WDW for DD10/11?

[frannn]

DD10 will have just turned 11 two months before we are scheduled to travel to WDW. Usually, she and her older sister, DD14, stay with their dad while DH and I go (with our DD1) to WDW. This trip, DD10 wants to come (really badly). She is a "mature" 10- into punk music, boys, etc. I am afraid she will come and complain, complain, complain, since her dad, sister, friends will stay behind.
It would only be DD1 (she'll be almost 2), DH, and I with her. She will be dragged to all the character meals, etc. Has anyone taken an 11 year old girl to the World and had a great time? I would love to take her. We only take one vacation a year, and I was hoping it would be truly a vacation, and not full of the work and stress that is caused by one person not having a good time.
Any thoughts/advice?
BTW, the last time we took DD10 and DD14, it was about 4 years ago & although we had a good time, there was controversy when we got back. DD10 told her dad my DH hit her, she wanted to call her friends on DHs cell phone, was constantly irritable, etc. I am hoping she has gotten past this.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I say take your daughter to WDW and even try to talk her older sister into going too. Next plan a trip that is just for them this time. Make the trip so fun that they have no reason to complain! Sounds like the baby has had several trips since they have so make this trip all about your older girls. Look for resturants that they would enjoy. Plan lots of time for the rides they would love and don;t make them ride dumbo. DH can take the baby on dumbo while you do other things with them. Pick a resort with a cool pool and plan some down time there. Work our the rules for spending money, behavior etc before you go. Expect good behavior and a great time and I bet you will get both. Those precious childhood years go so fast. My 11 year old is a boy and still loves everything about WDW. He goes most of the time with just DH and me and really likes it that way!!!!

Good luck.


Jordans' mom

 

[frannn]

DD15 won't be able to go-her school's new rules only allow one week absence from a half year course. She doesn't mind not going. I think it would be a nice bonding opportunity for DD10/11 and us. I want to be sure she has a great time, though. We will go to a few character meals, and I hope to make the campfire movie this trip (for the first time). We both love to shop, so we'll spend some time doing that. Not sure if she'll love the rides we like or think they're lame. She said "just don't make me go on any roller coasters", so maybe we'll be ok!

 

[laceemouse]

Having been to many amusement parks all over the country I have to say that one thing that Disney has that none of the others has is the "family ride." Things like HM and POTC can be enjoyed by all ages. That being said, our oldest is almost 13 and while she is not into boys and clothes at all (kind of a tomboy) she does roll her eyes at some of the Disney stuff. We make her do it as we have 3 younger kids and want to stay together as much as possible. DH does take her on some of the more daring things when she wants to try them. Just tell your DD up front that you will be doing all kinds of things and tell her how you expect her to act and see if she still REALLY wants to go. I agree that everyone might enjoy some pool time or a water park.