Special Memories for a 3 year old?

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KCheatle

KCheatle

Well-Known Member
We are taking my son in September and he'll be 3 1/2 by then. We took him last year in May when he was 2. What he enjoyed more than anything was riding "his" rides over and over again. We just let him and his sister (6 yo) pick out the rides they wanted to do (my DH and I didn't really care). We rode IASW ~30 times (not joking). In fact, every day we would end up back at MK just to ride IASW (quick, no line). We rode Peter Pan probably 5 times, the teacups and Dumbo about a dozen times each, the people mover, etc. We just let them do what they wanted.

The reason they were so into rides is because we met Mickey and the gang already on the first night at dinner - we ate at Chef Mickey's. I like to do that so we don't spend our time in the parks waiting in line to meet characters. The good thing about it first was that it got my DS used to the size of the characters. Goofy really startled him. But, by the end of the dinner he got the picture. I would recommend combining character M&Gs with meals whenever possible - 2 birds, one stone.

Okay - here's our other secret - and truthfully, I'm not sure if you still can do this because of the character switch-ups at AK. But, when we go to AK, the first thing we do is go to Camp Mickey and Minnie and wait for it to open. People probably think we're nuts standing there at the rope because they think there's nothing down there to do that early. But here's why we do it. If you go down there at 10 am (when that section opens), it's completely deserted... except for a bunch of characters. As you round the corner by the Lion King stage, you will literally see like 10 characters just waiting there for you and your kids. It is the most amazing thing for little ones - it is honestly just like the commercials. I don't know what characters are down there now, but when you get down there, ask a cast member if any more characters are coming out. If so, ask them if you can wait by the gate and help the character walk to their spot. My DD and DS did this with Chip and Dale last year and it was amazing - one of the best memories ever!
 
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LIMA TIME

LIMA TIME

Well-Known Member
You will find memories in the littliest things and strangest places.

We took out son the first time when he was 2, the first rides we took him on Dumbo, Small world, and the Carousel. After we got of Small world the first time, we would ask him what he wanted to do next and he kept saying Pandas eat grass. My wife and I just looked at each other, then ask him what that meant and he just kept saying Pandas eat grass. Then he would see the carousel and would want to ride that. So this went on for about two days, he just kept saying pandas eat grass and we spent most (if not all time) riding Dumbo and the Carousel. back and forth. Final we rode Small world again and about half way through the ride (in the asia part) I look to my left and see a PANDA EATING GRASS. I taped my wife and the shoulder and pointed to the Panda, her jaw hit the bottom of the boat. At the same time I look at our son and he is all smiles and says Pandas eat Grass! Needless to say we rode that ride about a dozen times in row. The whole time laughing and saying Pandas eat grass. I know it can be hard an frustrating at time, but hear what your little is saying and do what they want to do. The memories will make themselves.
 
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SJFPKT

SJFPKT

Active Member
I have taken my son at 18 months, once when he was three and then twice since He turned 4 in August. I can say the trip when he was 3 was really just a quick trip and primer for the next trip. He remembered everything from it and talked about our trip everyday till his next one. So you will be shocked at what he remembers.

I would say that Characters are a huge thing with them at that age. Having eaten at just about every character meal, I personally think you get the best interaction at Crystal Palace and Hollywood and Vine. At the Crystal Palace, they do a little parade that the kids participate in. My son got to lead it with Pooh last time and he was soooooo excited. At Hollywood Vine they do a little dance thing ale very 20 minutes or so and the kids can go participate in that. Plus, in my opinion H&V has one of the best buffets as well.

We also did Mickeys Back Yard BBQ last trip and while there is a ton of character interaction and fun for the kids, the food was horrible, the free beer was warm, and it was way overpriced.

Another neat thing we do is get his hair cut at the barber shop and he loves that too.
 
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olinecoach61

olinecoach61

Well-Known Member
We brought a three year old last year and we are shocked at how much she remembers. She talks about it all the time. She really enjoyed the characters, tea cups, dumbo, the safari at AK, and toy story. Transportation might have been here favorite attraction, busses, trains, monorails, she loved them all. Chef mickeys is a great way to start your trip.
 
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HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
Every child is different...mine remember the strangest things...but that's fine- it just shows that magical memories can be made in just about every corner of your WDW trip. So, while I book tons of character meals and things of that nature- I tend to focus more on what we'll enjoy as a family and let the magic happen wherever the kids choose to see it. In fact, some of their favorite moments were little things like digging in the sand on the Poly beach while watching Wishes, the view from Cali Grill, resort bathtubs, and playing games in the beds. I know they find magic in meeting the characters and riding the rides, but it's nice that they can also find the magic in the little things too :)
 
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Uncle Lupe

Uncle Lupe

Well-Known Member
Make sure to get his birthday button or first trip (if appropriate). As you have read some of the best memories just happen. On our first family trip with our 2.5 yr old she got to drive the Jungle Cruise boat! She met many characters, put her hands up going down the falls of Maelstrom, interacted with a "living" character, rode Winnie the Pooh four times in a row without getting off, and a very touching meet and great with Alice that still evokes the emotions of that last day. I think Alice is my most treasured. I got a lump in my throat filming that one. Now you have me watching my TR videos, again.

His memories will be more your memories but if you keep things fresh in his mind some should stick. Have a great time and do a TR, that is a awesome way to keep the memory alive.
 
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Mot

Mot

Active Member
It all started when she was three. We remember everything. She remembers the characters, the lipstick left by the Fairy Godmother and wanting to go back. She's now 22, planning the trip when she graduates from college and thinking of her wedding day when she gets married there. Three is about the perfect age, she still cherishes the Flounder she got after the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show.
 
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