2 yr. old in WDW - Please tell me everything we need to know!!

[Marthasor]

Hi! My DH and I are taking our DS2 to WDW in October. We took him at the exact same time last October when he just turned one, but I can see being two years old is going to be a whole new ball game! When we took him last year, he wasn't walking yet, was just transitioning from baby food and slept in a pack n play. Now he is running, eating pizza and is too tall for a pack n play. So - help me please!! We will be staying at GF. Do the resorts have cribs? Or will I need to rent one? My son is 19 months old and is already 35 inches tall, so I'm nervous about the height limits on the portacribs and pack n plays. Last time we rented a car because I wanted to install his car seat. I am thinking of doing Magical Express this year - can I install his car seat on the bus? If we do rent a car, can I still use Magical Express for our luggage? Are there particular rides or areas in the parks that you think a 2 year old will greatly enjoy. Any tips or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

Car seats are not used on the ME busses. You have to put them under the bus.
As far as sleeping, you can request bed rails if you think he would sleep on a bed.
Our son is 18 months and is 36 inches. He still naps in a pack n play when he goes to my moms. He usually sleeps in a ball so the length isn't an issue.
As far as keeping him entertained during the day I would suggest taking a lot of breaks where he can run around and burn off energy. Being strapped in a stroller most of the day can wear on a 2 year old.
I think this age is a great age to go. He will have fun. Just remember to take breaks mid day for a wind down.

Have fun. I love going in October. I love the Halloween decorations.

 

[Kimmumum]

Bring a few changes of clothes so that he can play in the "dancing" water fountains. My kids really enjoyed them (and still do a little bit even though they are 11 and 15)

Keep little snacks and toys in the backpack for long lines or parades.

Keep in mind that he is little and will need a lot more to drink than he normally would. Sometime you get so busy it doesn't cross your mind. Bring a light blanket to cover him up if he falls asleep so that he is out of the sun a bit.

 

[Ariel on Land]

We just took our guys two weeks after they turned two. *I* thought it was a successful trip, though DH may beg to differ. (Though he also doesn't spend ALL day long with them like I do, and just prior to our trip, he had pretty much been gone for a month so I don't think he really understood that the terrible twos had indeed come on schedule! ) But anyways-- especially if he's still taking an afternoon nap, I recommend you get there at rope drop, have an early lunch, and be back at the resort for his typical nap time. We only had one massive melt down and it was the day we stayed just slightly too late. Use fast passes too, but especially if you're there at rope drop, you'll be able to get in plenty of things WITHOUT standing in line. I don't think we stood in line longer than 15 minutes, most of the time it was far less than that (we were there Apr 19-24.)

My guys were over 36" tall and slept fine in Pack n Plays, but all kids are different... And we drove, so I can't help w/ the car seat either.

The boys favorite ride by far- was the boat ride in Mexico w/ Donald Duck. I don't know why exactly, but they both loved that one. (they STILL are talking about it weeks later!) One twin did not care for rides, poor thing would bury his head into our chest even on IASWA!! (Though after being on it for a few minutes he warmed up.) They liked the Winnie the Pooh ride as well. The other twin, however LOVED all the rides, had a fit when Dumbo was over and asked to ride Goofy's Barnstormer a second time!! So again, kids are different, you'll just have to see! Though my brave one didn't care for any of the shows if they got dark- Philharmagic made him jump and turn around when the lights went out. The little play ground across from Winnie the Pooh- Pooh's playful spot- is great at this age. The boys really enjoyed that, and thankfully it's for the smaller ones and there weren't really too many bigger kids causing ruckus.

If I could do one thing differently, I'd have taken them to more character meet and greets- they LOVED the characters!!! Though the downside of that is when eating at places like CP, they could see all the characters walking around the room, so they were so excited, they didn't eat a bite, then got really upset when the characters only stayed long enough to take a picture. (for character meals, I recommend the Garden Grill BY FAR- best interaction we had the entire trip!)

Anyways, go and have a great time!!!