Taking your grandchildren to WDW w/o their parents

[mjkacmom]

I would let my parents take my kids at any age - they did a great job raising my sister and I! Same with my IL's. My 70 year old mom is taking dd8 there in July for a dance competition. They will only be there for 2 nights, so I told her not to waste money on park tickets (which kills me - they will be at the Dolphin - but it will be so expensive, hot, and crowded), but they can hit DTD and the Boardwalk.

Heck, dd13 has flown out alone to go camping with SIL for the past 2 years.

 

[helenk]

Thank you all for your input.
So here is my plan thus far ( I am an obsessive planner considering this is 2 years away)
I think that waiting until my grand-daughter is 4 to 5 years old would be best. I am thinking that shorter stay on our first trip without her parents is a good idea. Perhaps a 4 night 5 day trip.
What would be ideal is that between now and then we all get to go together so that she can take her second plane ride while her parents are along.
We flew down this past June but she was only 14 months old, it would be good for her to fly again between age 2 and 3.
If, when the time comes to start planning the trip and my son or daughter in law decide they do not want their daughter to go without them I will be understanding and not pout or sulk.

 

[happymommy]

I am really overprotective and probably not let my kids go on a trip with anyone beside me and my husband until they were at least 12 lol. While they are little I would want to experience each trip with them, especially something as exciting as Disney.

I feel the same way, only even 12 is young to me. My sister in law took our niece to Italy a couple of years ago, alone, and we thought it was weird. My niece was so homesick, and didn't really sound like she had a good time. I know Disney is different, but I wouldn't want my parents or my in-laws taking my kids on a vacation without me.

I would just feel uncomfortable with anyone else taking my kids on a vacation, especially if it involves flying.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Also not a grandparent, but I've taken DNiece twice at ages 5 and 7. She had a wonderful time on both trips. We didn't run into any homesickness or any other problems. As long as your son and daughter-in-law are on board, I think it will be a wonderful experience!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I feel the same way, only even 12 is young to me. My sister in law took our niece to Italy a couple of years ago, alone, and we thought it was weird. My niece was so homesick, and didn't really sound like she had a good time. I know Disney is different, but I wouldn't want my parents or my in-laws taking my kids on a vacation without me.

I would just feel uncomfortable with anyone else taking my kids on a vacation, especially if it involves flying.

I think that it is hugely important the the child in question both has a good previous history of solo outings with that adult, and also that the child is accustomed to travel. Kids who have never been away from home at all are seldom good candidates for the special trip with a relative, unless they have obsessed on travel for a long, long time.

We often take our nieces and grandnephews on trips, but they are very used to us and they are used to travel, too. Being away from home and away from their parents is not strange to them, so they can relax and enjoy the destination.

Personally I feel that it is important to accustom children to staying away from home as early as possible so that they do travel well, but travel is a huge part of my family's lives. I'll let my two go with family anytime they are asked. In fact, we have sent our 12 yo as escort with Grandma (my MIL) a couple of times because she is a very timid traveler, and DS is completely at home on planes and other public transit; he calms her fears and makes sure that she doesn't get lost.

 

[helenk]

I feel the same way, only even 12 is young to me. My sister in law took our niece to Italy a couple of years ago, alone, and we thought it was weird. My niece was so homesick, and didn't really sound like she had a good time. I know Disney is different, but I wouldn't want my parents or my in-laws taking my kids on a vacation without me.

I would just feel uncomfortable with anyone else taking my kids on a vacation, especially if it involves flying.

Even if you knew you would not be able to take the child yourself as often as their grand-parent or other relative?
When we were kids my mother's family owned a home near the beach and my aunt took us each year for a week sometimes two weeks and we always had a blast. Plus it gave my mother a week away from the 3 of us girls.
When my son and daughter were young I allowed my sister to take them to the beach I used most of my vacation time as sick days, when the kids had colds etc, my sister had no children and more vacation time. I would not have deprived my children from the chance of going to the beach for a few days.
I think that if my grand-daughters parents really did not want her to go with me until she is older I would be okay with that. I just think it would be fun for me and my grand-daughter to start at an early age travelling to WDW. I would hope that knowing that this would be a good opportunity for their daughter from time to time, my son and his wife would be open to allowing her to go with me. At this point they know that its a few years down the road, but they have not tried to discourage me.

 

[jtink60]

My husband and I and I and our four children, daughter-in-law and grandaughter vacation together every year. We have been to WDW 3x's (as a family) since my granddaughter was born. She will be 5 in June and this Sept. my husband and I are taking her alone for the first time. We're really excited. We have reservations at AKL and our airfare is also booked. Can't wait til Sept.

 

[helenk]

My husband and I and I and our four children, daughter-in-law and grandaughter vacation together every year. We have been to WDW 3x's (as a family) since my granddaughter was born. She will be 5 in June and this Sept. my husband and I are taking her alone for the first time. We're really excited. We have reservations at AKL and our airfare is also booked. Can't wait til Sept.

I hope she enjoys the AKL as much as my grand-daughter did it was so much fun watching her watch the animals. Everything was a "dog-dog".

 

[happymommy]

Even if you knew you would not be able to take the child yourself as often as their grand-parent or other relative?
When we were kids my mother's family owned a home near the beach and my aunt took us each year for a week sometimes two weeks and we always had a blast. Plus it gave my mother a week away from the 3 of us girls.
When my son and daughter were young I allowed my sister to take them to the beach I used most of my vacation time as sick days, when the kids had colds etc, my sister had no children and more vacation time. I would not have deprived my children from the chance of going to the beach for a few days.
I think that if my grand-daughters parents really did not want her to go with me until she is older I would be okay with that. I just think it would be fun for me and my grand-daughter to start at an early age travelling to WDW. I would hope that knowing that this would be a good opportunity for their daughter from time to time, my son and his wife would be open to allowing her to go with me. At this point they know that its a few years down the road, but they have not tried to discourage me.

My situation is so different, so I guess it's only normal to feel differently. I stay at home with my kids, so am spoiled that I can go on vacation with them whenever it's convenient for us (and my DH sometimes can only take part of the time away, but I am free to go when the kids can). Also, we can afford vacations, even though I am a super cheapskate for them (always try to get the best deal, as I'd rather go away more often and not feel guilty than take only one big trip a year).

My kids were never used to being away from me when they were little. Also, my son has had severe food allergies since he had anaphylactic reaction to dairy when he was only 8 months old, and could have died. He was allergic to milk, eggs, sesame, and peanuts (outgrew the sesame and peanuts). Even my mom never understood how to read labels, and both she and my in-laws accidentally fed him something with dairy once, when he was a toddler. Add to that, he has severe ADHD plus asthma. I am overprotective, too, so there's my story!

I totally think it would be cool to go on vacation with grandparents, but we tried that with my parents once (at Disney). Didn't work out too well, sadly, as my parents have their issues. They would never want to watch my kids anyway; they almost never even come visit, even though they're a quick two hour plane flight away (and are fairly wealthy as well). I'd love to go with my in-laws, so maybe some day. It's hard with them, as they are from another country (they live nearby, but we have some different views, and I don't like them telling me what to do with my kids, but I usually just nod my head and ignore...).

Your situation is different, so hope that you make some great memories!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I think if you as a parent are okay with it then it's a good fit for all of you. I would not allow my kids to vacation with their grandparents alone. It's a personal choice that involves many reasons. My kids are not deprived of anything. They see their grandparents often and have a wonderful relationship. To each their own.

 

[deerhart]

My parents started taking our kids for at least 1 week each year (for vacation or just to have them) when they were real little.

It started when my oldest was 2.5 and they took him for 10 days during the birth of my youngest child. The next year after that they took them for a week at christmas (they were 3.5 and just over 1), the year after that they took them for a week in June and a week at christmas (took them on vacation). Since then they generally take them 1-2 weeks in the summer (the first week in the summer usually on a vacation trip) and one week at Christmas.

We don't have any issues with my parents taking them. As my parents live 3 hours away, they don't get to see them as much as they want to. Also, my parents will give them different experiences then what we do. Plus, we enjoy the break.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think if you as a parent are okay with it then it's a good fit for all of you. I would not allow my kids to vacation with their grandparents alone. It's a personal choice that involves many reasons. My kids are not deprived of anything. They see their grandparents often and have a wonderful relationship. To each their own.

I agree. I am a Nana and have taken my DGD but I would have understood if my DD and DSIl were uncomfortable with that. I would have been sad but I would have understood.

 

[mjkacmom]

I feel the same way, only even 12 is young to me. My sister in law took our niece to Italy a couple of years ago, alone, and we thought it was weird. My niece was so homesick, and didn't really sound like she had a good time. I know Disney is different, but I wouldn't want my parents or my in-laws taking my kids on a vacation without me.

I would just feel uncomfortable with anyone else taking my kids on a vacation, especially if it involves flying.

My dd13 flew out to OH for the last 2 years, alone, to my SIL's. They then drove many hours to a rustic campground on Lake Michigan to camp with a bunch of other families for a week (no electricity or running water!). They then drove to Traverse City for 5 days, and then SIL drove her back here to NJ. She had a blast, and it was a trip that wasn't ever going to happen with mom and dad (well, at least mom...).

Ds11 is going to Cooperstown for a week in June with his team, and DH will only be there one night. He's also been away with a friend.

Now I won't be so worried when to go away on class trips without me!

 

[disneymomjcs]

We have DS 26 and a DD 12 soon to be 13. We have three grandkids DGS 7 DGD 5 DGS 2.

We took our eldest grandson with us Oct 08 when he 5 1/2 and was in Kindergarten. We asked his parents if we could take him and our son wanted us to take both the 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 year old at the time. We felt comfortable taking the oldest with our daughter who was 11 at the time. We told him we would take our DGD when she was about the same age. They agreed. We loved sharing a place that is near and dear to our heart. We also don't think they'll be going with either parent for a while to WDW.

We had a wonderful time. He loved WDW and staying at the Animal Kingdom Jambo house. We had a blast and he was so funny and adorable on the trip. We treasure those memories as our son and his girlfriend are no longer together and we don't get to see the kids alot.

We were going to take our granddaughter in October but weren't able to arrange it with the Mom. Hopefully we'll be able to take her soon.

Now the problem is that our daughter wants to take both of the kids. Since we took Jared alone I'm tempted to just take Victoria alone. Don't know at this point what we'll do. I see people with lots of kids really stressed out. So we'll have to wait and see.

But I think you should go for it if the parents agree.

 

[helenk]

I agree 100%, if my son and daughter in law have qualms about my taking my grand-daughter I will wait until we can all go or until they feel she is at an age where they would feel comfortable about letting her go alone.
Here's hoping that in a few years they will be agreeable. I think what I can do is to continue to have her overnight periodically, and even "encourage" them to go away for a weekend now and then so that I can get use to having her for a longer period and she can get use to some time away from her mom and dad.

 

[ckdsnynt]

I wanted to take mr DGD when she was 3 just as my DH and I had taken her father as well as our daughter (the 3 yo's aunt). But DS and DIL thoght she was too young and then they had DGD #2. They made us a promise tho that they would not take them or let them go with anyone else and that we would be included when the girls finally were old enough to go but they wanted to bre there when the girls saw the castle for the first time. DILs brother lives about 1 hr from WDW.

I thought the day would never come as DS isn't fond of Disney at all. However, next week, DS has a conference in Anaheim, only two blocks freom DL and he has invited us to go with him and plan a DL trip for all of us.

Then, to make things even better, he has agreed to go to WDW this Christmas when our entire family (about 32 of us) gather at BLT for a grand gathering. I will finally get to be at WDW with my girls!

To give a short answer to the question: 3 is about as young as I would take our girls to WDW and thankfully, my DS and his wife don't have a problem with allowing his daughters to go on vacations with me and my DH or to come here where we live (8 hrs from them) and spend a week at a time. DILs parents live 20 minutes away from them.

 

[helenk]

I wanted to take mr DGD when she was 3 just as my DH and I had taken her father as well as our daughter (the 3 yo's aunt). But DS and DIL thoght she was too young and then they had DGD #2. They made us a promise tho that they would not take them or let them go with anyone else and that we would be included when the girls finally were old enough to go but they wanted to bre there when the girls saw the castle for the first time. DILs brother lives about 1 hr from WDW.

I thought the day would never come as DS isn't fond of Disney at all. However, next week, DS has a conference in Anaheim, only two blocks freom DL and he has invited us to go with him and plan a DL trip for all of us.

Then, to make things even better, he has agreed to go to WDW this Christmas when our entire family (about 32 of us) gather at BLT for a grand gathering. I will finally get to be at WDW with my girls!

To give a short answer to the question: 3 is about as young as I would take our girls to WDW and thankfully, my DS and his wife don't have a problem with allowing his daughters to go on vacations with me and my DH or to come here where we live (8 hrs from them) and spend a week at a time. DILs parents live 20 minutes away from them.

Have a great time in DL, I went last year for the first time and I loved it! I can not wait to plan a trip for all of us to go to DL. Since that is a long flight from PA I will wait until my DGD is at least 7 or 8 before flying that far.

 

[C&G'sMama]

To all you grandparents who take the grandkids

My mom is 92 and my FIL has health issues so the grandparents taking the kids is out of the question. They are all wonderful grandparents. But man if we had someone to take the kids even for a weekend we'd be thrilled.

As far as 1st time at Disney. Before my FIL's back got so bad they did go with us to Disney and were there on both of the kids' first trips. They live about 3 hours away from us and while we sometimes spend weekends with them it was nice to have a whole week together. DD learned to say Grandpa on that first trip when she was 18mos old. It came out BopBop which morphed to Papa, he's been "Papa" ever since.

 

[msvlg]

Our twin granchildren are eight years old (boy/girl). We began taking them to disney just before they turned three. They spend a lot of time with us so we were very comfrtable traveling without mom. We have gone back every year sometimes with mom sometimes without her. We always have a great time. The twins now have a little brother, age two, he made his first trip to WDW last year . This year there will be ten of us traveling to disneyworld together, 7 adults and the 3 grandkids. My husband and I are thinking of taking the little guy down to disney in November without siblings or parents so that he can have his chance to experience Disney with just Nonnie and Papa as his sister and brother have down several times. We were never disney fans when our own children were young-but since we have had the grandkids we look forward to vacationing with them-(so goodbye (for now-to our Aruba trips) we look forward to making many more magical memories with our grandkids.