Disney with toddler?

[georgedean]

My wife and I are seriuosly debating a family vacation to Disney. We have a two year old full of spunk and vigor and are wondering if this would be the best choice for our family vacation. We have been to WDW without kids twice and stayed at the Carribean Beach and the Port Orleans. We loved these trips and had a great time!!! We know wherever we choose it will be centered around my daughter . Are we pushing for Disney too early, should we wait till she is older and choose another destination for our vacation? Disney seems to be the choice with the activities for my daughter, wife and possibly other family members.
Help? Should we WDW or not? I would be grateful for any advice. If we should go, what WDW resorts should we look at? THANKS for your help,
George

To Disney or not to Disney? That is the question.

 

[CEDmom]

We first took our DD to WDW at 2 1/2 and she enjoyed herself. We took her again at 3 1/2. I think it's a good time as long as you resign yourself ahead of time to go at your DD's pace. This means taking breaks in the afternoon and not staying out too much past her regular bedtime. As far as where to stay I'd suggest one of the monorail resorts or Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is a deluxe but cheaper than the other deluxe resorts. The rooms are plently big enough for the 3 of you. One nice thing about going before she's 3 is that you won't have to pay for park admission or buffet meals for her. One thing the worked for our family is that DH and I would switch off on going back to the resort with DD in the afternoon. This allowed one of us to spend adult time in the park and the other to have one-on-one time with DD. It was a win-win for everyone.

 

[HaleyB]

I agree with CEDmom, stay on the monorail if you can. I took my son at 18 months and we had the best WDW trip ever. We stayed at the then Dixie Landings and it was a great choice as well. He loved the bus rides. We loved not having to mess with parking and such. I treasure the memories of this trip and we really fell in love with the World Showcase on that trip. Lots to explore and a nice pace for a little one. I can't think of a better place to go with a young child. WDW is one of the few places that that you never feel awkward bringing a child.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

When our DS was little, we decided to wait until he was school age for our ONE trip to WDW. Well that has turned into repeated trips and so many regrets for missing those toddler years at WDW. Take your little one and enjoy the time. It will never be the same again.


Jordan's mom

 

[720L]

Go now! It's the best to watch their little faces when they see the Disney magic! I agree with CEDmom, go there knowing you have to take your time and go at your childs pace. You can get lots of good tips from the DIS boards! Have fun!

 

[alloyd1170]

We took our just 2 yo in Feb and it was so magical! To see his face light up, kiss Mickey, wave to the monorail, etc was so precious. I will always have that memory. I took lots of pictures and video and he looks at them all the time. To help prep him for the trip, I got the free planning kit and played the dvd for him (he asked to watch it over and over again). Also, for character prep I got the Sing Along Beach Party video. He was a bit scared by some of the characters not in the video, but by our 3rd and last day it wasnt a problem We did Chef Mickeys for breakfast that day and it was awesome. The best part-it didnt cost a thing to take him since he was under 3! Were going back right before he turns 3 in Jan and I cant wait. Hes ready to go now! We stayed at the CR which was really handy to run back for a nap (which he really didnt need-if so hed crash in his stroller). Having the monorail was great though-especially after leaving MK at night. The line for the transportation monorail was miles long! Go now, take lots of pics and your child will remember!

alison

 

[alloyd1170]

We took our just 2 yo in Feb and it was so magical! To see his face light up, kiss Mickey, wave to the monorail, etc was so precious. I will always have that memory. I took lots of pictures and video and he looks at them all the time. To help prep him for the trip, I got the free planning kit and played the dvd for him (he asked to watch it over and over again). Also, for character prep I got the Sing Along Beach Party video. He was a bit scared by some of the characters not in the video, but by our 3rd and last day it wasnt a problem We did Chef Mickeys for breakfast that day and it was awesome. The best part-it didnt cost a thing to take him since he was under 3! Were going back right before he turns 3 in Jan and I cant wait. Hes ready to go now! We stayed at the CR which was really handy to run back for a nap (which he really didnt need-if so hed crash in his stroller). Having the monorail was great though-especially after leaving MK at night. The line for the transportation monorail was miles long! Go now, take lots of pics and your child will remember!

alison

 

[jodifla]

Disney is a great trip for toddlers, particularly if the parents have been before and can just go at the child's pace, instead of trying to see all the rides for themselves.

I practically grew up a Disney, living only 90 miles away when I was young, but I see it through different eyes as I watch DS, 2, experience everything. It's such a treat.

And you won't find any other family vacation spot as geared for children as Disney is. There's so much that the kids can do -- almost all the rides, except the roller coaster ones, are fair game.

Stay on property if you can. With a young child, we like having larger accommodations. Luckily, we joined DVC 7 years ago, so we stay in 1 bedrooms, mostly, at Old Key West or the Beach Club Villa resorts.

Lots of people rave about the Fort Wilderness cabins. They have one bedroom, offering you a chance to stay up in the living room while your child sleeps. Also lots of room to run around in Fort Wilderness.

Also, do yourself a favor and go OFF SEASON! It makes all the difference to avoid summer and school holidays. Mainly, you won't have to wait in line (we know how toddlers love to wait in line!)

 

[my3princes]

My DH and I experienced WDW for our first time as adults. Our WDW honeymoon was a wonderful experience for both of us and we totally caught the Disney bug. We went back when our oldest DS was 2 1/2 and our middle son was 6 mths. It was a totally different and totally amazing experience. I got to see WDW through the eyes of a child and it is truly magical. We have been back many times since and each time we have either had a toddler or infant with us. When my children get older I will truly miss seeing the magic in their eyes. Many people tell me that they are waiting for their kids to get old enough to enjoy WDW, they think that 8 or older is the best time to bring a child. They have no idea what they are missing. My oldest is now 8 and he sees things very differently than he did at 2 1/2. It is still magical for him, but now he is more interested in rides and shows than he is with the characters. He still collects autographs, but it isn't the same. I treasure the video and pictures that we have of all our boys at 2 - 4 yrs of age. Enjoy.

 

[georgedean]

Hello All,
Boy do I really appreciate the feedback you have given so far!!!! You all are pumping me up to go ahead with the vacation! Sounds like the Fort Wilderness is the highly recomened place to stay, how do you feel about the moderate resorts? We are also considering the Animal Kingdom resort it looks great! I wonder about the transportation with my daughter from the animal kingdom resort?
If we go we would use the Disney transportation system. My DW and I stayed at Port Orleans and Carribean beach and had a great time at both. It seemed the PO resort was a bit easier to use for transportation. Is a monorail resort noticably different from bus service transportation?
I really would like to thank you for your responces and love all the feedback. I really am amased at the vast information contained on this site. First hand personal experiences are so important when planning a Magical Vacation.
Thanks ,
George

 

[fun & fancy free]

we took a 2 yo and a 4yo last May. Best time of our lives. The kids were into everything. My youngest was so proud that she was able to stand w/Mickey at his house. That picture alone was worth the whole trip. kids are still talking about it and the photo album comes out often. Heading back this year for a repeat performance.

 

[frannn]

We were concerned also, but found it to be one of our most magical trips! DD loved the characters and the Fantasyland rides, as well as all the character meals. She only got a little cranky once or twice when she was hot and hungry, but we went at her pace & she loved it! The best part of the trip was that she got to spend uninterrupted time with mommy & daddy, where we were all getting happy over the same things. She did nap in the parks a lot, on the rides, and in the stroller. She didn't care so much about the shows, but was content to sit in my lap. She wasn't walking yet so we didn't have to chase her. She still loves to look at the pictures, see the souveniers, and loves Mickey! We are planning a trip in Sept, which will be 10 days before she turns 2 (can you say "Birthday dinner at Chef Mickey's"). I'm sure it will a little less relaxed, since DD11 will be joining us, and DD2 is getting around better and is more opinionated, but she loves Disney! Do not miss Playhouse Disney in MGM.....

 

[jodifla]

The resorts have different pluses and minuses to them, based on your situation. The Disney hotels are all fantastic, but most are hotel rooms, and that's more difficult with a small child, since you're stuck being quiet and in the dark when they are trying to sleep in the room.

That's why a place with a bedroom has appeal -- more adult time for you and DW. In addition to Fort Wilderness cabins, all the Disney Vacation Club resorts have 1-bedroom units, too. We're DVC members and it's spoiled us. We almost never stay in less than a 1 bedroom these days.

Both the resorts you stayed at are great. Animal Kingdom is fantastically beautiful. A real treat. But you have to take buses everywhere from there, and again, with a stroller and all the toddler accoutrements, that's tougher.

If you stayed at Boardwalk or Beach Club, you could walk to Epcot and MGM. From the Wilderness Lodge, you take a boat over to the Magic Kingdom. (This is nice because you don't have to even fold up the stroller -- just roll it right on.)

I would map out what's most important to you (more than just a one room hotel room? transportation? Cost? pools? and go from there.)

 

[cokegal19]

This will be our 2 y/o DS first trip to disney. I was having the same thought as you, George!! But, like you, I posted my concerns on the boards and everyone was so helpful and told me to go ahead and let your little one have the time of his/her life!!! Even though she might not remeber the trip, you still have the wonderful memories and have the pictures/videos to show her later.

As far as the resorts go, we are staying at the All Star Movies. We were debating between this and the Carribean. I picked the All Stars because I think it is more geared to little kids. My DS would have more fun at this resort than the Carribean, after all, this trip is for him!!!! We are also planning on getting a babysitter for a day and going to the parks and going on the big rides, so I wanted a hotel that would cater to kids so that he can have fun too.

I think you should consider that too. If you and your DW want a couple hours alone, Disney has 3 or 4 great childcare options.

Good luck and have lots of fun, and cherish this special time you will have as a family!!!

 

[alacazander]

We have a 2 1/2 or at least he will be 2 1/2 when we reach WDW and decided with him taking an afternoon nap it would just be easier to stay on the monorail line. He isn't one to fall asleep in a stroller (wish he was) and is full of energy. We picked the Poly because it really seems so family oriented and all the reviews i've read sounded good and it also has that hawaiian relaxed mood. I think the best piece of advice I read was don't try to do it all with a toddler. Go at his speed and have fun! We booked lots of character meals and water park time!

Connie