DHS with a toddler? Entertainment options?

[chimoe]

Going from one Baby Swap situation to another is not really our idea of fun.

are you kidding me? Baby swap is the best. Several people in your party can ride multiple times without the waits. We are actually a bit bummed not having the perk of child swap anymore.

Anyways. Depending on the kids hight there are still several attractions he could ride.

Alien swirling saucer
Toy story mania
Mixkys runaway railroad.
If he is over 38’ tall you can go on a few more rides like slinky dog and MFSR

 

[Lisa P.]

Of course, it's great for others to be able to ride headliners twice. Certainly the adults are interested in a couple of those. Our main question now is, do we have to expect that Baby Swap is going to be a big part of our day at DHS? Seems like so much of what we expected to enjoy at Disney parks with grandkids is currently closed... the shows, character meets, parades, and fireworks. Little Guy is barely 31" so there doesn't seem to be that much for us to all do together. Especially when you consider value for admission price.

When we visit Disney, we are really most interested in shared experiences as a family, together with our littlest ones, all ages. Really, for us, that's a primary reason that we would choose a Disney park vs. other theme and amusement parks. Since this visit to DHS with Little Guy is the first that we're making with any of our 7 grandkids (all between ages 3 months and 4 years), how it goes will influence our decisions about several near-future visits as well.

We've enjoyed resort vacations, zoos, aquariums, beaches, children's museums, etc., with our various grandkids. While they may be too young to remember later, we've loved seeing each of them experience new things. But a Disney trip is $$$, more than other competing theme parks. If enjoying a day there with our grandkid(s) means a fair amount of time in Baby Swap waiting areas..., not worth the higher cost, IMO.

Has the Baby Swap process changed, in light of the loss of so much kid-friendly entertainment? Is it any better than waiting around on a bench in a waiting area near rider exits, with nothing for littler kids to do?

 

[Kdeutsch]

Ok..... honest opinion if live entertainment resumes it is fantastic for toddlers but if not I personally would not go. AND depends on your Grandchild’s interest....do they like Disney jr characters? What about magic kingdom.....can’t go wrong with that park for toddlers?

 

[Lisa P.]

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks. DS/DIL took Little Guy to MK last year when it was decked out for Christmastime and they plan to go back next month when MK is decorated for Autumn/Halloween. For our Nov. visit, DH & DS both want to see DHS. Now that Disney has announced Christmas decorations will be up in their parks & resorts Nov. 6 - Dec. 30, I'm curious how much holiday decor we'll see at DHS too.

Re: Little Guy's interests, TV generally doesn't appeal much to him unless it's an animated movie scene with music... then he either stares mesmerized or dances. Song over, he goes back to playing. Particular characters don't seem to have an edge so far. I really wish he could see the Frozen SingAlong, Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast shows. <sigh> But I'm sure he'd love the Disney Jr. Dance Party!

 

[Leahc117]

Don’t forget that sometimes it’s the simple things the little ones love- my son wasn’t interested in the cars show and just happened to be asleep for the festival fantasy parade. However wandering around toy story land and seeing the green army men or woody - From a distance was super fun for him!! Just like my daughters who enjoyed the $75 makeovers at bippidy boppity (That I thought would be the most amazing most important thing of our trip) but LOVED the little playground at EPCOT. Sometimes I put a lot of emphasis on certain experiences and am surprised when it’s something different that really excites them!! Rider swap can be boring but for a 2 year old that likely doesn’t feel sad at all to miss rise of the resistance-taking a walk over to one of the space ships for a photo or grabbing a snack is a great alternative. I have photos of me and my 2 year old happily waiting for the rest of our group!! During our wait at soarin he rode living with the land twice and enjoyed the boat! I worried about including him in everything but he will get to experience those attractions someday. I didn’t feel like he was left out or that our family time was lessened- I feel that I have some memories alone with him that I get to cherish- and memories of all of us together. Sorry for the ramble!!

 

[Lisa P.]

Love this, Leah! Thanks!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Love this, Leah! Thanks!

plan some one on one time. maybe a snack or special picture of the 2 of you. for a young one it is what you make of the time not what is being missed

 

[Jeterdog2004]

We've got park reservations for DHS in November for 4 adults and our nearly-2-year-old grandson. None of us have had a chance yet to do anything in the Toy Story area nor in the Star Wars area nor ride the new MMRR attraction. So given the reduced crowds and no FP+ hassles, DHS is really appealing to us adults. BUT, how much is there, really, to entertain our little grandbaby? Going from one Baby Swap situation to another is not really our idea of fun. Too bad we can't park hop. Any suggestions?

I read this news article last month indicating that we may see some movement soon toward resuming live entertainment, halted in part due to labor disputes. Anyone have more info on this?

Should we opt for a different park? Thoughts & ideas welcome! TIA!

this was my happy experience with my toddler in HS a couple weeks ago, after previously not being on the HS bandwagon at all. Hope this helps. He ended up loving it and we have several HS days planned for December. I wish they would bring back park hopping since all of these parksfeel like half day parks with a Toddler though

http://jilteddisneybride.com/2020/0...emption-of-hollywood-studios-and-travel-home/

 

[Lisa P.]

Agree with that, Betty.
Thanks for the fun trip report, Jeterdog.

 

[DisneyMom0604]

Indoors

I still can't find the schedule for the Disney Jr. show. Was it at set times? Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place.

 

[yulilin3]

I still can't find the schedule for the Disney Jr. show. Was it at set times? Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place.

It's under entertainment

 

[Storminion]

All attractions offer rider swap

Is this still true? Going to WDW next month with an infant and the web page does not seem to have very accurate information on Rider Swap.

 

[Lisa P.]

The WDW website (here) lists the Rider Switch attractions. Apparently, you're allowed to bring babies (in a chest carrier?) and small children into or on to other attractions. But if an attraction is just not suitable for your child (ex., dark rides or too loud), I'd simply ask a CM at the entrance how to handle it. It would surprise me if they didn't accommodate in some way, similar to Rider Switch, maybe where you wait nearby.