Going alone with my 7 yo daugther ? Yay or Nay ?

[SpykeYs]

Hi Guys,

My wife and I have a 6 1/2 years old girl and a 10 month boy. They will be 7 years old and 1 1/2 in March 2019.

I am a somewhat WDW experienced guest as I have been to WDW about 6 times so far. My wife on the other hand is not a big fan and she has been once 2 years ago.

We always wanted to go back to WDW when my daugther will be 7 (last time she was 5) as this would be in my opinion the perfect age for her to enjoy almost everything.

However, my wife is not too keen on going with out 1 1/2 boy has this will obviously be more challenging with the required naps, food, diapers, etc.

She offered that I go alone with my daugther in order to fully appreciate the time together.

What do you guys think ? Is this an amazing opportunity I should jump on or I should try to convince her to come with our little guy ?

My dates would be March 1st to March 8th 2019.

Thanks !

 

[SpykeYs]

It’s official ! I am booking my airplane tickets TONIGHT !! Yay !!

Should I wait a bit for the discounts to come out before booking my Magic Your Way package or I should book it now anyway ? My plan is to do my ADR at 180 days and FP at 60 days. You do not need a package for ADR but I will need one by December 31st for my FP.

From previous years it looks like they usually release the Dine, Play and Sleep packages for January-March by end of Sept.

Book now and change to a discountd package in sept or wait in sept to book ?

Thanks

 

[DisAl]

Book now to make sure you get the room you want. Then start watching for the discounts and you can re-book the discounts when they come out. That way you will already know what you book now will be the "worst case" on the cost of the trip, and you will have your room preference tied down. A great place to see when discounts have been announced in the past is this page on the MouseSavers.com web page: https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/#codetrends
FYI, there are very seldom any discounts for Port Orleans French Quarter. They stay so booked up they don't have to offer incentives.

 

[ppete1975]

First I would love to commend you both for not lugging babies that wont remember the trip all around Disney (I have always felt if the kid wont remember it, don't bring them). This will also bring you a great bonding experience at one of the best possible ages to experience the Disney magic.
Oh and buy something really nice for your wife when youre there.. I'm thinking Pandora.. or a nice Disney purse... or tons of flowers

 

[MotherofaPrincessLover]

First I would love to commend you both for not lugging babies that wont remember the trip all around Disney (I have always felt if the kid wont remember it, don't bring them). This will also bring you a great bonding experience at one of the best possible ages to experience the Disney magic.
Oh and buy something really nice for your wife when youre there.. I'm thinking Pandora.. or a nice Disney purse... or tons of flowers

I went to Disney when I was in 5th grade and don't really remember it. Waiting until your child is older to "remember" the trip isn't really a valid argument. Sure my son won't remember his next trip from when he's 3, but that doesn't take away from the fun and delight he will have when we're there. He's so excited to go and see Mickey and the gang.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Take the baby.

My first daughter did her first trip at six months and she had a blast. My second daughter did her first trip at seven months and she also had a blast.

First I would love to commend you both for not lugging babies that wont remember the trip all around Disney (I have always felt if the kid wont remember it, don't bring them). This will also bring you a great bonding experience at one of the best possible ages to experience the Disney magic.

That's such a ridiculous argument. Lock your baby in a closet for six months. They can't form episodic memories, so who cares!?

It's not "lugging." It's really really easy. It's more difficult to go to Red Robin and Best Buy with a baby than it is to take them to WDW.

 

[MotherofaPrincessLover]

Take the baby.

My first daughter did her first trip at six months and she had a blast. My second daughter did her first trip at seven months and she also had a blast.


That's such a ridiculous argument. Lock your baby in a closet for six months. They can't form episodic memories, so who cares!?

It's not "lugging." It's really really easy. It's more difficult to go to Red Robin and Best Buy with a baby than it is to take them to WDW.

And if you take Disney transportation, no car seats! I really enjoy that break of not constantly buckling kids in and out of car seats.

 

[slappy magoo]

I can understand the logic if "maybe I should do something local with the whole family."
But there will be times in their lives when you will do things with your son alone. This time it's the daughter.
Hey, promise him that you'll take him alone once his big sister is in college or otherwise out of the house, and it'll all balance out.

The other thing to possibly ponder is for all of you to go with the provision that you never take your son into the parks. Whether you and your wife both get park tickets and keep switching off so you each have time with each child, OR your wife bites the bullet and just lets you guys go to the parks without her. This way you're all together some of the time, you can do some meals together, maybe get meal reservations at a monorail resort to see the fireworks together. But during the day maybe she can go to Disney Springs or other resorts to be a lookie loo. Maybe time a baby's stroller nap around an afternoon tea. Or you guys go back in the afternoon for break/nap time and that gives her an opportunity to hit the pool or otherwise get away from mom duty for a spell.

I don't know if she'd be into it, for all I know she might be looking forward to the opportunity for you guys to get out of the house. But it might be worth bringing up.

 

[ppete1975]

Take the baby.

My first daughter did her first trip at six months and she had a blast. My second daughter did her first trip at seven months and she also had a blast.


That's such a ridiculous argument. Lock your baby in a closet for six months. They can't form episodic memories, so who cares!?

It's not "lugging." It's really really easy. It's more difficult to go to Red Robin and Best Buy with a baby than it is to take them to WDW.

so they can be cranky and in a stroller all day. They cant ride anything (you have to hold a person back to be with them) another stroller to the stroller parade. Babies really don't want to be in the hot sun all day just so you can take your pics with them. Honestly what will the kid remember? And if they don't remember it or really care besides "BALLOON!!!" why is it worth it. Look at pictures 10 years ago and more. People didn't bring their infants to the parks.... hence the difference in strollers.
That being said its only my opinion. And I respect yours., please respect mine instead of calling it ridiculas and locking a baby in a closet. Btw pretty sure the baby will have more fun at home with mommy.

For the op, enjoy your trip and get tons of pics

 

[ppete1975]

I went to Disney when I was in 5th grade and don't really remember it. Waiting until your child is older to "remember" the trip isn't really a valid argument. Sure my son won't remember his next trip from when he's 3, but that doesn't take away from the fun and delight he will have when we're there. He's so excited to go and see Mickey and the gang.

I remember my first trip when I was 8. And I agree a three year old would have a blast, even if he doesn't remember it. But a 1 1/2 year old, I think the op is making the right decision. Btw youre kids are really cute, looks like they had a great time

 

[CaptainAmerica]

so they can be cranky and in a stroller all day.

Wrong.

They cant ride anything (you have to hold a person back to be with them)

Wrong.

another stroller to the stroller parade.

Sucks?

Babies really don't want to be in the hot sun all day just so you can take your pics with them.

Wrong.

Honestly what will the kid remember?

Irrelevant.

And if they don't remember it or really care besides "BALLOON!!!" why is it worth it.

Because I'll remember it and it's my money to spend however I want. If it's a positive experience for the parents and, at worst, a neutral experience for the baby, then it's still a net positive experience.

Look at pictures 10 years ago and more. People didn't bring their infants to the parks.... hence the difference in strollers.

Nope. Modern folding strollers didn't pick up commercial momentum until the 80s, that's why older photos don't show the strollers. Total crowd levels are also way up since then, as are local companies that offer stroller rentals.

That being said its only my opinion. And I respect yours., please respect mine instead of calling it ridiculas and locking a baby in a closet. Btw pretty sure the baby will have more fun at home with mommy.

You're entitled to your own opinion but you're not entitled to your own facts. When you say things like "baby will be cranky all day, in a stroller all day, won't enjoy it, won't like to be outside (what?), etc.," those aren't opinions. Those are factually untrue and incorrect statements.

An opinion would be something like "I don't think it's worth the cost of a WDW vacation with a baby."

 

[ppete1975]

Wrong.


Wrong.


Sucks?


Wrong.


Irrelevant.


Because I'll remember it and it's my money to spend however I want. If it's a positive experience for the parents and, at worst, a neutral experience for the baby, then it's still a net positive experience.


Nope. Modern folding strollers didn't pick up commercial momentum until the 80s, that's why older photos don't show the strollers. Total crowd levels are also way up since then, as are local companies that offer stroller rentals.


You're entitled to your own opinion but you're not entitled to your own facts. When you say things like "baby will be cranky all day, in a stroller all day, won't enjoy it, won't like to be outside (what?), etc.," those aren't opinions. Those are factually untrue and incorrect statements.

An opinion would be something like "I don't think it's worth the cost of a WDW vacation with a baby."

Who ed you off? Do me a favor just ignore my posts. As you clearly have an issue with others opinions.

Better yet do me a huge favor and click that ignore button next to my name.

 

[NessNewt]

We went last year as a family of four and my just turned 7 year old was the PERFECT age. She loved the characters. She believed in the magic. And she loved the rides.

You are both going to have a blast! Have a great time!

 

[winstongator]

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for all the feedback received. Yes my wife is definately genuinely perfectly fine with me going alone with my daugther.

It is more me that is wondering if I am being selfish by going with my daugther alone during march break (Canada March Break is 1st to 8th) instead of planning something locally (meaning spending march break at home with my family.)

She wants to go back to WDW when my little boy is going to be 5. The problem is by then my daugther is going to be 11. I just feel that I would miss something by not going next year when she is 7 and is still amazed by all the magical, the princesses, etc.

I see this as a lifetime opportunity being a huge disney fan (Both I and my daugther).

Go for it. I’ve done quite a few trips with my daughters on my own - I’ve got more flexibility in my job than my wife. I’ve also done one day with my older daughter. Your daughter will love the trip. You don’t have to do the whole week.

 

[SpykeYs]

Hi Guys,

It is now official ! I have just booked tickets for myself and my daughter.

264$ US per tickets for roundtrip direct flights from Toronto to MCO. (In Canada this is considered very cheap)

I'm just soooo excited. Can't wait to start planning my trip !

Now i'll most likely book a package at Pop Century and i'll update or change it when the specials comes out later this fall. At least I will have my booking number

Dining Reservation: Sept 2nd
FP 60 Days: December 31st (Yikes..)

 

[SpykeYs]

Update..

I was able to change my departure flight to leave 1 day earlier for 225$ USD roundtrip instead of 264$. Looks like i'll be spending 8 nights at Disney instead of 7

 

[21stamps]

Update..

I was able to change my departure flight to leave 1 day earlier for 225$ USD roundtrip instead of 264$. Looks like i'll be spending 8 nights at Disney instead of 7

I was just going to write “Do it!” But I see that you have booked. Great choice!!

I went on trip’s with one parent quite often growing up.. Dad and brother would go on a golf trip.. Mom, sister, and me would go somewhere else at another time. Wonderful memories

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

You probably have all your bases covered....but just in case - make sure you have all documentation ready.

Traveling internationally without the other custodial parent has requirements. I'd take along a notarized authorization letter signed by DW...just in case. A quick call wouldn't hurt either.

Congratulations - you will really enjoy this trip.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

DO IT!! You and your daughter will have special memories of a father/daughter WDW trip!

 

[tabby1222]

I went alone with my DS's (5&6). It was definitely a bit more nerve-wracking, but was the best day out of the week we were there. I think it was the easiest day, in terms of enjoyment. We were able to do exactly what we wanted, rather than pleasing a group!!! I say GO!!!!!!!! No guilt!!