My dad and I took my 2 yr old son in Feb (dh was stuck at work poor guy). I was so excited to see what his reaction to everything would be. To prep for the trip I ordered the plannig kit for the dvd. I showed it to my son, and he would ask to watch it all the time (even on the car ride down). Also, I got the Sing Along Beach Party video to prep him for the characters (he wouldnt go near Santa last Christmas). Again, he loved and still loves it. We stayed at CR because of the location and because we love it. My son is a huge train buff so the monorail was a huge hit with him once he discovered it. We checked in around lunch time, got our luggage to our room (it was ready), grabbed a bite to eat, then went to catch a bus. My son waved every time the monorail went overhead and told everyone that there goes the train. We did MGM the first day to ease into things. Playhouse Disney was a hit, as well as the parade, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. The miss was the Muppets 3D (my son is now afraid of the dark). Fantasmic was a huge hit as well. For this we headed over after the parade, grabbed dinner from a vendor, got some good seats and waited. We let the crowds blow out afterwards. The next day we did MK. We got a front cab on the monorail (huge hit) and a co-pilots license. When we got to MK, he went nuts when he saw the castle (thanks dvd). We headed straight to Fantasyland and Dumbo (20 min wait). Other huge hits-Carousel, Small World, Indy Cars, and the train. Peter Pan didnt do much for him, and the huge misses: Haunted Mansion and Philharmagic (dark and pop up things). We headed back to CR for lunch and a short nap, then back to MK for another round on the hit rides, parade, and Wishes. We were so grateful afterwards for staying at CR when we saw the line for the monorail to the transportation center. We walked right on to the resort monorail (and we couldve walked back too). Next day, AK and Epcot. Didnt spend a lot of time at AK because we have a zoo here. We did do the safari which he liked (he made the animal sounds when he saw them). Epcot wasnt much of a hit with him either. Universe of Energy was a bust, and Living Seas was so so. We were only there 3 days. As for the characters-he was apprehensive to approach any other than Mickey. I took him up most of the time. On checkout morning, we had PS for Chef Mickeys. By then he was used to the characters and had no problem facing them. What a blast my dad and I (and others) had watching him with the characters (I think the video helped prep him for this as well). He played hand tag with Pluto, bopped Dale on the head, pulled up Minnies dress, and kissed Mickey (that got a reaction from all). On the way out he waved bye to Goofy. Next time we're doing that place 2x!
I brought sunscreen, hat w/clip that attatched to his shirt, small snacks (cereal bars, juice, pb crackers, fruit chews), video and digital camera, my waist pack, diaper pad that could carry diapers and wipes, ponchos on days they called for rain, his stroller. You might want to consider some kind of leash (my dh refuses to let me use one around him). My son likes to walk and bolt. I didnt like the harness (didnt want it in pictures), or the elastic wrist strap. I rigged a small fanny pack and the leash part of a harness together. My son could carry his snacks (free up some room for me), and I tucked the leash in the back of his shirt when not in use, but it was quickly available. Please make sure you have some id on your child as well, just in case. Check out the "Id for 10 yr old" post I added or
www.childsid.com Great items available (my son wears his id bracelet 24/7 even swimming at here at home).
Hope this helps! Have fun, let your child "call" the shots and take lots of pictures/video! My son looks at his all the time now.
alison
