Disney tips for 2 yr old

[pawz4me]

Hi everyone! I'm new on the forum and am looking for any first-hand advice. We will be traveling to Orlando the week before Thanksgiving and staying at Shades of Green Disney Resort. This will be my second time at the park and at the resort but the first time we will be taking our 2 1/2 year old son. I've requested the customized maps that plot out the age-appropriate activities, but anyone out there who has their own recommendations based on their experience would be sooooo much appreciated! (we will be visiting Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom plus Sea World this trip) Also, should we pack shorts for Florida in November or long pants? The average temps sound nice but wondering what other people have experienced. One last question, does anyone know if a side-trip to the beach would be crazy for this time of year? Thanks for any help!!!! We can't wait!!!

 

[happymommy]

I think with a 2 and a half year old, I'd personally stick with just Disney.

I've stayed at SOG, and it is great! Since it won't be so hot, you can stroll over to the Poly to take the monorail from there (or the GF).

Definitely bring a full size stroller!

I think the weather can vary - I'd just check the forecast the week ahead of time. We've worn sweatshirts in early December.

My kids loved Epcot at that age also - personally I'd do that over Seaworld. You can take the monorail connection from the TTC there.

Also, we've never done the beach at the same time as a Disney trip - I'd just relax and enjoy SOG and Disney!

 

[mncherokee]

My DD was 2 1/2 when we traveled as well. Nice park choices! She loved AK. Just be aware it may take awhile to warm up to the characters (it took us about 4 days into the trip for her to get into the routine and by the end of the trip she was asking to go visit Mickey that day!)

Remember that you need to follow your son's cues... don't push things if he is getting hungry, tired etc. Take the appropriate breaks. It worked best for us when we went 1st thing in the morning and kept going until she was ready for her nap. Then we went back to our house for the day (we rented a house) and did activities there. Since you are onsite, you can take advantage of a break and then go back to the park later. My DSis always stays onsite and that is what she has done with her toddlers.

As for long pants... bring some just in case (or if you prefer a souvenir... just leave at home and buy him some while you are there).

Have fun!

 

[Simba726]

I've requested the customized maps that plot out the age-appropriate activities, but anyone out there who has their own recommendations based on their experience would be sooooo much appreciated!!!

Where did you get the map? I would love to get one for my family. My DS will be 3 and my DD 5

 

[LadyShea]

Where did you get the map? I would love to get one for my family. My DS will be 3 and my DD 5

You can get them at the Walt Disney World website. Go to "My Disney Vacation" then customized maps

They're beautiful keepsakes as well as handy

 

[happymommy]

Oh yes, I agree with taking the cue from your child!

That is what is so nice about Disney, you can just stroll around and enjoy the little things. You may find the child may want to really spend a lot of time somewhere, and we found it better to go with the flow when our kids were little.

I personally don't like to drive on vacation (one thing I love about Disney!) so that is also why I'd stick with just staying at Disney. The transportation is usually so painless, and then you can relax.

My kids would sometimes conk out in the stroller, so DH and I would just find some quieter spot and relax. One afternoon we did that at DAK, had a couple of beers at the Bawa Bar, while the kiddos slept in the stroller. It was so relaxing! Nice to know we weren't getting behind the wheel then.

Also I agree about the characters. DS loved them, hugging Pooh and Tigger, DD took some time and kept her distance, so don't push it. We never did start the whole autograph book thing (I never told my kids about them when they were young) so they just saw the occasional character. I am sometimes impatient (okay much of the time) and I would have hated to wait in long lines to make sure we got as many autographs as possible! If there's a line, we just walk on by and wave...