2 Days in AK instead of MK when Toontown closes?

[Marthasor]

I'm not sure what to do! We are going to WDW in late Oct. with my DS who will have just turned 3. Last year when we went to MK he really just wanted to hug the characters and listen to the music, street party, parades, etc. in MK We spent a lot of time in Toontown and Pooh's Playful Spot - he wasn't really interested in the rides, particularly anything that was dark. Right now I have us scheduled for two days in MK, but we are also staying in GF so we could always hop over there late afternoon/early evening after his nap. I'm wondering if we should stick to two days in MK or do two days in AK instead and get in all of the shows and animal trails instead? I know we can change our minds when we get down there, but this will affect all of the ADR's I already made! WWYD?!!!

 

[katied]

When we were there with DS at 32 months, there was so much to do in MK. His most favorite ride was the Indy Speedway. He loved driving the cars. If you're looking for rides that are not dark, there is the Tommorrowland Transit Authority, Dumbo, Astro Orbitors, Jungle Cruise, and Tom Sawyer's Island to explore. Also, Pooh's Playful Spot is in Fantasyland, so wouldn't it still be open?

There is so much to see and do at MK (even with Toontown closed) for a 3 yrs old (of course, my DS loves all the rides). A lot can change between a 2 yr old and 3 yr old too, in terms of what they like.

We can always get through want we want at AK in 1 day, so I personally would not plan for 2 days in AK.

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks katied! I didn't realize he would be tall enough for Indy Speedway! He will love that! Unfortunately it looks like Pooh's Playful Spot is already closed to make way for the expansion.

 

[MSSANDRA]

While we love AK, I think one day there is enough for a 3 year old. There will be a lot more things at 3 that he will like at MK. If the dark issue is a problem, try a tiny flash light or a glow necklace or stick. There is very little he can not ride at MK and this trip he should be a lot more into some of the rides!!

 

[katied]

Thanks katied! I didn't realize he would be tall enough for Indy Speedway! He will love that! Unfortunately it looks like Pooh's Playful Spot is already closed to make way for the expansion.

Thanks for the heads up on Pooh...

Yes, DS was tall enough for Indy, and he's really small for his age. A parent, of course, had to drive with and actually do the pedels, but DS could steer the wheel. DS and DH rode together, and then I took a car on another track. That way, I got some great pics of DS driving his first car!

 

[Wendybird55]

Remember your child's likes and dislikes will change each year at Disney. We went with DS when he was almost 2 then again when he was almost 3 and we're going agian this year...Each year his likes, dislikes, fears etc. changed.

MK had alot to offer even w/o Toon Town. From what I'm readsing on the the boards Disney is accomodating the loss of character experiences by moving them or adding different ones. My son also loves Poohs Park, but there's also a small play area by Splash & Thunder Mts which my son likes - it's not as big, but he had fun. All the rides in Fantasyland will be open and don't forget TOm Sawyers Island & Swiss Tree House, etc.

I like AK, but I find it the hardest park to navigate and I alsways feel like I"m walking in circles going from place to place. Dinoland is fun for kids - DS loved the play area they had there and though there is quite a bit for a toddler to see I prefer 2 days in MK then AK. Not only do I think there'e more for my son to do in MK - I also find it an easier park to navigate with a toddler.

Also being on the monorail will make is much easier for you. Last year DS loved going in the pool at the hotel (we were at BW) and we found ourselves spending more time at the pool with him You can easily split up your MK days with pool and rest in the afternoon and then enjoy the night time parade and Wishes.

I usually think it's best to go with your first instinct. With a toddler the chances are good that you will be changing your plans anyway - they can be so unpredictable. Last year I was able to change some of my ADRs at the last minute due to changes in plans because of DS. We went in Sept.
If you're flexible with your restaurant choices you may be able to make changes while you are there.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If I'm not mistaken--I though they were putting in a temporary location for Mickey/Minnie's house--so there will be something substituted for the inaccessbile toon town area. (I thought that I read that in the big Orlando Sentinel Article they wrote about the expansion.)

Also at that age--there are still the rides at fantasy land. Even if you go for maybe just an EMH morning and knock that out... Just something to consider.

2 days at AK, I agree might be a bit much for a 3yo.

You might also save a day and just do DTD--they have the lego play area, the shops with the potato heads, rental boats--different things that can be done--mostly for free. Maybe do T-Rex Cafe on that day and save the money that would have been spent on park tickets.

ETA: My DS just turned 3--but while he was 2--he loved that Tom Sawyer's Island.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Remember your child's likes and dislikes will change each year at Disney. We went with DS when he was almost 2 then again when he was almost 3 and we're going agian this year...Each year his likes, dislikes, fears etc. changed.

I was going to mention this. When DD was 3.5, she was scared any show in a dark theater. We had to leave both FOTLK and Nemo at AK with her in tears. When we went a year and a half later, she loved both those shows. You may find he really enjoys the rides this time. Wait and see how the first day at the MK goes before making the decision.