Not sure what to do

[la79al]

I know the value of making it to the parks close to RD. But I have 3 kids on 3 different sleep schedules. DSS is a typical teen, can stay up late but then would sleep until lunchtime if we let him. At the same time, he is pretty flexible in that if we tell him to go to bed earlier and get up earlier, he is fine. DSD can't stay up very late. She will be the very first one awake in the mornings but is a total grouch if she's up too much past 10. DD, right now, is a night owl. She will stay up til 10 or 11 but generally sleeps until about 9. I'm not sure how to adjust things. Do I just wake DD up earlier (she will crash in the stroller when she's tired, she doesn't turn into a grouch) so we can get to the parks as early as possible? Do I try to start that schedule now? The one I am most worried about is DSD as she does get grouchy and is too big to nap in a stroller. So do we just try to adjust everything to her schedule? I know I am probably overanalyzing this but it's crazy enough when we are here at home, let alone when we are all sharing one room and anxious to get somewhere in the mornings.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would let everyone know ahead of time that you will be getting up early, and they need to be happy (as happy as they can be) and make the best of it.

The last trip to WDW I was on with a large group was with my sis and her family. At the time her kids were 16,13, and 7. We didn't make rope drop, as the 7yr old would have been a mess. We did get there within an hour of rope drop, and the crowds were still pretty low. We also have no problem taking a break back at the resort if someone is ready to crash.

I guess what it comes down to is you need to know how far you can push the issue about getting up extra early. There is a fine line between having a child up early that can still function and be happy, and having one up too early who is the crabby and not fun to be around. Find that line and don't cross over!

Good luck!

 

[clutter]

I think you're overanalyzing. You have two adults, right? You can easily make adjustments as necessary on the fly. If dd2 needs to sleep in one day, one adult stays with her and the other takes the bigger kids to rope drop. Really, the biggest reason for RD is for the bigger kid rides anyway. (Except fantasyland.) With two adults you get a lot of flexibility to accomodate kids that may need to sleep in.

 

[dizneechic]

Another option is to dress the ones who struggle in the morning in their park clothes for the next day (assuming it's something simple and comfy) and have simple stuff in the room to grab on the go for breakfast for them. Then all you need to do is roll them out of bed, a quick freshen up and go (they eat on the move). Chances are they will wake up with the commotion in the room from everyone else getting ready, but if not you won't have to worry about getting them ready and they catch a little bit of extra shut eye.