"Don't Miss" essentials to do w/ toddlers?

[burzynsk]

Greetings! We are heading to WDW June 7-13. This is my first visit w/ my little ones DS4 (celebrating his bday) and DD2. I'm working w/ the Tour Guide Mike info to set up the itinerary for our trip and have a number of character meals scheduled. Outside of that, though, I was wondering what are some things we SHOULD NOT MISS with our little ones? Any hidden gems you'd recommend we go to with the kids?

This trip is ALL about them and we're trying to be low-key and relaxed so we can all enjoy. But I want to make sure I have a lot of options to explore.

Thank you (in advance) for your suggestions!
Melanie

 

[PJR]

I asked a similar question a few days ago and got a bunch of great responses here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1822418&page=1&highlight=

HAVE FUN!

 

[labdogs42]

My toddler's must do's include -- any and all fountains that he can play/splash in e.g pooh's playful spot, the fountains by Test Track and in the walkway b/t future world and world showcase at Epcot and a few around AK and DTD. Make sure they wear waterproof shoes (sandals or crocs) instead of socks and sneakers and a change of clothes in your diaper bag. My son loves to listen to the music around the world like the Dapper Dans and Off Kilter. Parades and characters are a hit with my son as are character meals. My son also loves the Living with the Land ride (weird, I know). Riding in the front of the monorail is also magical for toddlers!

 

[burzynsk]

Thank you!

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

DUMBO!! Go there first thing as the line gets bad. DS2 just loved that one (he also like Aladdin's Magic Carpets). We also loved the character dinner at Garden Grill. Request a booth on the outside of the circle for a PEACEFUL character meal and some fantastic pictures with the characters. The way the booths are set up, you feel like you're there all by yourself with the characters. They also bring Make-Your-Own cupcakes for the kids for desert and that was a big hit. (And the 2yo eats free).

 

[NotUrsula]

The lighted sparkle sidewalks at Epcot, near Innoventions and the big fountain. It's absolutely precious watching a small child try to "catch" the lights.

I'd tell you to be wary of a whole lot of character meals unless you are SURE that your kids like meeting characters -- I think it is a bit risky planning several of them on a first trip. You may find yourself looking for alternate meals if it turns out that they are not character-loving kids. (Remember that Goofy is 7 feet tall -- he is HUUUGE in the eyes of a 2 yo.)

 

[LadyShea]

My DS faves were the MK train and TTA, all of the playground areas (plan to spend time there! Donald's Tugboat was closed when we last visited, but I am sure we would have been there all day had it not been), and the fountains. He also really like POTC.

 

[belle&beast]

My kids LOVED Hollywood and Vine Play and Dine with Jojo, Goliath and Little Einsteins. There is also a section with all the Playhouse Disney crew including Handy Manny at the Studios.

The last time we were there my kids were 3 1/2 and 6 and the characters and autographs ruled our vacation. It was lots of fun and they have great souvenirs! When they were 2 and 4 they were more into parades and seeing the characters at a distance, now they prefer conversations.

 

[brandylouwho]

I think my 3 year old liked swimming and riding the busses, boats and monorail as much as any of attractions. Oh and the playgrounds-at the resort as well as at the park, such as Pooh's Playful spot.

But of course Fantasyland & Toontown Fair are big hits with the preschoolers. At Epcot she liked the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk. At the Studios Playhouse Disney was cool and she loved meeting Lightning McQueen & Mader and she wanted to visit the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area. At Animal Kingdom the Animals and the safari were a hit, It's Tough to Be a Bug scared her.The Nemo Musical was cool.

Following her lead was very fun. It can be difficult to take it slow and see things from a child's perspective, but it is worth the time and effort to do so.

 

[DisneySJB]

I second Turtle Talk with Crush. Peter Pan was also really good. Make sure you stop by member services to get a Birthday Pin for your son. The CM's will go out of their way to make his special day more special. Also, I would say a must do would be down time at the pool. A break mid day does wonders for younger children.

 

[Corjack]

My DD was 4 when we just went in April and she loved the KidCot Masks at Epcot. Pooh's Playful Spot at MK, also MonstersInc Laugh Floor and Buzz Light Year. Playhouse Disney & HISTK play area @ DHS. At AK, she loved it ALL! She is REALLY into Animals and there was not a single thing there she was not interested in. Pocahontas was really cool and the Lion King show was REALLY cool. We did not see Nemo, but I can't wait to go back and see it!

We stayed at Pop Century and she loved the playground and the pop jet fountains!