advice on 2 1/2 yr olds at WDW

[mikewdw]

we are planning on 5 days between Christmas and NYD with our 4 yr old DD and twin 2 1/2 yr old DS. we took our little girl at that age and it was no problem with 2 of us and one of her but now that we are outnumbered what advice do y'all have on how to keep the boys happy and avoid the fits and tantrums that come with that age. any little tricks that have worked for you when you carried your little ones at that age. (if you see us there and they are having a fit, please smile and pray for us! HA!)
mikewdw

 

[deb24k]

We took my DD then 5 and my DS thhen 2 1/2 this past summer. My best advice is to know that some meltdowns are inevitable and to do your best to regroup and move on in a better mood. But, slowing down and building in some time for them to relax or simply play is useful. My son loved spashing around at Ariel's water play grotto area and running around Pooh's playspace while my DD and one parent rode rides that he couldn't ride. Also try to avoid big lines by arriving at parks for rope drop and utilizing fast pass options. If possible take a midday break. Despite our best efforts we sometimes don't plan long enough breaks for a visit to the pool or a nap. Have a wonderful trip. I hope all goes well!

 

[quentina]

My oldest (11) has been to WDW 13 times, youngest at 6 months old. We have had meltdowns, what family doesn't??? Just go at the kids pace....nap time, go nap etc.

My son has wonderful memories as do we.

One thing, we always get one of the crystal paperweights with his photo and date on each visit. It is so neat to look at the change and have the DW memory.

In July, we adopted a sibling group...they had their first visit in October. It was so cool to see it through "new" eyes.

My advise, go with the flow.

 

[mikewdw]

i know its about the worst time to go but my wife and i are both teachers and we felt the summer sun would be too much for them at their age now plus the boys will turn 3 before summer and then our trips will probably get much more expensive or we will have to compromise on some of the things we love to do. so it was basically Christmas or not at all. we both dont get out until 12-19 and we need to be here for Christmas with family so that left the next week. i guess crowded, expensive Disney is still better than no Disney at all. any tips on where the boys could nap in somewhat quiet at the parks? we will have to be commando's or we may not be let back in if we leave. thanks again all
mikewdw

 

[ilandrazdsw]

We will be there over Christmas/NY too!!! With A DD3 and DS5 and planning commando, I am planning snacking somewhat often to keep up the blood sugar, giving them a chance to play, and zonk out in the stroller if they get tired. We have ADRs with a lot of character meals so if the parks are too much they still get to see their "friends" but while sitting in the cool/warmth (depending on the weather). If you see a grey/oragne double stroller with a Blue/Black/Yellow (Bahamiam Flag Colors) ribbon say "Hi"!

 

[mikewdw]

iland
that is our plan now too. lots of snacks, juices, coke if they want it, Mickey ice cream bars and a character meal everyday. i am just trying to think of good, sort of out of the way places where the boys can rest in stroller and zonk out some. we try to keep them very scheduled at home and i am worried the immense different environment will make them too out of control. since it will be so crowded going back to resort is out of question since you might not get back in. i guess i will just say "yes" a lot. have a great trip. we will be rolling around with a pink stroller and a black twin one.