Our first big family trip was 10 people, 4 generations. We had two 3 yr olds (cousins just 6 weeks apart) and one just 4 yr old, along with the their 89 yr old great-grandmother. It was a huge success. We did 10 days, staying in a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom vacation rental just minutes away from WDW.
Long mealtimes would not have gone over well, except for Crystal Palace. It was magical for every age! Our 4 yr old was painfully shy but even he participated and interacted with real joy.
We got character pictures only when no waiting was involved. The youngest kids love the characters, the 4 yr was iffy on most so we didn’t push it with him.
The happiest spots were the splash pads and play areas in any park. Parades were OK, Most stage shows were pretty engaging for all ages. We rode Dumbo and the Carousel countless times! Kilimanjaro Safari was a big hit for everyone but definitely requires a good grip on small people (young and OLD!) Obey the rules and don’t let them sit on the outside.
We used strollers a lot and adhered to our own rule that the kids did not ever get to push them. They walked hand in hand with adults when appropriate. Strollers let them nap, ride when tired, and sit and enjoy drinks and treats while taking in the surroundings.
Fireworks surprised us. The kids slept through every one, except for ones at
MVMCP. It was back in pre-dessert party days, and we watched from the Tomorrowland Terrace. Great view, and we all appreciated being able to sit down.
Snack bags - each child had their own bag, filled with nutritionally acceptable treats, and they could munch when the mood struck. We did not worry much about their meals, frankly, and often they shared whatever appealed to them on our plates. They could have one special treat each day, usually an ice cream of some sort. Oh, even on the hottest days, our youngest and oldest family members could easily get chilled in the highly air-conditioned restaurants and theatres. Packing a sweater for each was essential.
We had more fun than we could ever imagine. With 4 parents and 2 reasonably energetic grandparents, there was more than enough adult attention and energy to manage and thoroughly enjoy the 3 youngsters. Great-grandmother drove an ECV and loved it. She had missed driving for some years, and the
scooter was as much a treat for her as any ride.
The rental home was wonderful. Plenty of space for privacy and togetherness. The kids loved the private pool and we let them swim before breakfast every day. The strict rule was “no child goes onto the lanai without a life jacket.“ That let them leap into the water with abandon, and they did! Again, no lack of adults to supervise.
I can honestly say it was the best vacation my husband and I have ever had.
