Wwyd?

[kennasmommy]

Thanks for the honesty this far. I should add that Kenna is what we like to call a princess. She is very demanding of time and a mommies girl. So I would more or less be with Kenna all day and DH would be with DS. It would be fun to hang with her but I would miss out on DS trip. We have waiting so long to take him I would really hate that. Sorry I should have mentioned that. Keep your stories coming I really appreciate it. My sister is coming also but she has her own children to take care of. MIL love her but no she is not coming.

 

[Pimpin4Mickey]

I would leave her. I left my daughter when she was 2. Too much work. My SIL took hers, and she couldnt do anything and had to leave early cause the babe got cranky. I say leave her, and have a blast. Besides, all they remember is the gifts they get, so stop at the Disney store on the way home and she will be thrilled

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

I would take her. We are going with a 2 year old son and 5 year old daughter this year.

We also have a 2yr old DS (on Friday anyway, his BD) and a 5 yr old DD. Isn't it fun? And what a blast to take these ages to DW! DD has been 4 times and DS 3 times- 8 mo, 13mo, and 18mo. All wonderful trips!

 

[swilphil]

I just returned from a trip with my two year old. It would not have been the same without him. If anything, I would rather leave the soon to be 5 year old behind. The two year old doesn't whine, throw temper tantrums, and beg to buy every toy in the giftshop.

Seriously, there are only 4 or 5 rides, at the most, in each park that the 2 year old can't go on. WDW is unlike other theme parks in this respect.

 

[huey duey & luey]

My kids are all the same age, so I can't comment on the different ages. We went to WDw when my kids were 2 1/2. They absolutely loved it and still talk about
Tara

 

[CLEO Z]

It sounds like you want to leave her with MIL, but are feeling guilty about it. DON'T!!!! Do what is in the best interest of the family- including you! She won't remember it, won't wet the bed until she's twelve bc you left her behind. It sounds like the entire family, including her, may be happier with her at MIL. If that is the case, end the guilt. You know your daughter best. You also know how much or how little you trust your MIL.

If on the other hand, you will miss her like crazy, then take her.

I am one of those minority moms that has no problem leaving my kids in loving, capable hands. Not that I get the chance to very often! DH and I were last "kidless" for 5 days in New Orleans in Sept. '03 - I was 2 mos pregnant though so not really kidless!

Whatever you decide, once the decisions made just let it go.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

We are facing the same dilemma. Our children will be 13, 5, and 2.5. Originally, my in-laws were going to accompany us to help out with the children. They have backed-out at the last moment. (Typical!!!) Big brothers will be more interested in attractions little sister cannot ride. Also, dd gets CRANKY when off her schedule. While I know that she probably enjoy a week with grandma much more than a week at Disney with her siblings, I still kind of (but not certain) want to have her along. I have to admit I had NO regrets about leaving all of the kids with the grandparents this past fall. Dh and I really enjoyed a visit to WDW without them!

 

[rt2dz]

I, personally, don't have a problem leaving my kids with someone else while we get away. THAT is not why I'm saying "take her". Yes, you miss your kids, but you also have a good time.

I say take her, because quite frankly, we travel a lot, some with kids, some without, and I truly don't find it more work (even at Disney) while on vacation than not. Actually, I find it less work. My older child is a dream at every age in every situation (he IS the PERFECT child that only exists in movies), my younger one is a bit (understatement) more demanding. But out and about for the most part, he can be a total angel.

I think there is a lot your 2 yr old could enjoy. I don't think your 2 yo will slow you down (hello--that's what strollers are for). There is no reason to split up. You can always skip what your older child absolutely won't do--a 2 yo will never know the difference.

To me, it sounded as though you wanted to take her, but wasn't sure if you should. Besides, if you want you can always get a sitter for the day while you and your hubby hit a park with the older child. Cheaper than paying for an entire trip for MIL!!

And as far as not remembering the trip. They have done several studies on memory and have proven that children as young as 18 months remember trips to Disney at ages 5 & 6.

 

[CLEO Z]

They have done several studies on memory and have proven that children as young as 18 months remember trips to Disney at ages 5 & 6.

Yeah, but what about at age 21? We went to Disneyland when I was nine and I barely remember it (I'm now 34 and of reasonably firm mind! ). Yet I can remember my brother pushing me into the console stereo when I was two -had to get stitches.

Mom will know best what weight to give the factors that matter most to her. Whatever is decided you've made the right choice for you and don't let the naysayers get you down. Either way I predict that you will have a GREAT time!

 

[4greatboys]

I'd take her too. ds #3 was 2.5 his first trip and my youngest was 5 months on his first trip and he has been with us every time.
You can do some attractions together and can also split up and have one on one time with each child.

 

[TinkBoo&ElliesMum]

I'd take her, honestly I think it's a load of BS that they won't remember it. We took Belle to Disneyland Paris when she was 22 months old, she STILL talks about it, she will find a picture and can tell you all about it, she's 38 months now.

We went in October with our 8 year old, 2 year old, and 4 month old. I wouldn't have changed a thing, we had LOTS of family time with everyone,(and Belle is very much a princessy mommys girl) we swapped and with the baby swap they'll let the older one ride again too, so DS got to ride things twice and with both parents! No one was lacking in amusement or things to do, none of us left saying they missed a ride or didn't get to do everything they wanted, and none of us were miserable.

I just can't fathom going to a family vacation spot and leaving a member of the family at home.

 

[summersfam4]

I agree with the "take her" vote. It's a family vacation at a family destination. There is so much to do for both age groups, and so what if you miss something, that just gives you a good reason to return again (I'm guessing that you plan to anyway ) I'vs seen both sides as I've taken one child alone (when we only had one), and now she has a playmate her Darling Sister who will be two on April 9th. DD#1 has traveled to Disney with DD#2 when they were ages DD#1 (4yrs) & DD#2 (4 months), then again when DD#1 was (5yrs)& DD#2 (17 months), and we are about to return again when DD#1 will be 6 and DD# 2 will be 29 months. DD#1 understands that this is a family trip and we will do enjoyable things for both of them. She never feels that she's missing out, we make sure that we hit all of her highlights while taking DD#2 to fun rides/shows too! She really gets into getting DD#2 excited about different upcoming events (parades, rides, shows), and she feels really BIG being as at 6 she knows EVERYTHING thanks to having gone once a year & planning videos! It's just great when the whole family is having fun together, and I personally wouldn't have it any other way (even though DD#1 is a amazingly well mannered child and DD#2 is a high strung, fearless child ready to take on the world, insert "We are fam-i-ly song here" !) Go with your gut feeling, it usually leads in the right direction (thanks to Jiminy Cricket that little voice in all of our Disney loving heads lol!)

Kelly

 

[rt2dz]

Yeah, but what about at age 21? We went to Disneyland when I was nine and I barely remember it (I'm now 34 and of reasonably firm mind! ). Yet I can remember my brother pushing me into the console stereo when I was two -had to get stitches.

I don't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, but I remember the birth of my children down to the very last detail. I fail to see the connection. I barely remember a trip to DL at 12, but I DO remember trips to WDW at 3 and 4. The point was--don't allow people to say the "won't remember it, so why bother" as a reason to not take her. There are reason not to take a 2yo, but that one has been proven wrong. By your admittance, you remember early childhood events. We all do.

Mom will know best what weight to give the factors that matter most to her. Whatever is decided you've made the right choice for you and don't let the naysayers get you down. Either way I predict that you will have a GREAT time!

I have never suggested that anyone ever substitute their judgement for mine. I also say don't substitute ANYONE else's judgement for your own. I was simply trying to present another side.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

She may not remember anything about Disney(then again maybe she will), but she very well may remember spending time with you on a vacation away from home and everyone being happy. Isn't that really more important anyway? These are the sorts of things that make up a child's sense of well being.

 

[robinb]

Welcom to the DIS!

I would take both kids. There is plenty for a 2 year old to do and s/he will be free.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

I wonder if anyone is ever swayed by opposing opinions or if everyone's mind is made up. Personally, I wouldn't mind leaving ALL of the kids with a trusted person (such as Grandma) and going on an adult-only trip. But I would NEVER leave one child and take another on a vacation to WDW. Not unless it was a very short trip AND one parent was staying behind too. Teaching children that they have to consider the feelings and needs of their younger siblings is a life lesson that I wouldn't want to skip.

The part about having to split up to enjoy different attractions just isn't true, in my experience. Many, if not most, of the attractions can be enjoyed by all ages. I guess there are always exceptions, such as an especially fearful child/baby who just wouldn't enjoy any of it. Or, if DS and parents want to spend the entire trip ONLY visiting the "big rides" and ignoring the rest of the parks.

But, Disney has thought of this exact issue and more than solved it with the "baby swap". Reality is that your DS10 will get to ride the "big rides" more times with less wait by using the baby swap than he would without it. And now that Disney gives you a baby-swap pass, you and DD will be free to enjoy something "baby-friendly" while DH and DS take their turn. Then you and DS use the baby swap pass (with no wait) and DH and DD have their time. This is especially true if you are planning to go during a crowded time at the parks. Yes, you will be split up for short periods of time but it's not as though you'll split in the morning and meet up for dinner. Plus, the whole family will get to enjoy the stuff that can be done together as you make your way through the parks. Potential problem - Will DD scream "bloody murder" and not be willing to let you and DS go ride Splash Mountain? If so, maybe you will have to leave her with Grandma afterall...

I have to say that the theory that someone always mentions that babes are "too young to remember it" only holds up if you are planning one trip to WDW during your kids' childhood. Otherwise, it seems silly (to me). If it were true, why bother with the youngsters at all until they're at least two? No sense celebrating First Birthdays, First Christmas or other Holidays, since they won't "remember it". Maybe not, but they sure do enjoy it AT THE MOMENT and YOU WILL remember it. And what precious memories they will be.

Caveat - Everyone is different, all situations are unique, parents know best for their own families (or at least we try ). Good luck with your decision and have a great time.

Jackie

 

[~Zen*Knack*Kiss~]

Leave her home, take me instead

I think you could have plenty of time for both kids if that's what you decide to do. Plus, the pictures will be priceless, even if she doesn't remember. There will be so much there capturing her attention she won't have time to be a princess anyway
Or she could have a miserable time. My first trip I wasn't nearly as young as she is, but all I remember is being so exhausted from having to follow my older siblings and not getting to do much I wanted. The fact that my parents are the get up at 5am and end the day at 10pm to have the most fun possible "whether you like it or not" vacationers didn't help that either.

If you decide not to take her she won't miss it, and she'll probably enjoy the one-on-one time with her gma just as much.

Maybe another thing to consider is traveling there. If there is a long flight or car ride it'll start her vacation out horribly. I have an 18mo and a 5hr drive and screwing up his schedule makes him miserable through the whole visit.

Good luck with your decision!


Just saw this on another post- if you're starting potty training or just getting good at it that may be another issue to consider.

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

I would definitely take her with you. We took my son the first time when he was almost 2 and he still talks about what a wonderful ride dumbo is and won't sleep w/out his stuffed mickey mouse. We're going back in may for his third trip since then with his younger brother and he can't wait.
Also I think if you don't take her you will feel guilty when you're there seeing all the other two year olds having so much fun.

 

[Angie_Ohio]

I'm one of the minority too. One of our trips years ago we drove from Ohio to Disney without my 2 year son. He stayed with my DM. We had a great time and he has never mentioned feeling deprived or neglected by this decision. He is now 18. I took two other sons ages 6 and 3 to experience the magic through young eyes. It wasn't all that great! We went in Oct. They preferred swimming in the pool at CS and going to Blizzard Beach. They enjoyed any ride they didn't have to wait in line for. (They whined while waiting to ride Dumbo) I much prefer 6 and up. You shouldn't let other people make you feel guilty for leaving a little one with a loving relative.
Angie_OH

 

[sadiebug]

Take her!! If you don't you will spend all of your time thinking, "Oh, DD would have loved that!! or Boy, do I miss her!!"

We took my DD when she was 2 (but closer to 3). She had a great time and experiencing everything thru her eyes was priceless. My DH and I did an "adult" trip to WDW last year and left our DD and DS at home. We were miserable!! It just wasn't the same!!

One idea for spending quality time with your DS is to take DD back to the room for a nap. If DS is 10, he's too old for naps and he and you or your DH can stay in the parks and experience the bigger kid rides together. You could even switch off days. One day you take DD back for a nap, and the next day DH takes DD back for a nap. We are going to DL later this year with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. That is what we are planning to do so she can ride the Mountains and "bigger kid" rides, and we don't have to try and occupy the little one while she stands in line.