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Original poster

Taken DC 2 + 4 to Disneyland Paris and they’re being nightmares

258 replies

Cheepcheepcheep · 04/02/2025 19:11

Probably should have NC but sod it.

For Christmas we booked for DH, me, and DC 2 + 4 to go to Disneyland Paris. We don’t have stacks of spare cash and really prioritised this as they’re both in love with all things Disney. They’ve been talking about it all of Jan.

It’s been a bit of a disaster of a trip…

Arrived on the ferry lunchtime Monday, the kids were so good and loved the ferry. A smooth drive to an Airbnb near the park. Due to a few logistical issues with getting into the Airbnb they were late to bed (by an hour, adjusting for the time changes) but god. They were up for a further 2 hours, awful but put it down to holiday and over excitement.

Today, wake up, super excited for Disney. We get to the park and within 10m 2yo has a meltdown. Not unusual, I’ve had some concerns about ND but he was inconsolable. Then 4yo has one too. Very unusual for her. Screaming, crying, corpsing “I want to go home I don’t want to be here”. No amount of lovely chatting about Disney castle and meeting Mickey and Minnie could help. So we admitted defeat after all of 30m and went back to the Airbnb, have been here all day bar a quick trip to the supermarket for dinner (had planned to eat at the park).

They’re now “in bed” (8pm here) with a view to them sleeping nicely ready for an attempt to go back to the park tomorrow but up and down and shouting. They have their moments (which 4yo and 2yo don’t, potential ND issues aside) but I feel so defeated that we didn’t even manage to do anything, we literally walked two screaming kids up to the castle and back again. No rides, shows or even a meet with characters.

For the record I’m not a Disney adult, far from it. Frankly if they told me they wanted to go do a cultural city break I’d be delighted. I’m just gutted we’ve spent the best part of £1k (when costs are very tight) on something I know they’d love but tantrums and screaming have me on the RER in tears. DH and I being snappy with each other (albeit with appropriate apologies when it’s calmer) because we’re just so deflated and yelled out by the two kids.

4yo was apologetic about tantrum and appears to be trying to be better. 2yo doesn’t have a huge amount of language but accepts he needed to be kinder today.

Am I over optimistic? I’ve never bought into instagram parenting and accept there may be lows but god, I’d like to be one of the parents we saw today with kids of the same age who weren’t screaming so hard they had to leave.

Hiding in the Airbnb bedroom drinking a glass of wine while DH tries to settle them…

OP posts:
PeloMom · 04/02/2025 19:25

MangshorJhol · 04/02/2025 19:22

Then start the day a bit later…

I’d actually go as early as possible as it’s much quieter and then the crowds build up.

Plaided · 04/02/2025 19:23

We took our 3yr old and we did have a meltdown initially, but then I’m afraid I was selfish and made them persevere. Got some chocolate, a little mickey toy, went on the dunno ride, more snacks, the tea cups, then went to mickey the magician. The latter was amazing, they were enthralled, and were so happy and excited. Definitely get a pram. Ours walks everywhere and it was too much, we were even treated to a nap in the pram (hasn’t happened since they were 18m). We sat down and had a much needed beer! It turned out to be one of our best trips, so please try and stick it out!!

Edited to say don’t worry about bedtime, we watched the drone show at 9pm and they didn’t get to sleep until midnight. We had a lazy morning and they napped again the next day. Just throw the schedule out the window.

MangshorJhol · 04/02/2025 19:22

Then start the day a bit later…

PeloMom · 04/02/2025 19:22

This is completely normal. We first went to Disney with LO at 4yr old and I thought I had the only child melting down at the entrance refusing to have anything with the ‘magic’. We pushed through ( let’s go in for 10 mins and if we don’t like it we leave, etc). That visit we had to leave for down time at the 1.5-2 hr mark and we went to the park twice a day. It’s very overwhelming for kids. Give them and yourself some grace.
we’ve been 2 more times since and every time is better than the last.

rainbowunicorn · 04/02/2025 19:22

Cheepcheepcheep · 04/02/2025 19:15

You and me both, teaches me for trying to do something for them…

Show quote history

That's a horrible attitude. They are very little, out of their routine and completely overwhelmed by the sounds of it.

hazelnutlatte · 04/02/2025 19:21

When my dd2 was 3 I literally jad to carry her out of disneyland paris kicking and screaming. It was the worst (and most expensive) holiday we ever had. Her behaviour wad just awful, she refused to eat pretty much anything, wouldn't go on any rides, screamed when we went outside, screamed when we went inside, it was a total nightmare.
She is now a perfectly normal and sensible 9 year old and we haven't had any other disastrous holidays - I think DLP is just overwhelming for little kids sometimes.

ServantsGonnaServe · 04/02/2025 19:21

Fwiw when they are 30 and the money is long forgotten you'll laugh.

Go to bed and have a game plan for tomorrow. Split them up for a few hours if you think it might be easier 1 to 1

MangshorJhol · 04/02/2025 19:21

But other kids may have been before a few times. Maybe they too tantrummed on day 1.
I too would have stayed on site, found a quiet spot for hot chocolate, walked around, played. They can feel the pressure of the holiday, and it’s a lot to live up to.

Plan a couple of small things tomorrow. Lots of praise. Remind them of expectations and lots of praise.

RachelLikesTea · 04/02/2025 19:20

Tired, over-excited, overwhelmed. I wouldn’t have taken them back to the accommodation but tried a quiet sit down, drink, food etc. for a while first but it is tricky sometimes and you know them best. Better luck tomorrow. Love Disney Paris!

DelilahRay · 04/02/2025 19:20

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wipeywipe · 04/02/2025 19:20

They are 4 and 2.

I waited a few yrs for things like Disneyland

Youcanttakeanelephantonthebus · 04/02/2025 19:20

You left after 30mins because of a tantrum? I'd have taken them off to a corner and have some food, then start again.

Any sign of illness? My dc always liked to time holidays with a nice fever.

Fuelledbylatte · 04/02/2025 19:20

Divide to survive...

One to one ratio, meet up for lunch, swap kids if needs be.

FoxtonFoxton · 04/02/2025 19:20

Oh, and tell them both in advance what the plan is. Look at the park map in the morning, get them to pick things they'd like to see. What looks exciting, what food would they like to try, what character would they like to see? I do this with DS (autistic) and it really works. He liked to have a copy of the map for himself to follow along.

Lindtnotlint · 04/02/2025 19:20

Snacks!!!! And pick a low key thing you are going to do first in the morning that won’t have massive queues or be overwhelming. Tell them in advance “we are going to x, after that we will go to y” or whatever. If they melt down, pause, drink/snack or whatever and calmly resume.

you can do this!

tonight you deserve wine. I would be fuming.

Fishandchipsareyum · 04/02/2025 19:19

As a mother of 2 x nd kids... they most likely will find it too anxiety producing and over stimulating and nd kids need their routine. Sorry. I'm not confident tomorrow will be any better, but I'm not their mother, maybe it's worth another go? Just don't have any expectations.

bottlemom · 04/02/2025 19:19

2 & 4 are too young for Disney IMO. It's expensive, they won't remember or appreciate any of it and it's right in the thick of toddler years. I'd lower your expectations of them and hope for a better day tomorrow

Original poster
Cheepcheepcheep · 04/02/2025 19:19

Boardingschoolmumoftwo · 04/02/2025 19:16

It’s totally normal for them to be overwhelmed initially but if possible you shouldn’t leave. You should have a plan for the day. My LO did the same on arrival asking to leave and crying but we had a plan for the day so went straight to the first ride which I knew he would love and then walked around one of the playgrounds to just get him used to it all. He then did two full days and loved it all (4yo) baby was just happy to be included and spent most of it in the carrier

Thanks - this is reassuring. Have spoken to DH about how to try and make tomorrow better. Hard to see how it’s going to happen when they’re still up though.

OP posts:
sageGreen81 · 04/02/2025 19:18

Awwh I think maybe they ran out of gas on the ferry; that's super exciting in itself. I have one ND, for Disneyland Paris and I'm mindful it's costs based but the closer you can stay is better, we stayed ar Newport Bay as I knew we'd need to take an afternoon break, we also flew and took a taxi straight to the hotel no an RER. I know it's all costs based but what I'm trying to say is they're like cups and every so often need a reset and rest, also it's probably cold and wet? We went in April and it was wet. I think in hindsight it's deffo a trip for let's say an 8 and 10 year old rather than 2 and 4 years old

I hope you get to spend time at the park tomorrow.

Mynewnameis · 04/02/2025 19:18

Hire a pram, a pram for each kid

Original poster
Cheepcheepcheep · 04/02/2025 19:17

cestlavielife · 04/02/2025 19:15

They are 4 and 2.
Go with the flow
Way too young to expect them to not be excited and tantrummy

I’m sure you’re right but it’s just hard watching others enjoying it with their kids. Comparison being the thief of joy… etc. But I’m just gutted to have spent this money to have them tantruming all of today. I know it’s not ‘all kids are good’ but I can’t help but wonder why mine can’t handle this.

OP posts:
Boardingschoolmumoftwo · 04/02/2025 19:17

I second the pram for your eldest, you can hire them there

bakingmummy21 · 04/02/2025 19:17

We’ve been with kids similar age (and a 4mo in tow as well). I have fond memories of the trip but I’m sure we had our moments. I’d say try for a fresh start tomorrow and take it slowly, make the most of the atmosphere etc and try and make some happy memories. Not sure how many days you have left but hopefully time to turn things around. Also make sure to take snacks and drinks - nothing worse than hangry kids 😬

Sammysquiz · 04/02/2025 19:17

My neighbours have just got back from Disney with a 2 year old and a baby, and had a similar experience with a tantrumming toddler. I think it’s just too much at that age. Think of it as part of life’s rich tapestry and you’ll be laughing with them about it one day when they’re adults!

FoxtonFoxton · 04/02/2025 19:17

Don't be put off yet. You had two overtired, oved excited and over whelmed very young children. Add in two stressed adults and its not surprised day one was a bit of a shocker. It is hard to sleep in a new place. I'm 43 and I struggle.
Have a wine and put today behind you. Wake up fresh tomorrow, don't rush the morning and take your time. I bet it's an improvement.

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