Better to go at 2 or 2 1/2?

[Derby]

We are planning a trip for sometime this year and are debating between May and December. Our older DD turns 5 this week so she is fine anytime. Our younger DD turns 2 at the end of May. So if we went in May, she would be almost 2 and she would be 2 years, 7 months in December. I have taken them at a variety of ages but never in the 2 year old range. Any feedback on this?

 

[FlightlessDuck]

At two and a half, the child will be a little further developed and will probably get more out of the park, but don't fool yourself into thinking he or she will remember anything about the trip.

At that age, you are at the whims of the child. This, of course, depends on the child. Will you leave the park when he or she needs a nap, or let the child nap in a stroller?

How do you feel about bringing a stroller and diaper bag and all of the accoutrements that go with a child in diapers?

Personally, I'd wait until a child is old enough to be potty trained. But then again, I only have two children, and the last time I had to take care of a two year old on a daily basis was 11 years ago.

 

[jadelane1]

I took my daughter at 2 1/2 and it was great! She was wonderful but I think it really depends on the child. I now have three and we are going in September. He will be a little over 2 1/2 then. It's a great age and he loves Mickey. I would go when they are around the older age. We took my son last year when he was closer to 2 and he could have cared less. They move so fast with talking and understanding a few months make a big difference. Have fun what ever you decide!

 

[geraghty]

phone messed up.

 

[geraghty]

We are planning a trip for sometime this year and are debating between May and December. Our older DD turns 5 this week so she is fine anytime. Our younger DD turns 2 at the end of May. So if we went in May, she would be almost 2 and she would be 2 years, 7 months in December. I have taken them at a variety of ages but never in the 2 year old range. Any feedback on this?

If flying, I would go before she turns two, so she flies free. If driving, it does not matter. Disney is free under three. I can't think of anything that would change in six months for a two year old. For the five year old the same is true except for height. I would look at ride height requirements, and if she is just under some must-dos, I might wait. You'll have an equal amount of fun either way

 

[cgh]

I would say 2 1/2. We went through a stage where travel was hard right before 2. At 2 1/2 it was great! DS got really into it and had such a fantastic time. (and remembered parts of it the following year) Personally, I think diapers are a lot easier to contend with then a newly potty trained child. It was much easier to just go about things then the following year when we had to stop what we were doing and head to the potty all the time.

 

[scrappinginontario]

My first thought is to go at 2 1/2. I took my DD on her first 'big' Disney trip at 2 1/2 and it was great. She 'got it' a little more and had a blast! She napped in her stroller which was great.

Have fun!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

2 1/2!

 

[la79al]

We took DD1 a week before she turned 2 (because then she flew for free ) and we just took DD2 days after she turned 2.5. I don't think there was a significant difference. We have also gone in May and December and I think I prefer May. There is already plenty of stuff going on in and stuff to look forward to in December. Plus you would have to take your ODD out of school if you wait until December.

 

[Derby]

At two and a half, the child will be a little further developed and will probably get more out of the park, but don't fool yourself into thinking he or she will remember anything about the trip.

At that age, you are at the whims of the child. This, of course, depends on the child. Will you leave the park when he or she needs a nap, or let the child nap in a stroller?

How do you feel about bringing a stroller and diaper bag and all of the accoutrements that go with a child in diapers?

Personally, I'd wait until a child is old enough to be potty trained. But then again, I only have two children, and the last time I had to take care of a two year old on a daily basis was 11 years ago.

We have taken DD1 to WDW at 11 months, 19 months, and 3 years old and DD2 at 10 WEEKS old so going so they'll remember has never been a big priority for us. So, yes, we are fine with diapers, strollers, etc. Thank you, though!

 

[Derby]

If flying, I would go before she turns two, so she flies free. If driving, it does not matter. Disney is free under three. I can't think of anything that would change in six months for a two year old. For the five year old the same is true except for height. I would look at ride height requirements, and if she is just under some must-dos, I might wait. You'll have an equal amount of fun either way

We are driving so flying is not a concern. Good call on the height.. I measured DD1 and she is 42" barefoot. She is also a wimp so she probably wouldn't ride the 44" rides anyway.. lol

 

[Derby]

We took DD1 a week before she turned 2 (because then she flew for free ) and we just took DD2 days after she turned 2.5. I don't think there was a significant difference. We have also gone in May and December and I think I prefer May. There is already plenty of stuff going on in and stuff to look forward to in December. Plus you would have to take your ODD out of school if you wait until December.

Yay! This is great to hear! We were planning to go when DD1 is out of school for Christmas break so she wouldn't miss school.

 

[Derby]

We are leaning towards almost 2 right now for several reasons. 1) DD2 sleeps half the night with us so we could all easily share a hotel room (in theory, she will be in her own room all night by December). 2) DD2 is no where near potty training and PT'ing at Disney sounds like hell. DD1 PT'd at 2 1/2 but of course who knows what DD2 will do. 3) We have wanted to DD1 for her 5th birthday since she was born. 4) We have the Disney itch and that is hard to resist.

Thank you so much for all of your feedback!

 

[Derby]

We are driving so flying is not a concern. Good call on the height.. I measured DD1 and she is 42" barefoot. She is also a wimp so she probably wouldn't ride the 44" rides anyway.. lol

And now we are contemplating flying because DH found a great deal and 2 hours in a plane vs. 11 hours in the car sounds way better...

 

[HHMcG]

With my kids I found a huge difference in personality from almost two to two and a half. By two and a half tantrums were less, they were more agreeable, naps were more flexible and they could adjust to sleeping at night better while away from their bed. It just makes for an all around more enjoyable trip for all of us.

 

[Timandalicia]

2.5 for sure.

 

[geraghty]

And now we are contemplating flying because DH found a great deal and 2 hours in a plane vs. 11 hours in the car sounds way better...

You definitely have the itch. Have fun.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Until you mentioned Christmas school vacation, I was saying to go at 2 1/2 because there is a lot of growth done in that 6mo, but May, when everyone is not out of school yet, will be MUCH MUCH less crowded than Christmas break. It is crazy, over the top busy. Now if you are willing to pull the 5 year old, remember she is ONLY 5, not a big deal at all, Go early December. If not, I would choose May, and yes I would plan potty training around WDW. If you are ok with a lap baby on a plane (we don't choose that), then I would move it up in May to make the baby under two....a lot of money saved.

 

[BSanchez27]

I guess I would check his height and see if there are any rides you think he would want to go on that he is not tall enough for yet but will be at 2.5?