Pre-trip Jitters...

[SnowWhite33]

I have 6 days to go and I'm starting to get the jitters. I'm worried over the usual stuff, weather and crowds- even more so with the ADR issues, room availibility, and the ongoing storms. The other thing that has me worried is the fact that I'm taking my dgd(3) for the first time. We have never taken such a young child (or a "princess"-I'm the Mom to 4 boys and girls are definitely different!). We are also taking our youngest son who is 10 and very much used to having 100% of Mom and Dad's time-all of our other boys are out of the house . I know that she will require a little more attention and that things will go slower than our usual pace with some of the added attractions we'll include for her that normally we skip. But I don't want him to feel any less special.

The plan for her is to go back to the room and take naps-we usually do for us anyway. The plan for him is to have a Mom/son only evening EMH at MK and a Dad/son only day at the water parks. I've also bought him the Hidden Mickey book and I think he'll really like that.

Any other suggestions-I'm really second guessing myself on this one with the dgd

 

[Martha7]

Maybe you can let your ds know ahead of time that you'll be counting on his help with your dgd. Try to build him up as an important helper and then reward him for understanding. It could be a great learning opportunity for him and a self esteem builder as well! I don't have any specific ideas, since I've never taken a three-year old girl either! Have a great time!

 

[bjakmom]

I feel your pain !! Last night I finally gave in and took some TylPM just to shut my brain down and get to sleep !! This trip I am taking both my DDs (25 &28), my DGrD (just 2), my sis and DNeph(turning 8 on the trip). Just took DGrD and DNeph to Sesame Place for a 'trial run' and yes, it was a challenge - but we had sooo much fun, too !! I'm really excited to return to WDW with a little tiny one and watch her see Mickey and the gang for the first time !! We last took her at 5 1/5 mos., but she's walking now - whole new deal for us like it is for you !! Enjoy your DS at 10 - what great trips I had with my DS when he was that age (also a later-life 'only' child who travelled alone with us when DDs were in h.s./college) - he loved the hidden mickeys - and pin trading - he is 16 now and can't (not that he cares to ) leave school for the trip - makes me miss those days !! I'm off to finish our Halloween costumes, pack, clean and make a few more t shirts - Have a wonderful trip - your plan sounds great !! - Breathe!

 

[SnowWhite33]

Thanks for the reassurance-I think it's just a bit of panic creeping in. Everyone have a safe and magical trip!!

 

[ainmama2001]

I'm taking my dd (3) my parents (both in their mid 70's), my MIL (62) my DGIL (82) along with my husband and my BIL and SIL. Talk about logistical nightmare! I decided to make an intinerary for us that they are more than welcome to share. If not, they can go their own way and we'll meet back for dinner. We're taking nap breaks too...HAVE to with the little ones.

BTW- I'm leaving on Wednesday and I can't sleep EITHER!

 

[Houston_Disney_Fan]

Leaving on Friday myself. I'm breathing a HUGE sigh of relief that Hurrricane Rita went the other way, or I'd probably be spending that vacation here, picking up debris and dealing with insurance companies. I feel bad for the folks in Beaumont and other affected areas, tho.
Hope everyone has a great trip! It's almost impossible not to at Disney, it's like the real world just disappears for a while.

 

[legalslave]

It may be too late, but you might try to get your DS on one of the pirate cruises. It would be something just he would do (he'd have a little time away from the little one and from the rest of the family). Also, the little girl would probably love Beauty and the Beast at MGM and hate Indiana Jones (and vice versa). Maybe that could be done separately, too (Dad and son to Indiana Jones and Grandma and DGD to B & B). You could also let him feel helpful by letting him take his niece on Dumbo, Aladdin's Flying Carpets, Primeval Whirl, etc. (unless you want to do these yourself).

 

[SnowWhite33]

It may be too late, but you might try to get your DS on one of the pirate cruises. It would be something just he would do (he'd have a little time away from the little one and from the rest of the family). Also, the little girl would probably love Beauty and the Beast at MGM and hate Indiana Jones (and vice versa). Maybe that could be done separately, too (Dad and son to Indiana Jones and Grandma and DGD to B & B). You could also let him feel helpful by letting him take his niece on Dumbo, Aladdin's Flying Carpets, Primeval Whirl, etc. (unless you want to do these yourself).

I've read some stuff about the pirate cruise and for whatever reason I thought it was geared more toward the younger kids . I think that letting him take her on the rides you listed is a wonderful idea, I'm not crazy about any of them as it is!! Thanks so much for the suggestions!

 

[legalslave]

The pirate cruise is for 4-10 year olds. Have a magical trip!! I don't go until December 5!