Anyone on the forum ever gone to DW with an infant or toddler. Just looking for tips and confirmation that I'm not crazy. Are there any cool accomodations for this age group at any of the DVC resorts? Tips for the parks?
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travel with 16m old
- Thread starter fairetails
- Start date
travelling with a lil one
I travelled last August with my 14 m old... she actively watched Mickey Mouse Playhouse, so she knew the characters, but I'd never heard her say any of the names.
So the day that we got there we went to MK, and all of the sudden, she yells out "MIIIICCCKKKEEEY"~ I almost melted and realized this is the best place on EARTH.
Point being, that you can have a good time no matter what you do or where in the parks you are.
Things to remember, always go on your childs schedule. We usually ended up doing character breakfasts, walk around whichever park, and then go back to the hotel to have lunch or quick bite, then we'd nap/or go swimming, get ready and go out for dinner around 6pm... So, that's very important.
Things that we found really helpful, we always had tons of her "snacks" on hand, I'm not big on sugar & juices, so we were always ready for anything.
Enjoy and have a great time!
We stayed at POFQ, so it was a little hard to do the whole bus thing, but we managed with all of her stuff (stroller, backpack, and sometimes cooler for milk/water), this October we're going and staying @ Grand Floridian... CANT WAIT!!!
I travelled last August with my 14 m old... she actively watched Mickey Mouse Playhouse, so she knew the characters, but I'd never heard her say any of the names.
So the day that we got there we went to MK, and all of the sudden, she yells out "MIIIICCCKKKEEEY"~ I almost melted and realized this is the best place on EARTH.
Point being, that you can have a good time no matter what you do or where in the parks you are.
Things to remember, always go on your childs schedule. We usually ended up doing character breakfasts, walk around whichever park, and then go back to the hotel to have lunch or quick bite, then we'd nap/or go swimming, get ready and go out for dinner around 6pm... So, that's very important.
Things that we found really helpful, we always had tons of her "snacks" on hand, I'm not big on sugar & juices, so we were always ready for anything.
Enjoy and have a great time!
We stayed at POFQ, so it was a little hard to do the whole bus thing, but we managed with all of her stuff (stroller, backpack, and sometimes cooler for milk/water), this October we're going and staying @ Grand Floridian... CANT WAIT!!!
amandagibbins
New Member
i took a 22month old and he had never really paid much attention to tv apart from bear in the big blue house and perhaps belle and he was golden for two whole weeks he loved playhouse disney always dancing and laughing a really good time for us as afamily and we sat down to watch the parade by city hall and belle came past on her float and my son blew her a kiss and she caught it and put the kiss on her heart and blew one of hers straight back to him of course he doesnt remember but i will always remember it and remind him of this every time we go back
:sohappy:
:sohappy:
DisneyPhD
Well-Known Member
Here is some information on the pools if your toddler likes the water. The pools at SSR and AKV have zero entry areas for young kids to play in. SSR has a neat splash and spraying water area with Donald Duck at the main pool and larger spray area by the quiet pool in the Grandstand section. There is a small playground in the Paddock section (and possibly Congress Park). I don't remember what there is for the little ones at AKV other than the zero entry part and small playground. BCV of course has Stormalong Bay where there is an entire pool section that is only 1-2 feet deep with a sand bottom and sandy areas for little ones to play on. Most of the other resorts have a small pool that is only 6-12 inches deep for toddlers to splash around in.
happymom52003
Active Member
If you are going to spend alot of time at the MK, then consider the WL Villas because they have the boat launch to the MK. It is easier than a bus if you have a stroller.
We took our son for the first time at 17 months and had a blast. A few months before, we order the free vacation planning DVD and let him watch it to get use to the characters and what he was seeing. He loved it.
The recommendation above regarding following the kids schedule is so true. Going to WDW is a different experience than an Adults only trip. You cannot push as hard, and have to have flexibility to change plans at a moment notice. IF you kid takes naps, continue to honor it. Don't assume they will sleep in stroller and then be their normal happy self.
I pack zip loc bags of little toys in the diaper bag for restaurant distractions. My kids are great in restaurants as long as I have enough stuff to keep them occupied.
For the parks, you need to figure you are going to end up at MK or DHS at somepoint in the day. Although we love all the parks as do my sons (now DS4 and DS1) --- they have extra special place for MK and DHS.
The first time we went with my son, we were not sure how he was going to be with early morning travel, airplane ride, etc. so we did not plan much the first day to ease him into it. By the time we got off Magical Express at the hotel, we had enough time to check in, grab lunch, a swim in the pool, then it was nap time. For for the evening, we decided to go walk around Downtown Disney and ease into it. The next morning we planned a character breakfast to see how he warmed up to the characters. We had early breakfast at OHana -- he loved it and we the parents were so excited to see him so thrilled. After that, it was off to the MK.
You are not crazy for taking a toddler (our family thought the same thing). And don't believe the statements the kids will never remember at this age. My son very much remembers. And if they don't, it's great positive child development and family bonding. You will be happy, they will be...you will have fun as parents and very much enjoy walking your kid have a big smile on his face. Relax, book the trip ... and have fun!!!
The recommendation above regarding following the kids schedule is so true. Going to WDW is a different experience than an Adults only trip. You cannot push as hard, and have to have flexibility to change plans at a moment notice. IF you kid takes naps, continue to honor it. Don't assume they will sleep in stroller and then be their normal happy self.
I pack zip loc bags of little toys in the diaper bag for restaurant distractions. My kids are great in restaurants as long as I have enough stuff to keep them occupied.
For the parks, you need to figure you are going to end up at MK or DHS at somepoint in the day. Although we love all the parks as do my sons (now DS4 and DS1) --- they have extra special place for MK and DHS.
The first time we went with my son, we were not sure how he was going to be with early morning travel, airplane ride, etc. so we did not plan much the first day to ease him into it. By the time we got off Magical Express at the hotel, we had enough time to check in, grab lunch, a swim in the pool, then it was nap time. For for the evening, we decided to go walk around Downtown Disney and ease into it. The next morning we planned a character breakfast to see how he warmed up to the characters. We had early breakfast at OHana -- he loved it and we the parents were so excited to see him so thrilled. After that, it was off to the MK.
You are not crazy for taking a toddler (our family thought the same thing). And don't believe the statements the kids will never remember at this age. My son very much remembers. And if they don't, it's great positive child development and family bonding. You will be happy, they will be...you will have fun as parents and very much enjoy walking your kid have a big smile on his face. Relax, book the trip ... and have fun!!!
We've taken our kids as a 6 week old, and 12 month olds or even younger. The key is to make sure you work around their needs, and to have plenty of "their" foods on hand. Being close to Magic Kingdom is nice with toddlers, but out of many family's price range. But VWL is great, as mentioned, because of the boat launch - you can roll a stroller right on without disturbing your sleeping child 
if you're going to bring your own stroller you'll want to make sure you get one that folds up as compactly as possible. McClaren strollers are awesome for bus rides as they fold up nicely but they can be expensive.
if you're going to bring your own stroller you'll want to make sure you get one that folds up as compactly as possible. McClaren strollers are awesome for bus rides as they fold up nicely but they can be expensive.I took my 11 month old girl in Feb. 2006 and it was GREAT. We stayed at the WL and as everyone says, the boat launch is perfect for stroller and stuff. My daughter loved every bit of it. She had started walking at 9 months (!) and literally ran into Stitch's arms at Ohana's! She loved the characters so much and especially had a great time at the little play area POOH'S Hundred Acre Wood in the MK. She just ran around and played and it was all designed for the very little ones. We plan to go in Feb. 2009. She will be almost 4 at that point and I can't wait. Play the sing along songs video DISNEYLAND FUN for your little one. It's not MK it's DL but it's the same and the kids love it. SO DO I! I play it just to hear the great songs. My daughter watches it along with the other sing along songs videos wearing her Snow White costume. If you ask her name she says "Caitlin Snow White."
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I agree 100%. My kids first went when they were around 1 and 3. They both remember things from those trips.
-dave
Dream Theater
New Member
Any advice for us as we are taking our 17 month old twin boys and driving from Joisey to WDW in May:ROFLOL::ROFLOL:
mousebymarriage
Active Member
I have taken both of my kids DD11 and DS6 every year since they were 6 months old. The kids don't remember a thing from those early trips but, they get a kick out of seeing the pictures and videos. Just remember to let the baby nap and everyone will be much happier. I agree with those who said to make sure you have plenty of their own "snacks" with you because Disney's selection of baby food items isn't great. Also, dont't be surprised if your little one is afraid of the characters because to a baby those guys are HUGE. A good indicator of their reaction to characters is , are they afraid to sit on Santa's lap or the Easter bunny? If so, then just enjoy the characters from a distance.
