Rent-Hitch-Kid's---HELP????????

[Princess Dad]

You all have been so helpful with my other questions, so I thought I would hit you with 2 more.

We are taking our 4 year old and possible our 1 ½ year old daughters (thus the princess dad). We have an offer on the table from the grandparents to keep the 1 year old for the week. My wife and I really torn here, we want to take her with us, but we think it might be hard on both the baby and us. Also, we really like the idea of the 4 year old going to the resort kid’s night program and us getting out. (By the way any feedback on that program would also be appreciated) Anyway, we are trying to convince the grandparents to come (and have the best of both worlds), but it does not look like that is going to happen. I would love to hear if any of you have had a similar situation and what you would recommend.

My second question kind of relates to my first. Given that we will be taking a 4 year old and possible a 1 ½ year old, should we rent a car? Again we are staying at AKL in the first week of Dec. I would rather not fork out the money, but if we are doing the nap thing, I also do not want to risk waiting a long time. Any thought would be appreciated and thank in advance for your help.

 

[LynnTH]

Well, if it was me I wouldn't even consider leaving the 1 year old at home. Disney is so great for kids of all ages and to see them at all the different ages is priceless. Also, they are at a great age because they are free. I know I couldn't take one child and not the other but many people do it and have a great time. It would be great if the grandparents would come down too - that would solve everything. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[califred]

I took my 18 mos old last time and really it was probably really boring for him.

If one of my parents was willing to keep my younger child I'd go w/o them until they were older also. NOw if they were closer to 3 I'd probably take them as well.

 

[kiddoc]

We have taken a 16 month old with a 3 year old and had a blast. That said, staying at AKL is a long bus ride. We prefer a rental car for the trips back and forth to the hotel and parks--we go in and rest/nap/swim most every day. It is not a necessity, by any means, but a luxury we enjoy. That said, we are taking advantage of the free DME on our next trip -- couldn't turn down FREE! If we get there and really miss the rental car, we will rent from the on-site rental agency and be able to get an inexpensive economy car instead of a full-size or minivan we usually get to hold luggage to and from the airport.

Have a great trip!

 

[Princess Dad]

We have taken a 16 month old with a 3 year old and had a blast. That said, staying at AKL is a long bus ride. We prefer a rental car for the trips back and forth to the hotel and parks--we go in and rest/nap/swim most every day. It is not a necessity, by any means, but a luxury we enjoy. That said, we are taking advantage of the free DME on our next trip -- couldn't turn down FREE! If we get there and really miss the rental car, we will rent from the on-site rental agency and be able to get an inexpensive economy car instead of a full-size or minivan we usually get to hold luggage to and from the airport.

Have a great trip!

Thanks that is a good tip... Do you know how far away the rental sites are and if they are more expesive?

 

[scorpad99]

I would definetly take them up on the offer and spend the quality time with your 4 year old. Its tough on babies dragging them thru the parks, this way you can focus on the one child. My kids r only 18 months apart, and I didnt take them to disney til the younger one was 6.........I couldnt imagine taking them any younger with 2. Good luck , no matter what you decide, I`m sure you`ll have a great time, after all we`re talking Disney!

 

[Safari Queen]

An 18 month old child is going to really limit what the rest of you can do. Most attractions are too scary and they get overstimulated or bored waiting for others. Give your 4 year old some "alone time" with the two of you and wait until the little one is older. It'll be great for both children.

 

[kelscross]

The first trip we took, my DDs were 1 1/2 and 2 1/2. They both had a blast. Sure there were some rides they couldn't get on, they still can't get on some (they are now 4 and 5) because they are very little for their age. We didn't do the parks commando style, did the vacation at their pace and it was fine. I say take them both.

 

[Minniepooh29]

I would definetly take them up on the offer and spend the quality time with your 4 year old. Its tough on babies dragging them thru the parks, this way you can focus on the one child. My kids r only 18 months apart, and I didnt take them to disney til the younger one was 6.........I couldnt imagine taking them any younger with 2. Good luck , no matter what you decide, I`m sure you`ll have a great time, after all we`re talking Disney!

I have never had the offer, we don't have anyone willing to take our young children. But that being said all of mine have been to WDW at very young ages. My 2 year old will be on his 5 th trip. I would really have to figure out how many times my other kids have been there. I have been to MK every year since it has opened. Most years more than once. We have been staying on site wdw since 97. ( now we wouldn't think of staying anywhere else) Not bad for a NY girl. If you want to take your 18 month old they will have fun. If you want to take advantage of the baby sitting thats fine too. My older son will be missing our Feb trip, he is going to Ireland with one of his friends and their family. He is 14. Have a great trip which ever you choose.

 

[3DisneyKids]

We took our 1.5 year old last year (and a 3 y.o and 5 y.o.) and it was wonderful...AND most importantly, she remembers it! She may not always remember it, but she sure does right now. She says "I want to go back to Disney World" all the time! She fell in love with Pooh there and is still a pooh-obsessed little girl.

We really debated whether or not to leave her (g'parents offered, same as you) as we didn't want to deal with the whole diaper/nap thing, but she turned out the be the easiest of the three! LOL. She napped in the stroller and we didn't have to worry about "I have to go to the bathroom" right when it was finally our turn to get on a ride!

DO IT and enjoy!

P.S. Yes, we rented a car and were super glad we did!

 

[megan4777]

Our DD#1 was 3m when we left her home for our honeymoon. My parents kept her home and I would talk to her several times a day on my cellphone (I was pathetic and probably called every 20 min)
Our DD#2 (who is only 3m)is VERY interested in Everything going on around us. I couldn't imagine leaving her home. She watches the tv when DD#1 does, looks for whoever is talking, is big into bright colours...etc.
I would imagine your DD is very interested in everything and would love to experience it all, along with your family.
We have a similar offer from my Dh's mom. We could leave DD#2 if we chose but I couldn't imagine leaving her behind. I'm pathetic, though
What works for one family may not work for another. Keep reading other's experiences and see what you think may work for you. Good luck!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

For us it's never a question. We take them with us. Our first trip dd was 8 months old and ds was 2.5. They both had a blast! We then went back when dd was 17 months old and ds was 3 and we still had a great time! (I was also preggo with #3 at the time (and still am!). The kids had so much fun! My dd loves Micky Mouse! Both times were different for each of them. Maybe they won't remember but we will. There are so many things that you do for your kids that they wil never remember but the parents will. I know ds will never remember his first day of school but it is ingrained inmy heart and mind forever. So for me personally- I would take both kids. Watching them enjoy everything will be magical for you and dw. Oh- and we went on almost every ride (except for the roller coasters etc.) and the kids were enthralled!!! Good luck with your decision.

 

[ZippyDooDah]

We have taken our son at 5 mths, 11 mths, 1.5yrs, 2 and 2.5 yrs. We would feel terribly guilty leaving him at home because he has enjoyed WDW (at least aspects of it) each time. But some of the disadvantages are:
1. it's cumbersome with one child (ie. transportation, rides, parent switch), I can imagine it's worse with two
2. parent switching at some rides will be necessary with the baby
3. diaper changing AND potty time...can be taxing on a mother
Although:
1. the parks have very nice "baby station" areas; nicer, cleaner, and homier than the public bathrooms
2. kids don't HAVE TO take their nap in a bed; our DS will nap in his stroller just fine; find a quiet shaded area and just relax for a while; very nice
3. to see the looks on their faces when they see Mickey for the first time or the fireworks show...WOW! It'll tear you up.

Our DS has always been a mild-mannered, easy-going child, so he is rarely a problem. And we only have one child, not two. But we wouldn't dream of going without him. Good luck in your decision; hope this helps.

 

[Schmeck]

If you don't take the 1 1/2 yr old, what will you tell her when she sees photos from the trip, and she's not in them?