When friends heard that my husband and I were planning a trip to Disney World with our three daughters, they had a lot of thoughts. Going from “Oh my God, you’re crazy” to “Isn’t your kid only two years old?” That’s not a holiday. But when we add that we invited two sets of grandparents to go to Disney with us? They really lost their minds. I know the idea of vacationing with extended family and grandparents sounds terrible to a lot of people, but I’m excited. Taking my grandparents on a Disney trip was a no-brainer for me, and honestly, it had so many benefits.
Obviously, if you’re not very close to your child’s grandparents, maybe this isn’t for you. But if you’re on the fence about getting your grandparents involved, I suggest you just do it. You can set boundaries — like making it clear that you’re the one taking your kid on its first ride on “It’s a Small World” — and you can give each other a break, but I have a few reasons why you should take grandparents there A big plus for your Disney trip.
They deserve to experience magic, too.
Whether your parents took you to Disney when you were a kid, or your in-laws always wanted to take your partner but couldn’t—it’s worth considering how they’ll feel about experiencing the magic with your kids. They love their grandchildren too, and there’s nothing better than seeing your dad beside your kids and seeing Mickey waving to them on the parade float.
They take their kids to rides or wait in line.
Maybe you need to pee. Maybe you have a baby who needs a diaper change. Maybe the thought of riding a teacup again makes you want to cast – but don’t worry. You have grandparents. If one of your kids is ready to wait in line for 30 minutes to see Snow White so they can be with your grandparents, you can make a mad dash to the bathroom to get Joffrey’s coffee or something to do with the other kid.
They can also sit with those who don’t want to ride.
If you have an older child who’s eager to continue Rise of the Resistance, and several younger children who just don’t want to do anything, Grandparents is a great resource so you can enjoy time with your older children . Offer grandparents and other children a cold drink and a seat, or let them find something else to do while they wait for you.
These parks really have all ages in mind.
If you’re worried about your grandparents not being able to enjoy their time, having to walk a long way, or feeling like the rides are a little too much for them, know that they can still have a great time. From finding things for them to enjoy, like shows (my own grandmother loved seeing the Beauty and the Beast show every time she went to Hollywood Studios) or parades, to relying on some magical Disney hospitality, like wheelchair rentals and lots of places to sit Come down and relax, the experience is worth it for any grandparent.
They are very good at keeping you in position.
I’m not saying you need to make your grandparents wait an hour to play Slinky Dog Dash before you join in at the last minute, but if you need to send someone to the bathroom or need your grandparents to wait in line at the gift shop while you eat an extra Mickey They help a lot when crisping rice krispies.
They help relieve sensory overload.
Practical issues aside, grandparents will love your kids too – extra hands, extra ears to hear all the stories, and extra legs to help carry them through the theme park can really go a long way in helping your own kids Helps a lot. Having another adult to help share some of the load and provide input to your 8-year-old when you need a breather is why Galaxy’s Edge was the best part of the entire trip for so many reasons.
You can enjoy some adult Disney time.
By Disney adults, I mean people who, deep down, you may need to control when you’re around your kids. If you love Disney too and want to experience some of the best food and rides without overstimulating your toddler, then grandparents can be a huge help. Send them back to the hotel with your kids so you can enjoy some alone time.
look? They are all good reasons. Now put some Mickey ears on Grandpa and start planning.
