Thinking about taking my nephew...

[aggielawyer]

I'm not sure where to post this, but I thought I'd see what others here have to say. I'm single with no kids, and I've been thinking about taking my nephew to WDW next December. Obviously I've got time to make the decision, but it's been on my mind. Ever since he was born, I've talked about taking him, maybe with my sister (his other aunt, not a parent). He'll be 4 1/2 in a year, and he's a really good kid. He has his moments, but for the most part he's really well behaved. He went to WDW a year ago, at 2 1/2, and did really well--and we had a blast seeing things through his eyes. To be honest, I'm trying to decide if I really want the hassle though. Part of me wants to be the cool aunt that does this stuff with him (and my niece, but she's only 6 months), but part of me thinks that another solo trip next year sounds heavenly.

 

[TEENEE]

I think I would be the cool aunt. He's at a wonderful age to take to Disney. It won't be long and he'll get to the age when it might not be cool to hang out at Disney. Enjoy those times while you can.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I'd suggest taking him overnight somewhere else first for 1 or 2 nights.

You may be fine for a day (or when travelling with his mom or dad) but on your own, it's a whole different ballgame - especially when he's in unfamiliar surrounds (he may be okay at your home if he visits often but taking him to a hotel may result in a very different experience).

 

[MEK]

I took my nephew last June, but he was 9 and he went with our family, so that's a bit different. It was a blast and he had the best time (first trip). He could ride all the rides and said everything was "awesome". Great trip - would love to take him again. Personally, I'd be a little nervous about a 4 1/2 yr old. But you would be a pretty cool aunt.

 

[DisCopper]

Do it. Be the cool aunt. Even if the trip doesn't go perfectly, you'll both always remember it.

And always have gum for him (cool aunts do that, ya know).

 

[deann]

I used to take my niece when she was that age to Disneyland on trips all the time. She is now a disney fan as well. She remembers alot about our trips. You will have some great memories.

When my nephew was about 7, I told him that I would take him on a special trip with just the two of us. I told him he could choose Disneyland or Sea World. He chose Seaworld and he still talks about our special trip.

I'm not sure how long you are planning on going, that may make a difference. Our trips were only 2 nights or 3 max. Disneyland is a lot smaller in size also. It was easy to jump in the car and head back to the hotel. We also drove to DL so I didn't have to deal with any airports.

If you are comfortable enough, I say go for it. He will remember his special trip forever.

 

[Jets fan]

I have no children and been the cool aunt for 15 years

I still love taking my neph to OKW with me for 2 weeks at a time, usually once a year, sometimes twice. They grow up way to quickly and I know that I really love the memories I have.

Go for it, you'll have fun.

Tina

 

[nurse.darcy]

I say do it. . .plan it as a long weekend but just do it. . .my nephews are both adults now and stationed here locally in Virginia. . .I am trying to figure out a way to coordinate them with my son's annual summer trip. . .

 

[Ashes8380]

I got to go on a WDW trip with my cool aunts when I was about 8. It was absolutely amazing! I recommend you do it, but maybe wait until he's a little bit older. As someone who has worked at summer camps for over 10 years, children are completely different at night when they are away from their parents.

 

[nanncy]

hell be cool

 

[CALIFLADY]

I did the Cool Aunt thing in 2001 and took my nephew, then in 8th grade, and niece, then in 6th grade. They were really well adjusted kids, but mostly took camping trips and family reunion trips as vacation, so WDW was sensory overload for them. They loved it, but we had one meltdown with the niece from homesickness. It was the whole thing (as a PP said) around being in a strange hotel room without Mom and Dad.

Personally? I'd wait until he was a little older. For both you and him. Just my opinion.

 

[toddlers_mom]

Well, I'm single with an almost 4 year old so I will give you advice based on my perspective

I took him last year right after he turned 3. I will say that it was the most stressful time of my life (with him)! However, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. We had a blast and made so many memories. He still remembers now (pft @ those who said he wouldn't!) and cannot wait for our next trip. So, I say go for it. Just prepare yourself and you should do fine

 

[ANTSS2001]

I'm not sure where to post this, but I thought I'd see what others here have to say. I'm single with no kids, and I've been thinking about taking my nephew to WDW next December. Obviously I've got time to make the decision, but it's been on my mind. Ever since he was born, I've talked about taking him, maybe with my sister (his other aunt, not a parent). He'll be 4 1/2 in a year, and he's a really good kid. He has his moments, but for the most part he's really well behaved. He went to WDW a year ago, at 2 1/2, and did really well--and we had a blast seeing things through his eyes. To be honest, I'm trying to decide if I really want the hassle though. Part of me wants to be the cool aunt that does this stuff with him (and my niece, but she's only 6 months), but part of me thinks that another solo trip next year sounds heavenly.

I took my godson for the 1st time last in Nov. for 3 days... Friday, Saturday Sunday and flew back Monday. I was prepared to do "his" time not mine which was awesome lots of pee breaks and "look auntie its Mickey" time... he was 5 and 5 months. Prior to trips we did alot of learning about Mickey and friends. he was in training since age 2 days though... I printed alot of coloring stuff for the airport... we love to play tick tack toe and also brought a portable DVD for the plane ride which really never happened since we were busy playing. Dont get me wrong there lots of time that he is getting restless and yes we did this with no stroller. So we walk... we ate... we pee... we ride... alot of fast passes happened and alot of meeting the characters happened. Alot of sitting down and alot of pool time. he also did very well with Goofy's barnstormer ride. Also made him bottons to wear and share everyday... and shirts to wear for good communication skills for the CM... so he enjoyed the attention and I dont think there was a time we had a melt down at the park or at the resort... never pushed him to stay if he is starting to get antsy. The question of the day was always... "so what do you wanna do next" but also have some activities plan at the back of your mind and suggest it to him... but I make sure we do what he wants and so no screaming and no fighting... if its pool time he wants it pool time we do. Also Joshua loves to eat so TS was perfect for him with Characters. So to make my long suggestion short... when you plan your trip with nephew.. include him in the planning... it is a great bonding time...

When we went back in Dec. with my mom he was mr. Know it All and my mom who was then 65 had a great time. All I did was push the wheel chair...LOL

 

[aggielawyer]

I'm loving hearing everyone's stories. I just wanted to check back in and say that I've decided not to take him this December, but we'll still have until the next August before he starts school (I prefer to travel when the other rugrats are in school ) so the idea isn't completely off the table. I really liked the idea of taking on a short trip somewhere else first and will definitely do that. He spent the night at my house last week because his parents went out of town, so that was a good first step.

Even though I've decided to put it off a little longer, I'd love to hear if anyone else has any input. Thanks!