To bring or not to bring - The 2 yr old question

[Madi100]

Originally posted by Schmeck
I have two children, took them both to WDW for the first time when they when they were DD5 and DD2. We had a wonderful time, even though my DD2 was 2 years old.

I think my comment about the child asking questions as to why she wasn't included were legitimate - the OP stated that "DD is 2 and good at it" - a slightly negative outlook of her child. Then she goes on to state that the older child is a "quiet, fun loving little boy" - so he gets to go, right? The other one won't behave well, so she doesn't get to go.

I just asked my DD10 how she would have felt if she found out now that we had taken a trip to WDW without her when she was 2. She said that she'd feel very sad, and upset that we didn't include her. And she thinks it's really sad that you'd go without your own daughter too!

Glad to hear that you've changed your plans - my DD10 was quite happy to know that you'll be going as a complete family in the future.

Maybe you were blessed with two children who were easy going children. I love both of my children equally. My older DD is 6. She is amazingly bright. She is very perceptive. When she was two, I could sit her in the middle of the room with a bunch of toys, and she would sit there and play and play and play. When she was quiet, you knew it was because she was playing. DD 3 is quite the opposite. I don't know if she's ever played with her toys because she is too busy trying to see what she can get into next. It terrified the heck out of my taking her to WDW because I was afraid she'd run away from us. You tell her not to run, she decides she's going to set a new world record. Honest to God, had we had her first, she'd be an only child. On the other hand, she is the most funloving child you'll ever meet. She says hello to everybody. When she say Minnie Mouse for the first time she ran up and gave her a HUGE hug. She was so excited (then her pants fell down and she mooned the world). She has the cutest little head of read hair, and you look at her and think she's a doll.

I'm not the OP. But I can relate to what she said about the older one being so easy going and quiet. And the other one being two and good at it. She may have my children. There is nothing negative about saying your child is good at being two. There are some days when I wish my 6 year old wasn't quite the sensitive child that she is. I wish she was a little more outgoing so I didn't have to prompt her to do stuff so much. BUT, when it comes to WDW, I'd rather take an easy going child, than a rambunctious one. It gets very stressful at times running after a child.

And, although you can ask your ten year old how she would feel, the imagination can be worse than actuality. My DH went to WDW and left my 2 year old with my parents. I am happy to report that she survived without counseling. She knows good and well that she was alive and we left her with Grandma and Grandpa. I think my family is a wonderful thing. They are my life. But part of my family is my relationship with my husband. We have in the past, and we will continue in the future to take trips without our children. I think there is nothing wrong with that.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by TC Mattoon
We are going to spend a long weekend in New Orleans (our second fave place) on the anniversary and take the kids later in the year when DD will be just about 3. This decision has more to do with wanting to be alone with DH on the anniversary then on any of the opions of the schmecks of the world. Basically I just want to see both of their faces together the first time they see Main Street and the lobby of the WL (coincidentally where DH and I had our honeymoon).

GReat choice...best of both worlds....and double the joy!! The joy of a weekend alone with DH (she says longingly, wishfully....) AND the joy of being at WDW together as family!!! You will enjoy and your little one will enjoy it!! Our recent trips have been --

1) self (5 months pg), DH and DD 18 months
2) self, DH, DD 2 1/2, DD 10 months
3) self, DH, DD 4, DD 2, DS 8 months (and my parents 1/2 the trip)
4) upcoming - self, DD 6, DD 4, DS almost 3 and MIL (no DH, golfing in Scotland)

Every age is great!!! Every age gets something out of it. Enjoy every moment -- and enjoy your weekend with Dh in New Orleans!!!

 

[DisneyArk]

TC Mattoon

I think you've come up with a great solution! I'm all for leaving the kids with grandparents for an anniversary trip! But this way you won't feel guilty in WDW. We look my youngest when he was 18 months and it was a great trip, but a month later we decided he would not do well. We went back when he was 3 and it was another great trip!

I think it's great that you recognize your child's limits! I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt when they are describing their kids - we can't explain in detail our entire life every time we ask a question. When you say age 2, I think we all can relate!

Have a Happy Anniversary! Have a great time in New Orleans!