Is there any point in going?

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Registered: 08-27-2004
Is there any point in going?
10
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 12:06pm
We are going to FLA for a family vacation with friends. Our daughter will be 16 months and their son 11 months. Is there any point in us spending the money? I really want to but that is alot of money if there is really nothing for the kids to do. I imagine that we will be back there in a couple of years so its not like this is the last time. Just wondering if anyone went with young children
TIA
Kristen

 

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 12:37pm

here's what I tell everyone who asks me this question...............

Each age brings a different experience. We brought both my children when they were young and I have to admit, the reason we brought them is because we wanted to go. We love disney. both my kids were 18 months when they went for the first time. and they had a blast. You don't have to pay for them either. kids under 3 are free. I know at that age my kids were still eating off my plate.

they have been at 18 months, 24 months, 4 years old, 6 years old 7, and 8. each time they are "into" different things.

that's my 2 cents.

lisa

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 1:06pm

I agree. If you're going to be in the area, I'd go for a day. I'd choose either Magic Kingdom or Epcot and just enjoy the day. They will be able to ride a lot of rides at Magic Kingdom (exceptions would be the mountains, Stitch's Great Escape, Goofy's Barnstormer, and I think that's all..I wouldn't do Pirates or Snow White, though). Epcot has a few rides that they'll be able to ride (Mexico boat ride, the Land boat ride, Figment's Imagination, Spaceship Earth), but it will be more relaxed. Both have lots of character interactions.

Good luck with your decision!

Alysha


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Registered: 04-07-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 1:32pm

When my oldest was 2, we went on vacation to Florida w/ another family. We spent a few days at the beach. Then we went to WDW for a few days. Our son's favorite things: riding the bus to the parks (he was big into buses!), swimming in the pool, seeing a family of ducks waddle past us at MK, visiting the outdoor Lego play area at Downtown Disney, and going to Cirque du Soleil (we were worried that he wouldn't behave during the show, but he was captivated by it!). He wasn't interested in characters (which is ok, we were just happy that he wasn't afraid!), and didn't care much about the rides we went on (none of us liked the lines). Oh, he liked Country Bear Jamboree, too.

Honestly, most of that stuff, we could have done at local amusement parks, with the exception of Cirque du Soleil. We had fun, and the time w/ our friends (who lived in another state) was worthwhile, but we would have been just as happy spending a few days at a local Maryland or Delaware beach, with a trip to a local little-kid amusement park added on.

But that's us -- my husband and I weren't hungry for a Disney experience. You sound like you might be! If that's the case, why not go? Having another couple with you will make it much easier and more fun than if you were just there by yourselves.

A friend of mine just came back from WDW w/ her 10-month-old and 2-year-old. She said they had a great time.

So my bottom line advice is -- don't feel like you'll be depriving your child if you don't go this time. But if the grown-ups would feel deprived to miss it, then go!

Chris

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Registered: 08-27-2004
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 1:33pm

Thanks
I really want to take her there. I figure she wont remember but we will and there will be a ton of pictures. AND she will get to go another time when she will remember.

Thanks
Kristen

Now I just have to talk DH into it.

 

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Registered: 10-05-2004
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 1:57pm
I agree with everyone else and say go for it.
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 2:07pm
This is what my sister said. They took their son when he was under two (to Disneyland) for the first time. She said he doesn't remember that first visit much (he's 19 now), but SHE does.
Avatar for shelb31
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Registered: 08-12-2006
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 3:44pm

I took my ds when he had just turned 2, and my dd when she was 22 months. The first trip was horrible because he was sick the entire time. Her first trip was wonderful, one because ds turned 4 and two, she was just so cute!

I just told my girlfriend yesterday that I'm so glad that I took mine while they were small. We were talking about how my dh went to DL when he was 6 or 7 but doesn't remember it. When I was telling my kids this, it hit me that they are this age now, and probably won't remember a lot. But who cares? I do! I wouldn't trade anything for our 6 trips (out of 7 years). However, my dd was a terrible sleeper and started her day at 5:30 am until she was almost 2. I don't think I could have done it until she was out of that stage! Sleep is way too important to me!

M'Shel

Disney 2010
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Registered: 10-29-2004
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 3:51pm

Go! Just as long as you and your DH truly would enjoy Disney for your own sakes. I totally agree with the previous posters that said that YOU will cherish the memories forever. I just went with a 4.5 year old and a 10 month old. I felt bad for my youngest at first that she wouldn't remember it. But we had an absolutely wonderful time, so many precious, precious memories for us. Also, it's such a very relaxing vacation for parents of young children. You don't have to worry about your child making too much noise or too much mess. She won't bother anyone at DW and in fact will be welcomed with open arms. It was such an incredible relief for me.

Plus she was totally entertained the whole time and was asleep everytime her head hit a pillow. Plus no cleaning or cooking for me. I've never felt so refreshed in the 5 years since I became a mother.

Julie

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 4:03pm
We took my DS' when they were 3 years old and 15 months old, and they had a ball. The youngest looks at the album and talks about the things, but we went back again last year when he was 2. I'm not sure how much he understood the first trip at 15 months, but we could tell he was having fun, and we have our own memories, and it was definitely worth it.
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 05-26-2006 - 4:30pm
my kids were 21 months and 3½yo our first time... my 21 month ds loved our vacation and had just as good a time in the Magic Kingdom as my 3½yo dd did. We ate at the crystal palace and i have tons of pics of him hugging the characters. we did all the rides they could, and they loved them! we didn't use baby-swap, but remember you can do that if you and/or dh want to try any rides the kiddies can't go on. and if your friends go w/ you, you can take turns watching each other kids and try some adult rides (there's play areas around the park for the little kids to enjoy). And i'd use fast pass as much as you can, and get there at opening time... you'll be able to do every ride you want in fantasyland with no waits if you get there early. it's really worth it! you could even plan on staying all day, taking the kids out of the park to nap in the middle of the day (if they'll nap in strollers, you could hop the monorail to the polynesian or grand floridian and walk around the grounds or sit and have lunch or a snack, and let them nap). and if you adults wanted to stay till the fireworks, i'd recommend watching them from the Grand Floridian marina or the Poly beach (it's far enough away to not scare the kids). If the adults would enjoy a disney day, i say definitely go!