Two Uncles and the littles at Christmas.

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Magic Days's picture
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Two Uncles and the littles at Christmas.

We have finally convinced my brother to let us include our littles in our wdw trip. Our niece is 7 and our nephew is 4. They are just getting to know disney characters and have no idea that they will be spending a week in wdw with us in the middle of December, but have been not so casually expressing how they would love to join us. Some of you might remember that we lost their mom in a fluke medical accident last year so they have been going through a ton of transitions and we think it's time for some magic. We are currently booked at POP but might move to port Orleans. Have reservations at Hollywood and vine, crystal palace, Rose and Crown, Chefs de France, Norway, San angel inn, and the garden grill. DH and I have no littles of our own, beyond our furry boy, so don't have the parenting thing down. I'd love any tips or trick anyone used to keep their little ones happy In the bubble. We have seen the melt down families for years and really want to avoid all of that.

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JoAnn C's picture
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That's wonderful that you are taking them.

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ScottFL's picture
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My husband and I have taken the nieces and nephews to The Mouse many times. Trust me - there is no avoiding the afternoon meltdown. Of course, I end up having one too..Just expect it and get past it.

You'll have a great time - little kids are the BEST reason to experience EVERYTHING while you're there. Plan some down time in the afternoon - head back to the resort, have a nap, and re-energize for the evening.

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What a great memory that will be for them and what a fun trip for you!! Nap breaks are definitely a must! I think I might consider staying at Pop because of the larger than life icons--unless your niece and nephew prefer more sedate surroundings--or if you're trying to get one of the theme rooms.

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JMed's picture
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How sweet and amazing! They are going to be so excited!!! I can't wait to hear all about it. Are you going to tell them before going or just show up and SURPRISE?????? We have done both and I just loved showing up!!!

Blondie went when she was 5 and 6... She did great but we mostly "played" off of her. If she wanted to sit and rest, we did. Sometimes in the shade, sometimes on a dark ride. I kept some snacks and water flavor packs on me and if she wanted something I just handed it to her and she would walk and eat or drink it. No waiting in line and no deciding what she wanted. We also let her pick most of the places to eat based off what she thought was cool. We never took naps because unfortunately for me my child has NEVER napped lol.

I've never "planned" a trip with her along. Disney or anywhere else. We just go with the flow and let it happen!!!

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Magic Days's picture
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Thus far we haven't told them they are going. We think it will be better to let them know on the way. The count down is so hard already. Pretty sure we are sticking with pop. I know it reasonably well and I think they will love the icons and the pools. I keep reading mixed reviews for the haunted mansion with littles. It's our favorite ride so I'm hoping we can make it fun for them as well but I'll taken any tips on making that happen. They are learning the disney movies now to help make the connection.

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JMed wrote:

Blondie went when she was 5 and 6... She did great but we mostly "played" off of her. If she wanted to sit and rest, we did. Sometimes in the shade, sometimes on a dark ride. I kept some snacks and water flavor packs on me and if she wanted something I just handed it to her and she would walk and eat or drink it. No waiting in line and no deciding what she wanted. We also let her pick most of the places to eat based off what she thought was cool. !

Great tips all.

I'm a big advocate of the mid-afternoon break. A break doesn't need to be a nap either (though I like one LOL), it can just be a change of venue in the middle of the day, something quieter than being in the middle of a busy park. Swimming, a boat ride, a movie. I found that whether or not the kids thought they needed a nap, that once we were in the room and they calmed down a bit that naps just sort of happened.

Make sure that you suncreen them like crazy, even in the winter. Kid skin is pretty delicate.

JMed's picture
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And kids Tylenol or Motrin!!!! Thank goodness I thought ahead and brought it, the first night she was complaining about her legs hurting. Poor kid. She took some, settled down and went right to sleep!

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"I do not like the cone of shame."

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"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

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Magic Mirror's picture
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That is exciting news! I keep hoping in the future we may be able to take great nephews & nieces..

Magic Days's picture
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Magic Mirror wrote:
That is exciting news! I keep hoping in the future we may be able to take great nephews & nieces..

We are excited to see the magic through their eyes.

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I think it is fab, what cool uncles they have and what a lovely thing you are doing. Sounds like you could all do with some magic x

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CEB NYC's picture
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What great uncles. I'm sure you'll show them an amazing time!

Magic Days's picture
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Thank you. They are great kids.

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Kris1971's picture
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My tip is more for you than for the kids. When I took my niece and nephew for the first time, the best thing I did was make sure I went into the MK before them and got to see their faces when they walked under the train platform and saw Main Street and the Castle for the very first time! The looks on their faces were priceless and made my whole trip! You are going to have a wonderful time! I'm so excited for all of you!

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Magic Days's picture
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That's a great idea, Thank You.

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JanJ's picture
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What a nice surprise! They will love their trip, I'm sure.

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So sweet! You guys are going to have a great time!!! Can't wait to hear all about it. muchlove

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How awesome!!!!! You guys rock! awesome Can't wait to hear more!!!! yay

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This is awesome! What a great trip you're going to have! yay

Magic Days's picture
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The cats out of the bag. My brother decided to let the kids know so now my niece is getting involved. She has picked her magic bad but has already changed he mind a few times. I've not let her know about the frozen bands that are being sold. Has anyone heard if the more detailed bands will be available for packages or upgrades. The event will be over before our trip and I know she lives Elsa so it would be a very safe bet. Especially if the back ground is blue like the one shown for the frozen event.

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I think it is the right thing that she knows about the trip. When I was seven I wanted to know everything about everything! I was going to post that I thought you should let the kids know at least a couple of days before the trip so they could choose what they wanted to pack etc. but I don't have any kids myself so I am purely going on memories of what My thoughts and feelings were when I was that age.

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Magic Days's picture
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Miss Mikki wrote:
I think it is the right thing that she knows about the trip. When I was seven I wanted to know everything about everything! I was going to post that I thought you should let the kids know at least a couple of days before the trip so they could choose what they wanted to pack etc. but I don't have any kids myself so I am purely going on memories of what My thoughts and feelings were when I was that age.

When it comes to all our littles we follow the parents wishes. Makes my life a ton easier and keeps things structured for the kids. Now DH is finding out in the car lol.

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DVC Central sells cover bands for the magic bands - they have "Frozen" ones that are quite cute. Here's a link to their Facebook store: https://www.facebook.com/DVCCentralCoverBands/app_251458316228

Magic Days's picture
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Thanks

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What great uncles! Are you adopting? Because I am available. I am very low maintenance and quiet as a mouse! Really! Just ask me. But don't ask anyone else, especially my husband. eek

My advice probably would be similar to what you've already heard - afternoon breaks if possible. Pool time or just afternoon rest time.

Magic Days's picture
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We ar

JeffC wrote:
What great uncles! Are you adopting? Because I am available. I am very low maintenance and quiet as a mouse! Really! Just ask me. But don't ask anyone else,
JeffC wrote:
What great uncles! Are you adopting? Because I am available. I am very low maintenance and quiet as a mouse! Really! Just ask me. But don't ask anyone else, especially my husband. eek

My advice probably would be similar to what you've already heard - afternoon breaks if possible. Pool time or just afternoon rest time.

We are big on afternoon breaks Even when it's just the two of us. You would think after 20 years DH would love my temper tantrums. Oh well a dip in the pool and a little nap and I'm good until midnight.

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muchlove You are Superstar Uncles! I'm sure you'll have a great experience!! My first trip to WDW was as my 4 yrs old niece's "adult required to enter the park" silly Meaning I was there just to escort her to where she wanted to go... It was wonderful!!! On my trip last year - no littles, but a big old 54 year kid (my husband biggrin ) --- we witnessed many a meltdowns, I felt so bad for those kids. It's a lot to take in for ANYONE.
I echo everyone else - lots of breaks and take your time. I can't want to hear all about your trip!!!

SHOUT OUT TO JEFF C - this has been the first time I've seen you posting in a LONG time... Hope all is well with you and Joe. Love your posts!!

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Sounds like a fun trip! awesome

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Magic Days's picture
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mimi wrote:
muchlove You are Superstar Uncles! I'm sure you'll have a great experience!! My first trip to WDW was as my 4 yrs old niece's "adult required to enter the park" silly Meaning I was there just to escort her to where she wanted to go... It was wonderful!!! On my trip last year - no littles, but a big old 54 year kid (my husband biggrin ) --- we witnessed many a meltdowns, I felt so bad for those kids. It's a lot to take in for ANYONE.
I echo everyone else - lots of breaks and take your time. I can't want to hear all about your trip!!!

SHOUT OUT TO JEFF C - this has been the first time I've seen you posting in a LONG time... Hope all is well with you and Joe. Love your posts!!

We are really getting excited. Making grocery shopping lists now. The only problem is that as kids their tastes change from day to day. Gotta love em.

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JMed's picture
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Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bar..... Yea, the chocolate kinda negates the "healthy" but Blondie (and the big kids) loves them.
Flavor packs to add to the water. fill the bottles up in the park and add mix! WOO HOO!!!
"gummy" snacks
and Planters nuts (travel size packs)

those were our saviors in the parks with her. We also enjoyed them. We like the Gatorade packs for the water.

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"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

Magic Days's picture
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JMed wrote:
Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bar..... Yea, the chocolate kinda negates the "healthy" but Blondie (and the big kids) loves them.
Flavor packs to add to the water. fill the bottles up in the park and add mix! WOO HOO!!!
"gummy" snacks
and Planters nuts (travel size packs)

those were our saviors in the parks with her. We also enjoyed them. We like the Gatorade packs for the water.

Awesome, thank you.

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