Trip in 2wks and I'm starting to panic!

[Harmony]

There are several reasons I'm panicing! (does everyone go through this?)

First off, I have a toddler who is 2mos shy of turning 2years old.

The trip is 2wks away and I've started to panic. I've noticed that my DS, who up till now has been a very agreeable person, is starting to show his stubborn side. (gets it from his dad, I'm sure) His crying...instead of a "I'm tired" soft cry has turned into a "come quick" I hurt myself cry....every time he cries.

Last summer, we stood in line with him (he didn't walk at the time) and he was patient and smiled and laughed with us. Now I'm beginning to wonder if he will take a 40min wait time.

And to make matters worse, he does have a slight oral aversion so just handing him a cracker or something to eat will not work! Help...I need ideas, suggestions, advice!

Also...I just read a post about the Pop Century Resort having horrible bus service. I don't care about the noise...I have three kids, noise doesn't bother me...but I care very much about the bus transportation. Has anyone been there in June? (second wk in June) What's it like? Was the bus service horrible or "do-able?"

Again, our trip is in 2wks and I'm starting to panic! My family and I have been planning this Disney trip for approx 8mos now.
Maybe I'm expecting too much from this trip and I need to go "with the flow" and relax. (I'm sure that's it) Though I'm sure things won't go according to plan...they never do and that's okay...I just want to be as prepared as I can for things.

 

[DWorldObsessed]

The funny thing is my DS is 7 and I feel the same. When he gets tired, he hates everything and makes everyones life miserable. All we can do I think is take it easy. The important things is to realize this is supposed to be a time to make memories so if we don't get to do everything we planned it is okay. I am trying to keep my expectations low. We will do the attractions we can and if that means we spend more time at the small things like the Donald Duck water area than so be it. We pay for the chance to have a magical time for our families not to see everything and do everything. Sometimes you may need to split up since all children do not like to do the same things at the same time. As far as the buses, they can be crowded and sometimes the wait is longer than hoped for. All I can say is try not to wait until everyone is in meltdown to go back to your hotel. In the morning, get as early a start as your kids will allow so you don't feel rushed. I like to have something special in my purse that is unexpected at times like that like a tootsie pop or a flashlite, calculator, anything that might draw interest. Those disney whirley toys that light up are great for those times. But keep it hidden and only give it to the kids in emergencies so it is a "special feel-better toy". Small fans and water bottles to cool off with are essential. And MOST important is your attitude, keep a Hakuna Matata attitude for yourself and let the kids be themselves.

Good Luck

 

[deejohn]

I feel your pain, however, I am a Dad, and we can "turn-off" caring about the crying. I have taken 3 different 2 year olds to DWD and are planning to take the final one there in Dec '05. Here are some things I have learned:
1. Never let them bring a "comfort" toy with them to the parks
2. Always bring their stroller from home
3. Any wait time longer than 12 minutes is toooooo long in line
4. Be willing to split the kids with your spouse
5. Naps are NOT always a good thing --> play this one by ear
You probably gave yourself the best advice "go with the flow". In the end the outbursts are only a small part of the time, and you'll only remember the happy face, that's why I keep bringing them back.

Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[Harmony]

1. Never let them bring a "comfort" toy with them to the parks

Curious about this one. Why not?

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Curious about this one. Why not?

I say it's a bad idea because it can easily get lost. That's why "Baby Elmo" is staying at the resort! He's been discontinued and would stay in the crib at home if DD would let him...

 

[deejohn]

Curious about this one. Why not? [/QUOTE

There are 2 main reasons:
1. If it gets lost you now have 2 crisis
2. They focus on the toy and what it represents: comfort and aloneness. All they want to do is be left alone, which is hard to do at WDW!!!

Your kids may be different, however, it took me 2 kids for figure this out.