Is there a too young for WDW?

[sigsegv]

So I was reading another thread about strollers or something and it got me to thinking (It's a miracle!) about this weird idea I had.... You can actually bring kids to Walt Disney World, can't you? Wow....

Anyway... currently, my wife and I don't have any kids (and I can't say anything else about that for another six or so weeks ) but, just as a thought exercise, say that you're planning a trip to WDW in Jan of 2003 and that you've already made room reservations with your DVC points and that you've invited your inlaws to go with you. Now, say -- this is just hypothetical -- that you're going to have a strange little visiter join your family sometime around early November of 2002.

Assuming that this is reality (which, of course, we know it's not), do you think 2 months is just too young to bring with you to WDW? What's the youngest child you've been to WDW with? Any idea what's too young? Any other suggestions? We're not pretending that this is for the (hypothetical) child -- it's completely for us and our parents/inlaws/first-time-grandparents).

--sig

 

[tinkrbel]

ok .. I gota problem with the question of what children remember ....and I sure aint no expert ..on anything .. just a grandmother with two very bright, granddaughters .. both as I have said before have been straight A honor roll students since they started school ( and both have been going to WDW sincey they were babies) ..memory on the other hand ...what is it?? even before a child is born things are implanted in that child ..sounds out side of the womb. Sure everyone is entiled to decide what age thier child is old enough for different things. but to say there would be no memories? for a child ..hmm if thats the case and a baby burns himself ..then he wouldnt remember fire hot. nor would he/she remember his mothers face, or voice. If you dont want to take a small child because its too much trouble fine ..I can understand that. But I feel saying its not something the child would remember is just a very lame excuse. so you have to define to me what you call a memory to start with ..because we all have different sorts of memories, including babies. I also want to repeat ..I have seen way too many parents that needed the time out and nap more then the kids did. I also resented being with my kids or granddaughters and having people give those looks when the child cried or acted out ..those with out any children of their own are very easy to jump up and say what should and shouldnt be done .. if you aint been on Splash Mountain you havent experienced the thrill is all I can say. I also resent being accused of treating my children and granddaughters like cargo.

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by Sansaarai

I totally agree with you. I mentioned the same thing on another topic and was almost stoned. Taking a child that is not even a year old is a big mistake. You will basicly treating your baby like cargo. Wait a few years. When they turn 3 or 4 then go have a great time!

actually you suggested the age of 6 on the other post ..most children start school at the age of 4 ..hmm which means educators expect more of them then you do. As for your being stoned ..you have been very nice about insulting those of us that take our children with comments like You will basicly treating your baby like cargo.

 

[Maria]

Sigsegv,

PLEASE, let us know if this hypothetical baby becomes real in the following weeks!! :lol:

 

[Sansaarai]

Originally posted by tinkrbel


actually you suggested the age of 6 on the other post ..most children start school at the age of 4 ..hmm which means educators expect more of them then you do. As for your being stoned ..you have been very nice about insulting those of us that take our children with comments like You will basicly treating your baby like cargo.

Like I pointed out in the other post. This is my opinion. Please respect it. I am not insulting you. We all come here to talk and discuss WDW in a friendly manner. Please lets not argue.

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by Sansaarai



Like I pointed out in the other post. This is my opinion. Please respect it. I am not insulting you. We all come here to talk and discuss WDW in a friendly manner. Please lets not argue.

How is accusing parents of hauling thier children around like cargo not an insult? And yes its your opinion ..its my experience The question was posted as to apply to someone that has been to WDW with young babies and what did they think was too young. I am interested in your experience in going to WDW with babies. I would like to mention the Baby Care Centers at the Parks too .. I remember how nice and soothing they were .. a really wonderful place out of the heat with rocking chairs and love seats for nursing mothers and feeding rooms with highchairs. I even love that they have changing tables in the mens rooms!!! (here daddy your turn). WDW is for families ..they have made an effort to make things easier for everyone.

 

[Dwarful]

When we went for Millenium Celebration I was pregnant and the CM's were wonderful. My husband was a great help with our 3 year old daughter and MY sisters daughter who was 5! The four of us had a wonderful time. So trips can be made BUT the ADULTS must remember to be adults. We have had to cut short various vacations to different places due to ear infections, chicken pox etc... Also someone else mentioned being considerate of other people...so if the child is having a breakdown from over stimulation when you are just sitting down to a show or a nice dinner...DONT just leave and grab a hamburger at the resort! These are the types of things you should be willing to do if you are going to take a child of any age. Flexibility is the key to having a good time...naps, rest, FLUIDS will be really important if mom is nursing...lots of them! Disney is supposed to be about fun and I too have seen way too many parents acting like complete idiots when the kids are just needing a nap or break.

 

[Beauty and the]

Originally posted by njchris65
I do think when the child is under a certain age (My opinion is under 5), they won't retain much of the memory. So the memories you create will be mostly for yourselves. Not a bad thing, just being realistic.

A 6 month old won't remember ANYTHING or even know where it is. It's still learning about the environment and about him/herself.

In that case do you suggest that parents do nothing with their children until they can remember it?

My advice after having three children of my own, and working with children for the past 20years, is children are never to young its just their carers who are too young or immature to handle them

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by Dwarful
When we went for Millenium Celebration I was pregnant and the CM's were wonderful. My husband was a great help with our 3 year old daughter and MY sisters daughter who was 5! The four of us had a wonderful time. So trips can be made BUT the ADULTS must remember to be adults. We have had to cut short various vacations to different places due to ear infections, chicken pox etc... Also someone else mentioned being considerate of other people...so if the child is having a breakdown from over stimulation when you are just sitting down to a show or a nice dinner...DONT just leave and grab a hamburger at the resort! These are the types of things you should be willing to do if you are going to take a child of any age. Flexibility is the key to having a good time...naps, rest, FLUIDS will be really important if mom is nursing...lots of them! Disney is supposed to be about fun and I too have seen way too many parents acting like complete idiots when the kids are just needing a nap or break.

:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: I agree with every thing you said .. a child can be expect to act like a child

 

[Sansaarai]

Originally posted by Dwarful
Disney is supposed to be about fun and I too have seen way too many parents acting like complete idiots when the kids are just needing a nap or break.

This is what I am refering to when I said children are treated like cargo.

 

[The Mom]

A quick glance at this threads seems to indicate that the majority of posters say "Go for it!" as long as you plan carefully, and stay very, very, flexible! Understand that plans can (and will) change suddenly, so try to "go with the flow" (hopefully not due to GI problems) Remember that you're going to the most "kid friendly" resort around, so your baby isn't apt to have a problem the CMs haven't handled before...plus you'll have 2 old pros along!

 

[The Mom]

Originally posted by Sansaarai

I totally agree with you. I mentioned the same thing on another topic and was almost stoned.

Tarred and feathered maybe, but not stoned!

 

[LoriL]

An important consideration

Sig: You mention that you are only concerned if a trip would be bad for the baby, and you must talk to your pediatrician about this. Mine, who is a terrific doctor, told me something that I never forgot: a very young infant is EXTREMELY susceptible to germs and viruses. An infant of about eight weeks or younger who runs a fever is almost always admitted to the hospital to ensure that the illness is life-threatening. I am the parent of a 2 year old, and we are taking him in a few weeks (I could care less if he remembers the trip! He'll enjoy it right now anyway). But I'd never expose a young infant to all the germs you will encounter there. Everything you touch will have been touched by hundreds or thousands of kids with colds and runny noses, and you will be constantly touching your child and exposing him or her to all of those things, and their immune system just isn't up to it. My pediatrician advised me to stay away from any crowded places until the baby was AT LEAST eight weeks old. I am not a very conservative person, and I definitely think parents deserve vacations-- but if I were you I'd save those points until the baby is 6 months old-- which will be the perfect time to take him or her. The baby will be extremely portable, their vision will have developed completely (it hasn't at 8 weeks) and they'll enjoy all the colors, lights, etc. Or you could go somewhere else that would be an easier trip (physically) for your wife-- and better for the baby. What about the Vero Beach or Hilton Head resorts that Disney owns? Believe me, you will want to RELAX, not run around the theme parks with a baby of that age.

The other really important thing to keep in mind, which was mentioned above, is that the baby will almost certainly NOT be sleeping through the night at the time of your trip, and you and your wife will both be exhausted all of the time. You really cannot have any idea of how tired you will be until it happens to you-- and your wife will also be recuperating. I love Disney World, and I find it relaxing, but I would not have been ready two months later. Your stitches have just healed-- and you are in no shape to walk for hours and hours.

You'll do what you want, but remember that Disney World will still be there four months later. Definitely take the in-laws too-- that way you and your wife can go out at night after the baby is asleep and have some time to yourselves. I can appreciate how much you want to go at that time, but I honestly think it could be dangerous to your baby's health, and that when the time comes you'll be happy to have postponed the trip!

 

[Sansaarai]

Originally posted by The Mom


Tarred and feathered maybe, but not stoned!

Thanks MOM! I'm glad we can joke about this here :lol:


I did not not mean to insult anyone here.

 

[The Mom]

Heck, you're not considered a regular around here unless you've managed to tick someone off!


(And have I ever ticked/been ticked off on here? Oh yes! )

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by Sansaarai


Thanks MOM! I'm glad we can joke about this here :lol:


I did not not mean to insult anyone here.

Just put it down as you were dealing with an old woman heck lets face it ..old people like me are even cranker then babies and more trouble then teens

 

[njchris65]

Originally posted by Beauty and the


In that case do you suggest that parents do nothing with their children until they can remember it?

My advice after having three children of my own, and working with children for the past 20years, is children are never to young its just their carers who are too young or immature to handle them

You didn't read what I said. You took it out of context and applied something to it that wasn't there.

I said I don't think the child will remember much. Not that the parent shoulnd't do things with them until they are older. Where did I say that? I didn't.

I was (As stated) being realistic. Of course the parent can have fun and can enjoy their time with their child. But I don't think you'll be able to have a conversation with the child 10 years later and say "remember when I had to change your diaper on the monorail?"... :lol: They will either have a good time because you are (child reacting to your lack of stress and happy face) or the colors/sounds/people (as another said), but I don't believe they will remember the dumbo ride.

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by njchris65

I was (As stated) being realistic. Of course the parent can have fun and can enjoy their time with their child. But I don't think you'll be able to have a conversation with the child 10 years later and say "remember when I had to change your diaper on the monorail?"... :lol: They will either have a good time because you are (child reacting to your lack of stress and happy face) or the colors/sounds/people (as another said), but I don't believe they will remember the dumbo ride.

I had to laugh ..your right the child wont have any memory of having his/her diaper changed ..but we parents are wonderful at bringing up these embarrassing things specially to boy friends and girl friends !!!! and you had a real good point ..babies do respond to the mood of the parent. and in the respect if you resent being tied down with your baby any where .. not just WDW but any where and any time ..this leaves an impression on the infant. maybe thats what I sorta mean about memories .. its not so much that they will have good or bad memories of the vacation ..but it will leave a lasting impression and that could be a happy one, if like so many of these post have said ..you realize what limits and exceptions you have to make with a baby, for that matter a child of any age .. I just have one thing to point out ..I have seen some children that required alot more then any baby at WDW .. if you all stop to think about it I am sure you have too .. mentally and physically challanged .. who would deny that these children because they would be too much trouble or because they wouldnt remember it?

 

[Maria]

Re: An important consideration

Originally posted by LoriL
Sig: You mention that you are only concerned if a trip would be bad for the baby, and you must talk to your pediatrician about this. Mine, who is a terrific doctor, told me something that I never forgot: a very young infant is EXTREMELY susceptible to germs and viruses. An infant of about eight weeks or younger who runs a fever is almost always admitted to the hospital to ensure that the illness is life-threatening. I am the parent of a 2 year old, and we are taking him in a few weeks (I could care less if he remembers the trip! He'll enjoy it right now anyway). But I'd never expose a young infant to all the germs you will encounter there. Everything you touch will have been touched by hundreds or thousands of kids with colds and runny noses, and you will be constantly touching your child and exposing him or her to all of those things, and their immune system just isn't up to it. My pediatrician advised me to stay away from any crowded places until the baby was AT LEAST eight weeks old. I am not a very conservative person, and I definitely think parents deserve vacations-- but if I were you I'd save those points until the baby is 6 months old-- which will be the perfect time to take him or her. The baby will be extremely portable, their vision will have developed completely (it hasn't at 8 weeks) and they'll enjoy all the colors, lights, etc. Or you could go somewhere else that would be an easier trip (physically) for your wife-- and better for the baby. What about the Vero Beach or Hilton Head resorts that Disney owns? Believe me, you will want to RELAX, not run around the theme parks with a baby of that age.

The other really important thing to keep in mind, which was mentioned above, is that the baby will almost certainly NOT be sleeping through the night at the time of your trip, and you and your wife will both be exhausted all of the time. You really cannot have any idea of how tired you will be until it happens to you-- and your wife will also be recuperating. I love Disney World, and I find it relaxing, but I would not have been ready two months later. Your stitches have just healed-- and you are in no shape to walk for hours and hours.

You'll do what you want, but remember that Disney World will still be there four months later. Definitely take the in-laws too-- that way you and your wife can go out at night after the baby is asleep and have some time to yourselves. I can appreciate how much you want to go at that time, but I honestly think it could be dangerous to your baby's health, and that when the time comes you'll be happy to have postponed the trip!

Sorry... I had to attach your whole post because I agree with it very much! Finally somebody really thought of the baby´s health and confort! (and the mother´s too..)

 

[sigsegv]

Originally posted by njchris65
I don't think you'll be able to have a conversation with the child 10 years later and say "remember when I had to change your diaper on the monorail?"

They might not remember it, but I'll have the pictures! (So that I can show them to their S.O. when they start dating at 30. )

--sig, just hypothetically speaking

 

[tinkrbel]

Originally posted by sigsegv


They might not remember it, but I'll have the pictures! (So that I can show them to their S.O. when they start dating at 30. )

--sig, just hypothetically speaking

ohhh yes those wonderfully embarrasing photos!!!!! uhhh yeah dating at 30 .. sure .. let me know how that works for you ...so far every parent I know has said that .. some how it just never seems to work !!!