What kind of trip?

[Beck & the Beast]

Hoping to return back to DL in Dec 2012, but really torn as to what kind of holiday to make it. Looking for your opinions to help me settle my mind. Basically trying to decide if we should take a holiday just me and DH or if we should bring the kids which has the potential to expand into a large group vacation (as, likely, grandparents will want to then come along as well). Although it is just a general holiday, we are looking at going the week of or just after my 30th birthday.

The last time we were at DL was Dec 2009, and since, we have a daughter who just turned 1, but will be almost 2 when we are looking at going. I know this will be a VERY different (not bad, but not what I'm used to) trip if we take her and then likely also my 12yo step-daughter (who we took in 2009 for her first DL trip) with us. I first went to DL just after I turned 15 so have always experienced it as a teen or adult and never encountered the height restriction, nap, likely having a child still in diapers, early bedtime obstacles while at the park. I know we would all have a great time and in so many ways I cannot wait to share the Disney magic with my DD, but I always swore I would not be pushing a stroller around DL but would wait until my kids were older to take them. But, the bug has hit me and I don't think I can wait another 2-3 years. So, should I adapt and brave it, or the other option is for DH and I to just have an adult-only DL trip where I know we would be able to do the rides we want, some nice dinners and be able to relax more?

If you have any advice to share on your DL experiences with kids around 2yo, love to hear it.

 

[skiingfast]

That's a tough one. If I brough DD2 I'd especially want the GPs to come to help watch her for naps and at night. 2yo is where the parks can get fun, so not too young to go, but not as fun as 3 or 4.


SD may be a bigger problem, she may be indifferent or upset if she is left behind. You might decide kids or no kids, based on what she says.

 

[VandVsmama]

I think you should bring your kids with you. Bring a stroller w/you or rent one at the parks or rent one for the week & have it delivered to your hotel/motel. If you stay at a place w/in walking distance, 1 of you could head back to the motel for your younger daughter's nap while the other adult (perhaps your DH) stays in the park for a couple of hours w/step-daughter.

That way, step-daughter doesn't feel left out and she can get some 1-on-1 time w/her dad...which is important for a girl headed into the teenage years.

Disneyland will still be a lot of fun, but in a different way because you'll get to experience it through the eyes of your little one. There is a very special wonder that young children have at Disneyland.

And yes, you probably won't be staying at the parks until closing at midnight on a Saturday night.

 

[VandVsmama]

I forgot to add...you can use the Child Swap in order to ride all of the rides that you & DH want to...you just won't be able to go on it at the same time. One person goes on first while the other adult waits w/the young child. Then you swap places.

 

[owensamo]

I don't know you or your family, but at 12 in most states in the US, kids are legally old enough to babysit. Can the 12-yo watch the toddler during naptime or in the evening once or twice so you and DH can get some alone time (nice dinner, a couple of rides, whatever). With cell phones you can keep in touch, and it could be a way for her to earn extra spending money. Then you wouldn't *need* the GPs, but I know what it's like trying to keep them out of family trips!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I would NOT leave the 12 yr old to babysit. Not because of safety, but because of resentment of the younger sibling.

 

[Beck & the Beast]

Thanks for all your thoughts. Likely, we will end up taking the kids with us, and I know it will be a magical trip. I am just slightly hesitant as our last trip their was 11 of us, and I took on the planning role, which I enjoy, but with a group that big, it's a bit hard for people not to feel left out sometimes because of different interests within the group.

I'm sure my parents will also come along if that is the final decision we make. The in-laws may also come along, but they aren't as big of DL fans as WDW. My parents will have no problem baby-sitting so we can go out for a night or two with just me & DH, and both DH and I will also take turns heading back early with DD1 while the other goes out with DSD and my parents (who are major Ride-ers).

Can you still use the child-swap if for example my parents went once, then DH & I went together after? Can DSD go twice, once with each group?

 

[kailuagirl]

Your 2 year old will have a great time!! My DD just turned 2 when we took her for the first time and we had a WONDERFUL time!!

I agree with using the naps times or late evenings times for your SD and dad to have some quality alone time, that'll be great fun for them. And I agree, I wouldn't let SD have to babysit DD, that could cause some major problems, attitudes are already so difficult at this age.

As for bringing the grandparents, thats a tough one. We personally, have much more fun when it's just the 3 of us and we don't have to worry about what the extended family wants to do and all that kinda stuff, we can just go as we want as a family and not worry about anyone else.

Have fun!! So exciting!! Take your kids and have fun!!