Calling for preschooler advice!

[molly2004]

Hi, there all parents of preschoolers! I'm planning a trip for Feb 2007. I can't book anything yet. The anticipation is driving me insane! I have to plan something or I'll really lose it!!

So I have a question for you veterans. I'm planning a trip for our boys' 3rd birthday (we'll be at WDW a month early to avoid crowds). The boys are almost 2 now so I have some time to think about what type of activities to plan for them. Since I have limited experience with newly-turned 3 year olds, I don't know if I'm over/underestimating their tolerance for certain activities. I hope you can help.

I'm thinking about whether they can get enough out of the following activities to make it worth doing, or if I should wait.

Hoop de Doo
Fantasmic
Sit down meals (should I do lunch at that age to avoid having overly tired preschoolers at dinner-time)
Character breakfast (thinking about the Pooh-themed one)
Water slides at the Stormalong Bay (if we are able to get a room at BCV)
Goofy's Barnstormer
Kali River Rapids

Have I left anything worthwhile off my list?

Thanks for your help!

 

[rileyroosmom]

When we went with our 3 year old daughter, we did-
Fantasmic - she liked it, be prepared that it is loud and scary for some part, we just talked her through it.

We ate at sit down dinners (only 1 or 2) she was fine. Just made ADRs close to our regualar dinner time.
We ate at Chef Mickey's for breakfast. She was very afraid of the characters and wouldn't go near them. The characters were great and would stand at a distance and wave, never forced themselves on her. Our server even gave her a 5x7 picture of all the characters for free!!
She went on Kali and surprised me by loving it!!
She did Goofy's barnstormer, wasn't quite sure if she liked it!

My advice is to get the planning video (free from WDW) so they can get an idea of what the place is like. We also bought a sing a long tape with the characters to get her used to them (guess it didn't really help!)
At this age it is hard to say what a child will like. Start off slow, Dumbo the carosel, Winnie the Pooh, see how it goes. Remeber, most rides are inside and it can be dark and the noise level is very loud. I also gave her a small pen light to hold it she got scared.
Don't force them to do to much. When we went for the first time with my son who was almost 4 (he's now 12), I made the mistake of putting him on everything! I admit, I was selfish and wanted to see and do all. I so traumatized him, he was 11 before he would ride Space Mountain again. Still won't do RNRC. Just take it slow and have fun

 

[molly2004]

Bumping...

Thanks for your input Rilyroosmom!

 

[3littleHalls]

Ummm....Buzz Lightyear!!! That is my 3yr olds favorite ride and Splash Mountain is second. The Kilomanjaro Safari is fun too. The other stuff is very do-able just make sure they are a bit prepared. The planning video is good, also looking at picture albums(online or someone you know of characters and their trips) and the Travel Chanel has great programs to watch over and over. When it gets a few months away we make a countdown paper chain. Plan on taking a stroller or renting one. And ride the ride a couple of times if there is no line. We can usally ride Buzz Lightyear two consecutive times then get a fast pass for later. Have a magical trip!!!

 

[3littleHalls]

one more thing...make sure you think they can sit through the show(HDR) before you book. If Disney on Ice comes to town...these are good shows and usually have lots of the characters...usually a good test that they won't be scared of characters.

 

[DisneyPhD]

It really depends on your kid. The thing is there is so much to do there, you don't have to do a lot of extra stuff. I would skip Hoop de Doo, but then again we always do seem to skip it. Unless you want to do it or it is something that is really up your kids alley.

We love SAB, just love it. Great place for kids. However when my DD was 3 the slides were too big for her (she is a bit wimpy when it comes to water slides.) She loved the little ones at blizard beach. This past trip (she was over 4 1/2 years old) she loved the little slide at SSR. (I think there is a smaller one at SAB near the big one, but then it was too big for DD also.) However the rest of SAB is so great for young kids. The best pool on property for sure.

DD just road Goofy for the 1st time May 2005, she was 4 years old, she didn't want to when she was 3, I think she might of even been too small then also. She road BTM this last trip and loved it. (40 inches)

Since my DD is a water wimp (being splashed and dumped on), Kali river would be no no (and is, I haven't road it since it opened and got wet to the bone.) If you son loves that kind of thing........... What about Splash montain, how tall will he be?

MGM, play house Disney and Honey I strunk the kids play set. Light motors action is pretty cool too. My DD likes it, and a 3 year old boy would think it is even more cool. Maybe Indiana Jones, is it still open?

So much at Epcot, Sorin is great. (for that age if they are tall enough, 40 inches I think). THere is also a ton of fun stuff all over Epcot, don't under estimate it. Fun for both adults and kids (as is all WDW.)

AK has a lot too, beware the Dinosaur ride (not trisaratops spin) is really scary. Even if he is tall enough ride it 1st (40 inches) to be sure it would be ok for you son. I would scare the pants off my kid. Heck it scared my 12 year old niece. Very loud noises and things jumping out at you. Dino dig area is good, always the safari ride, Lion King show, DD likes Pochohannas, but it is rather tame.

Ok I just read he will just be turning 3, so he is really an old 2 year old. Not sure if everything I listed would be appropraite. Still there is tons of fun still, most don't have height limits (everything in FL). WDW is still great with a child that age. My kids have gone at 9 months old, 23 months old 2 more times when she was 2 years old and then 3 times when she was 3 year old, a few when she was 4, the list goes one. (a total of 7 or 8 times for my oldest, so far my youngest if 18 months old and has been 3 times so far.)

 

[belle&beast]

Hoop de Doo
Fantasmic
Sit down meals (should I do lunch at that age to avoid having overly tired preschoolers at dinner-time)
Character breakfast (thinking about the Pooh-themed one)
Water slides at the Stormalong Bay (if we are able to get a room at BCV)
Goofy's Barnstormer
Kali River Rapids

Have I left anything worthwhile off my list?

Thanks for your help!

We just got back on Jan. 21st and were traveling with DS2 and DD4. We did not see Hoop de Doo, but it is on our list for next time. My DD LOVED Fantasmic. We had the dining plan so we had sit down meals daily and it was a lifesaver. We didn't go back to the hotel for a break, so mealtime was a necessity for us. (My kids aren't good nappers anymore!) We had the best luck having an early dinner- like 5:00- because when we planned lunches we were so busy looking at our watches it was tough to relax. We also really enjoyed the CP breakfast with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger and 1900 Park Fare with Mary Poppins and Friends (Alice, Mad Hatter, Pooh and Tigger). My DD didn't like the barnstormer and it was chilly for the rapids or water slides. Don't forget to save lots of time for Fantasy Land and Toon Town- almost everything is geared toward young kids! At MGM we loved Playhouse Disney and character interactions outside their trailers. At Epcot Turtle Talk with Crush (in the Living Seas) was a favorite for all of us! And DD and I had a wonderful time on Soarin. We had a great trip and I hope you will too!!!!

 

[ImaDizneyNut]

we took my son when he was 1 1/2, 3 1/2 , 3 3/4 and 4 1/2

when we went in 2002 he was 1 1/2 we did the Mickey's BBQ. He loved it. I think this is better for the little guys and girls because it involves characters they know.

we did Hoop de Doo in Sept 2005 and he loved that as well he didn't catch the jokes but laughed at the silly things.

Fantasmic......he loves this too. I suggest you bring a toy or something during the wait because it can be long......

Sit down meals (should I do lunch at that age to avoid having overly tired preschoolers at dinner-time)..... you might not think your child(ren) will nap because at home they might not but at disney they will. So they might be rested for dinner. We never do character lunch we grab a quick bite. So I can't help you here

Character breakfast (thinking about the Pooh-themed one) MY SON LOVES these at all ages we went )

Goofy's Barnstormer, Kali River Rapids when he was tall enough for these rides we kept going back on lol. He also was big enough to go on Splash mountain at 3 3/4 (april 2005) and this is his favorite ride


I hope i helped

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents....

We just returned from a Disney trip with our 3 year old this past December. And we had a blast! Your boys are going to have SO MUCH FUN!



Just remember to go at their pace. I really would reccomend 1/2 days at parks or a day inbtwn each park just so they can relax and goof off, swim or what not. We found those days great times to spend the day relaxing at the pool then do a dinner show and hop to one of the parks to watch fireworks. It made the vacation more of a "vacation" anyway...

DD was partial to Hoop Dee Doo, she spent most of the night coloring. She had seen so much Singing and Dancing at that point, it was kind of just blah for her. I think we all would have loved just as much to go back to our food court and had a quiet dinner chatting about the fun we had that day.

Fantasmic..was a little scary for her, and she is more like 3.5. At times I had to have her cover her eyes and we would sing songs quiety. But for some reason now that we are home thats all she talks about is mickey and his fireworks. ?? It is a great great show though.


Have a great time! Keep Planning!! Thats the fun part!!

 

[slduck]

We took our 3 yo twice this year. She did really well at early dinners. Chef Mickey's was a HUGE hit. She was also a big fan of Barnstormer , the Speedway, and Tea Cups. Save time for them to play on the playgrounds (nice break for mom and dad).

We spent alot of time preparing her by showing her sites on the computer and watching the planning video. The most amazing part was watching her reaction to all the characters. Have a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

 

[spectrum-turbo]

I am going to jump in here with a cost saving tip. Try to go right BEFORE they turn 0-3. Then you don't have to buy them park admission. You can still designate a day that is their b-day and get the pin, cupcake, etc. The boys won't know the difference (I speak from experience, we had to postpone Christmas by a few days when my son was 3yrs (and 2 months) old and he never new the difference.

Have a great trip

 

[AMaloy314]

You are going to have so much fun!

We took my sons when my (then) youngest turned 3. Remember to watch for the simple things. Playing with checkers outside the shooting arcade in Frontierland was big. Both boys loved dancing to the bands at EPCOT. Dumbo was, of course, a hit. We did a sit down meal almost every day. It got us off our feet and slowed us down which was a nice change. I'd say to absolutely do the sit down meals. There is nowhere else as forgiving as WDW with fidgety kids.

My best piece of advice....get the video tape Disney Sing-a-long Songs Fun in Disneyland. I ended up getting it on ebay. It is perfect to get the kids ready to go. It gives them an idea of what to expect in the way of character sizes, crowds, rides, etc....all set to great songs. When we first hit Main Street in MK, I about died when both boys started singing, "Step in Time".

If you have any specific questions, feel free to pm me.

BTW, we'll be there in Feb 07, too. And it's driving me crazy not to be able to plan much yet since it is so early!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I am going to jump in here with a cost saving tip. Try to go right BEFORE they turn 0-3. Then you don't have to buy them park admission. You can still designate a day that is their b-day and get the pin, cupcake, etc. The boys won't know the difference (I speak from experience, we had to postpone Christmas by a few days when my son was 3yrs (and 2 months) old and he never new the difference.

Have a great trip

Actually as long as your child is 2 when you start the trip, they are free for the rest of the trip (and all you can eat resturants also,)

Oh and the sing along songs, they are on DVD now too. (I found them at cost co.) Very cool, my kids still love them. There are 4 or 5 total, but the Beach party at WDW, Disneyland fun and AK one are the best 3. (There is a camping one (at FW) and a cicrcus one (not at WDW at all.)

 

[molly2004]

What fabulous tips! I knew I could count on you all! This trip will be all about the boys, and just a little about me . So we will definitely take everything at their pace. I'm such a planner that I thought it would be helpful to have a plan to go by (and the spontaneous side of me wants to have a plan to break from!).

So thanks for the tip on taking the kids before they turn 3. That was the plan. The savings are definitely not lost on me. Also the Sing a long DVD/video is a definite must now! A little mild brainwashing...oh, I mean preparation...can't hurt! And I didn't know that 1900 Park also had Pooh and Tigger. I thought it was just Crystal Palace. Are there any others I should know about? Do they walk around the parks?

As for my other plans, I'll probably opt to stay at BWV rather than BCV now, considering that the weather will probably be too cold and the kids may still be too young for Stormalong. I'll also drop Kali, unless it's really warm out. I'll also postpone Hoop dee Doo for another trip. For meals, I figure we'll get a breakfast snack into them first thing or on the way to the park. And have a big breakfast at the park, have a late lunch/dinner and snack in between. Since we'll be on the dining plan, we'll probably be able to take better advantage of TS dining times as well. Everything else (Fantasmic and rides), I'll play by ear.

Thanks again for all of your advice!

 

[DisneyPhD]

As for my other plans, I'll probably opt to stay at BWV rather than BCV now, considering that the weather will probably be too cold and the kids may still be too young for Stormalong. I'll also drop Kali, unless it's really warm out. I'll also postpone Hoop dee Doo for another trip. For meals, I figure we'll get a breakfast snack into them first thing or on the way to the park. And have a big breakfast at the park, have a late lunch/dinner and snack in between. Since we'll be on the dining plan, we'll probably be able to take better advantage of TS dining times as well. Everything else (Fantasmic and rides), I'll play by ear.

Thanks again for all of your advice!

I know I said my DD wasn't ready for the slide at SAB, but really you are never to young to appreicate the pool there. It is 3 differnt pools, one is large sand bottom one that is I think around 18 inchs deep at the deepest, and zero entry with sand at one end. Oh my Goodness, my DD had fun playing in there, loads and loads of fun. Even on days that weren't really hot, the pool was nice and warm (and not too busy in the non summmer months, I hear it can get rather crazy in really hot times.)

Not that BCV isn't nice. Oh and that mini slide at SSR was much appreicated, and less points. Still for me BCV is my 1st choice resort too. I love being able to walk to Epcot, and boat to MGM. Great location.

We love CP, eat there every time. We like lunch.

 

[molly2004]

I know I said my DD wasn't ready for the slide at SAB, but really you are never to young to appreicate the pool there. It is 3 differnt pools, one is large sand bottom one that is I think around 18 inchs deep at the deepest, and zero entry with sand at one end. Oh my Goodness, my DD had fun playing in there, loads and loads of fun. Even on days that weren't really hot, the pool was nice and warm (and not too busy in the non summmer months, I hear it can get rather crazy in really hot times.)

Not that BCV isn't nice. Oh and that mini slide at SSR was much appreicated, and less points. Still for me BCV is my 1st choice resort too. I love being able to walk to Epcot, and boat to MGM. Great location.

We love CP, eat there every time. We like lunch.

Thanks, DisneyPhD. We are planning on booking a standard studio and it appears to me that BWV requires fewer points. Given that, I figure that if the boys only might be ready for the slides, I'd rather save the $$ now and stay there when they can really enjoy it. There's plenty of time for that. I'd rather not freak them out now and turn them against water slides for life!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks, DisneyPhD. We are planning on booking a standard studio and it appears to me that BWV requires fewer points. Given that, I figure that if the boys only might be ready for the slides, I'd rather save the $$ now and stay there when they can really enjoy it. There's plenty of time for that. I'd rather not freak them out now and turn them against water slides for life!

Well I guess the point I was trying to make is the slides are hardly the main attraction at SAB. When my DD was 23 months old she played in the sand bottom area for hours. (and hours and hours) The sides enterance is actually a rather long walk away from the rest of the pool (across the kind of boardwalk area,) and we never even go over there for the most part.

If it is good weather you might want to consider Blizard beach (if you arent at a place with a great pool, but then again most WDW pools are great.) Anyway BB has an area called Tykes Peak and it has a ton of small water slides (some parents can hold the child on their lap) and other places just great for tolder's and preschooler. My DD loved it.

Do you own at BW? are you renting points? The thing is because the standard view studio's are such a good deal I have heard that it is very difficult to get them if you don't own there and book 11 months out. Everytime I have called and asked about them, there has never been avilablity. We have gotten in BCV twice, we own at VWL.

Anyway, just wanted to give you fair warning about the standard studio's at BWV. For the price I have always considered it, but have never been able to. However we are always more then happy at BCV, but really we are pretty happy at any DVC resort, (or even WDW resort.)

We have managed to fit in a studio with a family of 4 pretty well, the tightest thing is there isn't as much room to store your cothes and things like that. Infact one year we had 5 ok (DH, myself, DD 4 years old, niece 13 years old and baby 7 months old at BCV.) One bedrooms are nice, but my kids want to be in the same room with me on vaction anyway (strange places.)

However my DD is spoild. We stayed in a normal hotel room once and she wanted to know where the kicthen was!

 

[molly2004]

Anyway, just wanted to give you fair warning about the standard studio's at BWV. For the price I have always considered it, but have never been able to. However we are always more then happy at BCV, but really we are pretty happy at any DVC resort, (or even WDW resort.)

We have managed to fit in a studio with a family of 4 pretty well, the tightest thing is there isn't as much room to store your cothes and things like that.

Wow! Thanks for the warning. I'll be renting points so I'll check in about that in March. (We're planning a Feb 2007 trip). Maybe I'll start inquiring now. Hmmm...

As for room in the studio for clothes and such, I'm not all that worried. DH never puts his clothes away anyway.

As for Stormalong, it would definitely be preferred. I guess if I can't get a standard studio at BVW, I'll opt for BCV. I was just concerned about spending the extra $$ if the kiddos only get as much out of it as another pool.

Again, thanks for all your input!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Wow! Thanks for the warning. I'll be renting points so I'll check in about that in March. (We're planning a Feb 2007 trip). Maybe I'll start inquiring now. Hmmm...

As for room in the studio for clothes and such, I'm not all that worried. DH never puts his clothes away anyway.

As for Stormalong, it would definitely be preferred. I guess if I can't get a standard studio at BVW, I'll opt for BCV. I was just concerned about spending the extra $$ if the kiddos only get as much out of it as another pool.

Again, thanks for all your input!!

You should be fine in a studio then. The thing we miss from studios to one bedrooms is the DVD player and washer and dryer. The washer and dryers at DVC places are free, don't put money in them (at BCV I think they are on the 4th floor,) Last trip we brought our own portable DVD player and that helped so much! DVC members can "rent" DVD's for free from the store, I think you can too renting points.

Still, I don't think SAB is "just the same as any other pool." it really is an specail place. Bring sand toys. It is just too much fun. The weather in Feb can be hit or miss, but it can be warm enough to swim. (or pretty darn chilly as it was a few weeks ago in Jan at SSR, but it warmed up pretty well for a few days of the trip.)

You can always wait list, but the points will be different so that might be difficult. BCV and VWL have the same number of points per night.

 

[molly2004]

Still, I don't think SAB is "just the same as any other pool." QUOTE]

I realize that SAB is not like other pools. Believe me, being the giant kid that I am, I am dying to go there. But since this trip will be all about the kids, I figured that even the potential that they will regard it as any other pool will kind of spoil the magic. Did I mention that they've never been to a pool before? I'd be spoiling it for pools everywhere else! I'm not considering BB or TL because I don't think the kids will be ready for those larger parks yet. That's why I was thinking SAB.