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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:
YaWeeFurryBastard · 05/02/2025 20:37

suki1964 · 05/02/2025 20:25

Ill admit Ive not read further then the OP

Why the hell on earth would you take children that young to Disney?

Be honest, you booked it for yourselves, - look at us, we took the kids to Disney

Your kids are never going to remember ever going

Are you jealous? The OP had a lovely day today with her kids.

Kids that young may not remember it, but by that logic should we just lock them in a cupboard all day except for food and changing as they won’t remember any of the nice stuff anyway, don’t be silly!

OP, glad you had a much better day today. FWIW I don’t think it’s silly at all to take kids “that young” to Disney, plenty do and you’ve obviously had a lovely time today. You sound like a great mum and it was nice of you to save and take your children on such a special trip.

Zippidydoodah · 05/02/2025 20:38

@Cheepcheepcheep I’ve only read your comments, but i just wanted to say that you sound bloody lovely. I’m glad you had a fab day today! 😁

distinctpossibility · 05/02/2025 20:40

So pleased you had a much better day today 😁

And fwiw as a mum you are allowed to do things for you too, so all those posters using "let's be honest you went for yourself" as a mean comment are being ridiculous. There's loads of things we did with our kids that they barely remember but I remember (and enjoy remembering) doing it with them.

TeamGeriatric · 05/02/2025 20:45

Glad you had fun today!

Original poster
Cheepcheepcheep · 05/02/2025 20:48

Ah thanks for the lovely recent comments. For the record I can be both a crap mum on some days and a brilliant one on others - I assume 99% of us fall into that category!

Re doing it for us rather than doing it for them, it’s an interesting one. On the one hand I’m not doing it for us at all - this is not how I’d choose to spend my holidays if I was being selfish. That would probably look like a fancy restaurant with babysitters, kids plugged into devices or frankly leaving them with others so we can read and adventure and swim in peace 😂 (and no judgment to anyone who does/has done that!)

But there’s definitely an element of wanting them to enjoy themselves so we can take joy in their joy, so it’s not totally altruistic.

For those of us of a certain age there’s a Friends episode where they try to prove to Phoebe there’s no such thing as an altruistic act because even if it brings joy to others it’s bringing joy to her - that’s the closest I can think of.

Have two sleeping kids who had a good day so - even if they would have had an equally good day at the playground followed by McDonalds in our home town - I’m happy, and making my peace with it :)

OP posts:
Taigabread · 05/02/2025 21:01

Cheepcheepcheep · 04/02/2025 19:16

I’ve been thinking this. But how low do I need to set the bar? I’d accept it if it we were trying to entertain them around the Louvre but this is meant to be a ‘for them’ trip.

Show quote history

2 and 4 is just too young for any of this stuff, they are hopeless on holiday until older. Very young children fundamentally prefer being at home with their own bed own toys etc. Away from home they sleep poorly, it's all unfamiliar. And how was the 2yr old ever old enough to even understand what going to Disney meant?!

I'm guessing your logic was to do it now while you could still get a cheaper price outside school hols before your eldest starts school but really they need to be for eg 5 and 7 I'd say for something like this to be worth it

User860131 · 05/02/2025 21:04

So sorry OP. I've been to dl in Florida and it was just full of kids exactly like your's and some of the poor things were being totally bollocked by their parents. It's an amazing place but completely overwhelming for anyone never mind young children. Please don't be too hard on your kids. This is really a normal reaction for kids so young. Just make the best of it and take them somewhere quiet to decompress if needed xx

Randomusername37258 · 05/02/2025 21:06

Glad you had fun in the end. For future reference, the best way to do trips with kids is just to accept they'll be cranky initially and not book anything big or tiring for day 1. I reckon it's about a day of low pressure activities for every 8 hours or so of travel, a bit extra if there's a time difference.

Original poster
Cheepcheepcheep · 05/02/2025 21:09

Randomusername37258 · 05/02/2025 21:06

Glad you had fun in the end. For future reference, the best way to do trips with kids is just to accept they'll be cranky initially and not book anything big or tiring for day 1. I reckon it's about a day of low pressure activities for every 8 hours or so of travel, a bit extra if there's a time difference.

Thank you - my god have I learnt this! There was me thinking once we got past wake windows and weaning that I could coast 😂

OP posts:
Cariadm · 05/02/2025 21:15

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…

I didn't want to add to the misery by saying that my first thought when considering this trip would have been is it worth spending money we can't really afford because (1) 'they won't remember it' and (2) 'am I doing this more for me and DP?' 🙄
We have done two trips to Euro Disney, the first one with our grandson when he was 6, he had a ball and can still remember it and there are lots of photos of him grinning his head off to prompt his memory! 😊The second time was with him, then 14, and his two female siblings aged around 12 and 6 which was an absolute blast for everyone although to be fair this was part of a 3 week camping trip to France and Holland and did not involve a ferry trip the night before! 😩
Hindsight is wonderful thing and maybe another trip when they're older might recompense for the first disappointment?

DaisyDukesAuntie · 05/02/2025 21:25

Good to read your update that today was better.

My son was always like this on holidays. Super excited before hand and on the way there, we arrive and I expect him to want to get to the pool, go to playground etc....he doesn't want to do anything just sit in the room etc. In hindsight, he was adjusting, decompressing and just finding his feet. I lowered my expectations and let him set the pace. Day 2 was better, day 3 better still.

Hope the rest of the trip is magical 🙃

WimbyAce · 05/02/2025 21:25

I think you sound great tbh. We have all been there when we have planned something lovely for the kids and want it to be perfect and then the kids are little shits. Glad you had a better day today. I think we all live and learn as parents but I bet the kids will have lovely memories from this trip.

Bunnycat101 · 05/02/2025 21:36

I’m glad you’ve had a better second day. Disney is really overwhelming and when I went my 3 year old napped every day for at least 2 hours- that child had given up naps before 2 at home. she wasn’t keen on characters and was pretty shy. I’ve got lots of photos of her looking absolutely miserable with various princesses but one beautiful one where she warmed to Cinderella and started to actually enjoy herself. My 6yo though bloody loved it. She was the perfect age for it.

I think sometimes it’s easy to try and do something that is meant to be magical in the eyes of an adult but small children don’t always react as we want or expect. I’ve found holidays to be much more rewarding at primary age versus the under 5s.

Franjipanl8r · 05/02/2025 21:38

Age 4 and 2 is time to just batten down the hatches and do loads of chilling at home and local little park trips. There’s no way me and DH would cope with the sensory overload of Disneyland and 2 tiny kids. Step away from instagram and chill out for a few years.

Thingymajigii · 05/02/2025 21:39

2 & 4 is definitely too young for Disney but I admire your ambition and don't give up, you'll definitely have a better day tomorrow. After this I would hold back from any major theme parks until they are at least a couple of years older.

Thingymajigii · 05/02/2025 21:40

Sorry, I have just read your update. Pleased to hear that you had a better day!

PlopSofa · 05/02/2025 21:45

I salute you for trying. You're much braver than me. I couldn't even face Disneyland now and mine are teens!

I find most holidays with children until a certain age or more like a marathon endurance test of patience and good will... not something I'm particularly well known for!

It does get easier - but then it gets harder again...

Well done OP, glad you had a good day.

Boope · 05/02/2025 21:48

Our hardest ever holiday was with DC 2 and 4 and that was a simple beach holiday. They cried, screamed, wouldn't sleep. I'd happily have gone home on day 2.

I really think it's too young for something like Disney, probably 8/ 10 is ideal, although to be honest I just wouldn't go there ever.

Anon501178 · 05/02/2025 21:48

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

We took our 2yo last year and i would say she really enjoyed it- she loved the parades and characters, especially meeting Tiana, and talked about it for ages after so don't agree that there's no benefit!

However going and expecting them at those ages to not be challenging when they are overstimulated, overtired, in a totally different routine, country and general environment won't work (as hard as it is when you have all these ideas and plans for the trip... do totally get that with a holiday like that you always want to make the most of it)

I think chat with your 4yo in the morning and try to get to the bottom of what it was that they were upset by, or maybe they were just tired.Make a plan with him of how to help the day go better.
Rather than leaving, perhaps encourage him to take time out in a quieter area (right hand side of the castle near the entrance bridge is good) or go to one of the quieter areas of the park.

It's about getting a balance of validating his feelings and being reasonably flexible, without total avoidance and giving up I think.

Fingers crossed for a better night's sleep for them tonight.Our two are awful sharing a room/bed and were up til about 11 every night whilst we were there, as 2yo had napped each day and 7yo never settles early even at home, not alone on holiday- so feel your pain there!
On the plus side, at least we were able to see the fireworks 😂

rhubarb007 · 05/02/2025 22:01

Still remember that time when 18m old screamed the plane down for the trip from Scotland to Heathrow.
Or same child taken to Panto at nursery and out of 200 kids was the only one wailing.
Turned put to be autistic.
He is 10 now and fab to travel with. They will grow eventually. And you will miss them being little.
Disney sounds like hell though.

Doubledded123 · 05/02/2025 22:08

Far too young. Wait till they are 6 ,8. My two were shockers at that age. Your far better booking z cheap UK caravan at that age. As i always said to exh, holidays with kids are just childcare in another location.

They sense your unease and play up because of it. Just put it down to experience. Pointless spending money on trip abroad with so much pressure.

Eurodisney is overpriced anyway.

tillymintt · 05/02/2025 22:23

Sorry, but they are too young to appreciate (and be expected to behave on) an expensive trip to Disneyland.

Cakeandusername · 05/02/2025 22:25

Have people not seen the update? All those saying the children won’t enjoy it they’ve all been today and had a really nice day - rides, characters and parade and a McDonalds for tea.

InDogweRust · 05/02/2025 22:27

This sort of shit is too much for them at 2 & 4 and building it all up, high expectations etc will have made it worse

SkaneTos · 05/02/2025 22:32

Great update, OP! I am so happy to read that you had a lovely day.