Taking a toddler for the 1st time--any advice?

[disneylvrs]

I have been to Disney tons of times, but we are taking our 2 year old daughter for the first time this year. We are taking her alot earlier than we expected, but we wanted to take her before we have our second child. I've been searching online for tips and advice on taking a toddler to Disney. Any advice from those with personal experience is appreciated! I am hoping for a smooth, fun-filled vacation!

Thanks!

 

[rkelly42]

The first time we took our daughter she was 2 as well. My advice is to break up the day and make sure she does not wear out. A nice afternoon break is a good thing and if you decide to stay out for fireworks anywhere start the next day a little later and ease your way to the parks. My daughter was a little weary of characters at that age as she was not prepared for how big they were so after our first experience with mickey that was it for her with the characters. We would take an afternoon break and head to the pool then she went for a short nap before we headed out back to the parks. Also make sure you go on plenty of kid friendly rides for example dumbo and small world or imagination to keep her interest. Other than that have a great trip. Just remember a well rested child is a happy one and there will be less of a chance of crankiness.

 

[cowanfamily]

The first time we took our daughter she was 2 as well. My advice is to break up the day and make sure she does not wear out. A nice afternoon break is a good thing and if you decide to stay out for fireworks anywhere start the next day a little later and ease your way to the parks. My daughter was a little weary of characters at that age as she was not prepared for how big they were so after our first experience with mickey that was it for her with the characters. We would take an afternoon break and head to the pool then she went for a short nap before we headed out back to the parks. Also make sure you go on plenty of kid friendly rides for example dumbo and small world or imagination to keep her interest. Other than that have a great trip. Just remember a well rested child is a happy one and there will be less of a chance of crankiness.

I agree with all of the above. Take your own stroller, Yes you can rent them in the park, but the walk from the park to the bus or the parking lot will wear a 2 yr old out. The afternoon breaks are a must.

 

[bmarkelon]

Good advice already. The number 1 thing to know when going with little ones is planning around them and changing your expectations a little. You can't push to do as much as you did. We always hit the parks early for a few hours and then it's nap time at the hotel. Character meals are a must. Watch the show in front of the castle and the afternoon parades, Or I should say watch her watch these things, it's priceless. If your stay is long enough spend a day out of the parks to relax by the pool a few days in. It's a great recovery. Get an idea of where character m&g are that you think she would want. My kids are really into the characters and autographs.
I could go on and on. We have been going every year with our 6, 4, and 1 year old since the oldest was 1. Let me know if you have any other specific questions, I am happy to help. You are going to have your most magical trip with her, you'll be happy you decided to do it.

 

[buseegal]

good advice so far, another good thing to have is one of backpack handholders. esp helpful when 2 year old wants to walk but will not hold your hand in crowd. ours came in handy in lines where you can not take stroller.

 

[melmood2000]

Use the Baby centers, they aren't just for babies. Snacks helped our little one pass the time while waiting in long lines. Munchkin makes a snack cup with a lid that little ones can still put their hand in too, with out the snack spilling out everywhere.

 

[disneylvrs]

The first time we took our daughter she was 2 as well. My advice is to break up the day and make sure she does not wear out. A nice afternoon break is a good thing and if you decide to stay out for fireworks anywhere start the next day a little later and ease your way to the parks. My daughter was a little weary of characters at that age as she was not prepared for how big they were so after our first experience with mickey that was it for her with the characters. We would take an afternoon break and head to the pool then she went for a short nap before we headed out back to the parks. Also make sure you go on plenty of kid friendly rides for example dumbo and small world or imagination to keep her interest. Other than that have a great trip. Just remember a well rested child is a happy one and there will be less of a chance of crankiness.

Thanks. We plan on letting her take her regular afternoon nap. We are going to get some groceries so we can eat lunch in our room and then let her take a nap after eating. We are planning on starting to try for #2 next month so I may possibly be preggo, so I will definitely be concentrating on rides and attractions for her. I figured she probably would be a little scared of the characters since they are so big, but still hoping she will like them, fingers crossed.

 

[disneylvrs]

I agree with all of the above. Take your own stroller, Yes you can rent them in the park, but the walk from the park to the bus or the parking lot will wear a 2 yr old out. The afternoon breaks are a must.

I am actually planning on buying a stroller while we are there and then just leaving it. I don't feel like dealing with worrying about checking it with the luggage or taking it on the plane. Seems worth it to me .

 

[mhaftman7]

Def agree that stroller is a must. We get the 20 dollar Walmart special. We are taking our 2 year old as well in May. We have a seven year old who has been going since two as well. Our schedule was Breakfast, four-five activities, lunch, pool at hotel, nap (for everyone), relax time with TV or DS, dinner, park for 4-5 activities and fireworks.

The Baby Centers are a must. Very good way to take a short break. Calm and quiet. BEWARE Characters. Some kids don't take to characters even if they take to Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Hardest thing the first time we took a little one was not doing the adult things. Splash Mountain, Test Track, etc. Personally, only tools would leave a spouse and young child to ride a ride by themselves.