This makes me upset!

[Moonstorm]

My family is planning a trip to WDW in May of 2008. My mom, my MIL, my grandma, my hubby, me and our 3 kids (ages will be 5, 2 1/2, 1 1/2 at the time of the trip)
People my hubby works with are telling him that our kids are *not old enough* to go to WDW and it will be more frustrating than fun. GRRRRR
First of all, yes, I understand 3 kids 5 and under will be trying at times, but if we plan things correctly and follow their lead for the most part, we should be fine. My grandma will be 85 and my mom has a bothersome knee so it's not like we'd be sailing through WDW if we weren't taking the kiddos.

I told my DH that I just want a nice family trip. We can go again in a few years when the kids are older, but I don't see any *issues* with going next year!

 

[jpeka65844]

DON'T listen to them! It's your vacation, after all.

We just recently took DS, 1 yr 4 mos, and while it wasn't always pleasant, we wouldn't have done it any other way. Look at it this way, it's a chance for you to enjoy WDW w/o having to pay for them yet!

AND, you've got plenty of other adults to help out. With DH and I, we got a little stressed at times. Having a G'ma or a GG'ma there might REALLY ease the pressure......

Don't listen to the nay-sayers and HAVE FUN!



Denice T.
Olathe, KS

 

[ChrisAlli]

Igonore them!!!!

Our first trip with kids mine were 21 months and 3 1/2. They had a great time. Then we went the following year, had a great time and now we're going back in two weeks. They are now 3 and 5. They still remember things, especially from last year and love it.

realize that things will take longer, and you can't do everything, things will be great.

You're never too young or old for WDW!!!!!

You're going to have great memories

 

[kandmsmom]

I hate to be a downer, but I agree with your husband's co-workers. There is not a lot to do for children that age, so why spend the money?? They won't even remember the trip. Kids that age enjoy McDonald's play place for the price of a kiddie cone.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Oh, poo-poo on the naysayers!!! We took our kids for their first trip when they were 18 months and 3 1/2 years old. We heard the same thing from everyone, but we ended up with a great trip. As long as you know what to expect and don't expect too much from your kids in terms of touring, you will be fine.

 

[maxtomsmom]

I agree with the other posters. You will see lots of children who range in all sorts of ages. When going to WDW there are 2 ways to look at it - 1. when they are young it is very magical (in my eyes it is always magical, but you know what I mean). My DS5 truly believes he met the Power Rangers and the Kim Possible. In addition, my younger DS who was only two at the time believed Gipetto (sorry about the spelling) was coming home with us and wanted to know where his Grandpa was because Gipetto (again the spelling, it's getting late here) was following him and very funny. Everything is so wonderful and real.

2. When they are older, they can appreciate some of the stories behind the rides, the more thrill rides. It is still wonderful just different.

BTW- I remember my first trip to WDW when I was 4. I remember getting my first purse with a beaded Mickey and Minnie made out of leather. I still have it. I remember picking it out. I also remember the Haunted Mansion with the ghosts. Wouldn't look in the mirror for a week according to my mom.

So I say go and enjoy. Plan well, be flexible and know that if you miss something, it gives you reason to go back. Worked in our case got to go two years in a row.

 

[Rowlf]

Kandmsmom, have you even been to WDW with a little one? We took our DS for the first time when he was 15 months old, and we've gone each September since then. (I just booked free dining this year for his fourth trip!) The trip certainly had its challenges when he was little, but we all had such a great time even when he was so young. Believe it or not, Epcot was his favorite - he loved dancing to all of the musicians and watching the performers around World Showcase. He was even the star of the show with the mime in France! We've gone for just four nights each time, staying concierge, which has been WAY worth it for us to always have snacks available and to have someone to help us with any issues. The short amount of time there seems to be just right. We try not to have any expectations other than having a good time; I took him to MNSSHP last year and it was just too late and too much for him. Learned THAT lesson...

Each year has been completely different, but always a blast for the whole family. It's a real yardstick for us on how much he has grown each year. And, at almost 4, he now goes to bed every night saying he's going to dream about Disney World (well, he calls it Florida, but that's all he knows of Florida!).

 

[disney_fan_fam]

Are they paying for the trip????? Umm no!

Why spend the money????....because we can......


Don't listen to them

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Don't even let it cross your mind. Yes, three kids that age is trying - but it would be just as trying at home, on the beach or at the zoo, why not go to WDW and let those trying times become timeless memories?

I *do* think a mom of young ones has to devote extra time to planning, and you have to be careful to still allow them naps and relaxing play and not constant overstimulation but you can still have a fabulous vacation.

I've mentioned this on the DIS before, but I will say it again. I first went to WDW at age 3. YES, I do remember some things (The "girl" bear coming down from the ceiling in the COuntry Bear Jamboree, the hotel pool, drinking OJ out of an orange shaped cup, the predecessor of "Food Rocks" with singing milk and eggs, seeing the castle, etc.) I became a Disney fan, a Disney College Program CM and am hoping to have a Disney Wedding one day. I sure am glad my parents decided to take me when I was "too young"!

Have a fabulous vacation!!!

My family is planning a trip to WDW in May of 2008. My mom, my MIL, my grandma, my hubby, me and our 3 kids (ages will be 5, 2 1/2, 1 1/2 at the time of the trip)
People my hubby works with are telling him that our kids are *not old enough* to go to WDW and it will be more frustrating than fun. GRRRRR
First of all, yes, I understand 3 kids 5 and under will be trying at times, but if we plan things correctly and follow their lead for the most part, we should be fine. My grandma will be 85 and my mom has a bothersome knee so it's not like we'd be sailing through WDW if we weren't taking the kiddos.

I told my DH that I just want a nice family trip. We can go again in a few years when the kids are older, but I don't see any *issues* with going next year!

 

[Honeymooner04]

I say go. It such a wonderful experience for YOU to see your children's reactions and they'll have a great time. We leave in a few days with my 14 month old for her 2nd trip to the world. I have a ball. And my canned response to the busybodies who find the need to inform me that my daughter "will never remember it and it's a waste of money" is that I will remember it and those memories are priceless. Vacations should never be just for 1 person in the group. We go to Disney because we ALL enjoy it, not just for the kids. Have a great time!!!

By the way, if you can't tell this is a hot topic with me. I just have a problem with people who feel the need to play Debbie Downer on other people's vacation plans. I don't go around telling people how boring it sounds to go to Hawaii year after year and just sit on a beach - not my idea of a good time - but to each his own. I think you'll have a great time.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT TO!! Hey my own mother said that she thought that my DS2 1/2 (alomst 3) @ time of trp was to young to go, also that I shouldn't take DD7 out of school -both of my parents were teachers!! So you do what is right for YOU (not anyone else) OR MAYBE iT IS JUST A PENNSYLVANIA THING!!!

 

[tripplanner]

We started taking the kids when they were toddlers. We had an amazing time and have gone once or twice every year since. They are teenagers now and it's still our favorite place to go. It sounds like you aren't planning comando style days in the park. You'll be fine and you'll have some great memories.

 

[brymolmom]

I'm not a believer in the 'they won't remember it' theory...

Really, my kids won't remember the trip to the beach OR to the park playground OR to the baseball games in another 2 or 5 or 10 years down the road - does that mean that until kids are 'old enough' that they should just sit in the house?? Kids have fun and enjoy themselves for this moment - isn't that enough? Isn't that why we spend quality time together as a family? There's no age requirement for that, right?

 

[Moonstorm]

Hi jpeka65844 =)

It certainly has made my DH rethink the trip, which upsets me! You're right, there will be 5 adults to handle 3 kids! I am sure well be fine.

 

[twinspluscade]

I hate to be a downer, but I agree with your husband's co-workers. There is not a lot to do for children that age, so why spend the money?? They won't even remember the trip. Kids that age enjoy McDonald's play place for the price of a kiddie cone.

"Not a lot to do for children that age" ?!!

Try telling that to my 4,4 and 3 year olds .

WDW by far has more things to do for very young children than most other vacation destinations.

 

[Moonstorm]

hey ChrisAlli!
I told my DH we wouldn't be going at light speed anyway with my mom and grandma along! LOL
I really think it will be fine but now my DH is rethinking the trip b/c of this. UGH

 

[Disneytwinz]

I'll tell you what, my nephew still talks about Disney World and all the fun he had when he was age 2 and he's now age 4 1/2. It was a memorable trip for him. I would pay them no mind and go have fun. You know your family best. If you miss some things you will know to hit on your next trip.

 

[Moonstorm]

Well kandmsmom, I honestly can say I don't see your point. I know they may not remember the trip, then again, my first trip to WDW was when I was 8 or 9 and I don't really remember that trip unless I look at pictures.
I think 5 adults can handle 3 kids and I think it'd be a very nice family vacation.

 

[Moonstorm]

Hi eyeheartgoofy!
I told my DH that yes, there will be times it may get frustrating, but if we, as the adults, decide to take things slow and not try to jam every little thing into this one trip, we'll ALL be just fine!

 

[Moonstorm]

Hey maxtomsmom =)
See, I agree with you. My kids will *believe* most/all they see at WDW and that is what makes it magical. Yes I will definitely want to take them again when they are older but I think now is such a wonderful time in their lives as well to enjoy WDW.