can't miss attractions for toddlers

[ZPT1022]

We will be taking our 22 month old daughter to WDW for a mini trip, just two days, May 5th and 6th. This also corresponds with my husbands birthday. We plan to buy a two day hopper pass, and we plan on spending one day mostly at MK and one day mostly at Epcot. Is it worth it to start one of those days at MGM to see the Playhouse Disney stage show? Kayleigh absolutely LOVES singing and dancing, but we've never seen the show and don't know if it is worth the trip. What are your "can't miss" attractions when traveling with the toddler set? Also, should we be planning to spend some time at AK and MGM? What would be the can't miss attractions for toddlers there?

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I would be curious about this also. This summer we are going with our DDs (4.5 and 22 months). The older DD is pretty much a scaredy cat who promises not to be afraid of Mickey, et al. this trip (absolutely terrified last year). Younger DD is as adventurous as older DD is afraid.

Any thoughts out there???

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Playhouse Disney is really cute and entertaining, it features Bear in the Big Blue House, Winne-the-Pooh and friends and Roly Poly Olie. My DD's who were 2 and 6 at the time loved it. Also, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid is really good, although it is dark in there, it's very entertaining. Fantasmic is also very good, but there are some scary parts, so you'll have to decide how your kid will react. The Millionaire Game is also really fun. Even your DD will be allowed to come in and play.
At MK all the rides in Fantasyland are good for toddlers, with the exception of Snow White, that ride can be scary for some kids. Also there's the Buzz Lightyear ride in Tomorrowland that your DD will love and the International Speedway.
As far as AK, the only ride she may enjoy would probably be the safari. We tend to only spend half a day there. I know other people on these boards manage to spend a whole day there and enjoy themselves, we just don't seem to get a whole day in there, probably because we have young kids. If they were older, we probably could spend the whole day there.
At Epcot there's Honey I Shrunk the Audience, but there are scary parts, so again you'll have to decide how your kid will react. There's Living Seas which features manatees, your DD will probably like that.
I would think you'll find the most to do at MK and MGM considering the age of your DD. Epcot and AK will probably only have a couple of things that would interest your DD, but then again, that is my perspective, other people might have a totally different opinion and if they do, hopefully they'll post it so you can get different points of view to make your decision on what to do.
Have a great trip

 

[2belles'mom]

MK--most of Fantasyland is great for toddlers and little ones (do avoid Snow White though); in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear is a must also. The Jungle Cruise and Aladdin's Magic Carpets were also big hits with my kids.

AK--The new Triceratop Spin (like Dumbo but with dinosaurs) was a big hit with my 3 year old. Both my DDs (3 and 6) have always liked Kilamanjaro Safaris. My older DD freaked out at It's Tough To Be a Bug, but finally made it through the whole show on our last trip. Both kids also love digging for dino bones in the boneyard and watching the Tarzan Rocks and Legend of the Lion King shows.

MGM--Playhouse Disney is great! Both DDs loved it on our last trip. Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the Great Movie Ride and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular were also enjoyed by them. And they LOVED Catastrophe Canyon!

EPCOT--Both little ones loved the Kidcot stations in World Showcase. Making the masks kept them occupied in every country we visisted. My older DD enjoyed Test Track. Other than that, there wasn't that much there for kids. Oh, I should mention that the Princess Storybook Breakfast at the castle in Norway was a HUGE HIT!

 

[mom o'2princesses]

Just back last week. I agree with the suggestions above. My 3yr old and 20 month old girls especially enjoyed It's a Small World, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Country Bear Jamboree, Dumbo, Magic Carpets, Cindy's Carousel, Goofy's Barnstormer (35" height requirement) and the Tea Cups. They didn't care for any of the dark rides (i.e. Peter Pan, Pooh, Pirates, etc) We wound up skipping Animal Kingdom for extra time a Magic Kingdom and have no regrets about that decision. At MGM, they enjoyed Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid and Muppetvision 3d. They also really enjoyed the character meals and the parades. The 20 month old was a little more apprehensive around the charcters than her older sister though. I want to go back! Have fun!

 

[IndyJammer]

My DD6Mon loved the Character Meals that we attended last year! Definitely try to get a PS for at least one meal!

At MK, it may be too late to get a PS for Cindy's Breakfast or the Crystal Palace, but there may be some openings.

At Epcot, we loved the Garden Grill - it's a rotating restaurant and they have Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale dressed as farmers who walk around to your table as you eat! My DD6Mon absolutely loved it! It's a smaller restaurant and the characters usually come by one at a time so little ones are usually not afraid.

 

[Ithastobe]

Went in Oct with 3 and 4 year old... only went to MK and MGM last time, this time taking on AK.

Favorite was Playhouse Disney at MK, and sadly they loved Minnie all dressed up at H&V for lunch, but that is no more. Rides.

MK - plenty to do, all the rides (teacups, merry-go-round), and Minnies house they loved (Toon-Town). Small world. They were kind of scared in Tiki Room cuz one point is loud with thunder and lightning.

This year we're going to do AK as well.. And this time spending some unplanned time by the pool and maybe taking our otherwise land locked kids to a drive to the ocean.

Because they are little, we do two character meals. Got Cinderellas and this year Breakfastaurus. Miss H&V, oh well...

 

[deb305]

We have totally different opinions. Based on our trip when DD was 3, and Jan's trip with DS 1yr, AK was probably their favorite. Rafki's Watch with the petting zoo was a big hit, the boneyard playground held 1yr old captive (couldn't get him out of there), the Lion King show took their breath away (lots of great music, dancing and acrobatics). Our kids really like street acts, so all the musical acts at AK stopped them dead in their tracks. Our kids are not good at waiting in line (neither is their dad!) so the immediate gratification at AK thrilled them the most. Along the same vein, at Epcot the living statutes were a big hit, as well as all of the kidcot stations. They loved the pavillions with hands on opportunity. We had to pass on them this year because you can't take strollers in and the 1 year old kept running for freedom. MK is great, but for the toddler is can be a bit overwhelming. Make sure you catch the show in front of the castle, Belle's story time, and Merlin's show.
MGM has a great play ground(Honey I Shrunk the kids), sitting close to the front for Indiana Jones is great for the brave toddlers. Beauty and the Beast is great for toddlers that know the story, Playhouse Disney is amazing-toddlers and Preschoolers truly rule in this show.
Only you know your child, do they prefer rides or hands on activities, do they like lots of noise/activity or do they do better in quiet environment.
We noticed as DD ages (now 5) she seems to prefer rides over hands on, but remains loyal to shows.

 

[MrsMud]

I would say Playhouse Disney is not to be missed! It was a highlight of our trip for all of us, not just the kids (Dd-5, Dd-3, DH, DMIL, and myself). It was just so much fun to see the little ones dancing, trying to catch the bubbles and just plain enthralled with the characters and music. Also if your child is leary of being too close to the characters this is a good compromise as they are on stage, and you can sit close to the stage or further away. I didn't see ANY children who looked frightened. Other things they loved at MGM: Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Muppetvision, and we saw more characters here than at any other park. Also if you and your husband take advantage of the "baby swap", there are Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster (two not to be missed rides for the grownups). I would try to hit MGM at any cost. BUT...

We plan to buy a two day hopper pass,

I have never heard of such a thing. Are you sure you can get this? If you wind up with 2 one-day/one-park passes, I would do MGM and MK (all of Fantasyland w/ exception of Snow White are must-dos for this age), and leave Epcot and AK for another time. Of course, JMHO

 

[princess lovers mom]

I vote MK and MGM if your focus is on the toddler...the parades, shows, characters are the best here. If you are hoping to see Epcot for yourself I would bring things to entertain your child in her stroller as ours have never had much patience with that park for very long...with exception of the TOD parade (which of course is no longer) and Illuminations.

I wouldn't try to do more than 2 parks in 2 days with a little one. Take your time, you will need to rest alot...eat, potty breaks etc. There is no such thing as commando touring with a toddler

 

[ZPT1022]

I have never heard of such a thing. Are you sure you can get this?

We have an order form for special wedding tickets from a friend and fortunately for us we can get a two day hopper through that. If we have problems when we get down there buying it we will just go for the 2 day 2 park ticket. Thank you all so much for the opinions, while we have been many times, this will be Kayleigh's first trip. It is just a brief stopover before visiting my grandparents on the gulf coast. Also it will help us to gauge whether or not it is worth it to bring her for a week in the fall. I am happy to hear so many positive experiences that you've all had with kids at WDW, it is a little disheartening all the people who don't understand why you'd bring a toddler. Thanks again

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I think that with two days and a toddler, I would just stick to the two parks you want most to attend, MK and Epcot. My game plan would be to hit MK in the AM on both days and then take a break. If you are staying on site, go back to your room. If you are off site and going back is not easy, Plan a sit down meal, perhaps a character meal, each day. After your break, head to Epcot and finish each day there. Epcot is bigger and the aftenoon crowds will not be as bad as MK. Your toddler is aslo more likey to nap in the stroller and give you some adult time. At Epcot she will enjoy the spaceship earth ride, the energy ride, living with the land boat ride as well as both boat rides in the WS. She will love the living sea, the fountains and the light up sidewalks.
Garden Grill is a good choice for a character meal at Epcot. Someone mentioned CP and Cindy's at MK. Another choice might be to go over to the Contempoary and have lunch at Chief Mickey's. Just don't try to do it all. Even with limited time ,stay relaxed and just do as much as you can.

Jordan's mom

 

[tjkraz]

As an adult, I really enjoy everything that Epcot has to offer. But as a parent who visited when our son was 18 and 22mos old, I would have to choose MGM over Epcot.

The Playhouse Disney and Little Mermaid shows are not to be missed. The Stars and Motor Cars parade was a big hit, too. DS loved Tapestry of Dreams at Epcot, but it's gone now.

Our son also enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast show, Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and even Muppetvision 3D (even though he wouldn't keep the glasses on).

If you're planning on a really full day, don't forget Fantasmic!