Who's gone with a 3 yr old??

[luvmygirls]

My youngest dd will be 3 1/2 when we go, at least she's potty trained (I was thinking I would need to lug diapers to WDW, b/c I didn't think she would ever train!) Anyway, how is it going with someone this age? She can have a melt down on a moments notice at Wal-Mart so I'm really concerned about taking her to WDW! She already said I'm not going to the fireworks at Disney, when my Mom asked her if we should go see some pretty fireworks with Cinderella. This is a kid who for the past year always says let's just go home, I want to go home (even when she's at Grandma's house down the street!) I'm also afraid of seeing any "shows" with her, as she is a big- chicken, I already plan to leave the 3-d glasses off her face!

My mil said leave her home with me, we already purchased her air-fare & park tickets, but I'm really beginning to wonder should we? My parents are going with us, and they said no, she is not staying home, we'll help you deal with her. I'm just afraid it will throw a wrench into my other two dd's vacation, as they are far more adventurous (sp?) and excited to explore everything in the "world".. TIA, and please don't flame, I love my little girl more than anything in this world!
Shelly

 

[jckdisneybound]

We are going with a 3.5 y/o but it will be her second trip. But she is also a very laid back kid. That being said her first trip she hated the face characters (cindy, ariel, etc) they freaked her out. And we made a point of having an afternoon break to avoid any meltdowns. The one meltdown we had the the 7 days we were there was b/c WE pushed her to far and didn't do the break. Just follow her clues and don't force her. Remember you will be back and this trip should be about her, not you.

 

[pooksma]

Last year was our first trip. Our son turned 3 just after we got back. I'd say the best advice I got was to follow HIS lead. It was our first family trip and my DH's first trip to WDW so he was a little commando-styled. There were lots of things DS wanted to do and he was usually great from 8-1. Then it was time to go back and have a swim and a nap. Evenings were pretty laid back too.

DS had a great trip-remembers almost everything-ha naysayers! This year will be even more fun! Just take it slow and remember its ok not to see everything the first time through.

 

[KimWDW]

Have you taken her to any carnivals or amusement parks? You can work your way up to Disney. For example, our son (he'll be 3 in a couple months) has been on kiddie rides at carnivals and last summer we took him to an amusement park and he loved the rides. This summer, we're taking him back to that same amusement park (Storyland in NH). Then, in Oct (he'll be 3.5) we're going to WDW. I think taking them to other parks first is a good idea because it gets them used to waiting in lines and works them up on rides.

When you're at WDW, start slow. Start with something easy like It's a Small World and work your way up and don't force her to do anything. Good luck!

 

[dbal]

On our last trip - our dd was a week shy of her 3rd b-day. She gets scared easily and the only 3-d show she liked was philharmagic.
I think she will have a great time if you use your best judgement. If she is scared of the characters; it's really not hard to steer clear of them. There is so much to do and see for little ones - I really don't think that she won't have a good time if she misses shows or the fireworks. She may enjoy the parades in the safety of your arms.

Most of the rides in fantasyland are very tame. Snow White & HM are the only ones I would think twice about.

Oh - and we have 3 other kids ages 6,13,& 15 who are lots more adventurous too. I think w/ your parents there you will have no problem switching off w/ them when you need to.

I was a wreck about the very same thing before we went. And I must admit very pleasantly suprised.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Aidensmom]

If you think something may be a little frightening to her, "prepare" her for it. What I mean by this is, for example, my three year old is absolutely terrified of thunder and lightning (as a tree came down through our roof and into my bedroom during a thunderstorm about a year ago.) Well, Disney has thunder and lightning in more attractions than you would believe, kid friendly things like the Tiki Birds and Winnie the Pooh ride included. I explained to him at the beginning of the day that any thunder and lightning on a ride or in a show is "just pretend", and nothing is going to happen. I again reminded him of this before going on any ride I knew had thunder and lightning. When that part of a ride would come, he would say "I am not scared, it is just pretend" and he had no problem with it.

 

[vicceja]

Hi!

In 2003 my youngest was just 3 and he is also unpredictable but we never gave it a second thought. He was afraid of some characters and some of the 3-D shows scared him a bit but it's been 2 years since then and he still remembers...Can't wait to go. You will not regret it and she will enjoy it

 

[VictoriaRose]

You don't realize how dark the rides are and how much thunder and lightening there is on Disney attractions until you take a 3 year old.

 

[Mellie0119]

We've taken our son (now 4) twice, once at 27 months, and at 3.5. He has some developemental and sensory issues that make him pretty sensitive to things like your daughter appears to be. We try to explain what's going to happen, we take small glow sticks for the dark rides, and follow his lead. He doesn't tire that easily, but can go into sensory overload (as can anyone) with all the noise. The things that set him off the most were the 3D movies, especially when they blow the big gusts of air, drops of water, the smells, those were the things that set him off the most. He didn't mind the 3D aspect of the film, but he wasn't able to anticpate the things that would come out of the screen, he's thinking it's like a movie on the tv.

 

[moopdog]

I am feeling apprehensive too b/c my "almost" 3 year old is also very HEADSTRONG... that's the word we like to use anyway. She isn't scared of things, really, it's more that she gets something in her head and that's just the way it is going to be... no matter what! She has the ability to go limp while you're holding her so that it's almost impossible to hold on to her or force her to (sit, stand, whatever it is she's fighting)... funny at times, but not usually!

Anyway, we are 2 adults & 3 kids ages 2.5, 4.5 and 13. I think we'll have to seperate often in order to accomodate the kids. DH can take one, I'll take the other and the 13 year old can pick one of us to go with OR (I can't believe I'm saying/thinking this) she may be able to go on a couple rides without anyone right on her tail. That way everyone is happy... I hope! Good luck to you and to us too... LOL

 

[princesslulu]

We're going in October as well and our youngest daughter will be 3.5. My in-laws are going and I think it will be fabulous. I can't imagine taking the trip without her, not only would I miss her,but I wouldn't want her to not be included in our family vacation. We only take one a year so I guess if she needs a break I can always take her back to the hotel while everyone eles continues on with their day.

 

[LegoMom3]

...last summer we took him to an amusement park and he loved the rides. This summer, we're taking him back to that same amusement park (Storyland in NH).

We love Storyland!!!! Live just a couple hours south of it and it's been a family staple for our guys for the last 4 summers. I agree, it's a great place to "work up" to larger parks since it's so geared to kids, and particularly little ones!

 

[LegoMom3]

We went last fall with an almost-3 yr. old. Like another poster said, he was good until around 1pm, then we'd head back to the resort and use the pool. By 4-4:30, we were all ready to head back out and get in another few hours of Disney fun. That little break in the day did him so well that we'd go back to the pool after the parks closed, and he was swimming away in the kiddie pool at 10:30pm!!!

 

[momx3boys]

I have twin boys, who were 3 1/2 their first trip and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. They can be a little "difficult" at times. I also have a 7 year old son. We went with my dad, stepmother, sister, her husband, and another sister. So we had plenty of adults to help. We did alot together and there were times when my stepmother, the twins and I did other things while everyone else rode the big rides. I was worried about them acting up, but they were really to busy. Mine weren't afraid of any of the shows or characters, their favorite ride was Splash Mountain.
With your parents going, someone can be with your youngest and your other two will get to do what they want.

 

[MySonAdoresPoohBear]

My daughter did meltdown at the fireworks at Epcot. We ducked into a store and came out when they were done. Worked out great for us...

Don't be afraid to stop and take breaks, it's too easy to feel like you have to go, go, go...

Good luck!

 

[Pumbaa_]

take advantage of your parents! (if they are willing of course )

If your older 2 want to do the more adventureous, split up for an hour or 2. Afternoon breaks are very important, sleep too (if kids are crying at breakfast, you know it is not their first day there )

Do the trade off too for the shows that are not age appropriate. Read the warnings, if it says the ride is scary, don't go!

My niece is 5 now, went the first time at 3. For some reason, the pooh ride scared her. She still will not go near it although I was able to finally talk her into it this month (her 3rd trip) I think her Dad took her into Snow White (he does not listen very well at all) on her first trip and now she associates all 3 rides inthe MK as scary.

You will have fun, don't worry, and plan around her schedule. Have a great time!

 

[SKELATOR THE PIRATE]

Just watch the warnings and any fears or hesitations that your child voices. First ride took DS 1 yr old at the time on was Pirates of the Caribbean at DL. Big dark...big drop...big mistake. Hope this trip he is over his fears of indoor attractions. We will take it slow. That is my suggestion take it slow,take breaks and remember you are there to have fun. Do not worry about getting everything done JUST HAVE FUN.....

 

[luvmygirls]

Thanks everyone, my mom already said she will take my youngest, as my mom is not a thrill seeker in the least. Her attitude is, we'll take one spin on the tea-cups, and then go watch playhouse Disney live in MGM Gotta love Gramma! I also was worried about otc! I thought it would be ok for her, but then as one poster mentioned it is very dark & has a drop, I can see her freaking out now!! We have tried other little amusment parks and the county fair, she hated all of them, wouldn't even get on those little boats they have that go super slow. I'm hoping to try again this year & that this year wil be different, we watch the Disney Planning DVD, so I can explain to her & show her some of the rides are dark and loud (plan to bring ear plugs for her & my oldest dd who has very sensitive ears).

TIA you guys are wonderful
Shelly

 

[lovesdumbo]

The first time I took my DD when she was 3 1/2 she was very timid-wouldn't talk at school-was leary of the swings...but she loved Disney. She surprised me with her love for all the characters (my two youngers ones were much more reserved with characters on their 2 trips) and her love of Goofy's Barnstormer. But she was terified of 2 things on that first trip. Public restrooms (I had to put her back in pull ups or return to the resort to use the bathroom in the room) and fireworks. We were leaving Epcot before Illuminations started and we stopped in the big store in FW and we heard the fireworks. She wanted to go see them and I took her outside to see. She thought the first one was OK but then she freaked out. I calmed her down in the store. She was fine watching the fireworks from the beach at the Poly. So...you may want to consider watching the fireworks from the beach at Poly or GF.

On the restroom thing...you may want to use the Baby Center or be sure to bring tiny post it notes to cover the eye on the automatic pottys.

 

[Deesknee]

NO flames!
We took our triplets when they were 3 1/2. Two DS, one DD. They were awesome. Totally awestruck.
You may have already tried this, but, watch "Disneyland Fun" sing a long with your DD.
When you get there take "down time" if she naps let her. Even if it is a dip in the pool then a nap. (Pools wear out my kids).

BTW, if shows might scare her, I would suggest skipping Little Mermaid. DS was so scared he literally tried to hide under the seat in front of him. The Eels scared the heck out of him. To this day he won't go in that show. (he's 14 now. lol)

I wish you the best.