost impossible to wake and get walking to the resort room. I remember thinking as my husband carried 2 unconscious bodies to the room that I would have been in a pickle without him. We always had strollers from that point on.... and park strollers can't leave the park. Maybe a little umbrella stroller for the 3 year old? You can just leave it in stroller parking when not in use .

Have a plan for when one wants to go on a ride and the other child does not. The friend that is meeting you may be able to help out in this regard. And any mom will understand when you say that the kids are on the edge and need a break from whatever... even if it's you that needs a time out Lol!

If they have a favourite stuffed animal or dolly that they are bringing with them don't bring it out of the room if you can help it! Losing a comfort toy can be disastrous! Haha

It's so wonderful to see the magic through the eyes of the children! Enjoy

Thank you!!!

Double stroller is rented from Kingdom strollers so I'm not trying to carry two sacks of potatoes on my own! Lol

I have stacks of their coveted muslin blankies with tags (the tags are apparently the most important part....)

Yep, will pack a spare outfit for a just in case moment!

 

[GingerRage]

YES! Forgot this. You can write directly on the kids, or they make temporary tattoos that you can put your phone number on. https://new.safetytat.com

Thank you!

 

[GingerRage]

You are so awesome for doing this for them! Our first trip to WDW, kids were 4 and just turned 6 (3 days before the trip!), so very similar in ages to your rentals. They had a blast (and so did we), but we had LONG days. Even if these kids don't normally nap, I highly suggest "rest time" during the middle of the day. My kids weren't nappers at the time of our trip ("Big kids don't nap!"), but all 4 of us napped every single day of our trip. It helped - a lot.

Other than that, I only have two pieces of advice that I don't think anyone's mentioned. #1 - baby wipes. You might not need them for their hineys, but faces and hands can get unbelievably sticky and dirty and baby wipes are an easy way to get clean and feel a little refreshed in the Florida heat! #2 - Be prepared to have all your plans go out the window, and just roll with it. Our son was SO EXCITED to get made over at Pirate's League but after about 5 minutes of walking around the park having people wave and say hi and comment on his appearance, he freaked and started crying and wanted all the makeup off and his "regular" clothes back on. Oh, actually, here's another tip - that makeup is hard as heck to get off!! (He did the Jack Sparrow-ish version with the heavy eye makeup) It broke my heart to see my son so upset, but we stayed calm and managed to roll with it and he was right as rain after awhile.

Oh, actually, one more thing. Agree to the rules BEFORE the trip. No fair getting them hyped up on Disney Magic and then lowering the boom. Let them know how you expect them to behave, what will be allowed (staying up late, eating ice cream for breakfast , etc) and what will not.

I hope you have a great time!!

Awesome! Thanks for the tips!

 

[GingerRage]

That is really nice of you to "rent" the kids. Ages 3 and 5 can be a bit challenging and its great you're up for it.

The main thing I'd encourage you to do is to remain flexible and have the knowledge that you're not going to be able to do everything. They're going to be on input overload. Hopefully it won't happen, but they may melt down or hit the wall at totally different times. The Wilderness Lodge pool may be your saving grace. It sounds like you're already anticipating down time, so that's a good thing.

One thing you might want to consider is to somehow have your cell phone number attached to each kid, in the unlikely event one gets lost. There's various ways to do it: attach a tag to shoestrings that won't come off, write the number on a MagicBand, write it directly on them, etc. I'm sure you know that WDW is one of the best places on earth for returning kids to the right place, but them having access to your cell phone number can make life easier for everyone involved.

The other thing is you should get written permission from the kids' parents to obtain medical treatment, as well as any insurance cards they may have. Hopefully you won't need any of that, but better to be prepared.

Thank you! Will definitely work on identification for them!

And I've already gotten a medical POA so I won't be sweating should something go awry!

 

[GingerRage]

Very nice of you to do this.

I'll probably add more later but I'd suggest:

Bringing a bag of snacks and fun activities for the plane. Stuff they don't normally get (but are mom and dad approved) so they will before excited about them.

I'm sure you already do but make sure you know their allergies and take their meds with you.

Be prepared to visit every single bathroom there is. Ask the children every time you pass one of they need to go. At that age just because they didn't have to go two minutes ago doesn't mean they don't know. And when they have to go it can be urgent it doesn't matter if you are 35 minutes into a 40 minute ride line.

Characters may be overwhelming at first for them. Although they may love them right away. With kids it's a big toss of for their reaction.

Even though they never sleep at home a trip to WDW will wear them out like no other. My DS who never sleeps either was just telling me how the beds at Sports are the comfiest he's ever been in. They aren't at all. He's just so beat by the end of everyday.

Children are the most atypical creatures in the world. Don't ever plan on figuring them out cause once you think you have they will change it all up again.

Kids usually have no concept of dollar amounts so having a certain equal dollar amount for each sounds like a fair plan but it may not work out that way if they are the comparing type. Unless you are going to spoil them throughout, give them a day to look forward to and take them to a store and buy them equal amount of items. You don't realize as a lone adult how everything is for sale everywhere in WDW. Almost every ride exit enters to a shop! The I wants can get overwhelming for kids.

Thank you so much for the tips and insight!!!

 

[GingerRage]

First, you are in for a treat! Kids and Disney? Best thing ever!!!

AS to their normal routine? WE tried to stick with my DGD normal rising and bedtime. She was a nightowl when she was a tot, so we did not plan RD with her, and kept later dinners. For her there was a difference between arriving for RD and getting to the park early.

WE also found that sometimes she got overwhelmed or overstimulated, and the stroller was a blessing. She is an only, so being able to remove herself from all that crowd once in a while was nice. YOur little ones may not feel that way, the little girls we took with us last August were the opposites and they only used the stroller becase it was wicked hot.

I think kids are interested in the details a lot of adults miss, and those details are often at their eye level. I would let the "plan" go to heck in a hand basket if the children find things that enchant them. They see so many things that are wondrous.

We always bring children Tylenol and ibuprofen, as well as a small neosporin and bandaids.

Don't be surprised if teh best part of the trip is the pool. LOL! When we had finally saved enough to bring my own family (a long time ago!!!) my youngest told us his favoite part of that vacation that involved several FL attactions as well as WDW, was the chocolate chip pancakes. I thought my DH was going to faint.

I found that when you need to separate for any reason there may be times when direct is better than polite. I asked my DD aunt to join DGD, my adult niece and I when Kady was 4. Holy mistake! My DGD had just stated taking a medication for her reflux and some belly lesions that was not under control yet, and it inadvertantly heightened her anxiety level that was already sky high. My SIS IL was all over the poor kid, with so much attention that she was overwhelmed. I finally had to get blunt and tell her to just let me take her off to calm down. The constant hovering was very stressful. If you need to take the kids, or youselves off, just be honest. Your fiend will undestand.

Thank you!!! Yes, I'm fully prepared to say "to heck with the plan" with the exception of that stinking Frozen fast pass! Lol

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you!!! Yes, I'm fully prepared to say "to heck with the plan" with the exception of that stinking Frozen fast pass! Lol

I said that too, yet it was the A&E M&G FP that I ended up ditching, after staying up til after midnight, screwing the entire thing up and then getting tech support to fix it. LOL !!!!!! I do not think I could get rid of the FEA FP!

You will have so much fun!