Should we do a Disney vacation? Ages 3 & 5?

[daisy1234]

Help....I was sooo excited about planning a trip to the world and now all I hear from family is negativity...My almost 3 year old needs a nap and naps well at home but not on vacation....so they all think she will ruin the trip. We were going to go in Feb...should we still go...or should we wait a couple years???? I need some encouragement....MIL even suggested that she take the almost 3 year old for a week and we go alone with my almost 6 year old....I just can't imagine a family vacation without the whole family...sure it would be easier with just one...but not sure I could do that..she also would feel so left out....she picks up my UG book and says Disney book! There really is no pictures on the cover to suggest Disney book to a 3 year old!

anyway...thank you everyone!

 

[hollyk]

we went last year for the first time and we had a 1,5,7 year old. and all we kept hearing was oh, just wait until your 1 year old can understand, they wont remember. let me tell you, she does, from the moment we returned, she recognizes anything to do with disney, it was a huge impact. now as far as naps, make do, they will be so excited that it will be hard to sleep. arrive early in the morning, take a mid day break and all take a nap and return in the evening. that works the best for everyone and then you aren't so tired. I would never even think about leaving any of the kids out especially at age 3 it a family trip.

 

[hppy2bhome]

honestly at that age is more for the parents memories then it is the childrens. The look on their faces when their that young is priceless.

enjoy
hppy2bhome

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

GO GO GO!! AND HAVE FUN!! Your kids will LOVE IT!! Our first trip was with dd when she was 3, and it was a BLAST! Yes, she did need to take more breaks, and we went at her pace. You have to be realistic about that. (something i didn't do until we got there about 3 days in, she was READY for a day at the pool, with nothing else to do.) So when we went back when she was 5 (just recently) we knew from the get go.to schedule a day at the park..a day at the pool..and so forth. But she LOVED it both times we went, i think those are great ages to take them. Bring a stroller, trust me..the 3 year old, will be a different kind of tired, you will be pushing, and look down and realize the kid that was wound like a crazy kid a few min. before is sound asleep in the stroller and then you can run around with your 5 year old for a while, so some things they want to do. I remember even at MK, when dd was 3, she was getting kind of cranky..so we found a nice shady spot, i put a blanket over the umbrella of the stroller to block the sun, and i rocked her back and forth in the stroller and sang to her until she fell asleep. (NOT A KID TO TAKE NAPS.) She slept for an hour or so while the rest of us looked around, she woke up and we finished off the day.
Go, have fun!! And send us all some pics when you get back!!

I would also like to add..that the previous poster has a point..it is for the parents at that age, more than the kids. It is something DH and I will NEVER forget, getting to see our little ones face when she enjoys "the magic of disney" at that age when everything is so REAL to her. But i also want to add, that i don't know if my little one has a great memory or what..but she remembers disney, and talks about it quite often, even before we went back for the second time. So the little one might remember so of it too. =)

 

[jenb1023]

Definitely go! DD was 3.5 when we went and we had such a good time that we are going back in January (which is only 9 months after our last trip)!

Some people will say they are too young but my DD remembers more from our trip then we do. Just the other day she was talking about the Lion King show and said "remember we were the giraffes." Now I remember that the different sections of the audience were different animals but I had no clue which animal we were. She also knows some of the words from Small World which we only rode once.

As for the nap thing, our DD had stopped taking naps when we went to Disney. So, on days that we were doing nothing in the evening, we headed back to the hotel in the late afternoon/supper time to swim and were done for the day. On the days we were going to be at a park late (like for Wishes or Illuminations), we would head back to the hotel in the afternoon and she knew she had to take a nap or would not be going to the parks. She knew ahead of time that in order to do everything at Disney that there would be some days she would have to take a nap. We also did them later than we normally would (like 2 or 3 pm instead of 12:30 or 1) so she was tired enough from the day's activities that it was never an issue. She usually passed right out! We are going to a P&PP in January so we will be out very late so DD will be taking a nap this trip too even though she is a little more than 4.

You will have a wonderful time!

 

[Allegro]

We're going the last week of January with my 3 and 5 year olds. Will it be a cake walk? No. But the kids will have a blast and I will have fun as well. I think the key is keeping things in perspective - what you can and can't accomplish with kids that age. There are going to be things that I would love to do that we just won't manage. We're going back to the room to rest every afternoon - rest not necessarily sleep. Quiet time at this age can be almost as good as a true nap.

I have a VERY challenging three year old. We had originally planned this trip for last year but after our summer vacation I knew I didn't want to be on and airplane with him again so we waited until he matured a little (although I'm still not sure I want to be on an airplane with him. ) We WILL be the family that people roll there eyes about and go home and talk about people pushing their kids to much and not allowing them to rest and how little kids don't belong at Disney. That's not a maybe its a given. People should mind their own business. They don't know me, my family or my kid (who will melt down after a wonderful nights sleep and his favorite breakfast) -- he's three -- deal with it (I keep "control" of him as best I can and work hard not to annoy others but come on ...).

I think if you keep your expectations low and your priorities in check your family will have a wonderful time. Enjoy.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

OMG....Go!!!
Our first trip, my youngest was almost 3...
When they get to the point they HAVE to nap...they'll fall asleep in the stroller..
and...that may not even happen. If not...think about how good that nights sleep will be

You guys are going to have sooo much fun and it's soo worth it... you'd regret NOT going much more than if your kids have a 'bad afternoon'...

 

[Drewsmommybear]

I'm going to say what everyone else is saying..... GO! We took our son last year. He was 2 and a half and it was a great time. We were worried about how he would act around the characters but he almost squeezed my DH's head off when he saw Donald for the first time. I actually got teary eyed because he was having so much fun. We're going again this year now that he's 3 so you won't be the only one there with a little person.

I do have to say that you need to know your child's limitations. Don't try to attack the whole park. When it's time for a nap, go take one. If they don't want to ride something, don't make them. And feed them. ALOT

The one problem we had is that one day it started to downpour and we were in a place in Epcot where there was no cover. He screamed and we were running to shelter while people were looking at us. Small problem.

You may also want to make sure your child is prepared. We had a lot of conversations about seeing Mickey. We also watched a lot of Disney movies and I brought along some things to keep him occupied.

But Go! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You know your child the best. Just come home and show them your great pictures

 

[Mom2T&G]

I say go too! We are leaving in 2 days with our 5yo, 3yo and 5mo. We also went when the older 2 were 3.5yo and almost 2. My 5yo remembers almost everything from that trip. It was really fun! They both had a blast. We did have a few meltdowns from my almost 2yo when he didn't get good naps. This time I'm not going to worry about naps. My 3yo only takes them about 1/2 the time at home anyway. If yours still needs them, go back to the hotel in the middle of the day or maybe they'll sleep in the stroller. We had ppl tell us we were crazy for taking them so young too, but we did it and it was wonderful! Go and have fun

Kelly

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[EnchantedPrincess]

Yes, you should definitely go!! We went in August with our 4 and 2 yo and they still talks about it and my 4 yo has been asking when we are going back. Just remember to go at your children's pace and everyone will have a great time!

 

[Elmo888]

Go! If you can deal with 3 and 5 yo at home, you can deal with them on vacation. We went with a 2 yo and 6 yo, and we went back for naps. Well, the 6 yo took naps most days, too! And so did DH. So, even if you don't take the 3 yo, you might need to go back for a nap/break. It isn't just the sleep that some kids need during the day. It is just a break from the overstimulation. My 6 yo was almost 7, and she still needed the break/nap.

Honestly, I'm not sure that I would have taken a 2 yo if I didn't have to. I wanted the trip to be a full week, and, while I might have left my 2 yo for 3 or 4 days, a week seemed like too much (for both her and the grandparents watching her). I just didn't want my 6 yo, who was a month away from turing 7, to wait any longer. My 6 yo was just at that prime age, which is probably how you feel about your 5 yo. I think that 3 yos are so much different than 2 yos, and your 3 yo will get so much out of it. I would definitely take her!

We went in January and stayed at WL. Next time (January 2008), we are getting a suite so the kids can get better rest. If you are worried, this might be the best way to go. The ASMusic Family Suites are less than $200 per night (that's where we are staying).

Whether you are at the park or the resort, enjoy yourself. Take it slow and easy, carry snacks, take breaks, and everyone will have a great time. As the UG book recommends, go with the lowest common denominator. If someone needs a break or food or etc., do it. (In some cases, you will find that the LCD is DH, not the kids!)

Have a great trip!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

OMG...Definately go. They are perfect ages IMO. At that age, they REALLY, REALLY believe in the Disney magic! Happy Planning!

 

[jkcyoung]

GO!!! Our first trip with kids was last Feb (DS almost 2 and DS3). We are leaving again in 10 days, so what does that tell you? We went on our first trip with very low expectations, and the kids truly amazed us. We had such an amazing trip. We didn't do the parks on arrival and departure days, just thought it would be too much with travel and we are doing the same this time around. Most days we went back to the room for a nap. The little guy went right down and my DS3 went down with a little coaxing(back rubs). One day the little one fell asleep on the Backlot Tour(imagine that!) and he stayed asleep in the stroller for about an hour, so we did not return for naps that day. Also our day in AK DS almost 2 fell asleep in the Festival of the Lion King for about 20-30 min. We retuned to Pop that day and they would not nap. So we walked them around Pop in the stroller to see all the icons for some down time. Needless to say they both fell asleep in the stroller waiting for illuminations that night. All in all, we saw and did so much more than we expected. They talk about Disney ALL the time and they don't know about the upcoming trip. I can't wait to surprise them. I agree with the other poster on preping them. We must have wached the planning video and looked at the disney website 10,000 time before we went the first time. You know your kids best, just build your schedule around them. And HAVE FUN!!!

 

[rt2dz]

If you are realistic about YOUR child and what you want to accomplish, you will have a great time. I, too, have a difficult (DH calls him Sybil as he seems to have multiple personalities at times), with health issues, 3yo right now, in addition to my 2yo and 6yo. We go every year--NEXT WEEK!

We go at our kids pace. We let them call the shots, within reason. We do not go to the parks early, it is much better to let them wake up on their own and set the pace. We leave the parks when it is obvious they are done for the day. We find our kids are not better off going to the hotel room for a nap, but taking in-park breaks. One of our favorites is a late lunch/early dinner. It works miracles. We do not go at peek season.

My oldest who quit napping at two, naps at WDW. We'll see this year though since he's almost 7. Luckily, he's thin though and can still go in the stroller easy, weight-wise.

And remember, kids have melt downs. My oldest is the easiest, most laid back child ever. I can count the number of melt downs he has had since he was born on one hand with fingers to spare. Of course, there are people at WDW when he was 4 who probably are saying "You shouldn't bring young kids to WDW because..." and talking about him. It was a snapshot in time and has nothing to do with the vacation. Then, back to DS3, he has multiple break downs every day. It does not matter where, when, or what is going on. He would have that melt down anywhere he was at that moment in time. I'm not giving him the power to dictate the rest of our lives--I'll just remove from as many other people as possible, same as at home. He is actually much calmer at WDW because of how much is going on he forgets to be himself.

I love the memories I have. My kids remember more than I think they do. And once DS3 went at 15 months, he was, and still is, in love with all things Disney. My favorite ages to take them are as older infants, three and four. I would never leave a child behind on a family vacation--it would not be a family vacation then and my heart would ache too much. My mom left me behind when I was two with my grandmother. My mom says all she kept saying is "M-- would love this." They went back the next day with me.

Make whatever decision that you think will work for you, your spouse, and your kids. If anyone else says anything, just say, "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" or "Thanks for your opinion, but our minds are made up" and SMILE.

 

[liznboys]

Don't let those naysayers bring you down!! We have gone with our kids several times now, they've been babies and toddlers and we've dealt with the napping and everything else. Our kids don't nap well ANYWHERE. lol But my gosh, we aren't going to let it stop us from going places and enjoying life! You just go with the flow and deal with it as it comes. You will manage and find your way! Your kids are such a great age to go, both of them. I think 3 is actually a perfect age for a first trip. Our oldest son was 3 on his first trip, it was great! There's nothing like seeing your little one with WIDE eyes taking it all in, they have an absolute blast. And you have a blast watching them!

 

[3amigos]

I agree also. We went in April with my 2.5 year old and heard the same things you are. Much to our surprise it was the most wonderful trip ever. We took a mid day break everyday and went back to the hotel to swim and rest before going back out in the evening, it worked great. We are going back in January and can't wait. You;ll have a great time!

 

[fizz13]

My kids are 3(nearly 4). 6 and 8. In two weeks i will be going on my 7th trip to the world but my first time taking all 3 kids ON MY OWN!! Yep i said it out loud I have done trips with my friends, trips with my ex-DH and trips with the kids. Last October I left my youngest at home and took my then 5 and 7 year old and we had a blast but I was so so sad that youngest DS was missing out. i thought that it was just gonna be an easier trip and that the bigger two would benefit from being able to ride bigger rides but there was so much that made me go...oh I wish DS was here!! I vowed that i would never leave him again.
Whatever age they are there is something at these parks for all and thats what makes them such a great destination for kids of all ages. My 3 year old is gonna go nutsy for the Playhouse Disney breakfast, Fantasyland, he can't wait to get on Dumbo, and of course meet the characters. Now if i waited a couple more years, whos to say that he won't have already outgrown some of this? My 8 year old sits on Its a Small World with her fingers in her ears, and my 6 year old would rather eat liver than let a princess near him.

All I'm saying is they are only at this level for this time right now, I think 3 is the perfect wow mickey magic age and I've been with my kids at every sort of age from 5 months to 7. And yes there are gonna be moments where there may be a tantrum or bickering for stroller space rights but if I slow down, put their needs first and remember that this trip is for them then we are gonna have so much fun. If they need a pool day, no problem. if they wanna ride Winnie the pooh 10 times then so be it. I have a schedule, I have ADRs but the sky will not fall if I throw it out the window.

Please go, have fun, and enjoy this once in a lifetime chance to capture disney joy through a 3 year old

 

[wrighter]

I know I'm coming dangerously close to beating a dead horse here, but I have to concur: GO!!!

We took our first trip with a 3.5 year old and a 17 month old. It was an absolute blast. You will need to do your homework and be prepared with a contingency plan or two, but I guarantee you won't regret it. You will, however, regret it if you don't go.

Some dear friends of ours recently returned from their first trip (with kids aged 4 and 2.) They were so torn about whether or not to take this trip, for the same reasons you're considering not going. They literally waited until the very last day to pay off their package. I kept telling them to GO, but they also had some naysayers chirping in their ear. Upon their return, I asked how it went. The mom smiled the biggest smile and said, "I can't believe we almost didn't go!"

I think most of the naysayers have never taken preschoolers to WDW - they just THINK it would be terrible. But as long as you take the needs of your family into consideration when planning, you will have a blast!

Go, go, go, go, go, go GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

 

[blana]

We're taking DS who will be 2 years, 4 months, in January. I expect him to have a blast. He may not nap, because he hates them anyway, but we can always go back to the room to rest if he starts showing signs of REALLY needing one. My parents love to show the pictures of my niece & nephew fast asleep in their stroller at Disney because they were just SO worn out at nap time. So, go and have fun!