what do u do with mixed aged kids?

[dbal]

We are planning a trip in early Dec. and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a blended family with diverse ages.
It will be myself, dh,dd-15,dd-13,dd-6,and dd-2. The older two dds live with their mom not far away (we see them all the time for short visits- wkends etc.) And everyone gets along just fine.

The problem is when we announced our plans to our usually disney fanatic girls, the older ones didn't seem excited. They are already asking if they can bring friends, go off by themselves etc.

I don't think bringing anyone else is an option, our 6 year old has autistic spectrum disorder and she requires a little extra attention. Going off by themselves in the same park seems reasonable.... but any suggestions to psyche them up would be appreciated.


We don't get alot of family vacation time together and I really want them to enjoy. The younger 2 are crazy about their sisters and will want to experience every moment of magic with them, so they will definitely need breaks from them but we want to enjoy this with them as well.
sorry so long and thanks-

 

[tcfdick]

I have two children. They are 7+ years apart in age, so we have always had to take that into consideration. I always let them take turns picking out what ride they wanted to do because we usually stay together as a family (sometimes Dad goes with DD and I go with DS or vice versa).

Since your two oldest are 15 and 13, I believe they are old enough to do some rides by themselves and then meet up with you at a later time, while you take the two younger ones on rides they will love. Do you have 2-way radios you could use or maybe cell phones on a family plan? This would give the older kids freedom, but allow you to feel comfortable about getting in touch with them when they are apart from you.

You'll find they might be a little more excited if they think they will be able to go out on their own at the parks (within reason of course).

 

[4greatboys]

My boys are 16, 14, 4 and 2. We always stay together in the parks. I have asked my 2 oldest if they wanted to go off alone and they wanted to hang with us. We just take turns doing things that everyone enjoys--the big people stuff mixed in with the little people stuff.
They do go with each other to DTD when we are staying in the room with the little ones but they have our cell phone and they stay together.
I would just suggest give them the option of going off for a couple of hours without you guys if they want. They may not even want to but then they had the choice.
Take them somewhere "cool" to eat like Planet Hollywood.

 

[dbal]

Thanks for the replies. 4greatboys- I was wondering how they got to DD without you? Did they use the bus since you stayed onsite? We are not staying onsite so, I imagine our group will be staying in the same general park. Planet hollywood sounds like a good idea.

Also, how were they at the teen age? Last time we went they were 12 & 10, and they had a blast. But now they are typical teens and nothing seems to impress them. Hopefully I am reading way too much into it and they will perk up when we arrive.

 

[zurgswife]

I'd give them the option of spending a few hours roaming the park your in or staying with you..

I also let my dd 13 and her friend travel to DTD to shop all by themselves and they really enjoyed this freedom perk. They traveled by bus maybe you could drop your girls off and picke them up at a scheduled time. My dd did have a cell phone so I could check in with them every 1.5 hours or so...

 

[dbal]

Zurgswife-

Off topic but I have a ? for you. I'm assuming the kids in the picture posted are yours. How do you stay on property with the size of your group?

Thanks

 

[CPM]

I ahve a 16 year old & a 7 year old. We let my 16 year old go off by herself if she wants. She likes DQ. She's only allowed to stay on Disney property and she has a cell phone. She enjoys the freedom, which gets her excited to go.
The nice part is she'll even take her little broother to the parks for the day and we get to relax!

 

[Teaching in NV]

I have 2 daughters .. one is 16, the oither is 4 (ACK!)
We usually all stay together for the AM, then when the 4 year old has had enough (and you KNOW the precise minute THAT happens) DH is MORE than happy to take her back to the hotel for a little R&R (they BOTH need it)

That's when the Older DD and I do the commando park thing. We go nuts. Before DH leaves with the youngest, we use all 4 park hoppers to get fast passes for two different rides. With those in hand, DD and I have a blast and get a lot done, even on busy times of the year.

DH and younger DD are rested and ready for evening activities and everyone's happy.

 

[riopooh]

Take advantage of baby swap when you can- my 10 yr old had a great time riding everything twice while the 2 yr old played in the play areas!

 

[zurgswife]

Originally posted by dbal
Zurgswife-

Off topic but I have a ? for you. I'm assuming the kids in the picture posted are yours. How do you stay on property with the size of your group?

Thanks

Yup those are mine...we are DVC owners so most of the time we stay at the BWV can't beat the 2 bdrm villas (we save $1000's by just being able to cook our own meals)....but the few times we don't we get 2 rooms but only if there are huge discounts...like this past Dec. POP AP rate $49 per night...who could say no....

 

[Barb D]

Originally posted by dbal
Zurgswife-

Off topic but I have a ? for you. I'm assuming the kids in the picture posted are yours. How do you stay on property with the size of your group?

Thanks

Dbal, another option is to get two connecting rooms at the All Stars. That way you get two bathrooms, too!

I have three kids, so we still fit at Port Orleans Riverside...but barely. My big kids (5'10" and 5'4") are really too big for the trundle or share a double. I have a feeling we'll be doing the two rooms at the All Stars from now on.

 

[dbal]

Thanks for everyones tips. I would love to stay onsite again. We got too spoiled at the BW last time, but I'm afraid that won't be in the budget this time. Even with 2 rooms at the AS- I just can't justify that over a 2 bedroom suite with kitch & laundry etc.

Oh well, I think everyone is right- about giving them a taste of freedom (in small doses). I'm sure once they know they won't be glued to us, they will start getting into this.

Thanks again everybody!


- Deb