Stressing out about our trip

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

We will be going to WDW on Friday. My parents are going taking us (me, DH, DS9, DD2, DB, SIL, MIL) for Christmas this year. I have a DD3 that is driving me nuts! I did ask my mom nicely if we could take the trip in a few years when DD is older but she said not to worry that everyone would help. Yeah right. When is comes down to a 3 year old all they want is mom. The only one who is really hands on in the group is my SIL but she will only be with us a few days of the trip. My MIL does not know what to do and my mom (I love her to death) helps for awhile but then is it all me and DH. I am not an ungreatful person at all. Just want them to get their moneys worth and also not stress out the entire time as DD is melting down. Will DD be better at WDW as she will have things to do (she is also very small for her age and can't go on alot of rides) and rides to ride? My mom wants to spend tons of time in AK as it is her fav park (mine is MK). It seems to me there is more to do in MK for little children vs AK. What to do, what to do.....................

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

Maybe mom can take your older kids to the AK with her, and tell your mom you'll meet up with her later because your DD (3) will do better in MK. Try not stressing about tantrums that may or may not occur. Just deal with them as they come. Try to enjoy yourself!

 

[adventure_woman]

I took my DD (then almost 2) by myself for 8 days in August. I was worried about it, how I would get a break, etc. But really, I don't remember her having any tantrums or fits. I know she is younger, but she just had so much fun. Even tonight I was thinking - HOW DID I SURVIVE BY MYSELF??! But I realized that she was an angel there (vs. a stinker here...) Just got at your DD3 pace, don't stress out and if someone wants to do something different, tell them you'll meet them later.

 

[brockash]

I would just relax and enjoy your time with your entire family including your 3 year old IMHO I think 3 is about the best time to take a little one (obviously it depends on your kiddo) but I think you're going to have a great time. It's so magical at that age. I took my DS when he was 3 with only extended family (DH was in Iraq) and we had a great time. I've taken them again since once w/DH when DS was 5 and DD 5 months, and it was fun. We went again about 2 months ago (DS 6 and DD 17 months) without DH and also had a wonderful time, and I just can't wait until she's about 3 to go again. Just take your time and if you all need a break go back to the hotel. I agee that there's much more to do especially for your 3 year old at MK. If it ends up AK is only going to work for you guys for only l day, just let the rest of the family know in a nice way, -I would think they'd be understanding. Good luck, and have a wonderful time

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

Thank you for your support. Just having a difficult day with DD. DH had to go out of town for work today until Wed., snowing like crazy here in WI, packing for the trip (that the kids don't know about). I know we will have a great time and I did warn my parents ahead of time that if she gets tired we will take her back to the house for a nap or down time (and they can stay with DS)

 

[aanderson5]

Don't worry. You will have a great time with DD. There is more stuff that she will be able to go on than not. You can check out the height requirements on Disney's site for a full list but it is really only the big thrill rides that the smaller set can't go on.

We went went DS was 2 and had such a great time but I am even more excited to go this year when he is 3. I think it will be such a fun age at Disney.

I know life can be overwhelming at times with a toddler but try to relax, you are going on vacation. Take whatever help you can get. Even if it is just 20 minutes while the IL's take DD on a ride. A few minutes to sit and soak up the atmosphere can do wonders. And make sure you get at least one night to go out just with DH. Have a great trip.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Don't worry! Took DS2 in May and now DS3 on Wednesday. Both trips were/are with extended family, too.

There's not a lot he can't ride. Very few rides have height requirements (especially in MK), so don't let that be an issue. The ones that do, most three year olds have no interest in riding, anyway.

I agree with a PP who said three is a GREAT age for WDW!! They believe everything is what it is...it's really Mickey, we're really in a flying elephant and sometimes, unfortunately, it's a real witch!

Don't overthink it. You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[mommy2paris]

You guys will still have a great time.
We went last year, 09/07, with our 2 dd's, who were 7 months and 2 yrs 7 months.
Our oldest is also "difficult", lol... I will admit that she did have several break downs, some tantrums, and more than her fare share of crying... Including an intense dislike for any characters.
With that said... we just worked through the rough times when they happened, and then moved on. (I also took some pics of her during her "moments", and she likes to look at them and laugh now.)
We still had a great time, lots of fun,& many magical moments! I wouldn't have traded the trip or skipped it, looking back.

In fact, it must not have been too bad... We are leaving friday to head back for 10 days!!

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

OP here As the trip gets closer I am getting more relaxed. I got alot of packing done yesterday (along with removing 9 inches of snow from the driveway)! I just have to pack my own clothes, pack the kids backpacks and make lunches for the plane. Thank God my DH is comming home early from a work trip! That will really help me out (another snow strom is on the way so HE can blow the snow!). Anyhow, FL should be WAY BETTER than Wisconsin right now. All I see is snow as far as the eye can see................

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Oh, I have SOOO BTDT!!! I have 4 kids, and the "high maintenance" one is now 11. He's still high maintenance, but in a different way! We took several extended family trips when he was little. I'll offer you some tips, but feel free to ask any questions, too.

First off, about extended family. We found that travelling in a "pack" didn't work for us. Instead, we did the same parks on the same day (most days), meeting up for breakfast and dinner.

Second, DH and I are masters at "divide and conquer". Right now, our kids are 13, 11, 5, and 2. So, what this means is, we switch off having little kid duty (nap after lunch, etc.) and big kid duty (Space Mountain, ToT, etc.). With your group, this might be you and Dh splitting up some, and also your older DS spending an afternoon with the other adults, etc. The point of the vacation is for everyone to have a good time. If DD needs a break, she should get one. Forcing her to hew to someone else's agenda won't work.

I have never noticed my younger children caring about the "big kid" rides. Of course, we generally do them while the little guys are napping in the room, just because it's easier. DD5 is kind of on the cusp, we would let her choose if she wanted to try, say Splash Mountain. Some of the most fun things for the little guys are the cheap stuff, like finding Mickey glitter in the street. And they tend to love the hotel pool, so make sure you plan some time there.

Mostly, listen to your instincts as a parent. If your mom wants to do AK two days, that's fine for her. Maybe not the best for your family, so consider doing something else (sleep in, hotel pool, Toontown Fair at MK, whatever). The vacation will go the smoothest if you're flexible.

I don't have any suggestions on the idea of parenting help from family members--I've never had a family member that would do that. Although my MIL did take DS11 for a solo trip to DHS when we were there in August. But, if you and your DH switch off occasionally, hopefully you'll get to enjoy some adult type stuff and a bit of a break.

It does get somewhat easier with time. You'll get a payoff in 10 years, when your DD wants to shop World Showcase with you!

 

[GRUMPY D]

go and have fun some of my best times with my ds(4) was just watching and chasing the ducks and birds at the parks, playing in the water fountains and looking for hidden mickeys and dont be surpised if your dd is a daredevile my ds loved the pirates and haunted mansion we had to ride them both three times, and at ak do the kilimanjaro safari your dd will love seeing the animals