Advice on traveling to WDW with a toddler right now

[TinkB278]

Hi all.

I am desperately in need of advice being a first time parent during a pandemic. We have an 18 month old and we’re planning on taking him to WDW in September 21, right after he turns two. I thought by September there would be no way Covid would still be an issue. Well, it looks like even if Covid is gone, masks are here to stay for awhile and so I canceled the September trip knowing my very headstrong two year one month old toddler will absolutely not wear a mask on a plane or at Disney, he won’t even let us put a hat on him.

I am a DVC owner and am finding myself very sad at the thought of not knowing when I will ever be able to bring him for his first trip due to mask rules and so I am contemplating sneaking in a trip in May, before he turns two. Everyone tells me he won’t remember it, but this trip is more for us, to experience having a little guy and seeing his eyes light up at the sights of his favorite characters etc. however, I have never been to Disney as a parent of a small child, during a pandemic to boot. I don’t know if this trip would be more trouble than it’s worth and maybe I should just bank my points and hope the mask rules are lifted in 2022. I’m curious, how is it taking a rambunctious almost two year old to Disney? I think I’m scared of meltdowns on the airplane and on rides etc. Curious for input from other parents?

i think I’m scared because we hardly have any experience as parents taking him anywhere since the pandemic hit while he was still a baby.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

We took our son a week after he turned 2 and we had a wonderful time. Plane ride was a breeze (took a new toy, a new coloring book with the markers that are clear but color on the paper etc.) He napped in the stroller so we didn't even go back to the room for naps. He is 5 now and doesn't remember the trip but we do and we took tons of photos which he loves looking at. Toughest thing right now will probably be waits in lines since there is no fast pass but I think you can still manage. Good luck!

 

[GBRforWDW]

Hello, we just got back from WDW and we have a 6yo. A bit older, but definitely remember flying places with her at 2 and 4 years old.

This year was definitely different, but she's gone to school wearing mask since August, so that wasn't an issue for us. Do you spend much time In masks around your kid right now? Just wondering if they'd have an issue recognizing you with a mask.

Disney still has the bright lights and shiny things all over the place, but if you just have to get closer to the characters, definitely do a character meal. We did 4 on our trip. Mainly because I love them! Lol. A lot of places still get you close enough to characters. Garden grill in Epcot they come up right behind you.

Regarding meltdowns, does he have them now for no reason? If not, I can't see the plane being an issue, but I'm not his parent. In the parks, you just have to remember that you know your kid. You know when he's hungry or tired. Food is always plentiful at WDW, but a lot of it is sugar. Make sure you know where to get a non sugar treat to combat some meltdowns. Leave the park right after lunch and go back to your hotel. Plan to be gone 3-4 hours before you get back. That's hard with pandemic operating hours being short. We made the mistake of staying at Epcot all day. Was a rough journey back to the hotel that night. Staying in the park near the noise and excitement is going to cause his nap time or rest time to be more restless. Again, you know your kid and what he can handle plan accordingly.

One final tip... Not trying to tell ya what to do, but I know everyone needs a vacation, maybe book your DVC and do a "staycation" at the hotel. A stay at AKL, which we did for two nights, might be way more exciting and enjoyable this time around, not just for your son, but the whole family. You'll still need masks in public, anyone over 2, but getting a balcony room and just sitting out watching the animals roam is very relaxing. If you have to do a park when you go, maybe try just 1 park day. Or, go over to sea world and check out sesame streets new land.

There's lots you can do, but unless your kid regularly melts down, I wouldn't see that happening too much on the trip, especially if you keep things as close to normal as possible.

 

[sponica]

I flew with a 20 month old in the before time. She handled the plane awesomely. BUY A SEAT! We didn't and I regret it. We had never traveled anywhere with her until that point in time, so don't worry about the fact you haven't gone anywhere yet. You know what your kids needs are (like whether he needs an early bedtime, whether he needs it dark to sleep, etc)

I don't have travel/park tips for the Covid era, I have a 4 year old and a 5 month old so travel is a no go for us right now.

 

[TinkB278]

Hello, we just got back from WDW and we have a 6yo. A bit older, but definitely remember flying places with her at 2 and 4 years old.

This year was definitely different, but she's gone to school wearing mask since August, so that wasn't an issue for us. Do you spend much time In masks around your kid right now? Just wondering if they'd have an issue recognizing you with a mask.

Disney still has the bright lights and shiny things all over the place, but if you just have to get closer to the characters, definitely do a character meal. We did 4 on our trip. Mainly because I love them! Lol. A lot of places still get you close enough to characters. Garden grill in Epcot they come up right behind you.

Regarding meltdowns, does he have them now for no reason? If not, I can't see the plane being an issue, but I'm not his parent. In the parks, you just have to remember that you know your kid. You know when he's hungry or tired. Food is always plentiful at WDW, but a lot of it is sugar. Make sure you know where to get a non sugar treat to combat some meltdowns. Leave the park right after lunch and go back to your hotel. Plan to be gone 3-4 hours before you get back. That's hard with pandemic operating hours being short. We made the mistake of staying at Epcot all day. Was a rough journey back to the hotel that night. Staying in the park near the noise and excitement is going to cause his nap time or rest time to be more restless. Again, you know your kid and what he can handle plan accordingly.

One final tip... Not trying to tell ya what to do, but I know everyone needs a vacation, maybe book your DVC and do a "staycation" at the hotel. A stay at AKL, which we did for two nights, might be way more exciting and enjoyable this time around, not just for your son, but the whole family. You'll still need masks in public, anyone over 2, but getting a balcony room and just sitting out watching the animals roam is very relaxing. If you have to do a park when you go, maybe try just 1 park day. Or, go over to sea world and check out sesame streets new land.

There's lots you can do, but unless your kid regularly melts down, I wouldn't see that happening too much on the trip, especially if you keep things as close to normal as possible.

I had no clue about Sesame Street at sea world. Our son is obsessed with Elmo. I’m seriously considering your suggestion.
Also, is GBR go big red by any chance?

 

[DeeBee3]

I second the above poster who mentioned a "staycation" - maybe focus on a cool resort and pool stuff and maybe do Magic Kingdom during the week when it is less crowded than a weekend. Only you know how your toddler is now - tantrums or not. My 3 year old has epic tantrums at home and I think it's worse since we are at home all the time. I bet she would be better at Disney! Good luck either way. I think we are all getting to the point where we need some sort of mental break from staying at home.

 

[GBRforWDW]

I had no clue about Sesame Street at sea world. Our son is obsessed with Elmo. I’m seriously considering your suggestion.
Also, is GBR go big red by any chance?

It sure is! Lol.

We did not check it out, but it does look fun. I think this might be the last time my daughter would be interested in sesame street land though.

I really think you can't go wrong with anything you plan. There's so much to do. But even relaxing away from home is nice right now. Enjoy the planning!

 

[TinkB278]

I second the above poster who mentioned a "staycation" - maybe focus on a cool resort and pool stuff and maybe do Magic Kingdom during the week when it is less crowded than a weekend. Only you know how your toddler is now - tantrums or not. My 3 year old has epic tantrums at home and I think it's worse since we are at home all the time. I bet she would be better at Disney! Good luck either way. I think we are all getting to the point where we need some sort of mental break from staying at home.

You are so right. Part of the reason I want to do this is because I can tell my sweet little guy is getting so bored of being at him. He hasn’t gone anywhere besides his grandparents in a year. It’s cold here so we can’t even go outside. I think if he were to have a change of scenery he would quit with some of the tantrums.

 

[GBRforWDW]

I second the above poster who mentioned a "staycation" - maybe focus on a cool resort and pool stuff and maybe do Magic Kingdom during the week when it is less crowded than a weekend. Only you know how your toddler is now - tantrums or not. My 3 year old has epic tantrums at home and I think it's worse since we are at home all the time. I bet she would be better at Disney! Good luck either way. I think we are all getting to the point where we need some sort of mental break from staying at home.

Lol, I think my 6 year old was worse at disney with tantrums. But she's older now and wants everything she sees, whereas before, she would be ok that this toy needed to stay with its friends at the store. Lol

 

[TinkB278]

Lol, I think my 6 year old was worse at disney with tantrums. But she's older now and wants everything she sees, whereas before, she would be ok that this toy needed to stay with its friends at the store. Lol

Haha I know those days are coming for us too. Our guy is full of sass.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Haha I know those days are coming for us too. Our guy is full of sass.

Ha yes, she is so sassy now. I don't remember her like this at 2 or 3. I think I'm dreading teenage years already, and we're barely halfway there.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hi all.

I am desperately in need of advice being a first time parent during a pandemic. We have an 18 month old and we’re planning on taking him to WDW in September 21, right after he turns two. I thought by September there would be no way Covid would still be an issue. Well, it looks like even if Covid is gone, masks are here to stay for awhile and so I canceled the September trip knowing my very headstrong two year one month old toddler will absolutely not wear a mask on a plane or at Disney, he won’t even let us put a hat on him.

I am a DVC owner and am finding myself very sad at the thought of not knowing when I will ever be able to bring him for his first trip due to mask rules and so I am contemplating sneaking in a trip in May, before he turns two. Everyone tells me he won’t remember it, but this trip is more for us, to experience having a little guy and seeing his eyes light up at the sights of his favorite characters etc. however, I have never been to Disney as a parent of a small child, during a pandemic to boot. I don’t know if this trip would be more trouble than it’s worth and maybe I should just bank my points and hope the mask rules are lifted in 2022. I’m curious, how is it taking a rambunctious almost two year old to Disney? I think I’m scared of meltdowns on the airplane and on rides etc. Curious for input from other parents?

i think I’m scared because we hardly have any experience as parents taking him anywhere since the pandemic hit while he was still a baby.

has your son seen you in a mask for long periods of time? if so how does he respond? if you have not worn around him I would start now if you plan a trip as you are not going to be able to take yours off if it upsets or scares him. one tip I give to parents making a trip with very young kids take lots of pictures of them doing things in park and make a special photobook for him off his trip. granted he has had trips since them but for years my grandson would talk about the trip he took as a baby. he could and would tell you all about that trip. yes his memories were from his book but he knew who that baby was. a lot talk about taking breaks at hotel but that was worst day of trip. after that we just did stroller naps. biggest tip would be to be prepared to go with the flow not your planned trip. remember there are no character meets as such now so he would be seeing them from a distance. I second getting him a seat on the plane and use his carseat assuming he has used in your car

 

[chaselovesnemo]

We’ve taken all 4 of our kids at 18 mos (#4 will actually be going just before 2 due to Covid.)

Is it as fun as taking them at 4 or 5? No.

Is it still fun? Yes.

Whether it’s worth taking him during Covid or instead saving for another trip is something only you can decide. My favorite memory of my kids’ first trips is when they run to hug Mickey for the first time. That won’t happen with #4. So I had to decide it’s still worth the memories even if the trip won’t be the same experience he would get a year later.

It’s worth it to me!

If you decide to go, know that he WILL throw an epic tantrum at some point. WDW is so stimulating and they don’t know how to handle that. Decide now that that’s age appropriate and when it happens don’t let it ruin your day!

ETA: Bring some things for him to do in line and on the plane. That is the best preparation you can do IMO. Especially if they won’t let them snack in lines! (I don’t know if that applies to Under 2’s who don’t mask?) Our go-to was suckers and stickers in line.

 

[TinkB278]

has your son seen you in a mask for long periods of time? if so how does he respond? if you have not worn around him I would start now if you plan a trip as you are not going to be able to take yours off if it upsets or scares him. one tip I give to parents making a trip with very young kids take lots of pictures of them doing things in park and make a special photobook for him off his trip. granted he has had trips since them but for years my grandson would talk about the trip he took as a baby. he could and would tell you all about that trip. yes his memories were from his book but he knew who that baby was. a lot talk about taking breaks at hotel but that was worst day of trip. after that we just did stroller naps. biggest tip would be to be prepared to go with the flow not your planned trip. remember there are no character meets as such now so he would be seeing them from a distance. I second getting him a seat on the plane and use his carseat assuming he has used in your car

The photo book idea is so adorable.

 

[GBRforWDW]

The photo book idea is so adorable.

Yes it is. I've used Shutterfly for our last 2 vacation photo books. Shutterfly even has a Disney overlay that makes the book even better!

We also have done puzzles and placemats with them. They're always giving away free stuff when you get added to their email list. There's no minimum purchase required, so you could get the free gifts and just pay shipping, making for some good deals.

 

[Jhondy]

We took my daughter at 14 months and 17 months (both during covid) and will be taking her again at 20 months. My kid hates sitting still so the plane ride is always stressful for me but it is worth it once we get to disney. She loves being at disney and lights up when the cavalcades come. She won’t remember the trips but I will and have some really cute photos of her at disney world. Covid isn’t something that worried me so that wasn’t a factor in my head. I was concerned whether the trip would be worth it without the entertainment, parades, fireworks, and meet/greets. To me, the trip ended up still being worth it because I knew it wouldn’t be our one and only trip.

Once my daughter turns 2, we will not be going to disney. It’s not because the trip wouldn’t be worth it but because I don’t see my two year old being able to wear a mask and I’m choosing not to train her to wear a mask. So these before she turns two trips have been 100% worth it to us.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I would go before he needs a mask. I can't comment on the plane ride (my kids have never flown), but we have taken little ones to Disney. The hardest part for an under 2 at Disney now versus before is that all the interactive elements are temporarily closed...the Dumbo playground, the screen activities at the end of Mission Space and Spaceship Earth, all the places where they can get their wiggles out. So I'd suggest lodging close to the park you will be at most, so you can take a quick trip back to the hotel for the pool or a nap.

 

[TinkB278]

What would everyone say is the ideal length of a trip with an almost two year old?

 

[sponica]

What would everyone say is the ideal length of a trip with an almost two year old?

Probably depends on the kid. We did 4 full(ish) park days and that was enough for my kiddo.

 

[Rory607]

I don’t have advice about the parks during covid, but I would go. Masks are going to be around for a while. We’ve taken our kids at all ages, including as toddlers. You just need to adjust your expectations. He might not last very long in the parks, but if you’re prepared for that it will be okay. I would suggest doing parks in the morning, then heading back for nap and swimming.

As far as tantrums, it might happen, but you’re not the first or last parent to have a kid throw a tantrum at Disney! I’ve been there and my advice is to go somewhere out of the way until they calm down, then figure out what the issue is and how to solve it.