Just the fast facts, before I forget them...
Trip number 5 was in September of 2010. Charlie Brown was 4 and a half, and right at 44 inches tall. Busy Bee was 3 and a half and right at 38 inches in sneakers. Boo, whose nick name evolved from Boo to Bug a Boo, to just plain Bug and that's what's sticking, was 14 months- and not the greatest age to enjoy Disney, or maybe it's just his personality. Disney Mom was also 33 weeks pregnant with baby #4, who has since arrived and acquired the nickname Bird for the funny sqwuaking noises he makes (yes another boy, and we couldn't be more pleased.) Our family dynamics made trip number 5 an interesting one.
We stayed at the Pop Century, somehow we have been in the 50's area all 3 times we've stayed there. The room we were in had been newly updated, meaning we are fairly certain we were the first guests to stay in it. They were working on the floor below us. The new entertainment set-up actually created more floor space for strollers and pack n plays. This was nice. As was not having to worry quite so much about who else had used the furnishings/comforters/etc.
This trip was a shorter trip for us... only 4 days and no park hoppers. We visited Epcot the evening we arrived. Then Animal Kingdom for our first day, Magic Kingdom for our second day, Epcot for our third day and ended our week at Magic Kingdom. Before heading home the final morning, we enjoyed a character breakfast at the Cape May Cafe.
Charlie Brown decided he loves roller coasters... and anything that goes fast for that matter. He LOVED Space Mountain, though we were a bit nervous about putting him on it at just 44 inches tall. I had Disney Dad sit behind him and hold his shoulders, at 33 weeks pregnant, I couldn't ride :( Dad says holding the shoulders is probably a good thing, but it's also a great ab workout.
Busy Bee decided that he really does NOT like Dumbo, but he LOVES Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin... on our second day in Magic Kingdom, he and I walked around and got fast passes (not that they were necessary in September), while everyone else rode Dumbo.
Bug enjoyed the rides in his serious way. He didn't enjoy anything about 9am at all, which is his usual nap time at this age... we're talking screaming during the Magic Kingdom Welcome show. He also didn't enjoy anything about sitting still on a bus, being hot, or being tired in the parks. Note to self, in the future, remember that our car is parked in the parking lot of the hotel and we can always drive to the park if that will keep everyone a bit more sane.
As to being 33 weeks pregnant... I don't recommend it, but I think everyone else already knows better, because during our time in the parks, I think I managed to spot 1 other noticeably pregnant lady each day. Those of us who are that brave or foolish, to do Disney late in pregnancy are evidently few and far between!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Friday, May 14, 2010
Fear Factor
A big question when going to Disney with little ones is what will scare them and what will be tame enough? Our boys are all over the spectrum on this one. Busy Bee gets scared on Dumbo and was terrified of any Carousel ride until recently... when we discovered he needed to just sit on the bench, where he is delighted to movie star wave to everyone as he goes around and around. Charlie Brown was surprisingly not concerned about darkness or anything really as a baby, but very cautious the older he gets.
Here are a few tips...
Fire. There's a lot of fire involved the special effects in Disney World and surprisingly, or not, it really terrifies some little ones. Surprising, to us... the torches around the lagoon light prior to the nightly Illuminations fireworks in Epcot. As soon as the torches were lit, Charlie Brown wanted to leave as an almost 3 yr old. This is controlled, "harmless" fire, so it was very surprising to me that he was afraid. Once afraid of that the loud noise of the Illuminations show and the actual fireworks didn't stand a chance- we got to leave as they were starting. Less surprising fear of fire... Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Hollywood Studios. There's also fire at Lights Motors Action in Hollywood Studios, though we've never had much concern over that (both Charlie Brown and Busy Bee have slept through that show- talk about surprising!)
Darkness. Plenty of rides in Disney World are dark. Actually, I would almost say the majority. A good trick, even if your little one isn't afraid of the dark, is to give them a glow stick they can hold during the dark rides. If they get nervous it's a good distraction, if not good for them :)
Loud Noise. Sudden loud noise. Charlie Brown has learned to be wary. He is always ready for Disney to try and scare him to death with the volume and intensity on even the simplest ride. In 2010, because we were curious, we finally stayed in the little theater in Norway after riding Maelstrom to see the short film about Norway. To say I was frustrated would be an understatement... how I wish Disney could make a 5 minute film that portrayed the character and little history of Norway without the sudden, loud noise, abrupt screen changes, and yes, fire, that didn't terrify my toddlers. At any rate... skip the Norway film, it was a bit intense. There's also sudden loud noise in Figment's Journey Into Imagination over in Future World in Epcot. That one startles the boys every time, but they are not afraid and always enjoy the ride.
For a good overview of all the rides Disney has to offer with regard to how scary they are to preschoolers, we love The Unofficial Guide's Fright Potential chart.
Here are a few tips...
Fire. There's a lot of fire involved the special effects in Disney World and surprisingly, or not, it really terrifies some little ones. Surprising, to us... the torches around the lagoon light prior to the nightly Illuminations fireworks in Epcot. As soon as the torches were lit, Charlie Brown wanted to leave as an almost 3 yr old. This is controlled, "harmless" fire, so it was very surprising to me that he was afraid. Once afraid of that the loud noise of the Illuminations show and the actual fireworks didn't stand a chance- we got to leave as they were starting. Less surprising fear of fire... Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Hollywood Studios. There's also fire at Lights Motors Action in Hollywood Studios, though we've never had much concern over that (both Charlie Brown and Busy Bee have slept through that show- talk about surprising!)
Darkness. Plenty of rides in Disney World are dark. Actually, I would almost say the majority. A good trick, even if your little one isn't afraid of the dark, is to give them a glow stick they can hold during the dark rides. If they get nervous it's a good distraction, if not good for them :)
Loud Noise. Sudden loud noise. Charlie Brown has learned to be wary. He is always ready for Disney to try and scare him to death with the volume and intensity on even the simplest ride. In 2010, because we were curious, we finally stayed in the little theater in Norway after riding Maelstrom to see the short film about Norway. To say I was frustrated would be an understatement... how I wish Disney could make a 5 minute film that portrayed the character and little history of Norway without the sudden, loud noise, abrupt screen changes, and yes, fire, that didn't terrify my toddlers. At any rate... skip the Norway film, it was a bit intense. There's also sudden loud noise in Figment's Journey Into Imagination over in Future World in Epcot. That one startles the boys every time, but they are not afraid and always enjoy the ride.
For a good overview of all the rides Disney has to offer with regard to how scary they are to preschoolers, we love The Unofficial Guide's Fright Potential chart.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Focus
Each time we head toward Disney World, we remind ourselves continually why we are going. Is it to ride Space Mountain again? Is it to do EVERYTHING? Is it to relax and take it slow? Who is going to have the most fun?
Remarkably, our best trips have been when I was pregnant. That seems to be the stage in life where it's easiest for us (Mom and Dad) to remember that right now, it's not about us doing and seeing everything, but it's about the boys having a good time being together with us as a family. Something about having to take frequent potty breaks (for me), have snacks at least hourly (for me), sit down often (for me)... you get the picture. When we go at a slower pace and enjoy the day at the speed of the smallest/slowest person- we all always have a better time.
As we sit down to plan our trips... and put together our "Touring Plans" for each day, we think about how often we'll need to stop and rest, which attractions the boys will enjoy most, which attractions Charlie Brown will like, but Busy Bee will NOT, which attractions the grown-ups can skip this time, what kind of snacks will help us stay energized... and never ever forget to have a plan for nap (rest) time, even if they don't still nap at home. Ours is usually just slowing down during that middle of the day time, doing things where they can sleep in the stroller a little... in January 2010 we have a great picture in Epcot of Busy Bee passed out cold in the front of our stroller, Dad carrying Boo (who had just woken up, after a nice nap in my front carrier), and me carrying Charlie Brown (all 40 lbs and 41 inches of him) in the front carrier. Yes, that was exhausting, but they needed the break.
Considering the attractions, we like to use the Small Child Fright Potential chart from The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a guide... but nothing is better than knowing your kids, and knowing the ride in advance. Things we've noticed that terrify our boys... fire, darkness, and sudden loud noises- they have all learned to anticipate being startled by all Disney's special effects. Yes, favorites in our household in 2009 were The Country Bear Jamboree, The "Elephants" i.e. Dumbo, and It's a Small World (all in Magic Kingdom.) This year, we expanded our horizons a little bit and added The Gran Fiesta Tour in Epcot's Mexico... apparently the 3 Caballeros are very appealing to the preschool set.
Remarkably, our best trips have been when I was pregnant. That seems to be the stage in life where it's easiest for us (Mom and Dad) to remember that right now, it's not about us doing and seeing everything, but it's about the boys having a good time being together with us as a family. Something about having to take frequent potty breaks (for me), have snacks at least hourly (for me), sit down often (for me)... you get the picture. When we go at a slower pace and enjoy the day at the speed of the smallest/slowest person- we all always have a better time.
As we sit down to plan our trips... and put together our "Touring Plans" for each day, we think about how often we'll need to stop and rest, which attractions the boys will enjoy most, which attractions Charlie Brown will like, but Busy Bee will NOT, which attractions the grown-ups can skip this time, what kind of snacks will help us stay energized... and never ever forget to have a plan for nap (rest) time, even if they don't still nap at home. Ours is usually just slowing down during that middle of the day time, doing things where they can sleep in the stroller a little... in January 2010 we have a great picture in Epcot of Busy Bee passed out cold in the front of our stroller, Dad carrying Boo (who had just woken up, after a nice nap in my front carrier), and me carrying Charlie Brown (all 40 lbs and 41 inches of him) in the front carrier. Yes, that was exhausting, but they needed the break.
Considering the attractions, we like to use the Small Child Fright Potential chart from The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a guide... but nothing is better than knowing your kids, and knowing the ride in advance. Things we've noticed that terrify our boys... fire, darkness, and sudden loud noises- they have all learned to anticipate being startled by all Disney's special effects. Yes, favorites in our household in 2009 were The Country Bear Jamboree, The "Elephants" i.e. Dumbo, and It's a Small World (all in Magic Kingdom.) This year, we expanded our horizons a little bit and added The Gran Fiesta Tour in Epcot's Mexico... apparently the 3 Caballeros are very appealing to the preschool set.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Our Disney Family & Our Disney Trips
To begin with let me introduce us... I am Disney Mom (for purposes of this website only). I am the thrill seeker of our family and there is very little if anything that I won't ride. Disney Daddy, my husband, on the other hand, he doesn't like drops, so he avoids most roller coasters. He's an architect and is fascinated by the design work that is evident walking through Disney World. Together we would love to someday take a trip to Disney World, just the 2 of us and spend our time observing and photographing the detail in the architecture and design in Disney World.
The Disney Kids... we have 3 amazing little boys. Our oldest, we'll call him Charlie Brown, or just Charlie (for purposes of this website.) Charlie Brown just turned 4. He's a bit cautious and easily frightened by many rides... not a daredevil. This little man crawled, pulled up to standing, and started walking holding onto things at 6 months old. But, his cautious nature meant that he never braved letting go and walking on his own for nearly 6 months. I should clarify though, that while he is cautious, he's also very interested in how things work. Nervous about what audio-visual trick Disney is going to throw at him, but interested in what's happening.
Our middle son, who we'll call Busy Bee, is about to be 3. He has yet to need a ticket to Disney World and has been 3 times. What a life! Busy Bee is quite the character. He's always been afraid of carousels. We have no idea why, but he's always (since his 1st birthday) freaked out on carousels. Recently, we are thinking it might be heights that trouble him? When he gets scared though, he clings- tightly, to whoever is with him. There's not usually any screaming or crying. Can you tell, that he is also not the daredevil I need to ride roller-coasters with? That's okay, it'll be awhile before he's tall enough for much.
The baby, who has not reached his 1st birthday yet... I call him Boo, because he likes peek-a-boo. His daddy is quick to point out that Boo is a girl (Monsters Inc.) Yeah, well, he likes peek-a-boo. As far as Disney goes... he likes all his needs met on a timely basis, including, nursing, napping, diaper changing, and bed-time. He doesn't care about much else that Disney has or doesn't have to offer at this point.
A quick summary of our Disney trips...
Disney Dad went several times as a kid, about 6 yrs old, about 10 yrs old, and about 14 yrs old. He stayed at the Contemporary and I'm not sure where else.
Disney Mom went once as a kid- I was 9 and we tent camped in Fort Wilderness in July (I grew up in upstate NY, by the way.)
This Disney Family has taken 4 trips:
The Disney Kids... we have 3 amazing little boys. Our oldest, we'll call him Charlie Brown, or just Charlie (for purposes of this website.) Charlie Brown just turned 4. He's a bit cautious and easily frightened by many rides... not a daredevil. This little man crawled, pulled up to standing, and started walking holding onto things at 6 months old. But, his cautious nature meant that he never braved letting go and walking on his own for nearly 6 months. I should clarify though, that while he is cautious, he's also very interested in how things work. Nervous about what audio-visual trick Disney is going to throw at him, but interested in what's happening.
Our middle son, who we'll call Busy Bee, is about to be 3. He has yet to need a ticket to Disney World and has been 3 times. What a life! Busy Bee is quite the character. He's always been afraid of carousels. We have no idea why, but he's always (since his 1st birthday) freaked out on carousels. Recently, we are thinking it might be heights that trouble him? When he gets scared though, he clings- tightly, to whoever is with him. There's not usually any screaming or crying. Can you tell, that he is also not the daredevil I need to ride roller-coasters with? That's okay, it'll be awhile before he's tall enough for much.
The baby, who has not reached his 1st birthday yet... I call him Boo, because he likes peek-a-boo. His daddy is quick to point out that Boo is a girl (Monsters Inc.) Yeah, well, he likes peek-a-boo. As far as Disney goes... he likes all his needs met on a timely basis, including, nursing, napping, diaper changing, and bed-time. He doesn't care about much else that Disney has or doesn't have to offer at this point.
A quick summary of our Disney trips...
Disney Dad went several times as a kid, about 6 yrs old, about 10 yrs old, and about 14 yrs old. He stayed at the Contemporary and I'm not sure where else.
Disney Mom went once as a kid- I was 9 and we tent camped in Fort Wilderness in July (I grew up in upstate NY, by the way.)
This Disney Family has taken 4 trips:
- January 2007 - Coronado Springs, 2 nights, 3 days. Disney Mom was about 6 months pregnant with Busy Bee (who was quite active in utero.) Charlie Brown was 11 months old (not quite walking, he did that a few days after we got home from Disney.)
- March 2008 - Pop Century, 5 nights, 1 day (as a family). Disney Dad had a business conference in Orlando. Grandma joined Disney Mom and boys and treated us to 2 more days in the parks. Charlie Brown had just turned 2 and Busy Bee was 10 months old.
- January 2009 - All-Star Sports, 7 nights, 8 days. Disney Mom was 3 months pregnant with Boo. Charlie Brown was almost 3 (we went before his b-day, so he wouldn't need a ticket.) Busy Bee was 20 months. This trip was a vacation for Disney Dad who felt left out after having to work during most of our 2008 trip.
- January 2010 - Pop Century, 7 nights, 8 days. Charlie Brown was almost 4, Busy Bee was 2 1/2, Boo turned 6 months in the World. Grandma and Grandpa accompanied us on this trip, which was a repeat vacation, because we so enjoyed our 2009 trip!
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