Help with TWO 15 month olds going to WDW

[LizC]

I hope I am posting this in the right place.

My family and I are going to Disney World from October 9-18, 2012. This includes myself and my husband (early 30's), our kids (boy and girl - will be 15 mo. old), my sister and brother in law (20's), my parents (60's) and my grandfather (101!). We will all be staying at the Swan. We have stayed there before.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make sure the adults have fun, while also ensuring my children enjoy themselves? Normally we splurge on the table service restaurants when in WDW, and are hoping to do so this time. We are also looking forward to the Food and Wine Festival. My son and daughter are the first kids in the family so we have no idea what to expect with 15mo. olds in WDW.

I would love any advice on which restaurants to go to and suggestions on what times to make the reservations. I plan on calling 180 days in advance to make any resorvations I need to. Also, just general advice on how to handle WDW with the kids would be appreciated. With such an expensive trip we want to make it a great one for EVERYONE.

Thanks!

 

[real mad hatter]

Hmm,Let's See Now!

Wow,Big party of all ages,as far as eating only you will know what everyone's favourite cuisine is,go easy on papa,as far as getting as much fun for the adults,well the looks on your kids faces should appeal to everyone,so get that camera out and start clicking,take photos of the characters with all your family,these are memories you will treasure all your life.and remember to buy those ears and wear them.:wave:

 

[Gig 'Em Mickey]

Go at their pace. When it's nap time let one of the adults go back to the resort and nap with them. Everyone can still have fun. But no one will have fun if the kids aren't happy. So let them determine the pace. Rest when they need rest. Eat when they need to eat. It'll be fine. We've done it with little kids before. Definitely a bit more "relaxed pace" with little kids, but it actually made it much more enjoyable for me.

 

[disneypets]

I think that all of the advice you have had posted by members so far is great advice. Especiallly the pace of the day. Nothing ruins a day more than a disney meltdown so try not to let it get to that point. You may not want to come back in the middle of the day for a nap or rest but trust me if you push a 15mo old on you will regret it. As far as everyone else in your bunch try to schedule a nice character breakfast that you can all attend and enjoy when everyone is full of energy and excited to start the day. If some people in your family want to split up and go do their own thing in the middle portion of the day, let them. You can all meet up again for an early dinner 6ish somewhere and discuss what you did with your time apart. Remember you can always plan on revisiting something the following day as a group or possibly even after dinner. Also stay hydrated no matter what your age. Drink lots of water! Don't be surprised if the baby falls asleep while you are on line for an attraction....it happens you wait and wait and then they are asleep. Just remember you are at the happiest place on earth and don't get stressed. Have a memorable vacation. :sohappy:

 

[LizC]

Thanks everyone. This is all great advice.

I will be going back to the hotel in the afternoon for naps. I am also trying to come to grips with the slower pace I will have to take, we are usually running around seeing as much as possible. :/ We are going for longer this time, so I am sure it will be fine. Plus, I can't wait to see my kids enjoy Disney for the 1st time! And Grandpa should be fine, he went about a year ago and loved it! Just had to use the wheel chair, way too much walking for him.

I am going to book the Crystal Palace character breakfast in MK. The kids room is decorated with Winnie the Pooh.
Also, the suggestion about an early dinner at 6 for everyone is a great idea! I will be sure to make a few evening reservations for the whole group.

Thanks!

Any advice on how to handle the drive down? It will only be my father, husband, myself and the kids. We are driving from NY, so it will be quite a trip. Does anyone think buying DVD players for the car would be worth it?

 

[journ116]

Most of my WDW trips have been with children in tow. My DH and I have taken our DD's (6 & 2) during various ages and stages in their lives. In addition to taking afternoon breaks and taking cues from your children and grandfather, here's what else I've learned:

1. Use the "divide and conquer" method. For example, send your DH to pick up QS lunch, while you find a table with the kiddos.

2. Keep cups and snacks handy at all times.

3. Utilize the Baby Care Centers. They're good for diaper changes, feeding times and "unwinding" time for parents. I call them my "A/C haven." (AK's B.C.C. has the largest "unwinding" room.)

4. Don't forget to pick up (or make) an autograph book and pen!

5. Characters: there was a trip report on here not too long ago about a family of 3 whose DD2 was absolutely terrified of full-body characters. So, before your first character meal, you might want to test the waters and have them do a meet-and-greet at MK or EP Character Spot. Then gage whether or not to continue or cancel any character meals.

6. Strollers: Three things on this topic.
A. At the park security entrance, I take the diaper bag thru "Guests with Bags" line, while my husband takes the girls thru the "No bags" line. Just remember to empty every visible pocket before going thru. "Keep 'em happy = keep 'em moving."
B. Invest in some stroller fans. The ones sold in Disney aren't very effective. Also, bring extra batteries. It gets hot down there in October (not like in the summer, but 85 during the day isn't unheard of).
C. Invest in a stroller rain cover or two cheap ponchos.

7. When booking sit-downs, we try to nab one of the first meal times. For example, breakfast would be 8 am, lunch by 12 pm and dinner by 4:30-5 pm. I do this because it's typically less crowded and it's around the time we eat our meals anyways. And I usually only book sit-down breakfast meals due to our on-the-go schedule, and it's the only meal where my kids can wait an extra 30 minutes to eat. Crystal Palace is a nice buffet, but so is Chef Mickey's.

8. Since you're driving down, I would definitely invest in a portable DVD player or iPad! I have a friend who always drives down (from central PA) and she also suggests eating breakfast at a sit-down restaurant, grab lunch & dinner to go. They also bring two blow-up beachballs for entertainment and exercise at rest stops. Lastly, stop every 3-3 1/2 hours (roughly 200-230 mi.). (Pick up "Drive I-95" for a wealth of knowledge for your drive...my friend swears by it.)

Whoa...this turned into a mini book didn't it? Sorry...I tend to get carried away with this subject just because I've lived thru it and like to help a fellow Disney enthusiast out!

Happy travels!

 

[mpeters]

So i know exactly waht you are asking. My Dw and I took our twin DS at the same exact age for their first trip. Everyone thought we were crazy. all in all the trip was a blast. there were some meltdowns but not enough to make it a bad trip. it was quite the opposite. Best advice i can give you, go their pace and not yours. take advantage of nap times in the park so you and your husband can do the things you want to do. Child swapping is the best for riding rides with youg kids. I am unsure of what you children are eating like now but eat anywhere you want to eat. you can always find something for them at almost every restaurant. The best thing to do is to make a plan and stick with it and you will be fine.

I hope I am posting this in the right place.

My family and I are going to Disney World from October 9-18, 2012. This includes myself and my husband (early 30's), our kids (boy and girl - will be 15 mo. old), my sister and brother in law (20's), my parents (60's) and my grandfather (101!). We will all be staying at the Swan. We have stayed there before.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make sure the adults have fun, while also ensuring my children enjoy themselves? Normally we splurge on the table service restaurants when in WDW, and are hoping to do so this time. We are also looking forward to the Food and Wine Festival. My son and daughter are the first kids in the family so we have no idea what to expect with 15mo. olds in WDW.

I would love any advice on which restaurants to go to and suggestions on what times to make the reservations. I plan on calling 180 days in advance to make any resorvations I need to. Also, just general advice on how to handle WDW with the kids would be appreciated. With such an expensive trip we want to make it a great one for EVERYONE.

Thanks!