Stay together or split at parks?

[NewWorld Traveler]

We have three kids ages DS 9, DD 7, & DD 3. Because of this, there is a spread in terms of maturity and height which will affect the rides they can go on. In your experience, is it better to stick together as a group and mix in different ride types, or should we split up to allow the children to ride age appropriate rides?

 

[williamson_ja]

We have spent time doing both, which is what I recommend. When we first get to a park, we like to spend time together as a family. We do the baby swap when we need to. Then, later in the day when the older kids are still going strong, but the little one needs a break, we split up. Sometimes I take the little one back to the hotel for a nap and a swim, sometimes we just go see a show together. It depends on our mood.
My suggestion is that you make sure to spend some time together as a family, but you can also split up from time to time when the little ones need extra care.

 

[mom*to*2*princesses]

We do both, with our two girls who are three years apart. Also, one is a thrill ride fiend and the other isn't. It's crucial to everyone's fun that we split up from time to time. The biggest pitfall is that the younger one sometimes gets upset when her sister is off doing things without her, so we have to be careful how we handle that. I always plan plenty of things together interspersed with time for them to do what they really enjoy the most.

Kerri

 

[klacey1]

I agree with the others-- stay together in the morning and enjoy rides everyone likes-- Dumbo at MK, Nemo at Epcot. Then, maybe have a family lunch and then split up after. Mom with the 3 year old and Dad with the big kids. Maybe you can swap later so the parents can spend equal time with both sets of kids. Then perhaps you can all meet up for dinner and one or two more rides as a family.

 

[tiffany2009]

Our last trip was four days. We stuck together the first three days. On the last day the boys (twins--5) went to DHS with Dad and I took our three year old daughter to MK. I told her she could do whatever she wanted since she was so good with the baby swap. We rode Peter Peter Pan five times! It was a very special day for both of us.

If you do split, I suggest having a stroller that is very easy for the buses. My Peg Perego was too big and old and I had a difficult time. I saw a lot of Volos . . .

 

[jenharring]

these were all great tips. thanks for asking that.