NSSHP and age of kids

[margot31]

So This Oct will be my son's 3rd birthday and my daughters 1st. Their grandmother might just fly out for when we celebrate (depending on husbands work schedule) I am wondering if going to the party is worth it for that age?

I went several years ago we had a 5 year old and 3 year old in the group. I was planning on doing the party for my son's 5th party. We live so close to Disney now that I am excited to do everything I can with him before we move away again (military).

I know I am many months off but wanted to hear if others have gone with such a young age.

 

[westie55]

I took my son to MVMCP this year. He was 16 months old. It was his 3rd trip to Disney and to be honest, staying late in the parks with a baby didn't happen for us. We left after the parade. So basically I paid the extra money for the parade, which I wanted to see. I did also manage to catch the show in front of the castle. I am not rushing to get back to MVMCP. I will wait until my children are older and we can stay out later. You know your child best. If you think she can handle being out late, great. There will be plenty people with babies. If you would be upset to spend all the money only to leave early, then I might wait until your daughter is older. You are paying extra for the special entertainment and character meet and greets. I will do MNSSHP in the future, but I plan to wait until my kids are school age and have a bit more stamina.

 

[Marthasor]

We took our DS to MVMCP when he was 7 and he barely made it through the fireworks (and this was with a day of rest at the resort). Personally, I wouldn't take a 5 year old. Maybe think of something else special to do, like a character meal and a day in one of the parks?

 

[Dismama2boys]

We haven't done the parties, because my kids just don't do any of the nighttime stuff well. We do stay for fireworks once or twice during our trips, and it's just SO hard for us. Kids are super tired and cranky, and it takes a day or two to get our groove back. We've had to leave just before or during fireworks more than once, which is disappointing for everyone. We've taken three trips with kids from 9 months to 4. My guys are now newly 3 and 5, and I won't even consider parties for several more years.

 

[laughinplace199]

Many years ago, we did the party with a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old, but we also had my parents there. The kids lasted until about 9, then they went back to the resort with my parents and DH & I stayed at the party.

 

[snoopy5386]

We have done it many times with young children, I have had 3,4 and 5 year olds make it till 11 or 12. The baby will likely sleep, will she ride in a carrier? Then you can just take her on many rides asleep. Bring a comfy stroller for both and when they pass out enjoy the rest of the evening.

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

I haven't taken my kids to the parties (or Disney at all for that matter) but am planning on MNSSHP this fall during our trip. My DD will be 7 and DS will be days shy of 2. My kids sleep late (they seriously don't wake up until at least 10am) so we don't plan on doing rope drop ever. The day of the party, we will sleep in, relax at the hotel and get a nap in the early afternoon. We have an ADR for Crystal Palace at 415, then will go on rides until the party begins. DD will easily make it through the party, DS may be fine, may fall asleep in his stroller. If he gets fussy, one of us will take him back to the resort early while everyone else enjoys the party, but I really doubt that will be necessary. He sleeps well in the stroller and I imagine he will have a blast seeing everything. Since we will just be relaxing at the resort before the party and he will have time for a nap, I don't think we will have any issues.

Everyone's family is different. Our overall touring plan will be to let the kids sleep in and probably not make it to the parks until around 11 and stay until around 9. If DS gets tired, he will nap in the stroller. Most people would find this to be a terrible strategy because you can get so much done in the mornings. I know everyone in my party will be miserable if I wake them up early, and horribly slow moving. It wouldn't be enjoyable for any of us. It's extremely difficult getting the kids up at 8:50 to take DD to school, I don't even want to think about 7:30 or earlier for a 9 am rope drop WHILE ON VACATION!

Do what you think is best for your family. What works best for some kids, won't for others.

 

[DisneyLove2015]

We did MVMCP when my son was 6 and my niece was 3.

This past year we did MNSSHP with 8 year old son and 19m daughter. We had a blast!!

 

[Kerriowl]

Never been to MNSSHP, but wanting to point out that if you go the night before the 3 year olds birthday when he is 2, you shouldn't have to pay for either of the kids, I think.