Anyone done MK with a 2 1/2 yr old???

[littlemiracle]

I need any advice you can offer. We are leaving in 2 weeks to the MK for the first time with our 2 yr old. we've been their many times before but it's our first time with our son, so i've no idea what to expect. are there alot of rides a child that age can get on or not? in how long do you think we can see the park, i mean not the whole park, but what's most relevant to his age? also what parts do you recommend are best for a 2 yr old? like fantasyland, etc.? thanks for any tips, because we so desperately need it. lol.

 

[Space Command]

I need any advice you can offer. We are leaving in 2 weeks to the MK for the first time with our 2 yr old. we've been their many times before but it's our first time with our son, so i've no idea what to expect. are there alot of rides a child that age can get on or not? in how long do you think we can see the park, i mean not the whole park, but what's most relevant to his age? also what parts do you recommend are best for a 2 yr old? like fantasyland, etc.? thanks for any tips, because we so desperately need it. lol.

I was with my 2 yr old nephew last year. His favorite part of teh MK was Mickey's toontown and meeting the characters. We didn't do too many rides. The rides/things he loved in WDW were the safari at AK and Playhouse disney at MGM...that place was amazing for the kids. Its like a rock concert for 2-6 yr olds. Plus MGM has lots of the characters from the newer disney movies.

 

[TammyC]

At that age, our DS enjoyed the following at MK: Dumbo, Pooh, Carrousel, Teacups, Indy Speedway, Barnstormer, Small World, TTA, and his favorite = the train. We also did Jungle Cruise, POTC and Tiki Birds (warning though, it includes a thunderstorm which may be a problem for some toddlers). He also liked the parades.

You might want to make a list of things you think he would enjoy, but don't expect to follow an itinerary. Sometimes kids see things that they want to do even though you wouldn't expect it - in our case it was watching an acrobat show at AK!

Tammy

 

[100AcreWood]

I agree with all the advice. We took our dd at 2 1/2 and received a lot of criticism from people who thought we were "wasting our money." Ha! She had a great time. She loved seeing the characters. (We did play almost every Disney movie we owned in the two weeks before to remind her who everyone was). And she really LOVED the parades! Her favorite rides were Dumbo, Tea Cups, and the Carousel of course. But she also rode Pirates of the Carribean and we caught her singing Yo Ho Yo Ho two weeks later.

Have fun!

 

[KTSMOM]

We took our DD 2 1/2 yrs ago and she had a blast! Her favorite park was MK and she loved almost all of it. You will be surprised by how many rides they can ride at that age. AK and MGM were hits as well. We didn't take her to Epcot except at night to watch the fireworks.
Have fun..don't forget to just take a stroller and lots of naps!

 

[Huntava]

I am so glad to see this question. DH & I are taking our twin 2-3/4 yr olds on our first DW trip. I will be taking notes off of the responses to this for our trip in several months.

 

[pennst8r]

We took our DSs when they were toddlers and had a wonderful time! They LOVED everything--who doesn't? I wanted them to see it all while they still believed in everything. Yes, we had the same "you're wasting money--they won't remember it" comments. Do they remember it today? Not really, but they had a great time while they were there! And the memories I have of them there are priceless! We rented strollers, and they napped in them or we'd take them back to let one nap and take the other into the pool. You'll be surprised how many things they can do there!

By biggest hurdle was once while we were still potty training. It's more challanging to be in line and hear--I have to go!

 

[Jen D]

Taking a 2.5 year old to MK is one of the greatest WDW bargains there is! They are completely into it, there is more stuff than they could possibly hope to do, and they are free.

There are more rides than not he can ride, although there are a few that might want to be avoided for fright factor, like Pirates or Haunted Mansion (although my 2.75 month old loved HM and rode it over and over, go figure.) At this age they really like any live display with characters, so in addition to parades, remember the Cinderella show in front of the castle, the Beauty and the Beast thing (I think thhey still have that) the Sword and the Stone thing, etc. Enjoy incidental entertainments like the piano player at Casey's.

Obviously at this age Fantasyland will be the star destination but don't miss visiting any of the lands, there's plenty to do and see in all of them.

 

[liamandcaili]

There are plenty of rides for 2.5 year-olds, especially in the MK. Pooh, the Carousel, It's A Small World, Peter Pan, the Teacups and Jungle Cruise are all great for kids that age. The People Mover in Tomorrowland is nice for a relaxing break, as is the train. Depending on your child, Pirates of the Caribbean is good, but it is dark at the beginning. Also, don't miss Mickey's Philharmagic. My daughter was 3 her first time, and this was by far her favorite thing in any of the parks. If your child is familiar with the more recent movies like Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, this is a must. It is really funny and not scary. You'll love watching your child try to grasp the 3D objects. Plus, it has Fast Pass.

That's another thing when traveling with your toddler...pick the amount of time you think your child can wait (if anything like my children at that age, not very long!), and skip any rides with longer wait-times. My children have never been on Dumbo for this reason. Pooh, Peter Pan, and Jungle Cruise all have Fast Pass.

Mickey's Toontown has a nice play area for toddlers...no bigger kids allowed. It's a good place for them to run around, climb on pint-sized slides and take a break from the crowds and lines.

As far as time is concerned, it really depends on how crowded the park is when you are there. In April, the first day we went to MK, we were able to go on all the rides we wanted to go on by 2 PM (arrived at 9). This included lunch. The second day, the park was so crowded we ended up leaving because we couldn't get on any rides without waiting at least 45 minutes...far exceeding my children's patience level. I would plan at least one full day for MK.

Also, if your child likes meeting the characters, I would recommend going over to Epcot. All the major characters (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald) as well as some of the others do photo sessions at various times. You can ask where the characters will be and when. In my experience, it is far less crowded meeting the characters at Epcot than at MK. We waited 20 minutes for Mickey in MK, while my children were able to meet Minnie, Pluto and Goofy all in less than 10 minutes at Epcot.

Have fun!

 

[lisadam]

And he's been about 1 a year since then for a total of 4 visits.

My biggest lesson learned - every child is different - DS was TERRIFIED of the characters - and liked very few rides the first visit - but he loved going around and looking at everything - he loved going - just not in the way I imagined he would. DH and I had to get over our preconceived ideas of how the trip would be and just let our boy lead the way. I don't mean controlling the visit - because we are the parents after all - but if he'd rather go on Dumbo than Space Mountain - well then DH and I took turns riding grown up rides. I do think one day we were on It's a Small World 897 times - but it was wonderful to watch him through it all

We've done the same each trip - not pushing him and letting him have fun in his own way.

I know a lot of people who used either Small World or Dumbo or the Carousel as their childrens' first ride. Those are great - but even the buses between the parks and resorts and the ferries and the monorails and the trains are loved by a lot of children. Watching and playing in fountains... listening to stories and watching street performers - Use it all and have a great time

 

[littlemiracle]

Thank you everybody, for the great advice...keep it coming! lol. we can't wait!

 

[tricia]

I have 2 sons, DS1 has been to DW at 3, 5, and 6. DS2 at 18 months and 2 1/2. when DS2 came, we obviously had to keep both of them happy. As such DS2 did all of the rides that he was tall enough for. I had a mini flashlight for him for the darker rides and I could whisper to him if he was a little nervous. He loved everything, the rides, walking around, the shows, the fountains. I did not see the need to wait in line to meet characters and get autographs at this young age. We just got a character meal or 2 and he was happy with that.


DS2's 2 trips to DW were 11 months apart and he still remembered stuff from the first one just before we left for the 2nd one. Now, 18 months after the last one, all he remembers is that it is a lot of fun at DW and that there are rides there, the teacup one in particular.

 

[J and R's mom]

My daughter will be 2.5 yrs old when we go later this year (and we'll also have our then 12 month old there as well). I've been many times before but never really done anything for young kids. Heck, I didn't even know about some of these things mentioned on this thread.

We've already planned on letting them set the course of the trip but I plan on making a list of the rides, attractions, etc. that they might enjoy.

I'm just hoping that Turtle Talk with Crush is re-opened by the time we take our trip. Finding Nemo is our oldest's favorite.

 

[StephMK]

I think it definitely depends on the personality of your kid but we took my DS at 2.5 yrs & he had the best time of anyone (sis DD5 & DD11)! I know he might not remember it in a few years but to this day he'll tell us about how the camel spit in his face! on the Aladdin ride - fav of all my kids. He LOVED the Buzz ride but it was totally overwhelming for my sensory sensitive DD. They both hated Pirates & were terrified. It amazes me to see the posts of the little kids going on the big rides because all my kids are such chickens! Even DD10 wouldn't attempt any of the headliners. At least it saved us from waiting in some of the longest lines.

Anyway, I think it's such a great age to take them. That's partly why we're heading back unexpectedly a year later. Wanted to go one more time while the little ones still believe the magic & the oldest isn't too cool to enjoy the "little kid" type rides.

Have a great time!!!!

 

[Colinsmom]

I just skimmed, but didn't see a mention of the Country Bear Jamboree! DS (2.25yo at our last trip) loved this!

 

[MissionMouse]

OK, here is the list provided within Disney's Preschool Magic Kingdom - A Parents Guide issued by Disney (see below). Kids at this age can respond to things differently.

You might want to show them the ride when you are there, show them a picture or video and ask them if they want to go on this one. If they say, No, then don't go on the ride. Kids at this age respond to the character differently.

Don't force them on a ride, just remember Disney offers a RIDER SWAP program (tell the CM) which lets a parent wait in line and ride the ride while the other parent waits with their child, the other waiting parent then can ride the ride upon the first parent returning with no waiting in line. Our 8 month and 2+old love all the character. The oldest did care for the 3-D effects...today there is no problem.

FANTASYLAND
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Cinderellabration
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
It's A Small WOrld
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Storytime with Bell

Liberty Square
Liberty Square Riverboat

Mainstreet
Share a Dream Come True Parade
Wlt Disney World Railroad

Mickey's Toontown Fair
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm
Donald's Boat
Mickey's Country House
Minnie's Country House
Judge's Tent
Toontown Hall of Fame Tent
Railroad

Tomorrwland
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranges Spin
Indy Speedway
Transit Authority

Frontierland
Country Bear Jamboree
Railroad

Adventureland
Jungle Crusie
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

 

[3disAddicts]

DS was 2.5 on his first trip to Disney. He absolutely loved the rides in Fantasyland at the MK, although we decided not to do Snow White. Figured it may be a bit too intense for him. Had a bad experience with my 3 year old nephew when we took him. We found that by entering MK when they first opened, and heading straight to Fantasyland or ToonTown was the best way to get in all the rides there, especially Dumbo. Do that ride first. Buzz lightyear is a must do with us as well. Bear in the Big Blue House at MGM was a winner too. However, even the 3D shows such as the Muppets scared him a little. The Little Mermaid was a little overwhelming for him as well. Too dark. Would definitely advise doing a character meal. LOVED watching his little face light up every time one of the characters came around to the table to visit.
Just remember to go at his speed, take a stroller, some of his favorite snacks, and don't forget the naps. We found it best to enter the parks early, eat lunch around 11:30, maybe stay another hour, then head back to rest during the hottest and most crowded part of the day. Nap, take a dip in the pool, then head back later in the afternoon after it starts to cool back down. Looks like you'll be there in September. It can get HOT!!!! Stay hydrated, can't stress this enough, and use sunblock. Don't worry if he doesn't remember. You will.

 

[Amyality]

Your 2-3 year olds will be happiest at MK. Tons to do for them. Last time we went my DS was 2-3/4 and big brother was 6. Both had a BLAST. Little guy was tense with characters but, I held him most of the time and he was cool with that. Get there EARLY and head strait for Buzz Lightyear then Pooh. Most people will reccomend hitting Dumbo because, it is popular with kids but, I personally think it is a waste of precous morning touring time and sooo county Fair, why not just ride it at the county fair? ANyway, head from Buzz to Pooh, then Philliharmagic. If your child is on the fearful side, Snow White can be scary. Toontown opens at 10 am, you may want to be waiting for that so manage your fast passes to get everything done in Fantasyland.

At Amimal Kingdom, skip Bugs Life, my kids were HYSTERICAL after this ride, I mean shaking and crying...hysterical. If your little one likes the charcters there are tons at Rafikis Conservation Station. This place is kind of a dud for aduts but, toddlers like it, there is a very small petting zoo and the talking trashcan is usually there. There is an excellent coffee cart to the left if you are facing MS.

At MGM, you MUST take your child to see Playhouse Disney, it is WONDERFUL!

At EPCOT, there is a fountain in front of Test Track and Mission space that kids LOVE to play in, you must bring a change of clothes or a bathing suit. This is an excellent place to do the parent swap for TT and MS.

Also, bring a light umbrulla stroller (I LOVE my Chicco Caddy), unless you like carrying a heavy, tired, cranky kid to the car or hotel or whatever. If you are staing at a disney resort don't bring a bulky stroller, it is torture just to be near a person with one of these things on the bus.

 

[tigertam]

We went 10 years ago when my older 4 were 7, 5, just 3 and 15 mths. I have the best memories of my 15 mth old! I'll never forget all the fun expressions she had on her face. The best was in Ariel's where she has the water spouts that spurt up, but you don't know when. I even got an awesome shot of her expression! We are leaving in 13 days!! The kids are now 17, 15 almost 12 and just turned 10. We also have two more additions a 2 3/4 and 16 mth old. I think everyone will have fun, but the priceless expressions I am expecting on the two youngest. They show everything in their expressions-everything is so new and exciting! So have fun! They wont remember, but you will and with todays technology you can capture it on film.(we finally have a camcorder! I bought my first digital camera and camcorder with the 6th child- I'd always wanted a camcorder sooner! oh-well I just have to tell the stories)