Any Advice For My 18 Mo. Old's First Trip Would Be Great

[funkbucket007]

I just received a three week vacation (perks of the firefighting profession ) & planned a very sudden trip to Disneyworld a few days ago. It's odd, because we normally plan our trips out about a year in advance & stay for two weeks, but now (since my wife is a school teacher & can't get the time off) we are only staying over a weekend & are driving (rather than our normal flying).

This will be my son's first trip (of many in the future) & I'm waiting with open ears for any advice/suggestions on how to make this trip as smooth as possible.

We are driving from home on a Friday & should arrive at the Pop Century at around 4:30 in the morning. We will spend the first day at the Magic Kingdom & the second day we will split our time between MGM & Epcot. We will leave Monday around 9 am I suppose.

I haven't driven to Florida in about 10 years & am a bit worried by it, but I do have a brand new car with navigation to guide me the entire way. Wish me luck.

 

[CaseyJr]

Plan on going at the child's speed. Without question, take a stroller. Be sure he drinks plenty of fluids and be sure to use sunscreen. Make provisions for naps or "down" time. Be aware that some attractions are loud and/or dark, which may or may not be a problem for your child. I know there are those who disagree, but when my DS was 18 months, we got one of those harness/leash thingies (except this one was a strap around his waist), and it was on him whenever he wasn't in the stroller. It's NOT a substitute for parental supervision and watchfulness, but it is a great way to let the little guy have some degree of freedom to do his own thing and explore the little worlds HE wants to explore without parents constantly pulling him back. Our DS (at that age) wasn't the least bit interested in MM or any of the rides. He wanted to touch and explore textures and colors and splash in the water fountains.


Oh, yeh! Most important! Have fun!

 

[disneychick05]

Our son was 19 months when he went on his first WDW trip. We made reservations at the Crsyal Palace at MK for the earliest time slot posible. This way they let you in the park before it opens to the public. We walked up main street with our little one for the first time without the crowds. Mickey and Minnie or other characters are usually out and about at this time which he loved....some kids may not love the characters at that age however. Pooh, Tigger & friends are also at the Crystal Palace breakfast. After eating the park was just about opening and you can easily walk on or have a short wait for the small children's rides. By 11:30am we had finished all of the rides and went back to our hotel for lunch & a nap. This plan seemed to work well for a 19 month old. Good luck!!