traveling with multiples!!

[kritter]

Just checking in and saying hi! Our adult trip to the world alone was a really great "refresher". When we came back we had our trio's second birthday party. Time flies!!!!!

How is everyone doing?

Oh your adult trip sounds wonderful.....Where did you stay??

 

[flipflop]

Oh your adult trip sounds wonderful.....Where did
you stay??

We are super lucky that my mom and step-dad are willing to watch our kids for extended periods so we can get alone time. I don't know what we'd do without them. We were gone for 6 days. A big round of applause for the people who help out all of us moms and dads of multiples!!!

We stayed at AKL. First time there - partial "research" for our dvc purchase. We liked it a lot. The resort was beautiful - nice pool, awesome view from our room; we loved having a signature dining rest. within walking distance of our room and if we had brought the kids there were tons of activities to do. DH and I agreed that it would be a nice occasional place to stay but we are still going to buy BCV.

We ended our trip with a few days on the gulf. It was fantastic.

 

[kritter]

We are super lucky that my mom and step-dad are willing to watch our kids for extended periods so we can get alone time. I don't know what we'd do without them. We were gone for 6 days. A big round of applause for the people who help out all of us moms and dads of multiples!!!

We stayed at AKL. First time there - partial "research" for our dvc purchase. We liked it a lot. The resort was beautiful - nice pool, awesome view from our room; we loved having a signature dining rest. within walking distance of our room and if we had brought the kids there were tons of activities to do. DH and I agreed that it would be a nice occasional place to stay but we are still going to buy BCV.

We ended our trip with a few days on the gulf. It was fantastic.

That is awesome.. My parents too are great about watching our kids.. Good to know about AK lodge.. My brother and SIL just bought there. We own at SSR and just added on for the second time this year....Love it.. YOu will love DVC... Next year I am going to have soo many points we are going to have to plan a few extra trips...

When are you going in Sept. we are going then tooo????!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[flipflop]

That is awesome.. My parents too are great about watching our kids.. Good to know about AK lodge.. My brother and SIL just bought there. We own at SSR and just added on for the second time this year....Love it.. YOu will love DVC... Next year I am going to have soo many points we are going to have to plan a few extra trips...

When are you going in Sept. we are going then tooo????!!!!!!!!!!!

I really think kids would love it there.....it's beautiful and very kid-friendly. If I can figure out how to post pics I will post one of the view of the giraffes from our room. I was in awe. My SIL and BIL stayed at SSR on this past trip (they took an adult only trip at the same time as us and we spent a day together in Epcot and then out for dinner) - they said it was beautiful. They bought VWL in March. I can't wait to own. The money is sitting in an accoutn just waiting to be spent but we have a few other financial goals we want to meet before we cut the DVC money loose.

We aren't going back again until Dec. 2008. I think you may have confused me (or my sig) with someone else. We are going to take a 4 day cruise Nov 30-3 (thanks to you, kritter, for telling me how much you enjoy the DCL!! it helped with the decision) and then 5 days at wdw. My parents are coming with us. It seems sooooo far away but we decided we want to wait until we own dvc, can book our home resort and the kids are old enough to be in the kids club on the ship.

ADVICE NEEDED!! After spending a few days at my dad's house on the gulf, we have been tinkering with the idea of bringing the kids down for Thanksgiving this year. My dad and stepmom are thrilled at the idea but DH and I are a little hesitant about transportation. Two options: drive or fly. FLYING: We can get airfare for all five of us for $1600 out of Atlantic City (nice small - won't lose my children- airport) or for $1150 out of Newark (huge airport). Once in FL we would have to rent a minivan or my dad and stepmom could bring both of their cars to pick us up. We would also need to either bring carseats or rent them. Kids have never been on a plane before. There is no third adult at this time that wants to come with us (though I am working on my brother). Complete process of getting there 5 hours. DRIVING: Our kids have never been in the car for more than 2.5 hours at a clip. This drive would be somewhere around 19-20 hours not including stops and spending the night somewhere on the road. We don't need to worry about car seats and dragging our kids, carry-ons, etc through an airport. I haven't worked out the cost but with two hotel rooms (one each way) and gas I think it won't be too far off the newark price. Oh, and it will take 4 days driving total round trip and we will be there for 5 days.

Our kids will be 2.5 at the time we go. Thoughts?????

 

[WendyBirdGirl]

This thread reminded me of a picture I have of Peter Pan reacting to a set of identical twins!

 

[kritter]

I really think kids would love it there.....it's beautiful and very kid-friendly. If I can figure out how to post pics I will post one of the view of the giraffes from our room. I was in awe. My SIL and BIL stayed at SSR on this past trip (they took an adult only trip at the same time as us and we spent a day together in Epcot and then out for dinner) - they said it was beautiful. They bought VWL in March. I can't wait to own. The money is sitting in an accoutn just waiting to be spent but we have a few other financial goals we want to meet before we cut the DVC money loose.

We aren't going back again until Dec. 2008. I think you may have confused me (or my sig) with someone else. We are going to take a 4 day cruise Nov 30-3 (thanks to you, kritter, for telling me how much you enjoy the DCL!! it helped with the decision) and then 5 days at wdw. My parents are coming with us. It seems sooooo far away but we decided we want to wait until we own dvc, can book our home resort and the kids are old enough to be in the kids club on the ship.

ADVICE NEEDED!! After spending a few days at my dad's house on the gulf, we have been tinkering with the idea of bringing the kids down for Thanksgiving this year. My dad and stepmom are thrilled at the idea but DH and I are a little hesitant about transportation. Two options: drive or fly. FLYING: We can get airfare for all five of us for $1600 out of Atlantic City (nice small - won't lose my children- airport) or for $1150 out of Newark (huge airport). Once in FL we would have to rent a minivan or my dad and stepmom could bring both of their cars to pick us up. We would also need to either bring carseats or rent them. Kids have never been on a plane before. There is no third adult at this time that wants to come with us (though I am working on my brother). Complete process of getting there 5 hours. DRIVING: Our kids have never been in the car for more than 2.5 hours at a clip. This drive would be somewhere around 19-20 hours not including stops and spending the night somewhere on the road. We don't need to worry about car seats and dragging our kids, carry-ons, etc through an airport. I haven't worked out the cost but with two hotel rooms (one each way) and gas I think it won't be too far off the newark price. Oh, and it will take 4 days driving total round trip and we will be there for 5 days.

Our kids will be 2.5 at the time we go. Thoughts?????

Ok Here are my thoughts granted I have one less child than you do.. First we have taken our kids on a plane since they were 10/11 months old... We have done Florida, FT. Luaderdale, etc.... I would fly.. First of all you do not have to strap them into the car seats on the airplane. I would recommend checking the car seats and renting a minivan at the airport or having someone pick you up they could pull up and wait for you outside the airport and then the other grandparent could come to baggage claim and help ou with the luggage. You would be able to then get the car seats at baggage and not have to take them all onto the pane etc.... I totally think it would be less stressfull on you to fly.. You could get a DVD player some new toys, etc. to keep them busy on the plane. I sit with the kids usually and Dh sits in the seat across the aisle from me you could sit with two kids and DH could sit with one.. Then it would be more managable. I would take a stroller with you then this way they are contained in the airport. THen one of you pushes while the ohter one carries the carry-ons etc... I am not going to say it is the easiest thing to do but it will get you there quicker and not soo stressfull of having to keep them busy for such a loooooooong car ride. Then you think if you drive you will have to unload and load up more with stops and sleeping over in a hotel halfway. Which they may not be that tired to sleep all night long in a hotel if they have been couped up in a car for six plus hours in one day.. No exercise they will be wound up at night and you both will be exhausetd from driving soooo long. Just my thoughts.. Hope it helps you out..>Kristin

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

I agree with Kristin. FLY! Although our kids were not triplets, we had 4 in 2-1/2 years. When you get to the airport and when you arrive at the destination hire a porter to get your luggage loaded for you. It is WELL worth the $20-$30 each way. MUCH easier than dragging both luggage and kids through the airports. I second the stroller. Lifesaver. There isn't a better time to start them flying so they will feel comfortable with it. Just have coloring books, small toys, ipods, dvd players etc. ready to keep them occupied during the flights and rides. One other note. If AT ALL possible get direct non-stop flights! It is well worth a few extra dollars and sometimes they are actually less expensive. With kids the non-stops are priceless. Have a great time. You will never regret the experiences of vacations with your children. We are excited because for the first time in 5 years we will be vacationing with our entire family in Mexico for our daughter's wedding in just 3 days. There will be 36 of us. I sure miss traveling with my kids (now that they are grown with their own families). Hopefully in a couple more years we will be able to take a huge family trip to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise. That is my dream trip!

 

[momsoftwins]

well i just discovered the site and have learned alot about disney. i am a mom of 3 1/2 yr old frat twin girls and i am planning on taking them this april. i went with family to dw in 2005 when they where 2 and now i am taking them alone. daddy/hubby cant make this trip.
and advice on doing it alone? thanks for any help..kerri

well i made the trip and have totally recovered and am planning the next one.
as i said b4 i went solo with my girls and had the BEST time ever!!!!!! had a few "melt downs" but other than that the girls were perfect! by the second full day at disney i was told "youre the best moma!!" made the trip worth every penny and every sweat drop. well just wanted to give a little trip update to all us parents of multiples
kerri

 

[flipflop]

Kristin and Karla: Thanks for the advice on Thanksgiving. If we decide to go, we are going to fly.

Kristin: We just had our offer accepted for the sale of a 170 point BCV contract. Of course, we have a long road to go with rofr, etc (seller can't close until 9/24) but the closing date and amount of points were perfect for our plan. It's smaller than what we were thinking but I think we'll just do an add on in 2009 (you just did one, right?). Who knows, by then CRV may be announced. I think I am going to stop lurking on the DVC boards and say hi now that we are buying. HOORAY!

I love this thread. Really great, supportive women!

 

[Dawn414]

We have 4-year old twins and have flown with them many times so no issue there. And normally, we do fly. That being said, we are driving around Thanksgiving. Our plan is to eat dinner at my MIL's house and then leave around 5pm and drive until I hit Fayetteville, NC (where I have a hotel booked). The beauty of this is because we already have a mini-van with a DVD player, the kids will watch a movie or two, we'll stop for a potty break and then they'll sleep until we get to the hotel around 1am. The beauty of it at 2 is that you would stop for diaper changes, but not on command. And, although I agree with the price of gas (GAG) and the time (a couple days), it's nice to be able to have your own car & carseats and bring whatever you want. Renting a mini-van for a week nowadays is costly (anywhere from $300-500 I've seen). So, it's a first time thing for us. I'll let you all know...

Dawn McG

 

[kritter]

Kristin and Karla: Thanks for the advice on Thanksgiving. If we decide to go, we are going to fly.

Kristin: We just had our offer accepted for the sale of a 170 point BCV contract. Of course, we have a long road to go with rofr, etc (seller can't close until 9/24) but the closing date and amount of points were perfect for our plan. It's smaller than what we were thinking but I think we'll just do an add on in 2009 (you just did one, right?). Who knows, by then CRV may be announced. I think I am going to stop lurking on the DVC boards and say hi now that we are buying. HOORAY!

I love this thread. Really great, supportive women!

CONGRATS!!! ON THE DVC PURCHASE!!!!!!!


We have added on three times since our cruise in OCT... I love SSR.... I love DVC. Next year we are planning a two week trip Vero and SSR!!!!!!!!

 

[flipflop]

CONGRATS!!! ON THE DVC PURCHASE!!!!!!!


We have added on three times since our cruise in OCT... I love SSR.... I love DVC. Next year we are planning a two week trip Vero and SSR!!!!!!!!

WOW three add-ons in one year! Got a little addonitis, eh?

Have you been to Vero before? My great aunts had a house there (not on the DVC property ) and I spent a lot of time in Vero on vacations usually tacked on or after a vacation trip when they were alive. I loved the beach in Vero - just beautiful. I'd love to hear how you like the resort....DH and I have discussed eventually checking out HHI and VB.

 

[flipflop]

We have 4-year old twins and have flown with them many times so no issue there. And normally, we do fly. That being said, we are driving around Thanksgiving. Our plan is to eat dinner at my MIL's house and then leave around 5pm and drive until I hit Fayetteville, NC (where I have a hotel booked). The beauty of this is because we already have a mini-van with a DVD player, the kids will watch a movie or two, we'll stop for a potty break and then they'll sleep until we get to the hotel around 1am. The beauty of it at 2 is that you would stop for diaper changes, but not on command. And, although I agree with the price of gas (GAG) and the time (a couple days), it's nice to be able to have your own car & carseats and bring whatever you want. Renting a mini-van for a week nowadays is costly (anywhere from $300-500 I've seen). So, it's a first time thing for us. I'll let you all know...

Dawn McG

We have a mini-van with a dvd player too, which I think would be the only thing to save us on that long of a drive with 2 year olds! Good call on the stopping for diaper changes. hhhmmmm....wish you were going before us so you could be the guinea pig and then report back I didn't realize it would be that much to rent a van. yikes. This whole instant, family of 5 thing is really expensive.

 

[kritter]

WOW three add-ons in one year! Got a little addonitis, eh?

Have you been to Vero before? My great aunts had a house there (not on the DVC property ) and I spent a lot of time in Vero on vacations usually tacked on or after a vacation trip when they were alive. I loved the beach in Vero - just beautiful. I'd love to hear how you like the resort....DH and I have discussed eventually checking out HHI and VB.

Well we added on the first time in Oct. 06 while on the cruise they were offering fifteen dollars a point.. Then we only did 50 points....But shouldhave done what we orginaly wanted to do the 150 but we were being conservative... Then we came home and DH got the most incredible job.. Then we added on a hundred more since the job etc. and we got ten dollars off a point and same use year, etc.. Plus last years point too.. So that was good too..
Then two weeks ago we get a postcard in the mail the price is going up so we got fifty more.. I know we are nuts...Plus wanted to be able to evenly divide up the points between the two kids some day.......
We love SSR and are happy that we own there..

Never been to Vero can't wait to go..Hope I can get the ressie at the seven month point...
Wanted to go to HH this year since we have soo many points this year. But nothing available with points only cash ressies left...Darn!!!!!!!!

 

[kritter]

well i made the trip and have totally recovered and am planning the next one.
as i said b4 i went solo with my girls and had the BEST time ever!!!!!! had a few "melt downs" but other than that the girls were perfect! by the second full day at disney i was told "youre the best moma!!" made the trip worth every penny and every sweat drop. well just wanted to give a little trip update to all us parents of multiples
kerri

Congrats... I am soo happy that it was a good time for you!!!!!!!!!

 

[kritter]

We have 4-year old twins and have flown with them many times so no issue there. And normally, we do fly. That being said, we are driving around Thanksgiving. Our plan is to eat dinner at my MIL's house and then leave around 5pm and drive until I hit Fayetteville, NC (where I have a hotel booked). The beauty of this is because we already have a mini-van with a DVD player, the kids will watch a movie or two, we'll stop for a potty break and then they'll sleep until we get to the hotel around 1am. The beauty of it at 2 is that you would stop for diaper changes, but not on command. And, although I agree with the price of gas (GAG) and the time (a couple days), it's nice to be able to have your own car & carseats and bring whatever you want. Renting a mini-van for a week nowadays is costly (anywhere from $300-500 I've seen). So, it's a first time thing for us. I'll let you all know...

Dawn McG

Dawn,


Can't wait to hear how it goes you are braver than me.......!!!!!!

 

[texasrhonda]

I'm wondering if you all could give me your thoughts on renting a double stroller at WDW for the 8 days we're in the parks. I have been advised this would be a good idea. We have twin girls who are 2.5 years old and a 4.5 year old boy. Thanks!

 

[probono]

Hi - can I join in?

I am a Mommy to 3.5 year old bgb triplets! We are from S. Jersey and are planning our first trip to Disney with the kids. Our first trip was our honeymoon in 1992. We are thinking of going in January 2008 (for the cool weather for my parents), although with all this talk about the DDP changing next year, I'd love to plan for December 2007. It will be me, DH, my Mom and Dad and the kiddos. I cannot wait. We were tentatively booked and then my Dad started having some medical problems, so we put the planning on hold temporarily.

We've been looking at different options, but are leaning toward the POR with the trundle bed option.

Has anyone stayed at that hotel/thoughts?

TIA - Mari

 

[ellenmiele]

I'm wondering if you all could give me your thoughts on renting a double stroller at WDW for the 8 days we're in the parks. I have been advised this would be a good idea. We have twin girls who are 2.5 years old and a 4.5 year old boy. Thanks!

Definitely a double for your girls but you might want one for your DS too. Especially if you're travelling during real warm weather - he'll poop out fast if he's walking.

 

[ellenmiele]

Hi - can I join in?

I am a Mommy to 3.5 year old bgb triplets! We are from S. Jersey and are planning our first trip to Disney with the kids. Our first trip was our honeymoon in 1992. We are thinking of going in January 2008 (for the cool weather for my parents), although with all this talk about the DDP changing next year, I'd love to plan for December 2007. It will be me, DH, my Mom and Dad and the kiddos. I cannot wait. We were tentatively booked and then my Dad started having some medical problems, so we put the planning on hold temporarily.

We've been looking at different options, but are leaning toward the POR with the trundle bed option.

Has anyone stayed at that hotel/thoughts?

TIA - Mari

Just saying hi
As for POR I haven't stayed there myself but I have friends who've stayed there many times and love it. Someone here probably can give you plenty of info! And check the reosrts thread, too!