Very concerned about how my kids will do at WDW

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Ok, here's my dilemma. We just came back from the mall. We were there for about 1 hour and the kids started whining and getting tired - 1 HOUR! We didn't have a stroller with us and we will have one at Disney but I'm still very concerned that the kids will be wiped out at the parks after a couple hours. Now I'm wishing I would've just booked a trip to the Caribbean so we can just lay on the beach all day.

You guys always have great advice so please share your stories with me. My one son is almost 6 and the other one is 4.5.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

The 1st year we went my kids were 2, 6, & 8. DD2 had stroller. The boys did not. Everyone did fine. DD2 took a nap a couple times in the stroller. We took a break in the afternoon where DD slept in the car (we rented).

Last time we went, kids were 4, 8 & 10. DD4 still had stroller. THANK GOODNESS. She also whines at the mall. BUT she did GREAT at WDW. We were there for 9 days and it was a wonderful time.

This year kids will be 6, 10 & 12 (BOY the grow up fast!). I am a bit concerned for DD6. We will not be doing a stroller this year. But I have noticed when she wears good tennis shoes, she is not as tired. We usually wear flip flops around the mall and I think it makes your feet tired.

I think if you have a stroller, you will do fine. There is so much going on with all the rides and the excitement that your kids may outdo you! Just take it slow and take afternoon breaks. It will be wonderful!
Angela

 

[SueM in MN]

My one son is almost 6 and the other one is 4.5.

That's your problem; you took an almost 6 yr old and a 4.5 yr old BOY to the mall.
Now, girls that age would probably be a different story. Even when they were that age, I could take my girls out shopping fro hours without complaints (and the youngest has ADD).

Your sons were probably bored because you weren't doing anything interesting to them. The easiest way to get mom to leave is to bug her with "I'm tired....aren't we almost done yet.......when can we go home.........can't we check out NOW......my feet are too tired to move.........whine, whine whine" until she gets tired of it and leaves. Most of the little boys become suddenly much less tired once they are home and want to go out, play and run around.

There is a lot more to interest them at WDW than there is at the mall, so I predict you won't have anywhere near as much whining and complaining.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

That's your problem; you took an almost 6 yr old and a 4.5 yr old BOY to the mall.
Now, girls that age would probably be a different story. Even when they were that age, I could take my girls out shopping fro hours without complaints (and the youngest has ADD).

Your sons were probably bored because you weren't doing anything interesting to them. The easiest way to get mom to leave is to bug her with "I'm tired....aren't we almost done yet.......when can we go home.........can't we check out NOW......my feet are too tired to move.........whine, whine whine" until she gets tired of it and leaves. Most of the little boys become suddenly much less tired once they are home and want to go out, play and run around.

There is a lot more to interest them at WDW than there is at the mall, so I predict you won't have anywhere near as much whining and complaining.

You certainly have a point. I used to love to go shopping with my mom and sister (and still do) so I guess it makes some sense. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Oy! Remember that Disney isn't the mall so there will be much more around to keep them entertained.

You are right to bring a stroller though. Both of my daughters had their first trips to WDW when they were 5 or 5 1/2. We had strollers both times. It saved us from alot of whining and tired legs.

Just remember that you may have to take a slightly slower pace than you might like. Perhaps you will have to go back to the hotel to rest or swim. Sometimes even stopping for a snack break and just people watching is helpful.

If they seem cranky and you think they need to blow off steam look for 1 of the in park playgrounds. In MGM theres the I shrunk the kids one. In Animal Kingdom there is the boneyard. Both of these are good places for kids to run around and burn off some steam (and get rid of the crankies.)

Good luck to you! (But I think you kids will have a great time.)

 

[Mkrop]

The stroller and the excitement of the park will help. DS4 HATES shopping at the mall or Kmart wherever. So we were very concerned when we went to Hershey Park (PA) over the summer but he did great. They have many hills there but because he was being carted around he did fine. I was the hurting one! WE took some breaks there and just sat and watched people going down the log flume and he was fine because we took a break. The heat was what got him but he still did fine.

Now with that said I too am nervous about WDW but we are renting the stroller and taking afternoon breaks back at the hotel.

We did this when DS9 was 4 (our last trip) and it was the best game plan!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[karenTX]

I am SO with you!!! I just got back from going to the outdoor mall with DM and DD. DD turns 2 this week. Usually, she does pretty good shopping but today...OMG!!! She went from reading a book in her stroller to throwing the book and screaming in nanoseconds!!! Ok, it was her lunch time...so we went to eat. She's ALWAYS done really well in restaurants. Today though, she refused to sit in the highchair, wouldn't sit still in the booster, kept crawling all over me and the seat and then, to top it all off, started screaming/crying/"no no no" !!! We got everything to go and I took her outside. This is not the same child I had a few days ago!!!

Now, I'm scared to take her to WDW in December!!! Is age 2 REALLY this bad?!?!?! How do I get my well behaved, sweet child back???

I'm going to go cry now!

 

[Mkrop]

Welcome to the roller coaster called children... as I always say until they are about the age 5 you are not dealing with rational human beings!

I love my children more than anything in this world but somedays...oh my!

 

[Hannathy]

Have to agree with Sue! Little boys and Malls do not mix. My DS will complain before we even park. don't worry about it. My DS was 5 when we went over Easter and we were on the go from opening till 11 or midnight every night for 8 days and he was right with us, no complaints and we did not bring or use a stroller!

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

A friend of mine put her kids through Disney World training! They started months in advance and began walking (rain or shine) EVERY day practically. Her and the kidlets were in fabulous shape and looked wonderful for their trip and I didn't hear a thing about any of them whining at all in the parks. Might be an idea!

 

[chattyann]

When we went last year my boys turned 5 and 8 while we were there and normally they whine about being tired if we have been in Walmart for 30 minutes. At disney not one time did either of them ever say I'm tired or whine, that was me and my DH. LOL. I think they were on overload from all the excitement. I will say I had absolutely no trouble at all getting them to bed while we were there. lol

 

[Skye00]

I am certainly feeling some of the same apprehension regarding my children's behavior when I do WDW solo in November with them. But I just remind myself to have realistic expectations. At times I know I forget that they are 4 and 2 and project more adult expectations on them. Just today, we were skiing and after 2 runs, my DD4 starts to complain that she needs a break. After 2 runs! I bit my lip even as I could see my money "ticking away" and I took her into the lodge for an hour snack. Even though we took 3 breaks and left 3 hours before closing, it was a great QUALITY day. Had I pushed her there would have undoubtably been tears and possible injury. I want her to love to ski, not detest it.

I think taking "rest" at the hotel (as other posters have suggested) is a great idea. I just know that a tired child, begets a frustrated adult, begets disaster, regret and disappointment.

The best advice I can offer regarding behavior, is always let your children know what you expect of them. Ex: "I know you do not want to be at the mall right now, but we need to get new shoes for Katie, a birthday present for Alex and I need to return a blouse. When we are finished, we can go on the bike ride you wanted." It helps my kids to understand "why" we are doing something and "when" it will end.

Your children (and mine) are lucky to have the opportunity to share such a wonderful experience at WDW. Our children will no doubt be tired and cranky (as I know I will be too), but the memories will be well worth it! Don't stress, you will have a fantastic vacation!

 

[DISNEYFOS]

That's your problem; you took an almost 6 yr old and a 4.5 yr old BOY to the mall.
Your sons were probably bored because you weren't doing anything interesting to them. The easiest way to get mom to leave is to bug her with "I'm tired....aren't we almost done yet.......when can we go home.........can't we check out NOW......my feet are too tired to move.........whine, whine whine" until she gets tired of it and leaves. Most of the little boys become suddenly much less tired once they are home and want to go out, play and run around.

How true! And it stays with them...My husband still does this

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

There is NO comparison in taking kids to the mall and to WDW.

There are breaks and rides and shows and plenty of opportunities to park their butts on a park bench with a fresh fruit or bottle of water to recharge.

The mall is boring and usually mom is there for something that is not entertaining to the children at all.

Just remember - you can't and won't be able to do it all. It's not a race to get in every single attraction, show, etc. It's about spending time building beautiful, happy memories - and if that means you do a few less rides or miss a parade - that's okay.

You (and they) will be fine.

 

[U2_rocks!]

A friend of mine put her kids through Disney World training! They started months in advance and began walking (rain or shine) EVERY day practically. Her and the kidlets were in fabulous shape and looked wonderful for their trip and I didn't hear a thing about any of them whining at all in the parks. Might be an idea!

This is a great idea, and we've been meaning to do it, but life keeps in getting in the way! I'm going to put my mind to it this week again - we have less than 4 weeks to go!

 

[Pixie Dust Luver]

I think everything will be fine. As most are saying there is soooooo much to look at those little hands and eyes will be busy taking everything in. Do take your stroller or rent one. The first year we took our grandsons we took their umbrella strollers, the youngest was about just a little over a yr old and the oldest was 2. We had no problems that I can remember.

Just relax and enjoy Disney!!!!!!

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Just rent the strolller and see how it goes. Tha stroller was convenient and worked well with my two dd's in grades 2 and 3 at the time. They were VERY comfortable and felt safe and I knew where they were at all times. We also did the afternoon breaks. As a very protective parent the stroller made me feel very comfortable. You can also put your backpack or other bags in the stroller. My daughters NEVER complained about sitting in the stroller. They loved it. And I was happy. Next time we go back they will be 10 and 11 1/2...too old for a stroller. I wish I could still push them in a stroller. Feel comfortable on your holiday and enjoy it the way you want to. When I was there I saw a lot of older children in strollers.