Take our three year old to the world or put it off a year?

[meredith1]

I would not trade my memories with my little girl at the age of 2 for anything!

We went back again when she was 4 and again at 5 and again at 6. Now, we are going at 7!

A few weeks ago, I re-watched our videos from her first trip, when she was 2 years old. Nothing compares with it. The thrill on her face was so complete. There was no hint of being self-conscious. It was pure delight!

I agree that you can scale back and not spend so much, too.

A couple of things I found here on the Disboards made me go look at the videos of my little girl's first trip to Disney. Someone posted a youtube link that was worth more than a thousand words. It is absolutely precious. From the video and the pictures, anyone can see how much Disney means to the little ones! If you watch the youtube link, let me know what you think. I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ieBDAlRaqw


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2696012&page=8

I am bawling!!!! There just aren't any words to express how heartwarming this is. My daughter watched and wants to watch it again. Thank you for sharing the links.

 

[meredith1]

Thank all of you for the replies. When booking I was trying to make it nice for all of us. We haven't had fun with my oldest since our twins were born. This trip is for her-without the babies.

I've heard great things about WL...I will check that out.

Again, after watching those video clips, I see where many of you are coming from when you say, "pure magic." That's what I want her trip to be....thank you again for your replies!!!!

 

[dhardawa]

I took my son when he was:

6 Weeks - Super easy trip
2 Years - Pretty easy trip
3 Years - I thought I'd kill him before the week was out
4 Years - Oh yeah, that's right, he isn't going. My daughter and I are going because he was so bad on the last trip.

So, my vote is to wait until she is older. Not so much because she won't like it, but because they tend to be more mature and much easier to handle in a place like Disney when they are older.

 

[starshine514]

We took our girls to WDW for the first time last year when they were 5 and turning 3 on the trip. They both loved it! We left for afternoon naps and only actually returned for the nighttime entertainment once (correction, we came back once and did stay all day at HS, but we saw so many shows there that it wasn't a difficult day). My girls were perfectly happy spending an hour in the jacuzzi tub at our resort each night and we were OK with missing Illuminations.

Did we miss some stuff? Sure. Did we have a great time? Yes! Did my daughter enjoy DL at the age of 4 more than she did WDW b/c she was tall enough to ride Soarin' and BTMRR? Maybe... Did she kiss every character she met when she was almost 3, but only a couple when she was 4? Yes...

I would vote to take her soon (maybe reschedule when you can get better rates) and then go again - right before your twins turn 3!

 

[Tinkerbell83]

We used to think that is was better to wait until our kids were older too. But we just couldn't wait to go so we went ahead and went last year with a 3 year old and an almost one year old. We made the trip super affordable by taking advantage of free dining, during value season, only staying four nights at a value resort and driving to avoid expensive airfare. Now, when the kids get older that is when we will stay longer at a moderate or deluxe and fly. I never would have spent $6000 to take that age of kids but it cost us around $2500 for the whole vacation which was totally worth it to us.

 

[mom2val]

l.

 

[Wadecool]

We took our 3.5 year old this past May and it was awesome! I guess a case can be made for any age group, but for my little girl to get made up at BBB, eat in the castle, and meet the princesses as well as the rest of the characters. and at an age where she truly still believes, it was a no brainer for me!

 

[lbuzz52]

One thing another poster mentioned was the height. 40" let's you on almost all the rides. Other than that, I'd say it's magical to go when your child truly believes. You just may have to put your foot down about the stroller. We make our kids ride any time we have a lengthy walk. It's imparative for the long days. Also, we took our 9 month old and it was much easier than taking him at 2 and having him want to run off, fight the stroller, etc.

 

[bumbershoot]

We are staying at CR w/ MK view, dining plan, airfare, MVMCP tickets and six days....it all adds up. I booked with a 40% room PIN but, lost it when I changed dates-go figure.

If the trip would feel better if it were cheaper...I'd start by dumping those party tickets. We have heard nothing but great things about the Halloween party, and very little good about the Christmas party. We have a 7 year old and went during the time of MVMCP, and didn't do it. But we ARE going to the MNSSHP this September.

Then if you want to take it down more, start looking at the resort.

Make sure that you're staying at THAT resort for YOU, not at all for her. Because most little kids that age would love a Motel 6 just the same as the Contemporary. When I was little, as long as it had a body of water that I could splash around in, I was GOOD.

So if the grownups want ot stay there and spend all that money, then go for it. But don't stay there for her, because if you do, invariably she'll see a picture on the planning DVD of All Star Movies and start drooling over that place, and the staid, rather boring and stark Contemporary won't hold a candle to it.

Thank all of you for the replies. When booking I was trying to make it nice for all of us. We haven't had fun with my oldest since our twins were born. This trip is for her-without the babies.

Speaking as an oldest child...once we have siblings, our family includes those siblings. It feels flat out WEIRD to be without them.

I know I'm suggesting ways to bring the costs down, but I would really think about this.

Especially b/c the reality is, in 3 years when you go to give them THEIR trip, it's going to be incredibly hard to explain to your now 6/7 year old that she can't go because she already had her solo trip... So then she almost certainly will have had something that her youngers didn't...and again, as the oldest in a trip, we already had something youngers didn't...at least a year alone with you...and many olders actually want the youngers around.



But the bottom line is, if you adults are yearning to go to Disney, then go and take the fam. If you are doing it *for them*, then wait.

 

[danceintherain]

You know your child. If she was thrilled about watching other people's videos at Disney, I'm pretty sure she'll love the real thing even better.

I agree with the above posters who said you should consider saving a bit of money. While Magic Kingdom view at a Monorail resort is many of our dreams, that's one of the things that your daughter is likely too young to appreciate.
Does she have a set bedtime? If so, she likely won't be able to enjoy the fireworks from the balcony, or the party at the Magic Kingdom. Even if she doesn't, kids get more exhausted at Disney than they do at other places.

We took our son on his first trip to Disney last year. He was 3 months old, so he wasn't even truly aware enough to appreciate hardly anything. He LOVED the Osborne lights though. I didn't plan on taking him to Disney at 3 months old. I was going to wait until he was around 2 years old, but our plans changed. My husband is stationed in South Korea and in November we had no idea if we would get to join him. We needed a family vacation at a place where we could enjoy being a family. My husband and I love Disney, so that's where we chose to go. While our mileage was lower than it had been on previous trips, we still had a very enjoyable time, and we got to forget about the fact that my husband was getting on a plane to leave the day we returned.
Even though I had originally anticipated my son's first trip to be at the Wilderness Lodge, we stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort to save a bit of money, and it was gorgeous. It was the perfect place for us to wander after a morning at the parks. So peaceful.

I would have no qualms about returning with any of my future children at that age.

Nobody can tell you whether the trip will be worth it or not. You have to decide what you expect. If the only way the trip will be enjoyable for you would be to stay at CR with a MK view, then nobody will be able to convince you otherwise. However, your daughter will likely remember something. At the very least, she'll appreciate the time you're spending with her.

If it were me, I would figure out a way to make the trip cost a bit less, but still go. Right now, I want to take my son on his second trip to Disney when he's 2 years old. It looks as if my husband will be returning to training a month or so after we get back to the States, so I will have a very small window in which to get my family Disney vacation in before he can't take leave. If the budget isn't there to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, I'll still try to figure out a way to go and stay elsewhere. My goal, once again, will be to spend quality vacation time with my family and I find Disney the best place to do that.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Both of my smaller children were on their 2nd trips by that age. Whether they can remember it from them, I have no idea, but I do know they had fun while they were there. As for the cost, I don't dwell on that or try to weigh whether it was worth it or not. My family, including my children, deserve a brief break from the cares of the world just to have fun. Now if you think this is a once in a lifetime trip or that you won't be going again for many years, then I might put it off until she's older and tall enough to do everything.

 

[mjkacmom]

If the trip would feel better if it were cheaper...I'd start by dumping those party tickets. We have heard nothing but great things about the Halloween party, and very little good about the Christmas party. We have a 7 year old and went during the time of MVMCP, and didn't do it. But we ARE going to the MNSSHP this September.

Then if you want to take it down more, start looking at the resort.

Make sure that you're staying at THAT resort for YOU, not at all for her. Because most little kids that age would love a Motel 6 just the same as the Contemporary. When I was little, as long as it had a body of water that I could splash around in, I was GOOD.

So if the grownups want ot stay there and spend all that money, then go for it. But don't stay there for her, because if you do, invariably she'll see a picture on the planning DVD of All Star Movies and start drooling over that place, and the staid, rather boring and stark Contemporary won't hold a candle to it.




Speaking as an oldest child...once we have siblings, our family includes those siblings. It feels flat out WEIRD to be without them.

I know I'm suggesting ways to bring the costs down, but I would really think about this.

Especially b/c the reality is, in 3 years when you go to give them THEIR trip, it's going to be incredibly hard to explain to your now 6/7 year old that she can't go because she already had her solo trip... So then she almost certainly will have had something that her youngers didn't...and again, as the oldest in a trip, we already had something youngers didn't...at least a year alone with you...and many olders actually want the youngers around.



But the bottom line is, if you adults are yearning to go to Disney, then go and take the fam. If you are doing it *for them*, then wait.

My twins attended camp grandma and grandpa a few times when they were little, so OP, don't feel guilty. What I did feel guilty about was the amount of time my twins took me away from my other kids. I put my 2 1/2 year old in preschool, and my kindergartener in aftercare, because caring for baby/toddler twins is a fulltime job!

All of my kids were left behind at some point, and it doesn't bother them in the least. They LOVE to stay at their grandparents, and be spoiled. They beg my mom to let them sleep over.

 

[budafam]

We went for our first time in May with a 2 & 4 year old. Both of them are still talking about it everyday and saying how they want to go back. Where are you from? Would driving be a possibility? We drove from Wisconsin and stayed 6 nights/7 days with 4 sit down meals & a few CS's for all less than $3000 and that was 4 people. If the cost is why you're questioning it, go value. It's really not "bad" at all. We loved it. I can't see spending all that money on a hotel room when really, they're almost all pretty close in size.

Personally, I would go for sure though. DH is against going every year but I am all for it at this point. Kids are only small right now. They will grow and you will not get that time back. It's worth it.

 

[fitgirl36]

I would not trade my memories with my little girl at the age of 2 for anything!

We went back again when she was 4 and again at 5 and again at 6. Now, we are going at 7!

A few weeks ago, I re-watched our videos from her first trip, when she was 2 years old. Nothing compares with it. The thrill on her face was so complete. There was no hint of being self-conscious. It was pure delight!

I agree that you can scale back and not spend so much, too.

A couple of things I found here on the Disboards made me go look at the videos of my little girl's first trip to Disney. Someone posted a youtube link that was worth more than a thousand words. It is absolutely precious. From the video and the pictures, anyone can see how much Disney means to the little ones! If you watch the youtube link, let me know what you think. I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ieBDAlRaqw


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2696012

Ok big mistake I watched that video during my lunch break at work!! Nice tears streaming down my face! We are taking my DD for the first time in October, she will be 13 months. Trying so hard to not expect much, but oh how I hope she loves Mickey!!!

 

[maraki527]

My daughter will be turning 3 on Nov 29 and it will be her 5th trip to the world. She talks about Disney every day! In Nov it is such a great time to go. The crowds are low and the weather is comfortable. You are able to see and do everything. Sometimes even twice. We always take a break in the afternoon and would take her to the Hotel to take a nap and change. Somedays we would go swimming in the am, let her take a nap and only do a park in the evening. My favorite part of the day is seeing her get so excited when she meets a charcter. I don't think you will regret it if you go.

The only thing that concerns me is the same as every other post- the price! work on that and you will be good to go.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Well when we visited WDW *10/09* we all napped daily! Me, my mom *a young barely 49 year old* my kids - DS 9 & DD 6, the wet heat zapped us. We were rope droppers and evening park goers *we did not hop* we'd take a mid day break at our resort *POP - we used only Disney transportation* and then head back to our morning back in the late afternoon/early evening.

 

[proud_canadian]

We purposely waited until our youngest was old enough to be out of diapers and done napping and preferably over 40 inches tall. That happened to be when our youngest was 3.5, but our oldest was 6. The trip was a family trip, but it was much more geared toward my older child, and my younger one was along for the ride.

However, at one point we did consider leaving our younger one home. She went through a phase where she was terrified of all characters and refused (as in lay on the ground screaming) to go on any ride, even a gentle train ride, etc. We knew the week would have consisted of one of us taking our oldest on a ride, while the other stayed with our youngest. We figured for the amount of money we were spending (and it was nowhere near $6000), we wanted us all to be able to enjoy it.

Thankfully as time went on and we got closer, my younger DD did mature a lot and she actually started enjoying rides and characters and she ended up going on everything with us. It was a wonderful trip and while both of my girls remember it, I think the details are a lot more fuzzy for my younger one.

If I was only bringing my older DD, I would have waited until 4.5 or 5 years old for sure. Then you know she will have the endurance, and will get a lot more out of it.

I don't agree with you having to bring the younger one. I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing just taking your oldest. And whoever said that the twins should get their own solo trip in a few years is making a silly comparison. When your oldest is off to university or moved out, and your younger ones are still at home, they will get their own solo trip then. It happens in every family. One sibling is born first and that sibling generally moves out first. I went on vacation when I was young and my sister was a baby and left home. But once I had moved out, my parents took my sister on vacation and there were no hard feelings.

Anyways, as for the cost of vacation, our flights were about $700 for 4 of us, our offsite HOUSE rental (3 bed, 3 bath with private pool) is < $600, our car rental is < $200, and our tickets are ~ $700. We had most of our food at the condo (all breakfast and dinners) and just bought lunches at the park, but between sharing and bringing our own snacks and water we didn't really spend that much on food. My kids didn't care about staying on site, or getting party tickets or BBB or anything like that. To them, this WAS a magical trip, even if it didn't break our bank. And now we can afford to go again this year

Anyways, if you can wait, you will find the trip a lot more enjoyable for you and her if you wait till she is a bit more mature, but 3.5 can be a good age as well for SOME kids. But only you know the maturity of your child and if she will be eager or afraid. Height does make a difference too. Good luck!

 

[clutter]

I took my dd for the first time at 3. It was great, but I was glad it was a 'first' time. I took her twice more when she was still 3. Some of the trips were off-site, one was at the old Disney Institute, now where SSR is.

If this is a once in a lifetime trip, I'd stay with the plans you have, but put it off until she is between 4 1/2 and 6. (And I wouldn't do MVMCP unless she is a night child. My dd did it at 3.5 and closed the park at 2am. But her normal bedtime was around 10pm.) Those are the ages I would not want to miss with my child at Disney.

If you plan to go more frequently, then scale back and take her. At that age, 4-5 days was plenty of time. (and yes my dd was over 40" and loved fast rides.) While an MK view at CR is the be-all and end-all, for 3 of you, you could easily go for half that and plan for a second trip in a year or two. When dd was 3, we stayed off-site for our first trip. She thought the tram in the parking lot was her first ride and gave everyone a big "whee!!!" along the way. You might even consider shortening the trip (depending on airfare), buying APs and going again later in the same year. When dd was that age, she thought that ASMovies was the best ever! What's not to like about a gigantic Buzz Lightyear?

 

[Sugar Jones]

We went last September just 3 weeks after our dd turned 3. The boys were 8 & 6. Our dd by far had the best time out of everyone. She was in awe the whole time we were there. She talks about our trip every single day!

If I were you and the options were scaling back (dropping to a moderate or a less expensive Deluxe) and waiting a year, I would scale back.

DD was not 40" on our trip but she didn't feel like she missed out at all when the boys went on rides and she couldn't. There is just so much to see and do for everyone no matter what your size

 

[meredith1]

My twins attended camp grandma and grandpa a few times when they were little, so OP, don't feel guilty. What I did feel guilty about was the amount of time my twins took me away from my other kids. I put my 2 1/2 year old in preschool, and my kindergartener in aftercare, because caring for baby/toddler twins is a fulltime job!

All of my kids were left behind at some point, and it doesn't bother them in the least. They LOVE to stay at their grandparents, and be spoiled. They beg my mom to let them sleep over.

My 3 year old gets the bad end of the deal most days because two infants are TOUGH! The babies are staying at grandma and grandpa's house this go around so she can have our much deserved, undivided attention. We'll go again when the babies are 3 ish and Emerson is 5.5.

I guess we feel like it's our get away too and want to stay somewhere nice. My H was all about the GF. I'll check out some of the other resorts. When I inquired about resorts in the beginning on DIS everyone said a monorail resort was a must with a younger kiddo. Thank you so much for all the great advice!