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[Clarice]

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[LovetheMouse12302]

We took DS lat year and he was 15 months, and again this when he is 2. It all depends on how daring/brave your child is. DS is truly a daredevil, and loved riding The Flying Carpets, Tricerotops Spin, (We didn't ride Dumbo as the line was usually too long) He also loved Mickey's Philharmagic. It's a Small World should definitely be on your list. DS also loved Jungle Cruise, and the Safari at AK. And the biggest surprise was he LOVED Pirates of the Carribean and was singing, "Yo Ho, Yo Ho" for hours later. I would not attempt It's Tough to be a Bug in AK, it was about the only thing that frightened DS, but who knows your child may love it. Just be sure not to over do it, when they get tired and ready to lay down just go back to the room and relax yourself, I know we needed it as much as DS. Have Fun!

 

[coolbeans]

We took DS in August of last year and he was 2 and 5 months. We didn't really adjust for him, I think it totally depends on your child. DS walked some with us in areas that weren't totally packed, rode in the stroller a lot and we only really carried him in the lines and onto the rides. We never left the park for naps (he was content to snooze in the stroller and even on a ride or two), we did everything we could (although the rain did slow us a little anyway) and had an amazing time!! He still talks about "Disney Worlt" and the fireworks. So, don't scare yourself listening to other folks telling you to take naps, and breaks and every other horror story.. just enjoy it and go with the flow.

 

[LovetheMouse12302]

Coolbeans, I'm sorry about my previous post here. I think I misunderstood what you were saying. Sorry again.

 

[lilybrooke14]

DD was 2 1/2 when we took her, and she had an absolute blast. Five months later, she still brings it up every single day.

We didn't do naps in the room either. We tried one day (before MNSSHP) and that was the only day she had a total melt down. She did finally sleep a while, but it was a bit of a nightmare. She was happy just snoozing in the stroller or on a ride. I sat with her a few times and just held her and people watched. Then she was ready to go for a few more hours. We didn't burn the candle at both ends though. An early morning meant an early return to the room, and a late night meant we slept in the next morning. Getting her to sleep at night was no trouble. She conked right out and didn't move until the next morning. She was, however, rearing to go the next day.

We stayed at CBR, and the beaches were nice at the end of a day. Also, the Disney cartoons in the rooms were a lifesaver. I think they're on channel 96. We woke up and went to sleep with the cartoons every morning. We actually skipped Fantasmic because she wanted to go back to the room and watch cartoons!

We did the DDP, and that was nice, since we rarely wound up paying for her to eat. I took Pop Tarts (she'd never had them before that ) and some sacks in our luggage (and lollipops in the airplane to help her ears). Then we used snack credits to pick up some fruit to keep in the room. I also had Garden Grocer send some water, juice, and Horizon brand shelf stable chocolate milk in the individual cartons. She was thrilled with her breakfast of Pop Tarts and chocolate milk every day. She even occasionally munched on the fruit.

She loved the costumed characters, but got a little shy around the face characters. We did family movie night for a few months leading up to our trip. I'd make a themed dinner to go with the movie, and she got familiar with the characters that way. And like PP, she enjoyed most of the rides. We left It's Tough To Be a Bug because it was terrifying though, and she was a little concerned about dark rides after that (although she went, and generally enjoyed herself).

I think that's about it! Okay, I wrote a novel, but we had so much fun! Just go with the flow and follow your LO's cues. Have a great trip!

 

[Poohbug]

All of my kids were terrified of all characters from the age of 2 to 4. Don't be surprised if you get no character pics-at least ones that don't have your child screaming/running away.

It all depends on your child. There is no way to tell how they will react until you get there. My middle DS loves all the rides but the dark and loud movies and shows can freak him out. Not a one of them like fireworks-have not seen them for years.

It sounds like you are willing to be very flexible so I think your trip will be great. Just give a variety of things a try and if your child doesn't like it, you can bail out. Don't forget about the childswap for the rides they can't go on.

 

[MinnieTink]

We took our DS twice, once at 11 months, once at 2y2m. Both times we had a great time because we were flexible. It seems from your original post that you are in the right mindset! One thing that helped us was the baby care centers. One day at MK, he was having a hard time. (Having a hard time or giving a hard time?? Hmmm... ) So, we brought him over to the baby center and, after a quick change, he sat at the little table and chairs and quietly watched the movie they had playing on TV. We just let him chill for about 20 minutes or so, and he was able to "decompress." There is non stop stimulation at WDW, from the sights, constant music to the many other kids having a "hard time"....sometimes they just need a break. We also found the TTA and train to be good spots for a sort of rest. We have two older girls, so a few times we split up so they could go run on to things and he could take it slower. He is not one to really sleep in his stroller too much, so we found taking the afternoon breaks at the resort to be valuable for him... but also for all of us!

As for the attractions he enjoyed, he loved Pirates and the Magic Carpet ride. He enjoyed Philharmagic and Buzz. He loved riding the train, and exploring in Mickey's house. At DHS, he REALLY enjoyed the Playhouse Disney show (his fave show is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and Toy Story.

One of our favorite memories of the trip with him was last time when we took him for his first haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop in MK. Penny the barber was great with him!

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[amynorth]

I am bringing my 2 year old in June and I am terrified. But we figure we would be going somewhere this year so why not Disney... We have lots of help hopefully, with family... I am just hoping it all works out...

 

[lilybrooke14]

I forgot one other thing. There is a little play area just outside Splash Mountain, and DD had a blast burning off some energy there for a while. I know there are others around too. Pooh's Playful spot, and maybe Donald's Boat in MK and The Boneyard in AK. The chance to run around and burn off steam was great after spending a lot of time in the stroller and waiting in line.

 

[Clarice]

Thanks so much guys!!!! He is a very "go with the flow" kind of kid but I just don't want him to be too overwhelmed. I don't think he will nap in his stroller but he just may surprise me. We've seen and done what we've wanted to over the years so I just really want to soak it up through his eyes. And whatever we miss this time around will, hopefully, be there next time!!!