Disney with a 2 yr old

[Poohbr98]

Trying to plan a trip to Disney, has anyone gone with a two year old? What things worked or did not work and how did they react to everything.

 

[kathiep]

During our first family trip, my DS was just 3 and my DD was 20 months.

I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant, thinking that it would be hard, by DH was confident it would be a terrific trip.

Well, probably for the 1st time (LOL) - he was right. It was an amazing trip. My DD just loved everything. The look of pure delight on her face was priceless.

She adored all the characters - went up and hugged everyone she saw.

We did make sure we planned our days well. We got up and hit the parks early. Then around 2 - we'd head back to the resort. We'd take a swim to cool off and then lie down for some quiet/nap time. After that we were refreshed enough to head out again for dinner and fireworks. One day, we didn't do this as well and she ended up having a major meltdown before dinner. We had to miss our ADR's and ended up taking food back to the room.

We just had to remember to take things slowly. There was no need to rush from attraction to attraction because even the smallest things were a delight to the kids. My DS's favorite part was riding the TTA over and over again. Go figure.

Whatever you do, it will be magical. Enjoy.

 

[jad828]

I am so glad you asked this...we are taking our 2 year old son next week.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

We took our DS12 for his first trip when he was 18mths old back in August of 97. We all had a blast. We would take it slow at his pace and then around 1 go back to the hotel for a nap and then start again for dinner time. I still cry to this day when ever I look at his first picture with Mickey. You can only see him from the side but the smile on his face and expression of his body is just priceless. Take it slow and enjoy the time. Have a magical trip. Take lots of pictures.

 

[buzzmom12]

We took our 2 year old son last year. We did have a great time. We went to the parks early in the morning (which was great because things were less crowded) and then took naps in the afternoon so we could do things at night. He was so excited and had a great time. He was a little timid around the characters in the beginning of the week but by the end of the week he was giving them all hugs. He loved the crystal palace breakfast. Have a great time.

 

[jad828]

I am so glad to hear positive feedback...it makes me even more excited!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I am so glad to hear positive feedback...it makes me even more excited!

Oh you think you are excited now. Just wait until you see the expression on your childs face. That to me was all I needed. Oh C@#$ I am starting to cry. My DS is 12 and I miss those days but we still have a great time. Have a great trip.

 

[Poohbr98]

Thanks for all the replies. My daugter is not even due till June but we are already planning her first trip in OCtober of 2010. We figure if we stasrt saving now and all it will really be a trip to remember. My dad is going with us too so it should really be a magical one. This will be the first time we have gone during the MNSSHP and are excited about that. Do you think it is bad for her first trip to be during halloween? ALso does magic kingdomn close early every night for the halloween party?

 

[buzzmom12]

We took my 2 yr old son to the halloween party and he had a great time. He liked the parade. He was with his older cousins so they took him trick or treating which he enjoyed too. The park only closes early on party nights.
It is such a great age to watch the kids reactions to things. The first time he saw Mickey made the whole trip worth every cent.

 

[newmommie77]

We have taken both kids when they were 2 and each has a different story. Connor has always been an easy going kid, and Disney was no different for him. He was easy going there too. We had a great time. There were a few melt downs but nothing overly crazy. He hated the bugs life ride, I mean HATED it!!!! We had to take him out of it right in the middle of the show. Connor was happy just sitting in his stroller and watching the world go by and then going on rides when ever.

Kiera on the other hand was a different story. She is much more...how shall I say...outgoing. She is much more independant and wanted to walk Disney much much more. One of us ended up pushing the stroller while the other tried to keep up with our fast paced little one. I am not one to put a "leash" on my child. She had a great time, but going during Easter week last year was a bit difficult. There were loads of people and her independance at times made it difficult. We also went again during MNSSHP this past Oct and she loved it. Crowds were more manageable and she had a great time.

No matter if others tell me that 2 is too young, I will never forget either of their faces while at the Parks. Those memories I will hold with me forever. You will have a great time. MK doesnt actually close for MNSSHP but every time we have gone (and we have gone to many of them) the CM's are checking for wrist bands.

Here are my 2.
Connor when he was 2.

And connor (9) and Kiera at 2.

And during a melt down of hers. They did happen, and when they did we would have passerby parents remarking about how they remember the times when their kids did this.

But even at 9, they can have bad moments...LOL (can you see it in his face???)

And both kids at MNSSHP...they had a blast.

Sorry about the shameful posts of pics...this just brings back fun good memories.

 

[kc5grw]

Go for it I say. Our youngest was 2.5 the first time we went to Disney World. She doesn't remember at lot of that trip now (she's 12) but the amazement in her eyes that trip was truly memorable. Our middle DD was 4.5 on that trip she remembers quite a bit more than the other. It was great watching the kids experience Disney when they were that young. Our DS was 10 on that trip and he had a blast too. We've been able to make 2 more trips since and the magic is still there, it's just different now that they're older, but at times you still see the wonder that we saw on that first trip.

 

[kc5grw]

Remember to take a break after a few hours at the park. Don't try to see everything. It'll go miles toward saving your sanity and making the trip much more enjoyable for you and the kids. Use the fact that you may not have gotten to see everything as an excuse to schedule another trip.