Originally Posted By LoyalOrderWaterBuffa ~~~so you are a parental expert also?~~~ no sarcasm please ~~~Sorry I did not being my children ever to 'show them off' - what an ignorant comment... they are not prizes or toys.~~~ I did not say you did so stop being so defensive. I did see others do it.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ~~~Sorry I did not being my children ever to 'show them off' - what an ignorant comment... they are not prizes or toys.~~~ I did not say you did so stop being so defensive. I did see others do it. no you generalized that that is why parents bring their kids there..so that would include me and anyone else here. you obviously believe that is why your sister did it - maybe you are right , maybe you're not- that's for the two of you to work out - but a rant on that's why parents do it does not work with a total body of study of one person.
Originally Posted By danyoung >I went with my sister, her husband and their new born girl to WDW.< So now we have something to work with. You experienced a really bad situation, one that I wouldn't have enjoyed either. But you can't stretch that out and say that EVERYONE shouldn't bring infants just because you had a bad experience with one. It sounds like your sister was being very selfish in expecting everyone around her to change their behavior to accommodate the baby. This just isn't possible, it isn't fair to the people in your group, it isn't fair to anyone else within earshot of the screaming baby, and it really isn't fair to the baby, either. So Buffa, I can sure understand why your experience has colored how you think about babies in WDW. But I hope you can be open minded enough to read what others have said, and that not all experiences with babies are bad ones.
Originally Posted By LoyalOrderWaterBuffa ~~~How old are you, WaterBuffa?~~~~ I feel a personal judgment coming no matter what I say. I feel if I say 19 then it will be met with "that explains a lot" and I feel if I say 29 then one might say "you haven't been around long enough to understand these kind of things" and I feel if I say 39 then someone might tell me to or "act my age". Based on my feelings I won't reveal my age yet. Level with me Ursula is that why you wanted to know my age? Please be honest. If I assumed to much and you are not setting me up then I'm sorry for assuming that Ursula. I have just as much right to enjoy a show and not smell dirty diapers as anybody else at WDW. Just because I'm related to the iresponsible person, little sis, doesn't mean I don't have a good reason for what I am saying.
Originally Posted By mousegeezer Can anyone explain why this is such an emotional topic? Waterbuffa what you say is good for you. But, why do you feel it is wrong for somone to do differently? FE Maiden did not seem to be burdened by having her baby along an d it doesn't sound like her baby bothered anyone. So, where is the harm? Have you really smelled dirty diaper at WDW. Most people with children are considerate and try to minimize their childrens impact on others. But, jerks are always jerks and you will find some that should have filled out an application to get pregnant. It is also surprising that it is mostly men that have the problem with people bringing babies to WDW.
Originally Posted By leobloom >>the apoint just says you are targeting but one group bothering your vacation -- After you ban babies - whose next ? teenagers / people on ECV's / adults -- who's left ?>> That's a slippery slope argument. >>I have had babies interrupt shows -yes, I have had MORE adults bother my experience than babies however..your solution doesn't fix but a small part of the problem.>> I had a memorable experience watching Impressions of France with a bunch of loud adults, probably from New Jersey, sitting in the row in front of me. They were much more disruptive than any infants I've ever seen, heard, or smelled. No offense, New Jersians.
Originally Posted By Ursula <Level with me Ursula is that why you wanted to know my age? > You sound very young, like in the 14 year-old range. If you state your age at teenager-ish, then your views are understandable. If you state that you are in your 20's then you would sound immature. If you state you are in your 30's then I really don't know what to think about you. Your writing indicates someone of a very young age, and I know there used to be an age limit here.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I have just as much right to enjoy a show and not smell dirty diapers as anybody else at WDW.*** Responsible parents remove children (not just infants) if they become a distraction, so if you find yourself in a screaming baby situation blame the parent, not the kid. Likewise responsible parents tend to their childrens' needs, so you need never smell anything more vile than those god forsaken churros they have all over the place. As to your argument, it doesn't ring true for me. Disney has excellent baby centers and family friendly facilities and staff, so dealing with an infant in a Disney park is much EASIER than dealing with an infant almost anyplace else (even your local markets and shops!). So, frankly, your contention that it would ruin a family vacation is a load of bunk. There's no place better to be WITH an infant, it's so welcoming and comfortable, and therefore so long as you want to be WITH your infant (many folks aren't comfortable leaving a newborn with family...even grandma), a Disney park is an excellent vacation idea. Little X first went to Disney parks at 4 months of age, and has been countless times since (her favorite is DisneySea, but she likes Epcot a lot too but we skipped boring American Adventure anyway), all the way up to her most recent visit a couple of months ago at age 5 (she rode Tower of Terror for the first time...loved it!). She has *never* misbehaved (why would she, she loves the place!?), and she has been a joy to many, adding extra magic and smiles wherever she went cause she's so danged cute (privileged LPers who have met her will attest to that fact). One big advantage to taking the kids early, I think, is that they get used to the characters at a young age and are familiar with them on return visits much more than the 3-4 year old who meets these gigantic, rather intimidating creatures for the first time and totally freaks out. So, in conclusion, it is an excellent idea to bring infants to Disney parks. If you don't have one of your own, I suggest borrowing one from a friend.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Some people plan and make ressies a few years in advance, maybe the reservations were made befor the baby was made.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Some parents will let their infants sit in smelly or wet diapers for ages, scream, go hungry, get over tired and cranky, even when they aren't at WDW. An irresponsible parent is going to be an irresponsible parent no matter where they are.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<but we skipped boring American Adventure anyway>> BORING American Adventure? Sacrilege! <<(privileged LPers who have met her will attest to that fact).>> I've seen pictures - she is mighty cute!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***BORING American Adventure? Sacrilege! *** lol. I know, I know. I used to like it...maybe I just had one too many viewings, it's been a long time since I've seen that show (and I've NEVER seen Hall of Presidents for some reason).
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<(and I've NEVER seen Hall of Presidents for some reason)>> WOW! SERIOUSLY?!?!?
Originally Posted By Mr X Yup. In fact, I think that might be the ONLY attraction in WDW I haven't checked out. Not on purpose, just never got around to it.
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, I didn't check out Philharmagic in Orlando, but I did in Hong Kong and I imagine they're practically the same, or identical.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad Families travel on vacations for many reasons. Our family travels because I have a hard time relaxing at home because work is so close or there are always things needing to be done at home. When I am on vacation I want to spend it with my loved ones and travelling seems to help us focus on time together. I think for most parents watching their children experience new things is a priceless treasure. Why would we leave them at home? Sure, they may not remember their first trip to Disney. But I will. Our children grow up too quickly. I dread when they are grown and Dad is no longer needed. I will spend every minute I can with them and treasure each moment. Disney is a place for children and 2 and 3 year olds are just as disruptive as a 4 month old. Yes, a crying child should be removed from an attraction. But left at home? I think not.
Originally Posted By CMDad I have recent;y had a discussion about when to bring a child to WDW with my son, who is about to become the father of twins. I traveled with both of my children from the time they were born practically, so strange situations never bothered them and they generally didn't get cranky and bother other folks. Had they done so I would have removed them immediately. Having said that, the first opportunity I had to bring my daughter to WDW was when she was 7 months old. I chose not to because I did have family in the area and wanted some time alone with my wife. (It was my birthday as well.) However, at that point, she would have enjoyed the visit to WDW. As it turned out, she made her first trip at 4 years old ... and my son was 2 years old. That said, I think the child's temperament would have a lot to do with the appropriateness of bringing him/her. On my just completed trip I saw a few very young babies - none of which caused me any problems. Bottom line? If you as a parent are comfortable with the work involved in bringing a young baby, and the child can handle it - it is actually a good experience for both. Though the baby won't recognize Disney characters, the stimulation can be good ... if not overdone. (Naps/breaks etc. are a must!) Oh - and what did I tell my son? I feel the ideal age for a first trip is about 2 years old ... again, depending on the child himself.
