Traveling with 3 Young Kids...

[dreanat]

We're going to Disney World in the beginning of December with our 3 small kids. My oldest will be 4 and my twins will be one month shy of their second birthday. We're trying to get my brother to come with us so we can have an extra set of hands, but it's not guaranteed that he can come.

If we have a long trip, we always try to take someone with us to help out so we're not used to going on a long trip without help. Lately I see pictures of all these young families going to Disney and I know it's possible to do it with just me and my husband if we have to. I just need a confidence boost.

Does anyone have any tips? We're probably going to need a double stroller and a single stroller. If you've done that, was it easy? Or would you just do a double stroller and a boogie board? Any tips on corralling 2 toddlers at DW? Lol any advice would be really appreciated. TIA!

 

[jaceraden]

Double stroller and boogie board. Make sure you have snacks and drinks. Go at the kids' pace. Let them be the guides. You will have a fantastic time that way. If you try to have an agenda, it will often increase your anxiety and the kids will feed off that. If you do free range touring with the kids in the driver's seat, it will be far less stressful.

Take a deep breath. It will be amazing.

 

[Fosteringaprincess]

My opinion is a boogie board would not be enough for a 4 year old. At least not for my kiddos. If you guys are on the go most of the day 4 year old may actually fall asleep even if they haven't napped in years...Or fall asleep while leaving the park. I would do a double and single to avoid having to carry someone.

 

[jvz82]

My husband and I just went by ourselves with our kids, ages 2, 4, 5, and 7. We also went a few years ago when they were 1, 2, and 5 but we had lots of extended family with on that trip. It's hard when you're outnumbered, that's for sure.

I would think you'd want a double stroller and single stroller based on your kids' ages. My 4 year old would definitely not have survived a whole day without a stroller. My only concern about that is that you and your husband would each have to deal with a stroller while getting on and off the bus. That may be a struggle with two toddlers who may need help getting off and on the bus as well. Possibly if your husband had the double, and you had just a basic umbrella stroller that wouldn't be so hard to manage and then you could be dealing with the kids. Umbrella strollers are pretty light and easy to transport.

I agree with the past comment about just taking the day at their speed. It's actually a little easier since all of your kids are little, you probably won't be doing the big roller coasters. It gets harder to manage when you have big kids who want big kids rides, and little kids who can't go on those rides. So in that way, it'll be easier to just focus on those rides that everyone can go on. Do the Carousel 4 times in a row if that's what they want to do! Let them run around on Tom Sawyer Island. Hit the toddler play area down by Splash Mountain. My 2 year old struggled to nap in the park so we did take breaks in the resort for naps, but not every day. That will depend on your kids.

 

[KalamityJane]

Get a double stroller and a carrier like a Kinderpack or Tula. I'd probably get 2 so you can wear the 2yos in line. You can put the 2yos or the 4yo in the carrier when need be (and they are invaluable in lines, OMG). I've been taking the kids to the parks since the oldest was 3 and middle was 5mo, now they are 8, almost 6 and 4. FP the stuff you need in the beginning of the day (Peter Pan fo sho), take a midday break and pool it. If you feel up to it, come back for fireworks, or not. We got the most done in the morning easily. My kids would rather live in the pool and it was very relaxing to go into the parks for half days like that.

 

[KalamityJane]

Funny story about the carriers. We were in line for Pirates with the younger 2 on our backs at Disneyland. They both fell asleep, we boarded with them still asleep (took them out of the carriers and all) and they woke up on the first BIG drop. Middle was all WOOHOO, youngest was all *** (which is pretty much their personalities in a nutshell ). Makes for a fun memory.

 

[KalamityJane]

OH and let's say you guys do want to ride Space or Splash or rides where the kids may not want to go. I would bring the kids up to the line, DH would get the riderswap pass, I'd take them to the Carousel or whatever was near and I thought they might like. A lot of times he took the oldest and I took the younger 2. I have tall kids though, so this may or may not work out as well for you, but little kids are awesome for kid swap DH rode the coasters SO much LOL

 

[Sleepy425]

Our kids were 3, 3, 4, and 6 when we went in October. We brought a single and rented a double in the parks. It just makes it so much easier to have only one stroller on the bus so one adult can carry two kids, the other adult carry a kid and a stroller (once the fourth kid falls asleep then we just hope that some awesome person will at least help us get the stroller onto and off of the bus). Yes the cost of the in park stroller is absurd, but I'm fine with paying for convenience.
It helps to dress the kids in matching outfits in case one goes missing (thankfully we lost the four year old when we were all in obnoxious Hawaiian print outfits. Security new exactly what to be looking for).

 

[Lurkerin]

FP the stuff you need in the beginning of the day (Peter Pan fo sho)

I agree with this. I know a lot of people like to save their FP+ for the afternoon busy times, but our three kids don't last. We start ours early 10,11, 1-ish and head out of the park by 2 or 3 to freshen up for a dinner reservation. If they haven't fallen asleep yet, they will nap on the 30 minute bus ride. Power nap helps avoid the potential meltdown during dinner also. Then close out the park as long as they are up to it.

During the day we live by three simple rules:
1. Keep them fed (Hangry)
2. Keep them cool
3. Keep them entertained

I know. Sounds hard not to do at Disney. But you stand in the Carpet line for 45 minutes at noon, and you have hit the perfect Trifecta.

 

[happymommy]

You'll be fine! I agree, take the day at their pace. It's actually fun to stop and take breaks and take in the atmosphere.

I started taking my kids without my DH when they were 4 and 6 (and the 6 year old had ADHD). It's totally doable and so fun!

I agree to take a double and single stroller. It's not that bad to fold up for a bus, yes a bit of work, but it's fine. If that's too much, call an Uber XL sometimes.

Just plan ahead for hungry times, potty/diaper breaks, and you'll have fun!

Not to sound silly, but I had never thought of bringing family to help. I flew with both my kids alone when they were 3 months and 2 years old. Also flew alone with my son when he was 6 months old back to the mainland from Hawaii. It's not so hard, but you have to constantly be thinking one step ahead!

 

[4leobeans]

I just responded on your other thread too

We went with our three (2, 5, 7) in September....it was so hot, our days were pretty relaxed. We rented a double stroller, and all three took turns. My youngest always wanted to walk or be on shoulders. I love the suggestion from another poster about renting an in park stroller, so you're not taking two everywhere!

We got started pretty early in the am (never made RD though), and never made it to fireworks (been three times, and have yet to see a fireworks show!), because we usually left for a resort ADR. We did use rider swap as our oldest was big enough for most rides, but with the age of yours I don't see that being necessary (unless you or hubby wants to ride). In that case, a rest stop for the family with some snacks and drinks, or a chance to run around (ie. at play area by Splash Mountain) is amazing.
We spent probably a couple hours at Mickeys Toontown.....our 2 yo had a blast playing in the water!

We didn't really have a touring plan...we knew which parks to visit, and I had a list of things we'd like to do, but played a lot by ear.
Oh, it's pouring rain, let's hang out here and buy a Mickey ice cream bar.......oh look, here's some dancing fountains, ok let's play (bring bathing suits and spare clothes everyday).....sure, we can ride this ride for the fourth time .....I'm burning up, let's sit inside here and watch this show (we actually did lots of shows, and the only one I ended up leaving due to rambunctious child, was the Nemo show)

We froze several bottles of water every night to ensure everyone was drinking enough. I also used water flavouring, just for fun. We brought lots of snacks with us (gummies, goldfish, applesauce, yogurt tubes, fruit and nuts) and the kids snacked all day. We used those chilly towels for each kid, but maybe in December, it won't be needed.

We had one TS everyday, to relax or get out of the heat, and we tried not to make nights too late. We never did go back to the resort for naps....the busses just didn't seem conducive. Our youngest did nap in the stroller everyday though.

They loved meeting the characters (which I didn't really expect for a 2 yo), so we ended up doing m&g more than I expected

If you don't have too many plans, and let the kids direct the day, it'll be great!

 

[dreanat]

OH and let's say you guys do want to ride Space or Splash or rides where the kids may not want to go. I would bring the kids up to the line, DH would get the riderswap pass, I'd take them to the Carousel or whatever was near and I thought they might like. A lot of times he took the oldest and I took the younger 2. I have tall kids though, so this may or may not work out as well for you, but little kids are awesome for kid swap DH rode the coasters SO much LOL

That is so funny that your kids slept through Pirates until the drop. I'm not a fan of any kind of drop (I'm a big baby) and I remember how unexpected it was and that was when I was 15. Your kids are good sports! Thank you for all the advice. I think we can definitely do this!

 

[dreanat]

Our kids were 3, 3, 4, and 6 when we went in October. We brought a single and rented a double in the parks. It just makes it so much easier to have only one stroller on the bus so one adult can carry two kids, the other adult carry a kid and a stroller (once the fourth kid falls asleep then we just hope that some awesome person will at least help us get the stroller onto and off of the bus). Yes the cost of the in park stroller is absurd, but I'm fine with paying for convenience.
It helps to dress the kids in matching outfits in case one goes missing (thankfully we lost the four year old when we were all in obnoxious Hawaiian print outfits. Security new exactly what to be looking for).

Thank goodness they found your little one. Sounds like I'll be taking an umbrella stroller and renting a double stroller at the park.

 

[dreanat]

You'll be fine! I agree, take the day at their pace. It's actually fun to stop and take breaks and take in the atmosphere.

I started taking my kids without my DH when they were 4 and 6 (and the 6 year old had ADHD). It's totally doable and so fun!

I agree to take a double and single stroller. It's not that bad to fold up for a bus, yes a bit of work, but it's fine. If that's too much, call an Uber XL sometimes.

Just plan ahead for hungry times, potty/diaper breaks, and you'll have fun!

Not to sound silly, but I had never thought of bringing family to help. I flew with both my kids alone when they were 3 months and 2 years old. Also flew alone with my son when he was 6 months old back to the mainland from Hawaii. It's not so hard, but you have to constantly be thinking one step ahead!

You're amazing taking your kids on vacation on your own! I still haven't taken all 3 to the store by myself, but I'm sure when they're a little older it'll be manageable. Right now it's a logistical thing, taking them all when they're all so needy and need to be contained. Thanks so much for the advice. I feel much more confident going without help.

 

[dreanat]

I just responded on your other thread too

We went with our three (2, 5, 7) in September....it was so hot, our days were pretty relaxed. We rented a double stroller, and all three took turns. My youngest always wanted to walk or be on shoulders. I love the suggestion from another poster about renting an in park stroller, so you're not taking two everywhere!

We got started pretty early in the am (never made RD though), and never made it to fireworks (been three times, and have yet to see a fireworks show!), because we usually left for a resort ADR. We did use rider swap as our oldest was big enough for most rides, but with the age of yours I don't see that being necessary (unless you or hubby wants to ride). In that case, a rest stop for the family with some snacks and drinks, or a chance to run around (ie. at play area by Splash Mountain) is amazing.
We spent probably a couple hours at Mickeys Toontown.....our 2 yo had a blast playing in the water!

We didn't really have a touring plan...we knew which parks to visit, and I had a list of things we'd like to do, but played a lot by ear.
Oh, it's pouring rain, let's hang out here and buy a Mickey ice cream bar.......oh look, here's some dancing fountains, ok let's play (bring bathing suits and spare clothes everyday).....sure, we can ride this ride for the fourth time .....I'm burning up, let's sit inside here and watch this show (we actually did lots of shows, and the only one I ended up leaving due to rambunctious child, was the Nemo show)

We froze several bottles of water every night to ensure everyone was drinking enough. I also used water flavouring, just for fun. We brought lots of snacks with us (gummies, goldfish, applesauce, yogurt tubes, fruit and nuts) and the kids snacked all day. We used those chilly towels for each kid, but maybe in December, it won't be needed.

We had one TS everyday, to relax or get out of the heat, and we tried not to make nights too late. We never did go back to the resort for naps....the busses just didn't seem conducive. Our youngest did nap in the stroller everyday though.

They loved meeting the characters (which I didn't really expect for a 2 yo), so we ended up doing m&g more than I expected

If you don't have too many plans, and let the kids direct the day, it'll be great!

Awesome! Yes, letting the kids decide what to do at the parks sounds like the way to go. I keep reading about touring plans and schedules, but I'd prefer a spontaneous day, especially since the kids are so small. I hope my kids like the characters too! I have a really cute autograph book idea so I would love it if they took pictures with them. I'll keep my expectations low though so I'm not disappointed if they hate them. I'll just take pictures with the characters myself then lol.

Thank you so much for the advice. I feel much more confident taking the 3 of them with me and my husband if we don't have help.

 

[KalamityJane]

You're amazing taking your kids on vacation on your own! I still haven't taken all 3 to the store by myself, but I'm sure when they're a little older it'll be manageable. Right now it's a logistical thing, taking them all when they're all so needy and need to be contained. Thanks so much for the advice. I feel much more confident going without help.

On the store, get a carrier, seriously it will save your life with 3. My youngest 2 are 20 mo apart (due to prematurity) so, not twins, but still I get the needing to be contained part. I would do 1 kid in carrier on my back, 1 kid in the seat of the cart, oldest holding on to the back of the cart or in the basket area sitting. I've also done it pushing 1 kid in a jogging stroller in front, pulling the cart that has 1 kid in the seat, 1 on my back and any variation of the above LOL. Just to give you some ideas and confidence on taking them out along. You can do it!!! It gets easier the more you do it. I try to have a routine (usually the direction I go in the store), and then I would end at the bakery so they could get their free cookie. Gave them an incentive to stay calm and not crazy. Hubby took them to the store once and by chance went the same way and got them a cookie at the end (I hadn't told them my routine) and he was so surprised on how well they did LOL Good luck! You can do this!

 

[Mike_Mac]

We have done the noon time bus / boat rides back to our resort on 4 occasions with our son (at 2 yrs, 4 yrs, and 5 yrs old). The only time it was not fun was when we were at CBR, where the bus waits are long and the resort seems far away from everything. However, we have found the direct buses from AoA, the boat and bus service from WL, and the bus and boat service from S&D to all be conducive to that tactic, which has so far prevented the dreaded child-meltdown. Plus, our son has then had the pool time as well as an opportunity to rest his over-baked noodle. Then we slip back into the parks at 4-5PM ish to catch more rides and the night time shows. By 10pm, he's ready to go back to the resort and falls asleep on the bus. Perfect!

I think one thing that is very good for us is the idea of strolling and letting the children decide if they want to linger in a part of the park or not (vs a strict itinerary). We have a lot of fine memories of our son just enjoying the atmosphere of the parks and lingering in the different spaces. If we miss some rides, oh well! Makes a good excuse for a return trip in the future. However, that works well for one child - I don't know how it would do with four!

 

[JackOliva07013]

We went to WDW when our kids were 2/4 and 3/5 - I think the key to success was to plan the days to minimize walking, waiting and confusion. We took mandatory midday breaks. We went to parks early to take advantage of EMH. We were out by noon. Pool break and 60-90 nap time. and would come back to parks for evening shows. ADRs, FPs, shows - all planned out. The goal was always simple: minimize walking, exposure to midday heat, any wait times in lines.