a week away from my 14 month old

[chisaineko1018]

So my husband had this idea to take our 9 year old son to disney world next January. It's his christmas present. Even though I was greatly opposed initially, he convinced me that it would be best to leave our 14 month old son behind during this one week trip. It seemed like a practical idea, he would never remember the trip, it would greatly impact his daily routine anyways (he keeps to a pretty typical one at home on a day to day basis) and it would be too difficult to find activities suitable to both our 9 year old and our baby. It would be best to take the baby when he's older and would enjoy the experience after our older son would be too old for disney world. So the plan is to leave him with his aunt for 7 days. I'm having terrible doubts about this now that all is settled. Will a week away from both his parents be too traumatic for him? He has stayed with his aunt for overnight trips before but the longest he's been away from us is 2 nights. My husband offered to see if we can modify our reservations last minute to include him but I know taking him will be a stressful experience as well, it's a 5 hr plane ride from our home and i just don't know if he would enjoy himself, what about nap time? would all of the excitement be too intense for him? and my husband does have a good point that since the baby has been born our older son has had a hard time adapting to not being the center of our attention any more, he would love a week with the 2 of us to himself and I would enjoy the one on one time as well. I can't stop wavering back and forth. Does anyone out there have a suggestion for me?

[Malea]

If you decide not to take him.. I would start preparing now. Start leaving him with his aunt every now and then ...during the day and over night..that way he can get used to being with you.

[Newmom!]

Consider Dad and son going to Disneyland, and you joining them a few days later so your toddler only has to be away from you for 4 days or so, not 7.

I personally would take my toddler, but 1. I don't have an older child and 2.He has a personality that would allow him to travel well and be fine at Disneyland.

My friend took her 2.5 and 5 year old - they stayed at a Disney hotel, so they were able to easily go back for naps then re-enter the park. If you are staying near Disneyland then maybe you should take the toddler. During his naps your son can have 1 on 1 time with whichever parent does not go back to the hotel.

Good luck, I understand your hesitation and difficulty in this decision.

[Gardenmama]

My Daughter is almost 6 and between Disney World and Land she's been 10 times (and we leave for trip 11 in a few weeks). We don't live in FL, but I'm from FL so whenever we go visit family we stop by Disney. My daughter was 4 month the first time we took her to Disney World. I love watching her reaction to everything change with every visit. Sure she'll never remember those early visits, but I will. She has always done very well when traveling. There is plenty to do for little ones there. Yes it will take you longer to get around the parks, and some of the rides you might not be able to ride as a family. But it's really not as hard taking a young child there as people make it out to be. Your other child will have no problem feeling like the center of attention, Disney is very good and making every child feel that way.
When my daughter was young we always stayed at a hotel on the monorail line, it made coming and going VERY easy. My daughter used to be able to nap anywhere, so we would just let her nap in her stroller and walk around/watch parades while she slept.
But to each their own. Every child is different, and you know better than anyone else if taking your young child would be the best choice.

[Deepika S.]

Awww I understand your concern... it's hard to leave a little one behind. But I honestly think it would be great because it's important for the child to get used to some time away from you both. I suggest leaving him at your aunt's for a few more nights every now and then, but remember you're only away for a week which isn't long at all. Your 9 yr old will LOVE disney land and it's a pity to miss out on the trip. I think he will also enjoy it more if you're not constantly worrying about your younger child :)