[Cavey]

Hey guys,
As the counter says, I'm 8 days from WDW, and I've got a quandry.

Last time we went, we only had 2 children, and DD was at that age when she didn't protest being carried or stitting in the stroller for prolonged periods. This allowed DW to focus on DD, and I focused on our more energetic DS.

Now, we have 3 kids. 8mo DS is happy to be in the stroller. but the older two are at the age when they don't want to listen, and run from us if we don't hold their hands firmly. Holding hands can be a tug of war, with the kids hanging on us. If mommy''s carrying DD, she wants daddy, and vice versa. If she's in the stroller, she wants to walk, and vice versa. We bought one of those kid "leashes" for DD, but I'm embarrased to use it.

It was so stressful flying to Seattle (we're driving to Orlando), that DW and I are questioning if we really want to plop down $2k to "yell" at the kids all week.

Any thoughts?

[MJD]

Originally Posted by caver_jeffery

Hey guys,
As the counter says, I'm 8 days from WDW, and I've got a quandry.

Last time we went, we only had 2 children, and DD was at that age when she didn't protest being carried or stitting in the stroller for prolonged periods. This allowed DW to focus on DD, and I focused on our more energetic DS.

Now, we have 3 kids. 8mo DS is happy to be in the stroller. but the older two are at the age when they don't want to listen, and run from us if we don't hold their hands firmly. Holding hands can be a tug of war, with the kids hanging on us. If mommy''s carrying DD, she wants daddy, and vice versa. If she's in the stroller, she wants to walk, and vice versa. We bought one of those kid "leashes" for DD, but I'm embarrased to use it.

It was so stressful flying to Seattle (we're driving to Orlando), that DW and I are questioning if we really want to plop down $2k to "yell" at the kids all week.

Any thoughts?

Sounds like your beating yourself up even before you get there. A lot of people say every year why do we spend money at WDW. It's not the money, its the memories that last forever.

Go and relax , when things get really stressful try to find the beer carts !!

[MJD]

Mexico!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !

[MJD]

Italy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MJD]

Relaxation !!!!!

[Erin]

LOL@MJD.

I like the relaxing one.

Caver, the only way it's going to work is if you take ALOT of breaks. Of course, laying some ground rules with the older two about conformity would of been good...but it's too late for that now (I'm kidding, so breath)

Seriously, it's doable. You aren't going to go "cammando" or anything (I'm sure you knew that)
2k doesn't have to be spent "yelling" at them. You'll be doing your fair share of chasing...just like everyone else with kids that age

[Dopey]

I think "one of those leashes" (wrist to wrist) isn't something to be embarrassed about. That's a great way to keep track of kids who won't listen. There are so many people there and it's easy even for all children to disappear into the crowds.
Bring the leashes! Your vacation will be more fun.

[hanwill]

I always use the "Are you ready to leave right now?" theory. I say that the first time that they don't do what you say, they can be told that they will have to leave. One walk towards the entrance or out of their favorite ride should take care of it. Otherwise, relax and have fun!!!

[Jen]

There's also something about Disney that helps kids be on there best behavior.

Do it, Jeff.

Jen

[jodilt]

Make sure they have your contact information on them somewhere, in a pocket, a bracelet, something, in case they do get away from you and get lost! I would go ahead with the trip...just pace yourself and don't wear yourself, or them out to the point that it is not enjoyable.

[tigger]

I don't have kids so I won't chime in with worthless advise...good luck with that I'm sure it will be better then you think.

[Dana]

Sinnce you are driving to WDW, get the older two a double stroller and MAKE them use it. I would not want to spend 2K to yell and be stressed...sorry all my opinion is way different. You have three young kids that are at this moment a bit of a handful. These stages don't last long....just wait for another time when they are easier to handle as a group.

[jk8]

What are the ages of the older 2? My first thought is if you really feel you are going into it thinking you they are going to act poorly and you are going to "yell" at them then hold off. Perhaps not for long but mabye a few months. I am not sure how your travel plans are that you can cancel at this late date (work time off, etc) but maybe you should. Or, maybe you have had a stressful week? I know my 5 yr old can set me off and I don't really want to think of doing much with him let alone a vacation some days. But, then a few days later my mood is different. Who knows maybe that is the case for you?

Perhaps with all that has gone in for you in the past couple of months in your heart you are thinking this trip is not the one you planned and something is missing. Mabye another reason to hold off until you are just desperate for that Disney fix? Let them get the kinks out of "Magic your way" before you go?

Maybe by the time you read this you have changed your mind and can't wait to go. I hope so, but just wanted to let you know that you aren't crazy in your thought that if you don't have the right mindset it might not be as fun.

Merry Christmas

[BDavis932]

I love Dana's idea. let them know they HAVE to ride in the stroller (heck, my son rode in a stroller until he was 7....yes...he was lazy and it was just MUCH easier on all of us!! He was happy...we were happy!!) Just tell them you want to save their feet for fun! Also, bribery works well, too! Let them know that at the end of each day, if they have behaved, they will get a surprise. I'm not sure your budget for the trip, but my kids go ape for a spinning buzz lightyear lollypop...the surprise doesn't have to be extravegant.

If you plan on staying for several days and since you are driving, you may want to purchase a double stroller before you leave home. (maybe they can even help pick it out!) Figure that you will spend about $15 per day on a double stroller. You can get a lightweight double umbrella stroller at sears or walmart for about $35.

Also, if you kids are old enough for fannie packs, have them wear one, put snacks like fruit roll ups and fishies in it and maybe a little toy. My sister attaches a whistle to her kids fannie packs and she tells them if they get seperated, to blow it. (They are only allowed to blow the whistle if they get separted). Also, inside the fannie pack put a card with their first name, your cell number and resort name on it.

Go see WDW through their eyes and have a great trip!

[disneyboy]

One of the best methods of identification that isn't too revealing is to put your child's Key to the World Card in their pocket. If the child loses it, it is easily replaced at the resort and their are no publicly known signifiers that would give away your personal information. If security sees that key however they can tell exactly which resort you are staying at and contact the resort for room information. In addition just make sure that your children know if they should ever become separated to look for someone wearing a WDW Name Tag (show them at c/i). You wouldn't believe how many parents have these same fears and if they do both of the ideas I've given you above it makes the parents feel a lot easier and it also helps should your children become separated.