Boneyard and Honey I Shrunk the Kids playgrounds

[KLRI]

On our upcoming trip, I am expecting that my 2.5 yr old DS will want to play in these playground areas if he spots them. I have read reviews of the attractions in the Unofficial Guide and am concerned about my ability to enter the attraction with him to supervise and play with him. I need to be able to see him and at home he is used to my DH and I playing with him at playgrounds, etc. Is it possible to accompany your child into these areas?

Also, is there any shade at the Boneyard? The Unofficial Guide description makes it sound as if there isn't any.

Thanks!

 

[crisi]

Don't do it!

Yes, you can follow your child around both areas - but they are both really made for the four to ten year old set - not toddlers. The tunnels at HISTK will make you crawl or crouch through them. There are lots of older kids (especially mid day when mom and dad decide to sit) who are not always as considerate of toddlers as a worried mom would like. And if you loose your child, they are very hard to find (particularly at HISTK).

Boneyard was a little easier with my 2 and 3 year old.

 

[deb305]

All of the playgrounds have a toddler area. Problem is keeping your toddler in that area. We took DD 4.5yrs and DS 12 months. DS did fine!. I stayed with him and we were able to naviagate all of the attractions that were on the ground. It's true that the older kids, being kids, came dangerously close to knocking him down a few times, but most of the time the kids were considerate of the little ones. Boneyard was the easiest to manage, the HISTK playground at MGM was more difficult, but we were able to find a few quite corners.

 

[kiddoc]

We did the Boneyard with an almost 3 year old without problems. Of course, she wasn't interested in a lot of climbing--she found a "waterfall" -- really just a large drizzle -- and played in that the whole time. She listed it as her favorite part of her trip! We did find shady areas to sit and watch her there.

 

[BevS97]

I would avoid the HISTK playground, I wasn't comfortable with my 4 year old in there. You can easily avoid it because there is an obvious entrance, and the actual playground is pretty well hidden until you walk up the path so your child shouldn't spot it.

It doesn't really look like a typical playground either, and it's pretty hard to follow a child through it, or watch them while they play.

There is a nice playground at MK near Donalds Boat, which is much more toddler friendly, we missed the Boneyard so I can't really comment on that one

Bev

 

[crisi]

In addition to the tot playground at Donald's boat (great for the diaper set, and no one bigger than 40" or something is allowed in - well except parents), my kids (especially my little pirate) really enjoyed playing on the boat at Norway.

Someplace I heard HISTKs referred to as "Honey, I Lost the Kids." Though it probably does depend on your children. There is only one entrance/exit, so parents sit there to keep the kids corralled.

(We loved listening to the intercom in there. "Timmy Smith should meet his parents by the entrance." Every ten minutes for half an hour.)

 

[K and K's Mommy]

We did both playgrounds, and HISTK was much more crowded and hot! That said, I took my DD to the toddler area, which I believe is to the left, and there was no one there but us! My lucky DH followed my four year old around the crazy areas. I would gladly never go in there again, but I am sure I will because my son loved it.

IMO, the Boneyard was very pleasant. The best part is where they dig. The adults can take a little break while they dig away.

 

[Sandi]

I lose my DD in the HISTK playground all the time. She's 8 now, so it's not a big deal anymore. I try to avoid that place because it makes me nervous. She always seeks it out. The other posters are right -- the playground is not easy to find and you won't just stumble on it. It's pretty cool from a visual standpoint.

The Boneyard is great. Your little guy will especially like the dig site; it's a giant sandbox with the best "sand" ever. It doesn't stick to you and it's easy to rub off. There are nice places to sit and a water fountain near by.

Have fun.

 

[jodifla]

We take our toddler to the HISTK area every time we go. He loves it. It is crowded, and can be hot, but so are most playgrounds in Florida. He stays pretty much in the toddler area because there's a lot to see and do there. We're normally there at least a half-hour.

 

[sters]

I don't recall having a huge problem at either one, but rememer the Boneyard being hot and the HISTK being covered.

 

[FFerret]

Alrightee--marking Honey I Lost the Kids off my things to do list Glad to hear the place isn't easily seen

thanks, ladies, for the heads-up!

 

[Pammy jo]

I thought both places were great for my DS last year. They were 5,4 and 1. Of course we don't go during ther busy time of year, but the playgrounds were so much fun. You really should give them both a try.