What would you do?

[sleepyone]

We have been to WDW twice with our family of five which includes, ,, 9 , (will be) 4, (will be) 2 . We have had a blast of course on our previous vacations but, on our last trip, dd3 was afraid of pretty much all the rides (except Dumbo and the carousel) and fireworks but, loved the characters, and ds2 was afraid of all the characters and didn't want to sit in any restaurant but, liked the kiddie rides. So, dh or I would take turns taking one toddler/pre-schooler or the other away from some scary or tiring situation.

Our resort options for our budget, are:

• Our family of 5 stays at WL with a courtyard view.
• Just dh, dd9, and I stay at GF with a garden view. The younger 2 would stay home with my parents
• Our family of 5 and my parents (to help with toddlers) stay at Pop with a preferred location.

Any (other) suggestions? I'm leaning toward the last option but, would kind of prefer the first. I'm torn. If my parents came, then the little ones could rest at the resort while, dh, dd9, and I go to Fantasmic or something scary (to the little ones). BUT, if we went with just our family of 5, then it would be OUR vacation and we wouldn't have to worry about the grandparents getting tired, or not being happy.

 

[stacy6552]

With kids that age, every trip is a new experience, so dont count on the kids having the same querks. If you can bring your parents, that's great, but I dont think its neccessary. I dont think id leave the littel ones home, though.

 

[bellarella]

How about another option -- rent points from a DVCer and stay at Old Key West. Their two bedroom villas are the most spacious on property. You could give your parents the master bedroom and take the second bedroom (two queens). I priced this out to be pretty comparable to the two rooms at Pop when I was looking into this option. Though I wouldn't gauge how your kids would react to anything based upon your past trip (my DD was very afraid of all the rides at 3 and loved them at 4), if you have a good relationship with your parents it would probably be pretty magical to be able to watch them watch your children at WDW. Not to mention it increases the adult to child ratio and gives you more options for things to do.

 

[sleepyone]

With kids that age, every trip is a new experience, so dont count on the kids having the same querks. If you can bring your parents, that's great, but I dont think its neccessary. I dont think id leave the littel ones home, though.

That was my thought too. On our very first trip, the youngest was a baby and, slept through everything. On the second trip dd3 liked things that had frightenend her the year before. Maybe, this year will be better. Thanks for your reminder about the changing quirks...I hadn't thought of that. I guess I should have because, my ds2 has definately hit the "terrible two's". Now my spirits are lifted!

 

[jhorras]

I have three little ones (now 7, 6, and 4) and we've been going to WDW at least every other year since my two oldest were 2.5 and 1.5 respectively. As the other poster mentioned it is always a different experience and we have on a couple of occasions (this next one actually leaving in 18 days Woo Hoo!!!) taken my in-laws but more to add to the fun.

Every once in a while someone needs a break and with the extra people there are enough hands to go around. However, on the vacation we took just the 5 of us and that was 2 years ago so my kids were younger. We just took the pace down a notch or two.

I would recommend going with either the 5 of you or taking the grandparents along. Disney is so special and our experience has been there is always something there for everyone so I wouldn't recommend leaving the little ones at home.

I do understand though the difficulty of taking little ones to WDW. We had many people tell us we were nuts for taking our kids so often from such a young age. But they feel that they are Disney experts and really remember so much more than I ever expected they would at these young ages.

Sorry this is so long. . .

 

[vicceja]

Hi!

We have a family of 5 as well - Me, DH, DS(9),DS(7),DS(4) - Just my two cents but I don't think I could plan a trip to DW and not take the boys. I would definitely pick option 1 - stay at WL. Take advantage of child swap and be patient. Good Luck!

 

[sleepyone]

Hi!

We have a family of 5 as well - Me, DH, DS(9),DS(7),DS(4) - Just my two cents but I don't think I could plan a trip to DW and not take the boys. I would definitely pick option 1 - stay at WL. Take advantage of child swap and be patient. Good Luck!

I don't want to leave the two little ones behind but, would only if they wanted to stay with "Mawmaw" who has volunteered to keep them.

I was thinking 2006 will be the last year we can visit WL "cheap" because in 2007, the kids will be ages 10, 5, and 3.

 

[kizmac]

I say take your parents with you. We have always gone with my mom and dad and the trips hold so many wonderful memories for them and my kids. The extra adults really help with the kids too. My parents are in pretty good shape so them getting tired isn't a problem really.

As to where to stay for 7 of you. Probably your best bet if you are paying for both rooms is two value rooms or two mods. We did connecting rooms at POR with my parents and then 2 of my kids slept in their room. Worked great! Or,if your parents will be paying for their room, since your baby is under 3 you could still stay at WL.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great trip!

 

[MiknMinMouse]

We switch granparents every year. One year my parents go, the next the inlaws go. Of course we have DVC which helps because we get a two bedroom. I really suggest you look at renting points and see if you can go with that option. Kids love having the grandparents go with them usually. When we go in Jan it will actually be the first trip we've taken as a family without bringing someone along. Part of me is really excited the other part will miss having our friends or family along for the ride. Disney is best shared.