DL with a toddler

[disneygal922]

Hi Everyone! We have decided to take a last minute trip with our almost 2 year old (she will be 23 months to be exact). We leave 3 weeks from today and I'm freaking out. I need to get all kinds of stuff so we can have fun in the sun but most importantly want to get your opinion on 2 things... her shoes and stroller.

Do I bring her small umbrella stroller that does not recline and does not have a snack tray or do I bring our Graco that reclines, has a snack tray and large basket underneath?

She loves to run around and typically only goes in the stroller when she is tired. What type of shoes would be best for her little feet? Should I invest in some Keens for her? Currently, she primarily wears her Doc McStuffins mary-jane type shoes but I don't know if those would be good for all day every day in the parks.

 

[coaches24]

I took my DD when she was 2 and 3 months and we took the graco and it was the best idea ever. It allowed us to stay so much longer in the parks during the day. We had the bottom packed with everything we needed (diapers and accessories, snacks, water, a blanket for DD etc). She took a nap in the stroller while my now ex and I took turns on bigger rides.

She even slept through F! and WOC in the stroller that trip. Somewhere I have a picture of her with her head in the stroller tray as we left the parks after F!.

For me the graco stroller was a god send at that age.

For shoes we had some little crocs that she wore quite a bit but I also had some flip flops and tennies for her as well. Her feet got super dirty with the crocs all day and no socks.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'd bring the Graco for a 23 month old. We take our 16 month old twins all the time and have been taking our oldest since he was 2. A good napping stroller is really important when they are young, unless you're going back to the hotel for a nap and won't need that option.

As for shoes, everyone will have a different idea. Our kids wear shoes they are used to wearing. Tennis shoes in the winter or close-toed sandals in the summer. If you really want a good brand, we like Stride Rite or Vans. But everyone will prefer a different brand name. As long as your kid finds them comfy, that's what matters.

 

[disneygal922]

Thank you both. We (DH and I) were both thinking the Graco would be better for the parks but wanted to get opinions. Thank you both for the advice on the shoes. We are going to head to the mall tomorrow I think so we can find another pair of shoes. This way she has 3 weeks to wear them in around the house.

 

[becks59]

I suggest whichever stroller is easier to maneuver and whatever shoes you do decide, just make sure that they get broken in before you go. We are going with our 21 month old in June and hope it goes well too.

 

[disneygal922]

Both our strollers are great and easy to maneuver. It's just the tray and recline I was most concerned about.

 

[YukonMommy]

I say the Graco. It will become your portable locker to keep jackets, snacks, diapers, etc. Also great for naps and throwing snacks on the tray as you walk and more roomy for her in general. I also vote for crocs...my kids love them.

Have a magical time!

 

[DznyPrnces]

Ditto everyone else on the Graco stroller. The only place either of my kids ever nap in their stroller is Disney. When we go we stay with my parents, who live about 20 minutes away, so going back to the hotel to nap isn't an option.

As for shoes, I would go with whatever is comfortable.

 

[emmybee]

Not stating this to be contrary, but just to put it out there.... As far as the stroller goes, I think you'd be fine either way. The first few times I took my kid to DL, (started at age 2 w/ yearly visits thereafter), I had a basic stroller (Quinny Zapp) that I LOVED because it folded up very nicely to fit in my car's small hatchback. No reclining, no tray, and she was fine. Full disclosure, though... before she had to have a schedule d/t school, she had no schedule. We slept in, would show up at the park around lunch time (no early birds here!), and closed the park w/ a kid who did very well late at night. So she was pretty used to sleeping whenever, where ever it suited her, so she had no problems zonking out in the no-frills stroller. At DL, I loved that I could fit in small places and maneuver crowds pretty well w/ it. I would simply suggest that you get a balloon or something to easily find your stroller b/c you'll find that the CMs will often move it to keep things organized.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

I agree with the Graco stroller...just remember if you load it up with all your stuff you have to fold it up to get on and off the bus or tram. Keeping your bags organized will help out a lot.
The first time we took my daughter to disneyland she was two....she walked all day. She had good pair of stride rites that were well broken in. Have fun!

 

[amdgoogles]

Agree with everyone on the graco, I've taken my mclaren umbrella stroller, and instantly regretted it. There just wasn't enough storage and DD was uncomfortable not being able to recline. Storage with a toddler was important to have the change of clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, sunscreen, blankets... ect. but like the previous poster stated have a bag or something to shove it all in if you have to fold it for a show, or to get on transportation. As for shoes in the warmer months we've done keens they wear well, and have never rubbed my kids feet. Just bought my kids a pair for our trip next month. I've also read a lot of great reviews about stride rite white leather sandals.. but I always opt for closed toe cause I swear my kids are the king/queens of hooking their toe on something!

 

[amdgoogles]

Agree with everyone on the graco, I've taken my mclaren umbrella stroller, and instantly regretted it. There just wasn't enough storage and DD was uncomfortable not being able to recline. Storage with a toddler was important to have the change of clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, sunscreen, blankets... ect. but like the previous poster stated have a bag or something to shove it all in if you have to fold it for a show, or to get on transportation. As for shoes in the warmer months we've done keens they wear well, and have never rubbed my kids feet. Just bought my kids a pair for our trip next month. I've also read a lot of great reviews about stride rite white leather sandals.. but I always opt for closed toe cause I swear my kids are the king/queens of hooking their toe on something!

 

[TechGuy]

wE DID AN UMBRELLA ONCE, THE gRACO WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER...

Sorry for the caps

 

[NannyBeBe]

I would suggest closed-in shoes for your toddler. I have found that little toes get stepped on a lot because adults do not realize the child is there.

 

[disneygal922]

Thanks so much everyone! We went to the mall this morning and got a pair of stride rite water proof shoes that are kind of a cross between a gym shoe and sandal. We also got a pair of Minnie Mouse flip flops that will match her swim suit! We are so excited!

 

[GatorChris]

All of our kids went to either WDW or DL when they were 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 or both. Your best bet is to bring a Graco style big stroller. It pushes smoother so that's easier on you. It's more comfortable for the toddler. And it has all sorts of space for a diaper/snack bag underneath. An umbrella stroller just won't cut it for more than a day. She may be a runner, but with all the walking that a Disney trip demands, she'll be spending quite a bit of time in the stroller. Trust me.

 

[mybestieismickey]

I too would recommend the larger stroller, for all of the reasons everyone else stated. But I also like the larger stroller because I feel like DD can sit higher which might mean she can see more. Plus I feel like it gives her a bit more personal space in a big crowd. The stroller is wider and the snack tray and front wheels give her a good boundary. Maybe I'm just projecting, but I can imagine that it would be kind of scary to have strangers' legs and bottoms so close to you at high crowd times.

 

[neonderlyn]

We just got back from a our first trip in april, i have two toddlers age 2 & 3. We took a stroller simalar to your graco you described but a double. And the big basket was a great thing to have for extra water and a change of colors and all the things tiny kids need! But the fact that it was comfortable for the girls to nap in is what made it the best choice!

As far a shoes goes, my girls during our 5 day trip work everything from nike tennis shoes, mary janes, to cowgirl boots. When they are that small i dont think its AS important to get the RIGHT shoe. I think the right shoe is anything they are comfortable in and are use to wearing. Even though my girls like to walk and usually do at disneyland then spent more time in the stroller just because with the huge crowds is easier to get around form place to place if they are in a stroller.