What have we done? First trip with kids...

[AuntDJ]

FUN!!! I took each of my nieces and nephew whenever they each turned 8 . It was soooo much fun. I mean, they aren't your kids, so you spoil and send home

I gave each one a spending limit each day (for me, it was $10 a day). Two of them spent that each day and the third one, held hers until the very end and got a princess dress.

Pressed pennies and autograph books....the Girls loved the pressed pennies and at .51 each...pretty good buy. For the autograph books, I bought the clickable colored sharpies and they loved deciding what the color would be each morning for the day.

As kids, they were used to getting up pretty early, so we did rope drop everyday and came back for a pool break in the afternoon then a couple of hours back at the park. Usually they were crashed by 10 PM.

My oldest niece and nephew are 17 & 18 and are graduating from high school and they requested back to Disney. So we will be there in July 2016. Guess they enjoyed it!

 

[Grandma G]

Oh, my! You can't know how delighted I am that I opened this thread.

Because the first time that my husband and I took children (on our own) to WDW was in August of 1989. And the children were our two nephews and first granddaughter, then 9, 7 and 4. Just the five of us. The rest of the grandchildren had not yet made their appearances.

And it was a trip that I will cherish always. The boys are in their thirties now and my granddaughter is ... almost. And, although my husband is no longer with us, the four of us still bore the rest of the family with our memories of it at every opportunity. So ...

I was really happy to hear of your husband's plan to permit the kids to manage their own spending money. We did exactly the same thing - with exactly the same Disney Dollars - every time we took children to Disney. And it works beautifully. The trick, however, is to resist the temptation to add that little bit of 'extra' on the last day for the one who didn't plan as carefully as did the other(s) . As for Characters ...

Both of the children should be fine with them. The only time I've encountered a problem - and I've been in WDW with children (then) aged 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and into/through their teens - was when that same oldest granddaughter was two. What a disaster that morning at The Polynesian was! Swimming ...

We stayed, that trip, in a villa within walking distance of what is now Downtown Disney. We flew down (the kids' very first plane ride) and rented a golf cart to scoot around in the complex and back and forth to The Village. They loved the cart. In fact, I think that it was truly their favorite ride - as they all took turns helping their uncle/grandfather drive. I think that the Monorail was a close second.

And there was a lovely quiet pool and hot tub just outside our ground-floor door that, for whatever reason, we seemed to have all to ourselves. So, we planned one Pool-and-Play Day during the ten days and also enjoyed it every early morning for a short dip before heading to the day's Character breakfast and on late afternoons when we returned to rest a bit before heading out to dinner (there were only three parks then and no such thing as a FastPass - glorious!). A couple of times (when the next day's plans began a bit late) we all splashed around wickedly late at night, too. It was a very hot summer.

Our oldest nephew and my husband rode everything. My younger nephew would sometimes keep me and his cousin company when I was 'afraid' to try some of the scarier adventures that, surprisingly, were not among his favorites either ... I should note, though, that this was the boys' second trip to WDW - the first had been with my husband, their parents and grandparents and me - so we had the advantage of knowing their favorites and the ones that they weren't particularly fond of.

Too, importantly, I think, we 'called home' each evening so that all of them could share the fun with their Moms and Dads. Besides, that was the deal that I had to make in order to get those Moms and Dads to let them go.

We planned dinner at our favorite restaurants and the kids were free to order whatever they liked (if I remember correctly, that year's Dining Plan involved some sort of coupon scheme). They loved being able to choose from the 'grown-up' menu. However, the two youngest slept through Victoria and Albert's (their aunt/grandmother had made a much-too-late reservation) and so we sleepy-heads all ate our beautifully-boxed desserts - with ice-cold milk - when we got 'home'. But, back to your family ...

I think that you've made wonderful plans and received some great advice in the thread. Particularly, the stroller. Get a good, sturdy, dual (tandem-seated) one and do not leave home without it! We did, that trip, but never did again until the last little one in the family reached 8. Because, although my granddaughter and the boys managed to skip and hop their ways through the days, that trek from bus stop to villa each night could sure have used wheels.

The only thing that I would add is Hoop Dee Doo. We scheduled it once that trip and then were lucky enough to be able to book it again when they all wanted so badly to see it once more (each for their third time). So, I hope you've planned an evening in Fort Wilderness. Or, if you haven't, that you will. It is my experience that children (of every age) love it. Finally ...

ETA: Memory Maker, maybe? We took a great big, shoulder-mounted video camera (Does anyone else remember those?) with us that trip and managed to take a lot of tape that we were able to play back for the kids at the villa in the evenings. What hams!

I so hope that you and your husband and the children have a great time and that you'll tell us all about it when you get home. You've certainly made my day.

 

[baler31]

Most kids just love to swim. Give them a break from the parks. Don't know where you are staying but explore the resorts. Eat at the Contempo Cafe in the CR so they can watch the monorail coming thru the resort. Mini Golf, a movie at the dine in DTD theatre, if they don;t have one at home (kids seem to love the dinner while in the movie and the ordering process there). Splitsville bowling, renting the water mice, etc.

Take time to watch the creatures in all the parks if they want to stop. Keep in mind their idea of a good time may not be riding a lot or going here and there. Sometimes the best memories are things you never would have imagines, not a ride, show or any of those things. In the end, you are making memories that will last forever for them.

 

[Mainemama]

I have not read all posts, but first two thoughts that come to mind are to be prepared for the pool to surpass all attractions in the kids' eyes, and to have something in your pocket (literally!) to help through unexpected waiting. Gummies, a tiny new toy (theme park collector packs work wonders waiting for meals), just something to take wee minds off waiting. And a touring plan is a must. Tell kids what you are doing. Take their wishes on the fly into account for occasional flexibility, but kids that age will be happiest with some sort of "plan."

 

[mummabear]

DH has also decided each kid will get x amount of Disney money to spend for the week. They can use it for special snacks or souvenirs, and will be involved with keeping track of how much they've spent, and how much is left. He figures that (a) it's a great way to give a lesson in money, budgeting, etc., and (b) it takes care of the "I wants" and "no fair" - if one or the other doesn't want to spend money on something, they can't complain about not getting it. Of course, it may just be a great theory.

This should work just fine.
We do it with our kids who are 5 &3. More on little things like when we visit the zoo or a fair (so they have $5 or $10 to spend). Because our focus with it is to teach them about money we have to be strict with ourselves that if they don't have enough we won't bail them out (so if they really want a teddy that is 2 more dollars then they have we won't top it up or even lend them the money-they can save it for the next trip and buy it next time though) and also if they are buying something we think is stupid we have to keep our mouths shut (and boy that can be hard).

 

[mummabear]

(One of ours was, if you're miserable to be around, you sit out the next ride. We only had to do it once with our 5 year old, and he missed Pirates of the Caribbean. He doesn't remember, but my husband and I still feel a little guilty that he missed it!)

Don't feel guilty
You are their parent not their friend, they learned a valuable lesson and you obviously didnt scar them.

 

[Julylady]

We have taken assorted nieces and nephews for years and always have a blast! We have taken as many as five on one trip! My best advice is not to "do" Disney as in the goal is to experience as many rides as possible each day. Our bunch values quality over quantity. We are so NOT commando people. We tend to spend only 6-7 hours per day in the parks. Some times that's rope drop until 3pm, sometimes we sleep in and get to the parks about 2pm and stay until close.

As others have said, kids love pools and they often have organized games in the afternoon that kids love! Our kids also needed time to unwind. Quiet time reading, playing card games, and watching TV is part of our trip. We only eat out one meal per day. Breakfast is always in the room, and we make a simple lunch or dinner as well.

In my experience, kids are pretty concrete and like to know what's happening next. This is hard at Disney since things change quickly. They may be super excited about riding Buzz Lightyear, and then when your fast pass time is here, the ride is down. They just don't understand "later."

Kids will miss Mom and Dad and that's okay. They talked to them each day on the phone. They also loved to hear stories about their Dad when he was a kid. Since I was the older sister, I had a great perspective. I think it helped them to stay connected. Watch them carefully for mood changes and react accordingly. Sometimes one just needed special attention or cuddling to get them over a rough spot. We always let the kids take stuffed animals or favorite blankets from home as well.

Another piece of advice is take medications for them. We pack a thermometer, children's Motrin, pesto bismal, neosporin, anti itch cream, assorted band aids, Benadryl, etc. A sick kid in the middle of the night when you are not prepared is no fun! Watch their feet carefully. Kids can develop nasty blisters and not tell you until it's so painful they can't walk!

Take lots a pictures and make two photo books after the trip. One for you, and one for them. I predict you will have a wonderful time!

 

[cel_disney]

Coolest aunt and uncle ever! My kids are close to those ages, and I recommend:

(1) stroller for the 5-year-old (and I bet the 8-year-old will hop on occasionlly too, I know mine does). She probably doesn't use a stroller anymore otherwise, but Disneu is a different story, and a little rest for her legs and shade for her head will make a huge difference, especially in the heat. Rental prices are very reasonable at Orlando Stroller Rentals and other places.

(2) rest time back at the hotel mid-afternoon, when it's hottest

(3) be willing to split up. My girls (3 and 8) and boy (6) have very different Disney preferences, so we split up for at least a couple hours every day, and it keeps everyone happy.

For the evenings definitely a stroller available is nice - we rent from Kingdom strollers for the week....frogg toggs are a necessity...we allow our kids to pick out one souvenir plus memory maker photos for the week - they take pictures of things they want on the first day but since they haven't seen everything we dont have to buy it then! My other advice is to have the kids pick 2 things each they really want to do each day - everything else fits in around those things. Our family enjoys the agent p, explores, and sorcerers activities but they are not what we do on our first visit to a park - I think these are best for repeat visitors that might not be going on astro orbiter again.... And I think a picture with Mickey Mouse is a MUST....

 

[Grandma G]

Another piece of advice is take medications for them. We pack a thermometer, children's Motrin, pesto bismal, neosporin, anti itch cream, assorted band aids, Benadryl, etc. A sick kid in the middle of the night when you are not prepared is no fun! Watch their feet carefully. Kids can develop nasty blisters and not tell you until it's so painful they can't walk!

A terrific tip ...

 

[dizneegirl]

I knew you would all have the best ideas and tips! Thanks so much!

Yup... aunt d already has a roll of quarters and pennies to match planned for each. Not only good souvenirs, but something to look for, too. We have a Frog Togg for uncle d, but will look for more. I know DH is absolutely no fun when he's overheated! I've got little fans for each, and collapsible bottles with squirt flavorings lined up to go. We'll keep to a sleep schedule as much as possible. I'm hoping they sleep in a little, though. At home, the niece is usually up before 6. Maybe we can really wear her out!

DH and I have already disagreed on the spending money. I said we get final yes or no on stupid purchases. He squashed that. I guess I'll probably be biting my tongue a lot! We've also discussed stopping for scheduled potty breaks. My idea is at least once an hour, or every 3 rides, whichever comes first. LOL! And they know that we have rules, and we don't play games. They tend to listen to us better than their parents... but I intend to let them know our expectations, and what happens if they don't meet them. Neither of us is against a trip back to the room, one-on-one for a nap or quiet time on the bed (no TV, no pool, no fun), while the other kid & adult get to keep playing. That was the deciding factor on staying onsite this trip. I'm betting we don't have to actually do it, though. We usually have a REALLY good time together.

We've tried to take their whole family for a couple of years now, but BIL absolutely doesn't get the Disney thing. DH and I just really want the kids to get to experience Disney... not fair they don't get to, just because dad doesn't want to. And hey, if that makes us the cool aunt & uncle, who am I to argue?

One more question for those of you that have traveled with kids that aren't yours - how do you handle things like emergencies if they were to come up? SIL has already said they'll send their insurance card, and I asked if we could have a note saying that we're authorized as their guardians while we're gone. I doubt anything would happen, but I like to be prepared. Anything else I need to consider? I'm planning on taking pics of them each morning before we leave as well, so we'll know exactly what they're wearing, and we'll make sure they both have our cell phone numbers, just in case we get separated. Along with telling them if that were to happen, to go to the nearest food stand/restaurant or store and tell a CM there that we're lost. I figure if you have a plan for the worst, you don't worry so much, right?

I'm really looking forward to the trip!

 

[scanmom]

I just took my grand kids (ages 4,5 and 6). We had a plan to go for rope drop, take an afternoon break, then go back in the evenings. Well, that didn't work out so well. Instead, we had better luck,line wise and kids wise, going into the parks mid morning, and spending the mid to late afternoons in shows, eating, etc and staying until we were tired. We usually ended up leaving about 30-45 minutes before closing. I know that goes against the usual strategies to avoid crowds, but it worked for us.
I, like you, was a little worried about having young ones at the parks, but we had a super time, everyone was well behaved and understood about taking turns with which ride/show to do. Just explain what the plan is, they'll be fine.

 

[Grandma G]

One more question for those of you that have traveled with kids that aren't yours - how do you handle things like emergencies if they were to come up? SIL has already said they'll send their insurance card, and I asked if we could have a note saying that we're authorized as their guardians while we're gone. I doubt anything would happen, but I like to be prepared.

Whenever our grandchildren or nephews (or other minors) were vacationing with us (or staying with us in circumstances/locations that made their parents' consent for emergency treatment difficult or impossible to obtain), I asked their parents to sign (and have notarized) a form much like the one below.

Fortunately, I've never had to rely on one of those forms. But, I agree, it is much ... much ... better to be prepared to deal with an emergency should one arise. And, often in our litigious society, common sense does not prevail in the absence of a piece of paper. Duly notarized.

Medical Treatment Authorization Form

Minor
Full Legal Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Home Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth:______________________________ Gender: Female___________Male___________
Information for Medical Treatment
Physician’s Name and Location of Practice: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________ Physician’s Phone # (if known): (____)________________ Medical Insurer/Health Plan: __________________________ Policy #: ______________________ Allergies to Medications: _____________________________________________________________ Allergies (Other): ___________________________________________________________________ Please note
all conditions for which the child is currently receiving treatment:
_________________________________________________________________________________ Note any other significant medical information:
_______________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT OF PARENT(S) OR LEGAL GUARDIAN(S)
I do hereby state that I have legal custody of the aforementioned Minor. I grant my authorization and consent for _________________________________________ (hereafter "Designated Adult") to administer general first aid treatment for any minor injuries or illnesses experienced by the Minor. If the injury or illness is life threatening or in need of emergency treatment, I authorize the Designated Adult to summon any and all professional emergency personnel to attend, transport, and treat the minor and to issue consent for any X-ray, anesthetic, blood transfusion, medication, or other medical diagnosis, treatment, or hospital care deemed advisable by, and to be rendered under the general supervision of, any licensed physician, surgeon, dentist, hospital, or other medical professional or institution duly licensed to practice in the state in which such treatment is to occur. I agree to assume financial responsibility for all expenses of such care.
It is understood that this authorization is given in advance of any such medical treatment, but is given to provide authority and power on the part of the Designated Adult in the exercise of his or her best judgment upon the advice of any such medical or emergency personnel.
This authorization is effective through: ____________________. Signed this _____day of________, 20__.
Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: ________________________Printed Name: _____________________
Witness Signature: _____________________________________Printed Name:_____________________


ETA: The form that I used, obtained (if I remember correctly) from my physician's office, had a space to designate the relationship of the 'Designated Adult' and the child.

 

[caroline1851]

My kids loved the kidcot stations. They had the passport too for that that would get stamped in addition to the thing on the stick that they colored. My kids also love doing the pressed pennies. There are tons of those machines everywhere and it's cheap. only .51 each time. And you can get a book to keep them all in for less than $10.

 

[caroline1851]

I forgot to mention, when my kids were around that age, our best days were to hit the park at rope drop then go back to resort around 2 or 3 and swim, dinner, etc. And never go back out at night. They would've been too tired and they were asking for the pool everyday.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Just wanted to chime in on some of the other non-ride activities you may want to try. My DS7 LOVED the Wilderness Explorer's program at AK. He loved looking for the signs all over the park, learning about different animals and cultures and getting the stickers. It's a really fun way to explore AK. He also loves the Pirate Adventure in MK. I know you are planning on being in EP every night, but the Pirate Adventure is quite fun to do in the early evening when it's not as hot and typically Adventureland isn't as crowded. The effects in the Pirate Adventure are pretty cool.

We go at the end of August every year (this year will make our 5th year in a row). You may already know, but it gets really hot mid-day. It sounds like you want to stay in the parks all day. We've found that touring is a bit easier in the heat if we go at RD, go back to the hotel mid-afternoon and then go back to the parks early evening when the sun starts going down. Last year the heat index was about 105 Fahrenheit in the afternoon. It can make for some really hot park touring.

 

[tink9702]

- the tip about medications is spot on!
- know how picky they are with food. If they are very picky not all restaurants have chicken nuggets so you'll want to know which ones do if it's a big deal for them
- be willing to stop/rest/feed when you see them getting cranky. It's almost always either hunger or tiredness causing crankiness when it's a great place like Disney! Consider carrying a single quick snack for moments like these.
- plan some pool time into the schedule. As long as I could tell the kids "Yes, we'll swim tomorrow afternoon or after dinner" they were fine.

 

[MainMom]

Ask the parents not to start saying how much they miss their kids and do they miss them when they are talking to them on the phone. My SIL did this to my niece and made her cry. She was perfectly fine both before and after this phone call, not homesick in the least. My Mom then called my brother and said enough of that! It's fine to ask about the trip, say I love you, etc. just don't make the kid feel bad because the parent can't handle the separation.

 

[MainMom]

- be willing to stop/rest/feed when you see them getting cranky. It's almost always either hunger or tiredness causing crankiness when it's a great place like Disney! Consider carrying a single quick snack for moments like these.

This 100%! We just got back from a July trip with 5 kids ages 14-9. A kid would get cranky and a parent would insist they eat, drink, use a frog togg. Kids, of course, tried to protest saying they weren't hungry, but every time they perked up after getting some food and water and a little break in the shade with a cooling towel and/or mister fan.

 

[Grandma G]

Whenever our grandchildren or nephews (or other minors) were vacationing with us (or staying with us in circumstances/locations that made their parents' consent for emergency treatment difficult or impossible to obtain), I asked their parents to sign (and have notarized) a form much like the one above.

Just wanted to add that it is helpful to ask the parents to have a copy of the Consent for Emergency Treatment placed in the children's records (and scanned into his/her records' system) by their primary care physician. That way, should you ever be separated from the paper - or run into a treating facility or health-care professional who questions its authority/authenticity - the form will be readily available as a permanent record in their medical histories.

 

[Boopuff]

I can't tell you how much fun the simpler things are to kids. One of my kids favorite places was Tom Sawyer island. It's relatively cool, quiet and fun. My kids also loved the Swiss family tree house. The tiki room is still a favorite may be annoying to some but a cool place to sit! Enjoy!