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Toddler Suggestions?
- Thread starter Atlaslaw
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instidude
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I have a boy and a girl, 4 and 2, and we have been to WDW every year for the last four years. My biggest recommendation is to take your time, relax, and avoid long lines. The Baby Centers in each of the parks are great to go to for an air conditioned nap for the little one in the afternoon. We also have made it a point to try to leave the parks at naptime. We take out own stroller so we can put the kids in it and walk around the seven seas lagoon. They almost always fall asleep (plus we give them a big cuup of chocolate milk for the stroller ride. After they're out, we go back into the park, find a quiet (or a quiet as possible) corner and my wife and I can site and watch the people, talk about what the kids have been doing, and enjoy an ice cream without having to share it with the kids.
Once the kids wake up, they are ready for more fun.
Once the kids wake up, they are ready for more fun.
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I've always heard good things about the Baby Centers and we plan to definitely use them for diaper changes. I've seen the stroller debate elsewhere and think we've decided to take our own as well. It just makes more sense to me for a child to have the stroller they are comfortable in instead of renting one.
We'll probably try to go back to our room in the afternoon for naps to allow all three of us to recharge
Even without the child we've always taken a break in the afternoons and gone back to the room to relax, nap, whatever and I think that will be very important this time. What we've discussed so far is emphasizing sticking to our "routine" as much as possible regarding meal times, nap times, bed times, etc.
We'll probably try to go back to our room in the afternoon for naps to allow all three of us to recharge
Even without the child we've always taken a break in the afternoons and gone back to the room to relax, nap, whatever and I think that will be very important this time. What we've discussed so far is emphasizing sticking to our "routine" as much as possible regarding meal times, nap times, bed times, etc.
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CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
On our first trip our youngest was 15 days before her 2nd birthday. She rode in the pushchair, she walked when she wanted and when she got tired she slept in the pushchair. Basically the trip centred around her older sister but the youngest did not lose out and was able to accomodate her own routine into our schedule.
Take it easy and don't expect them to do too much. Remember their sleep times - or you'll regret it later !!!
Take it easy and don't expect them to do too much. Remember their sleep times - or you'll regret it later !!!
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Dwarful
Well-Known Member
OK here is my two cents worth...on our last trip our youngest had just turned two yrs old....she loved the characters...BUT when we were in line at MGM to see Mickey there was a 3yr old in front of us clinging to his mothers leg, screaming and crying...and the father was literally pulling his fingers off of mom and forcing the boy to get a photo with Mickey...personally to me this just seemed cruel....so I would suggest that if your child doesn't warm to the characters then don't force the issue. One tip might be to let your child watch the Disneyland SingAlong...my kids love it and I think it sort of prepared the kids for the size of the characters.
Also, if you want to see the parades...go early get a spot in the shade if its a day parade...and one parent take the child to get an ice cream, drink etc....let them have a bit of break while the spot is being saved for the child.
Maybe you might want to do a character meal towards the end of the trip so that your child has time to get used to the characters and then you would have some good photo chances with the characters. We did character breakfast so we could get into the parks early and got some great photos before the parks were open to everyone else...sort of nice having photos with the castle in the background and not having 100 rear ends as your background! LOL
Either way, have fun, relax, drink plenty and enjoy your time at the Happiest Place on Earth~
Also, if you want to see the parades...go early get a spot in the shade if its a day parade...and one parent take the child to get an ice cream, drink etc....let them have a bit of break while the spot is being saved for the child.
Maybe you might want to do a character meal towards the end of the trip so that your child has time to get used to the characters and then you would have some good photo chances with the characters. We did character breakfast so we could get into the parks early and got some great photos before the parks were open to everyone else...sort of nice having photos with the castle in the background and not having 100 rear ends as your background! LOL
Either way, have fun, relax, drink plenty and enjoy your time at the Happiest Place on Earth~
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Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
http://www.wdwig.com/infant.htm
This section of WDWIG is a FAQ about Toddler and Infants. This should help out a lot.
This section of WDWIG is a FAQ about Toddler and Infants. This should help out a lot.
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Thanks for all the great advice!
I've read the WDWIG Faq. Plan on reading it over and over and over before we go. Good information there.
We have character meals planned and we're planning our trip to slowly introduce her to things. Saving up Magic Kingdom for mid trip so she doesn't get totally excited and only want to go there. At least it seems like a good idea.
Also showing her movies, Beauty and the Beast is currently THE movie for her. And she loves various Disney music cds we're playing on a regular basis. We're also taping several tapes of Disney music to play on the drive down which should further help acclimate her.
I know it all depends on the individual toddler, but anybody have any definite no's like attractions not to try, etc.?
I've read the WDWIG Faq. Plan on reading it over and over and over before we go. Good information there.
We have character meals planned and we're planning our trip to slowly introduce her to things. Saving up Magic Kingdom for mid trip so she doesn't get totally excited and only want to go there. At least it seems like a good idea.
Also showing her movies, Beauty and the Beast is currently THE movie for her. And she loves various Disney music cds we're playing on a regular basis. We're also taping several tapes of Disney music to play on the drive down which should further help acclimate her.
I know it all depends on the individual toddler, but anybody have any definite no's like attractions not to try, etc.?
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hadleybarth
New Member
One thing that we have found is that sometimes, the kids need "downtime." I am not refering to quiet time/rest here. After several hours of sitting on rides, watching shows, etc (all of which they love), they just need to run around and be unstructured for a while.
There are some areas to do this in the Parks (Toontown Park, Tom Sawyer's Island, Dino Dig, Norway's Viking ship and Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground come to mind). While all of these are good, they can be crowded and a 2 year old is likely to be run down by the older ones. I recommend searching out the seldom used playgorund at your resort (or going over to a monorail resort and doing the same hting).
Another nice break from the hustle and bustle is Ft Wilderness. It's nice and shady and moves at a much slower pace than the parks.
This is a great age which loves Disney as long as you put her needs first, which it sounds like you're going to do. I think you'll have a great time.
There are some areas to do this in the Parks (Toontown Park, Tom Sawyer's Island, Dino Dig, Norway's Viking ship and Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground come to mind). While all of these are good, they can be crowded and a 2 year old is likely to be run down by the older ones. I recommend searching out the seldom used playgorund at your resort (or going over to a monorail resort and doing the same hting).
Another nice break from the hustle and bustle is Ft Wilderness. It's nice and shady and moves at a much slower pace than the parks.
This is a great age which loves Disney as long as you put her needs first, which it sounds like you're going to do. I think you'll have a great time.
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Two is a great age for WDW. My son had such a great time there in late April/early May -- he still sings It's A Small World almost every day.
I wouldn't wait to go to the Magic Kingdom, though-- we spent part of every day there (we had ultimate Park Hopper tickets), usually the morning. If you can make a PS for a breakfast in the park before 9, you'll beat the crowds through security and the turnstiles, and you can be waiting to get on the first ride of the day as it opens. We chose a different "first" each day-- one day it was Dumbo, another it was the Tomorrowland Speedway etc. Obviously you will spend most of your time in Fantasyland-- the Carousel, Small World (if your daughter is like our son you will ride this several times in a row, every day! but he loved it so much and the vacation was for HIM not as much for us so we did what he wanted to do-- the secret to success, I think!). Dumbo, Teacups, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan-- all were good. We did not do Snow White-- too scary. Matthew loved Jungle Cruise. We skipped Pirates after riding it ourselves to check-- much scarier for little ones than I'd remembered. Definitely skip the Haunted Mansion. Country Bear Jamboree was a favorite. he did not like the Enchanted Tiki Birds-- scary Tiki God and thunderstorm ruined it for him, plus it was in the dark.
Take bubbles with you-- a great distraction in line. Also take your own little cooler with drinks (if you rent a fridge in your room, you can freeze juice boxes the night before and they thaw as the day goes on, so you can avoid a long line when she gets thirsty) and snacks. Take stickers or a mini Magna-Doodle to keep her busy too. Some lines, whether for rides or food, are probably inevitable.
Don't miss the Animal Kingdom if she likes animals-- our son loved Kilimanjaro Safaris and the walking trails. The character breakfast there at Donald's Breakfastosaurus had great food and was a lot of fun too. We went to many character breakfasts and dinners. In fact, we started our trip with a firts dinner at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary-- he was a little shy with the characters when they came up to him, but he loved watching everyone and joining in with the napkin waving and dancing.
Some restaurants are great for kids-- try Epcot in the early evening and then have dinner there. The Teppanyaki Dining Room in Japan is fun for kids because they can watch the food being prepared in front of them. We found that the fireworks were too intense close up-- but when we watched them from the beach at the Polynesian, our son really enjoyed them--not as loud from there. Other restaurants: Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian, Kona Cafe in the Polynesian, Concourse Steakhouse and Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary (don't go to Chef M's for the food-- it's strictly for the ambiance there!). Crystal Palace for breakfast.
I know I am rambling-- sorry! Trying to cram a lot in! Definitely take your own stroller! You need one outside the parks too-- at your hotel, etc. We spent a lot of time at our hotel pool (at the Polynesian) which our son loved to do. We found that there wasn't much for him at MGM Studios, but don't miss Playhouse Disney if your daughter is a fan of Bear in the Big Blue House. There is also the Honey I Shrunk playground there, which is fun.
You already know that the NAP is crucial to your well-being. That's the biggest mistake people make. But if you go at your daughter's pace, you'll have a wonderful time. Some of the best times are not on any attractions-- my son loved watching people come down Splash Mountain and getting wet-- he laughed at all the cars coming down for about half an hour.
HAve a great time!
Don't miss Toontown in the MK, or the railroad ride around the park-- a ncie way to cool off. Parades are good, but get a spot in the shade!
I wouldn't wait to go to the Magic Kingdom, though-- we spent part of every day there (we had ultimate Park Hopper tickets), usually the morning. If you can make a PS for a breakfast in the park before 9, you'll beat the crowds through security and the turnstiles, and you can be waiting to get on the first ride of the day as it opens. We chose a different "first" each day-- one day it was Dumbo, another it was the Tomorrowland Speedway etc. Obviously you will spend most of your time in Fantasyland-- the Carousel, Small World (if your daughter is like our son you will ride this several times in a row, every day! but he loved it so much and the vacation was for HIM not as much for us so we did what he wanted to do-- the secret to success, I think!). Dumbo, Teacups, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan-- all were good. We did not do Snow White-- too scary. Matthew loved Jungle Cruise. We skipped Pirates after riding it ourselves to check-- much scarier for little ones than I'd remembered. Definitely skip the Haunted Mansion. Country Bear Jamboree was a favorite. he did not like the Enchanted Tiki Birds-- scary Tiki God and thunderstorm ruined it for him, plus it was in the dark.
Take bubbles with you-- a great distraction in line. Also take your own little cooler with drinks (if you rent a fridge in your room, you can freeze juice boxes the night before and they thaw as the day goes on, so you can avoid a long line when she gets thirsty) and snacks. Take stickers or a mini Magna-Doodle to keep her busy too. Some lines, whether for rides or food, are probably inevitable.
Don't miss the Animal Kingdom if she likes animals-- our son loved Kilimanjaro Safaris and the walking trails. The character breakfast there at Donald's Breakfastosaurus had great food and was a lot of fun too. We went to many character breakfasts and dinners. In fact, we started our trip with a firts dinner at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary-- he was a little shy with the characters when they came up to him, but he loved watching everyone and joining in with the napkin waving and dancing.
Some restaurants are great for kids-- try Epcot in the early evening and then have dinner there. The Teppanyaki Dining Room in Japan is fun for kids because they can watch the food being prepared in front of them. We found that the fireworks were too intense close up-- but when we watched them from the beach at the Polynesian, our son really enjoyed them--not as loud from there. Other restaurants: Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian, Kona Cafe in the Polynesian, Concourse Steakhouse and Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary (don't go to Chef M's for the food-- it's strictly for the ambiance there!). Crystal Palace for breakfast.
I know I am rambling-- sorry! Trying to cram a lot in! Definitely take your own stroller! You need one outside the parks too-- at your hotel, etc. We spent a lot of time at our hotel pool (at the Polynesian) which our son loved to do. We found that there wasn't much for him at MGM Studios, but don't miss Playhouse Disney if your daughter is a fan of Bear in the Big Blue House. There is also the Honey I Shrunk playground there, which is fun.
You already know that the NAP is crucial to your well-being. That's the biggest mistake people make. But if you go at your daughter's pace, you'll have a wonderful time. Some of the best times are not on any attractions-- my son loved watching people come down Splash Mountain and getting wet-- he laughed at all the cars coming down for about half an hour.
HAve a great time!
Don't miss Toontown in the MK, or the railroad ride around the park-- a ncie way to cool off. Parades are good, but get a spot in the shade!
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Already have the bubbles ready for our trip:animwink:
Lots of great info and tips. Thanks!
Don't know about foregoing Haunted Mansion though. That's a judgment call we'll have to make based upon how she does on other attractions. My daughter's already heard the entire audio track for the ride and she's already saying "We go on Haunted Mansion Daddy". Regardless, I know she'll love the Winnie the Pooh ride at MK.
We're definitely planning on seeing Bear in the Big Blue House, Beauty and the Beast, if it's running, and the Story time with Belle at MK, if they're still doing that.
Lots of great info and tips. Thanks!
Don't know about foregoing Haunted Mansion though. That's a judgment call we'll have to make based upon how she does on other attractions. My daughter's already heard the entire audio track for the ride and she's already saying "We go on Haunted Mansion Daddy". Regardless, I know she'll love the Winnie the Pooh ride at MK.
We're definitely planning on seeing Bear in the Big Blue House, Beauty and the Beast, if it's running, and the Story time with Belle at MK, if they're still doing that.
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hadleybarth
New Member
Story time with Belle is still happening.
Your daughter may like Haunted Mansion. The reaction to this ride seems to vary considerably from child to child. I still won't take my five year old on it becuase she is so easily scared, but I have known 2 year olds who love to ride it and say "Boo to the ghosts." I suggest you try other dark rides first and work your way up to it.
Also, unless your daughter is a huge Dumbo fan, you may not want to ride it more than once (for the classic picture) since the line moves pretty slowly (although there are times when even this is short). My kids are huge fans of Alladin, so they get a bigger kick out of the Magic Carpets (essentially the same ride as Dumbo) in Adventureland, and there is almost never a line longer than 10 minutes.
Three other rides twos love that are often missed: TTA, playing with all the gadgets in Minnie's house, Tommorland Speedway (we always head there as soon as the park opens stopping only long enough to get fast passes for Buzz Lightyear since the load speed is so slow).
One of our favorite day plans with a toddler was morning at MK, then retrun to the hotel for a break, and then spend the afternoon in Future World at Epcot (Future World is alomost empty from 4 on and gets emptier the later it gets). There are many gentle, toddler friendly rides here like: Boat ride in The Land, Food Rocks, Journey Into Your Imagination, The Making of Me Film, Food Rocks, playing around in innoventions and Wonders of Life, Singing Fountains, Living Seas, etc.
Your daughter may like Haunted Mansion. The reaction to this ride seems to vary considerably from child to child. I still won't take my five year old on it becuase she is so easily scared, but I have known 2 year olds who love to ride it and say "Boo to the ghosts." I suggest you try other dark rides first and work your way up to it.
Also, unless your daughter is a huge Dumbo fan, you may not want to ride it more than once (for the classic picture) since the line moves pretty slowly (although there are times when even this is short). My kids are huge fans of Alladin, so they get a bigger kick out of the Magic Carpets (essentially the same ride as Dumbo) in Adventureland, and there is almost never a line longer than 10 minutes.
Three other rides twos love that are often missed: TTA, playing with all the gadgets in Minnie's house, Tommorland Speedway (we always head there as soon as the park opens stopping only long enough to get fast passes for Buzz Lightyear since the load speed is so slow).
One of our favorite day plans with a toddler was morning at MK, then retrun to the hotel for a break, and then spend the afternoon in Future World at Epcot (Future World is alomost empty from 4 on and gets emptier the later it gets). There are many gentle, toddler friendly rides here like: Boat ride in The Land, Food Rocks, Journey Into Your Imagination, The Making of Me Film, Food Rocks, playing around in innoventions and Wonders of Life, Singing Fountains, Living Seas, etc.
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gjpjtj
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Atlaslaw
We'll probably try to go back to our room in the afternoon for naps to allow all three of us to recharge
Even without the child we've always taken a break in the afternoons and gone back to the room to relax, nap, whatever and I think that will be very important this time. What we've discussed so far is emphasizing sticking to our "routine" as much as possible regarding meal times, nap times, bed times, etc.
This is a great idea, but what to do when MK closes @ 6pm, EPCOT FW @ 7pm, etc., etc.
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Dwarful
Well-Known Member
well if the parks are closing at 6pm or 7pm then I would skip going back to the hotel for mid day breaks...opt for a nice sit down lunch in a nice a/c rest. not some fast food you grab and eat! That helped us alot, some days in May/June we didnt go back to the hotel as the older kids wanted to keep on going and our daughter just napped in the stroller.
Our 2 yr old loved Haunted Mansion, The People Mover...had to do that one over and over again. But again...only you know your child...nothing worse than seeing a parent force a child to do something ... "because this vacation was too darn expensive to NOT do it!" I am sure you all have seen this parent LOL
The important thing any parent can remember is Be FLEXIBLE! I let my husband eat dinner with the other kids while I took the two year old for a walk because she was done much faster than the rest of us...when he finished we traded places...she just loved the steps at Liberty Tree Tavern!
Our 2 yr old loved Haunted Mansion, The People Mover...had to do that one over and over again. But again...only you know your child...nothing worse than seeing a parent force a child to do something ... "because this vacation was too darn expensive to NOT do it!" I am sure you all have seen this parent LOL
The important thing any parent can remember is Be FLEXIBLE! I let my husband eat dinner with the other kids while I took the two year old for a walk because she was done much faster than the rest of us...when he finished we traded places...she just loved the steps at Liberty Tree Tavern!
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Early closings don't overly concern me with our daughter. It's probably a good thing actually. That way we won't be tempted to stay out with her later than her normal bedtime:lol:
Regardless, for us adhering to her napping schedule is essential. Some kids may be able to just nap in a stroller in the park. I don't foresee that being a possibility with my daughter. She'll go until she drops, literally, if we let her and with the excitement of Disney I know she'll go further, again, if we let her. We don't intend on letting her, for her own sake and our own sanity.
I totally agree, flexibility is the key and you just can't be in commando mode with a toddler.
Regardless, for us adhering to her napping schedule is essential. Some kids may be able to just nap in a stroller in the park. I don't foresee that being a possibility with my daughter. She'll go until she drops, literally, if we let her and with the excitement of Disney I know she'll go further, again, if we let her. We don't intend on letting her, for her own sake and our own sanity.
I totally agree, flexibility is the key and you just can't be in commando mode with a toddler.
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You're right, Atlas! And I completely agree about going back for a nap, despite eearly closings at the parks. Our son never naps as well in a car or in his stroller, and I think it's essential to go back to the air-conditioned room and be able to relax on a real bed. My husband and I revived during this down time too-- and we found this last trip to Disney (our first with a child) to be a much mroe relaxing, enjoyable experience than others. No, we didn't see nearly as much, but we know we'll go back again-- and what matters is that everyone is happy and feels great as much as possible. you have the right attitude!
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Dwarful
Well-Known Member
Everyone knows their own children best. Our kids are used to travel from an early age...but if your children are not used to travel then going back to your room is essential to keep your child on track. Gjpjtj asked about the early closings, you might see how your kids do on the first day. By the age of two the longest mine sleep even at home is about half an hour...but I have not been blessed with nappers.....I know some kids need two hour naps during mid day. So on that you would really have to do whats best for your child to make the whole trip fun....no fun pushing hard on day one if your child needs a good long mid day nap...that will only upset the whole trip. Flexibility=FUN~~~~
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My son will turn three in March and he has been to WDW three times already. Once at nine months, once at 18 months and right at two years old. Since your child is about two, I would bring your stroller from home. The stroller's at WDW are made more for the 3's and up. Heed the advice of the others when they say to keep the nap times. This was easier when early entry was still in use. I suggest going to a park when it opens until about 1:00--1:30 and then going to the hotel for a nap. Return for an early dinner and then tour some more (also easier when parks are open late). It also helps to alternate late nights and early nights. This will keep the little one happier for the whole trip. Otherwise, they wear out half-way through the week. You can still do every ride by using the kid-switch policy. Just ask the attendant at the ride for details. Have fun!!:sohappy:
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Yellow Shoes
Well-Known Member
Then you MUST do "Storytime with Belle". And take LOTS of pictures.
It will be listed on the schedule you pick up as you enter the park.
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wishiwere@wdw
Well-Known Member
Re: Re: Toddler Suggestions?
I'm just curious, how was the 9 month old visit? We are seriously considering taking our "avatar" this December. He will be 6 1/2 months old. I realize that he won't remember a thing but it is really the only way that "we" can get away. Also, our son does travel well and is actually very well behaved for his age. (sleeping through the night, eating schedule, etc.) Besides, I can't imagine spending a week without our new son. He would be a part of our visit just as much as WDW itself
I'm just curious, how was the 9 month old visit? We are seriously considering taking our "avatar" this December. He will be 6 1/2 months old. I realize that he won't remember a thing but it is really the only way that "we" can get away. Also, our son does travel well and is actually very well behaved for his age. (sleeping through the night, eating schedule, etc.) Besides, I can't imagine spending a week without our new son. He would be a part of our visit just as much as WDW itself
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