Hey everyone! I haven't been to Disney since I was 10, so this is my first time planning a trip on my own. My husband and I are taking our daughter who will be 2 and a half at the time and my mother. Do you have any tips for us throughout the planning process? Things that we should definitely do or things that we should skip? We are planning to go the second week of December. Thanks so much!! I'm so incredibly excited but I did not realize how much planning goes into a Disney World trip.
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First time with 2 and a half year old
- Thread starter DejaloLove
- Start date
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
Welcome aboard.....
A couple of questions for you - Are you staying on or off property ? Are you planning on going to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party ?
You must take in the fireworks (depends how your daughter reacts to the bangs), the parades at Magic Kingdom, and The Osborne Christmas Lights. You may enjoy visiting the Resort hotels to view their Christmas decorations.
Don't forget to visit The Disney Store at DownTown Disney.
Finally, get your dining reservations made as soon as you can (180 days)
Thank you for the tips!
We are planning to stay on property at Port Orleans Riverside.
And we are planning to do the meal plan as of right now so we are counting the days until we can make dining reservations! Not sure how I'm going to be able to narrow down the restaurants though. Everything sounds amazing!
We did grab the tickets for the Very Merry Christmas Party, which is probably what I'm currently most excited about experiencing with our daughter.
Thanks again!
We are planning to stay on property at Port Orleans Riverside.
And we are planning to do the meal plan as of right now so we are counting the days until we can make dining reservations! Not sure how I'm going to be able to narrow down the restaurants though. Everything sounds amazing!
We did grab the tickets for the Very Merry Christmas Party, which is probably what I'm currently most excited about experiencing with our daughter.
Thanks again!
RememberWhen
Well-Known Member
We went in September when our son was 2y4m. He had a blast meeting the characters! Hit some character buffets since your lo can eat as much or as little as she likes and it won't cost extra. Just be sure you include her in the reservation count.
UncleMike101
Well-Known Member
We visited last may with our Daughter's family.
Her Daughter was 1 1/2 then and we pretty much did whatever we wanted as far as rides and attractions go.
We did the "Baby swap" thing several times and stayed until closing each day.
The normal rules of traveling with Baby applied, like naps whenever she felt like it and regular diaper changes, but that was expected.
The Granddaughter was shocked by the first fireworks explosion but by the end of the display she was cheering for more.
Right now she's 2 1/2 and looking forward to seeing the fireworks and the Disney Characters when we go back in May.
Her Daughter was 1 1/2 then and we pretty much did whatever we wanted as far as rides and attractions go.
We did the "Baby swap" thing several times and stayed until closing each day.
The normal rules of traveling with Baby applied, like naps whenever she felt like it and regular diaper changes, but that was expected.
The Granddaughter was shocked by the first fireworks explosion but by the end of the display she was cheering for more.
Right now she's 2 1/2 and looking forward to seeing the fireworks and the Disney Characters when we go back in May.
popcenturylover
Well-Known Member
Make sure that you have a lightweight easy folding stroller if you are planning on using the bus system. Follow your child's lead: let them nap, go at a slow pace, enjoy things through their eyes. If your child likes Disney Junior do the character meal at HS. My DD was 5 & my DGS was 1 on our last trip and really liked meeting those characters. The foods not great but, the interaction was! Two other good character meals for little ones are Chef Mickey & Akershus. The latter is my DD6 favorite. She was mad that we aren't going there on our next trip but, we are trying 1900 Park Fare instead.
Tinkerbell397
Well-Known Member
Take your time! Don't plan so much that you cannot enjoy Disney though your daughters eyes. We brought my granddaughter in November....she was 21 months at the time. I thought for sure that she was too young but her parents wanted to bring her. She walked about 95% of the time so it was slow going... Brought a stroller but she insisted on walking. So as adults, we had to slow down and allow her to set the pace. It was the most wonderful trip since my kids were small. Seeing the parks through your daughters eyes in pure joy!
Don't get caught up with the rush rush of getting from one fast pass to the other.....you can do that when she is older.
She loved The Chrystal Palace and 1900 Park Fair for character breakfasts. She also loved the Coral Reef for dinner one night. We spent 2 days in the MK and AK and one in Epcot. We did not go to Hollywood Studio.
Enjoy the planning and have a Magical Trip!
Don't get caught up with the rush rush of getting from one fast pass to the other.....you can do that when she is older.
She loved The Chrystal Palace and 1900 Park Fair for character breakfasts. She also loved the Coral Reef for dinner one night. We spent 2 days in the MK and AK and one in Epcot. We did not go to Hollywood Studio.
Enjoy the planning and have a Magical Trip!
Tinkfriend37
New Member
We(my mother sister, niece and nephew and I) are going to disney world in 38 days. I am concerned about taking things too fast for my nephew who is 2 1/2. Do children that age like characters? I think my niece age 5 will like them, but I have heard that it depends on the child. We have booked several character meals including Cinderella's Royal Table. Also, will the 2 year old nap. Any suggestions for nap places besides the hotel room? Thanks.