I know several folks have had the experience now of looking after grandkids while they're at WDW. Do you find it's best to take them into the parks, or hang out at the hotel/pool? What are some of your favorite activities to entertain the grandkids while at WDW?
When Mr Hub and Scrappy did it they started out with gusto and then we didn't hear from them again until the end of the trip. I think it turned out to be more challenging than they expected. 
If anyone has any negative responses please don't let my parents see this thread!
I am trying to convince them to come with us on Holden's first trip & I think I am closing the deal. Mostly I love their company and want them around but it would be nice for them to be an extra pair of arms because I am sure we will need them!
Bella
If anyone has any negative responses please don't let my parents see this thread!
I am trying to convince them to come with us on Holden's first trip & I think I am closing the deal. Mostly I love their company and want them around but it would be nice for them to be an extra pair of arms because I am sure we will need them!
I think getting some kind of backup when going with a smaller kid is a great idea.
I think it is going to depend on the age of the parents (grandparents) and the age of the child/ children. Addison was really very easy to babysit. She was 20 months old so very easy to entertain. She was happy just watching the birds or ducks. She was just as happy picking up leaves from the sidewalk where we were waiting and throwing them into the mulch. A few times we took her into the gift shops while waiting for the adult kids to do a ride. Inside the shops she would look for Mickeys on clothing and such and point to it.
We had expected to hang out during the afternoon at the hotel but she ended up taking her naps in her stroller while we were in the parks. I have to admit, I really was not sure about taking such a young child but it ended up being a great time. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides. Also being that young she did not ask for anything nor did she care what we wanted to do. She liked the rides, she loved the shows, and towards the end of the trip she warmed up to the characters although she liked them far better from across the restaurant than up close and personal.
Baby sitting grand kids is a snap. Just give them 50 bucks each and tell them to have a good time. Of course that was when our grand kids were teenagers. Now that they are in their 20s it would probably take $100.00 each. 
Joe
I think it is going to depend on the age of the parents (grandparents) and the age of the child/ children. Addison was really very easy to babysit. She was 20 months old so very easy to entertain. She was happy just watching the birds or ducks. She was just as happy picking up leaves from the sidewalk where we were waiting and throwing them into the mulch. A few times we took her into the gift shops while waiting for the adult kids to do a ride. Inside the shops she would look for Mickeys on clothing and such and point to it.
We had expected to hang out during the afternoon at the hotel but she ended up taking her naps in her stroller while we were in the parks. I have to admit, I really was not sure about taking such a young child but it ended up being a great time. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides. Also being that young she did not ask for anything nor did she care what we wanted to do. She liked the rides, she loved the shows, and towards the end of the trip she warmed up to the characters although she liked them far better from across the restaurant than up close and personal.
Something tells me there's a period of time between 20 months (where they just look at stuff) and teenagers (where Joe's plan works perfectly) where it's harder!! It's the constant "I want... I want..." along with the exhaustion that combines to make some cranky kiddos!
. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides.
I was never too young to be afraid of stuff. Nor too old for that matter.
scrappy wrote:I think it is going to depend on the age of the parents (grandparents) and the age of the child/ children. Addison was really very easy to babysit. She was 20 months old so very easy to entertain. She was happy just watching the birds or ducks. She was just as happy picking up leaves from the sidewalk where we were waiting and throwing them into the mulch. A few times we took her into the gift shops while waiting for the adult kids to do a ride. Inside the shops she would look for Mickeys on clothing and such and point to it.
We had expected to hang out during the afternoon at the hotel but she ended up taking her naps in her stroller while we were in the parks. I have to admit, I really was not sure about taking such a young child but it ended up being a great time. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides. Also being that young she did not ask for anything nor did she care what we wanted to do. She liked the rides, she loved the shows, and towards the end of the trip she warmed up to the characters although she liked them far better from across the restaurant than up close and personal.Something tells me there's a period of time between 20 months (where they just look at stuff) and teenagers (where Joe's plan works perfectly) where it's harder!!
I agree..so I'll take him when he's 20 months...and then when he's 18. We'll just leave him at home with Grandma the rest of the time.
Bella
admin wrote:scrappy wrote:I think it is going to depend on the age of the parents (grandparents) and the age of the child/ children. Addison was really very easy to babysit. She was 20 months old so very easy to entertain. She was happy just watching the birds or ducks. She was just as happy picking up leaves from the sidewalk where we were waiting and throwing them into the mulch. A few times we took her into the gift shops while waiting for the adult kids to do a ride. Inside the shops she would look for Mickeys on clothing and such and point to it.
We had expected to hang out during the afternoon at the hotel but she ended up taking her naps in her stroller while we were in the parks. I have to admit, I really was not sure about taking such a young child but it ended up being a great time. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides. Also being that young she did not ask for anything nor did she care what we wanted to do. She liked the rides, she loved the shows, and towards the end of the trip she warmed up to the characters although she liked them far better from across the restaurant than up close and personal.Something tells me there's a period of time between 20 months (where they just look at stuff) and teenagers (where Joe's plan works perfectly) where it's harder!!
I agree..so I'll take him when he's 20 months...and then when he's 18. We'll just leave him at home with Grandma the rest of the time.
Funny...that was my plan for the whole "raising" of my children... will that not work out well?
Bella wrote:admin wrote:scrappy wrote:I think it is going to depend on the age of the parents (grandparents) and the age of the child/ children. Addison was really very easy to babysit. She was 20 months old so very easy to entertain. She was happy just watching the birds or ducks. She was just as happy picking up leaves from the sidewalk where we were waiting and throwing them into the mulch. A few times we took her into the gift shops while waiting for the adult kids to do a ride. Inside the shops she would look for Mickeys on clothing and such and point to it.
We had expected to hang out during the afternoon at the hotel but she ended up taking her naps in her stroller while we were in the parks. I have to admit, I really was not sure about taking such a young child but it ended up being a great time. She was to young to be afraid of any of the rides. Also being that young she did not ask for anything nor did she care what we wanted to do. She liked the rides, she loved the shows, and towards the end of the trip she warmed up to the characters although she liked them far better from across the restaurant than up close and personal.Something tells me there's a period of time between 20 months (where they just look at stuff) and teenagers (where Joe's plan works perfectly) where it's harder!!
I agree..so I'll take him when he's 20 months...and then when he's 18. We'll just leave him at home with Grandma the rest of the time.
Funny...that was my plan for the whole "raising" of my children... will that not work out well?
It might..I am pretty sure my mom would steal him as much as possible if I'd let her!
Bella
Sounds like a plan to me Bella !
Mark
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Go for it! And when I have mine she can take those for a while, too! No worries! 
)
May 2008 CSR