Week long trip with 4 young kids - crazy or fun?

[starsweeper]

I have 4 kids (8, 8, 4 & 3) with only the 3-year-old still working on potty training. We would all love to visit WDW more. DH grew up there and isn't as big a fan, and doesn't always have vacation time to go. I was pricing out Windsor Hills townhome rentals and we could afford to visit Spring and Fall Break at a townhome with annual passes (DH would probably come in the Fall). We live in the Lexington, KY area and it is about a 15-hour drive to WDW. We usually leave after school, stay the night in Macon, GA and wake early to arrive in WDW soon after lunch. Am I crazy to consider taking 4 young kids on that long a trip by myself for a week starting this fall or next spring? Would you wait a few years, or just no way ever?

 

[MandiC]

I would do it

 

[Mousemommy1]

Why not? Those are great ages! Our 10 and 8 year old have been 6 times since they were 3 and 5, and our little guy will be 15 weeks on his first trip next month!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I think it would be a fun adventure. Go for it!

 

[George4]

Just remember to let the kids energy dictate the pace of your day. We have been taking ours with them as little as 6 months without any real problems. Since you may be by yourself be smart about your day. Be willing to go back to your room early if necessary without feeling gypped. We took ours back for naps almost every day, and on others we didn't go to the park until after naps. Your challenge will be that you can't carry all of them if the little ones get tired. Keep that in mind if you are really going to go by yourself. It is brutal if you keep them in the park too long and the meltdowns ensue before you get out of the park. We watched it happen for years in other peoples kids and learned to never let ours get that bad. Of course, we were also willing to bribe the kids with a snack/treat if needed to get them out of the park before the meltdown ever started. Hard to buy the treat when they are already screaming. It's all about knowing your kids and anticipating their meltdown.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

remember that on rides you will have to ride with both 3 and 4 year olds while the 8 year olds ride together. at 8 years old they are not old enough to ride with the younger 2

 

[kreckl]

I wouldn't. My concern would be if something happened to you. What if you got sick had some sort of emergency or something? Your oldest kids are not old enough to fend for themselves or care for the little ones.

 

[quandrea]

I wouldn't. My concern would be if something happened to you. What if you got sick had some sort of emergency or something? Your oldest kids are not old enough to fend for themselves or care for the little ones.

I had never thought about it like that. I was considering taking my three next year. But you have a real point.

 

[msmama]

How are you at doing things with all four of them at home?

If you can do zoos, local amusement parks or fairs with them at home no problem then I don't think Disney would be different. If that kind of stuff makes you want to run for the hills after a few hours more often than not, then a solo Disney trip would probably be a bad idea.

Disney, I think, is great for solo parents. When my son and I go (just one though) I pretty much stay on his schedule the entire time we're there so it works out just fine.

Some concerns I could see - you're an odd number so be aware of the rides that are only 2 seaters. And there's kind of an age gap where some can ride everything and others maybe not. That said, I think as long as you make your intentions clear at the beginning (like everyone rides of no one, or whatever your rule is) then it'd be okay.

That said, no way would I drive 15 hours alone (and I'm a road tripper). My max is about 6 hours a day before stopping for the night so it'd take me 3 days to get there!

 

[collcass]

I have 4 kids (8, 8, 4 & 3) with only the 3-year-old still working on potty training. We would all love to visit WDW more. DH grew up there and isn't as big a fan, and doesn't always have vacation time to go. I was pricing out Windsor Hills townhome rentals and we could afford to visit Spring and Fall Break at a townhome with annual passes (DH would probably come in the Fall). We live in the Lexington, KY area and it is about a 15-hour drive to WDW. We usually leave after school, stay the night in Macon, GA and wake early to arrive in WDW soon after lunch. Am I crazy to consider taking 4 young kids on that long a trip by myself for a week starting this fall or next spring? Would you wait a few years, or just no way ever?

I did it. They were a bit older (6-11), but I booked it 2 days prior and off we went. We had a fantastic time. Believe it or not, I am far more nervous about taking my toddler this fall by myself. lol

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

Mom of five here and I've done both local outings and out of town trips with my children by myself when DH couldn't take off from work, even back when my 13 year old twins were infants ; and I think a Disney trip would definitely be both fun and doable considering your children's ages. My primary concern though would be the amount of time it would take for you to drive to WDW and the safety issues involved with being the only driver. Like the pp, the maximum I've ever driven out of town by myself with the kids is around 6.5 hours total and I think that is my personal limit.

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

I have done many 18+ hour trips with the kids solo. Just take it easy, break up the trip. I have to drive through the mts with 4 under 10 and 2 of which who suffer from motion sickness. You learn to relax, pack special tubs...ice cream buckets for getting sick lined with garbage bags that can be tossed, wet wipes, bottles of water, changes of clothes, meds the whole 9 yards. It's a comfort thing and I enjoy the driving. A friend told me for our drive to WDW to pack ziplock bags that I can put things in and they switch them out every few hours to help with boredom. We also do books on CDs.

 

[powellrj]

I think your kids are a great age to take a trip like that! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Meriam]

I second the safety concerns. I would at least purchase AAA so that you would have someone to rescue you if something goes wrong with your car on the journey.