Trip reports from families with littles

[Cara]

My husband and I (57 and 55) will be will be traveling with our DD and SIL, as well as our grandsons, ages almost 5 and 2. I would love to read your trip reports for visits with littles or multi-generational trips. Any recommendations? (I posted a similar thread three years ago when we took our grandson on his first Disney trip!)

 

[sponica]

I don't typically do trip reports. But I've done a trip with a 20 month old, and then a 5 year old and a 20 month old, and a 6 year old and a 2.5 year old.

1) Pace yourself and be flexible. My youngest was absolutely done by day 3 or day 4 of our last week long parks trip and my oldest wasn't big into rides.

2) Everyone needs space at the end of the day. It doesn't matter how close you are, the family units will probably need some down time at night apart from each other.

We're not RD to park close people with the kids, mine just can't hang that late and if we tried to push it the next day would be miserable....so if you're trying to do fireworks, maybe do it at the beginning with a lighter day the next day or at the very end of the trip and deal with the cranky on check out day.

 

[Cara]

Good advice! We're staying a week and have 7-day tickets. We're not planning to do a full park day on ANY day. Lots of half days. Lots of breaks. Some no-park mornings and no-park evenings. Honestly, **I** would be done after 3 days if I tried to do parks from open to close!

 

[scrappinginontario]

Not my thread but I would highly recommend reading, '

"Let's See What We Can See!"- Surviving WDW With Three Under 3!'​

 

[Mouse Tracker]

Everyone needs space at the end of the day. It doesn't matter how close you are, the family units will probably need some down time at night apart from each other.

I agree with this and would add that during park time DD/SIL might want time for a few of their interests. As a grandparent that has done a trip with a similar group as you, Spouse and I were happy to take the grandkids for a while or at least help wrangle.

Being flexible during the day helps with navigating the different moods and energy levels of everyone.

 

[Cara]

I will check out that trip report!

And good advice. My husband and I will definitely take the boys at least one night for the parents to have a date night. I also agree that we need time apart. When we went last time, we stayed in a 2BR at Bay Lake Tower. This time, we're doing two separate rooms at Wilderness Lodge. I just think the distance may be a little less stressful.

 

[Rory607]

I would request adjoining rooms if you’re okay with it. There is no guarantee, but we’ve gotten them several times with grandparents and it has saved us time in the morning and evening to have two bathrooms. The five year old could use your bathroom while his parents get ready. But you’ll also have a door on your side that you can lock if you need a break, lol! We always make the kids knock and see if grandma and grandpa are available.
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