Disney with 22-month old?

[amhmom]

I've been to WDW several times with my husband, but this is the first time with our 22-month old son and my 9- and 10-year old step daughters. We are staying off-site at a condo and I will have our own car and stroller. We are sooooo excited and so are the girls! I have read a lot of the threads and it has been so helpful! I am just wondering if there are any particular things that almost-2-year olds like or don't like or any tips with toddlers that age? There are a lot of threads about 1 and 3-year olds. He is 19 months now, so only a few months until we go (just before Thanksgiving)! Thank you!!

 

[mommystieg]

Our youngest DD was 26 months old when we visited WDW for the first time. To help prepare her for the trip we bought several Disney Sing-a-long videos and she also enjoyed watching the vacation planning video. The only things we tried that she did not enjoy were:
-HISTA
-UoE
Lots of the attractions are loud and that seemed to upset her more than anything else. A couple of character meals like Crystal Palace or Chef Mickey's would be a lot of fun. Be prepared to ride IASW and Dumbo several times

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I will tell you in a month!

My youngest DD is 21 months right now and will be 22 months on our trip. She may not be a good guage though; she seems to have no fear right now. Her sister (4.5 years) is the one who we are worried about! Our plan is to take it slow. DD4.5 has helped some with the planning, and so far the only ride DD4.5 wants to do that DD22 months won't be able to is Splash Mountain. Of course, DH and I have to curb our desire for thrill rides on this trip.

 

[Tink]

I have two DDs: one is 4, and has gone to WDW at 11months, 20 months, 2.5 years and 3.5 years. Our little one is currently 19 months, and her first trip was at 11 months. She will be 22 months on our next trip.

Both DD's know Mickey (it was one of bith of their first words...ahh, warms a mother's heart! ). I remember that when we took the older one at 20 months she loved it. She was still young enough that she wasn't afraid of anything (now you can't walk by Snow White or Haunted Mansion without her flipping) and she really enjoyed it. I planned this next trip for around the same age for #2.

As posted earlier, you never know how they will react to characters. When the little one, Lauren was 11 months, she hugged Mickey and the Princesses, but freaked out over Chip and Dale. I guess that she is more "exposed" to some characters and recognizes them.

It's also a great age since for most kids they drink milk and juice and eat people food.

Have fun..

 

[hitchedpumpkin]

We went to Disney this past January when my DS was 23 months and we had a great time. Couple of things that I remember being really fun for him .... the Playhouse Disney show and Fantasmick show at MGM, Lunch at Crystal Palace with Pooh and Piglet may have won us parents of the year awards in his eyes. Walking along the paths at AK and looking for the birds and other animals along the way was just as much fun as the safari ride.
Best advice is to go slow and not worry if you don't get to do everything. Pack snacks to save some money. I kept a few bags of Goldfish Crackers, Teddy Grahams, applesauce cups and raisins in my backpack at all times. These were great for creating a distraction while standing in line for the rides. Good luck!

 

[DisneyPhD]

We took DD when she was 8 1/2 months old and then again at 23 months old (next trip is in 1 week she will be 28 months old).

Don't over look the Living Seas at Epcot. She loved it. I still think it is her favorite spot. We also wacthed all the sing along videos (get the Disneyland one too because it has a lot of MK footage and is many clasic songs.) DD got an ear infection and got very quite for part of the trip, but perked up for the end. She often would not want to see the chartors, but I would get an autograph for her and she is very excited about it later. She liked seeing them, just not too close.


Take some time to play at each of the play areas (Dino at AK, HISK at MGM, and the one in toon town.)

While MK is wonderful, don't miss the rest of the parks, there is a lot to do in each one. We totaly missed taking the train at AK and won't forget it this time.

Take advantage of the all you can eat charator meals, under 3 is free. Just make sure they know that or they will charge you.

 

[Lesley]

My dd had her second WDW trip at 22mo. The most important thing is to know your child. My dd needed some time to just explore every day, and she was hesistant about loud noises (still is) otherwise she had a great time!

Character meals and all you can eat meals are great at this age because under 3's eat free. We went to the Hoop de Doo and had a lot of fun.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Cameo]

Both of my kids were about 20-22 months on their first trip. Their favorites included:
- the monorail
- splashing in sidewalk water at Epcot, Donald's Boat and Downtown Disney
- waterparks
- ducks anywhere
- It's a Small World
- Dumbo

At that age, they did not like:
- Voyage of Little Mermaid - too loud
- Tiki Birds - too loud

It's interesting that both my kids were very overwhelmed by the whole experience. They were much more quite and somber than usual. I think many of the things were just too loud and bright for them to comprehend.

Of course, we are going again in September. This time they are 6 and 3 1/2 and both seem more excited to go and ready to have fun. I think the key when they are young is to go slow and don't forget all the simple pleasures.

 

[dijid]

My DS was about 22mo when we went, and I'd agree with cameo's post. Add to it the race cars and carousel as favorites. And any show he had to sit still in for a long period of time with the exception of LOTLK was a little too much to ask. (My DD was always better at sitting still than him.) It seemed he was fascinated with any type of transportation, and waiting an extra time to ride in the front of the monorail was totally worth it as it really wowed him. He loved the characters - from the safety of mom or dad's arms! We were totally surprised that his 3 1/2yo sister wasn't afraid of anything - not the Haunted Mansion, nothing!

We found it took longer for him to fall asleep at naptime and night. He was just soooo overstimulated. Lots of rubbing his back and singing to him to try to calm him. But, he still talks about WDW almost every day and pretends that he takes a doll to it. We have great memories of it and because we all had such a great time we've planned a surprise trip for the kiddos next month.

 

[The Disney Bunch]

I have twin girls and they were 10 months old on their first visit and 20 months old on their second visit. Just plan to do things slower - they needed naps in the afternoon - we would go back to our room and sleep or swim in the pool.
They loved Bear in the big blue house, Winnie the Pooh, Small World (we went 4 times on this ride - I had to say no because I feared I would have nightmares of little dolls!), the trainride around MK -again we went about 6 times because the girls got such a kick out of the ride and seeing all the people; the Wedway and meeting the characters.
Good luck! Be sure to bring plenty of water also with you - keep your kids very hydrated.