DVC with 18 month old -- Ideas?

[rutgers1]

My sister and her husband and child will be joining us for a week this summer. Any ideas for making the most of a DVC/Disney trip with a child that age?

I am excited to have them come with us, but I do realize that he isn't quite the ideal age for his first Disney experience.

 

[browniemtb]

18 mos is young but don't let it stop you guys from having fun together. When we'd go and our little ones were that age we always made sure we packed enough stuff for the little one and they would alway nap in the stroller. We never did the noon time trip back to the Villa.....it was always park time for us and the older kids. Just have fun!

 

[rutgers1]

I have been to Disney so many times that I don't really mind being the one to relax with the stroller while everyone else is going on the rides that wouldn't appeal to the little guy. As long as I have a shady spot and a Mickey ice cream bar, I am happy. If we are in Epcot, I might substitute that with some good food or perhaps a cold beer.

We tend to split every day into three chunks -- park, afternoon by the pool, and then park again. I figure we will do that this summer, too. That will enable someone to stay in the room during nap time while everyone else swims.

Before we go, though, I am going to make a list of every ride that would appeal to an 18 month old. I figure there are a bunch (Nemo, Small World).

 

[cel_disney]

I have brought my kids when they were infants and toddlers and its really very easy! At 18 months you should be down to 1 nap a day so We hit the parks early, have lunch, take a nap, shower/bath, and then head back out for 4 or 5pm...

We bring a backpack with kid essentials to include some books and maybe match box cars or something to occupy in lines or when waiting for others - and just enjoy the magic!

There are so few things that an 18 month can't do!!! Make sure everyone stays hydrated especially because its summer - and don't plan commando unless you have a good stroller sleeper on your hands! You will want atleast one half day off mid trip!

Te hardest thing with that age group will be dining choices...we still did table service but you need to have the right times scheduled for that and the right kids who are used to it....

We love DVC because of the washer and dryer and the ability to eat breakfast in our villa easily...

The family board will have lots if tips for you to share as well!

 

[Jousey]

18 mos is young but don't let it stop you guys from having fun together. When we'd go and our little ones were that age we always made sure we packed enough stuff for the little one and they would alway nap in the stroller. We never did the noon time trip back to the Villa.....it was always park time for us and the older kids. Just have fun!

We did it with a 2yr old and it went well, we just took turns spending time with DS andworked out great seating for parades and fireworks. Everyone got to do what they wanted and DS got to be pampered the whole time.

 

[tb1972]

When my DS was that age, he enjoyed getting his toddler energy out at some of the playgrounds. He loved the Dino Bone area at AK & Honey I Shrunk the Kids at HS.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

As a parent disney was fun with a14 month old and later again with a 24 m old because I got to see disney through my sons eyes.
He loved the tea cups, we rode them a bazillion times because we loved to see him smile on them. I guess what I'm saying is, be prepared to ride the teacups, or whatever it is that your nephew happens to like, over and over again because that may be more important to your sister than hitting all the big rides.

 

[Deb & Bill]

No matter how much he/she cries, he/she cannot go to Jellyrolls.

 

[Figee17]

That will be so fun! I have brought DS when he was 8 months, 12 months, 20 months, 25 months, and we will be going again when he is 2.5 - 3 two to three more times. It is very different than when I would go before having him. I was a park commando before and now I go at his pace and have seen things I never saw before. His favorite falling asleep/resting areas have been in MK: on the train (I know, its loud, you wouldn't think, but zonk!) and definitely the People Mover! In the other parks, its mostly just walking him around in the stroller which allows me to enjoy a nice walk and get some exercise!
There are lots of large areas to let little ones run around in too, they need a little "free" time. My DS loves the nice play area under near Splash Mountain and the area between the shops at the entrance to th World Showcase in Epcot.
Have fun and be sure to leave some time for the little on to swim, play, and run.
Its awesome to see it through their eyes!

 

[kt_mom]

DS was about 16 months on our trip last fall and he loved it. His favorite ride was the Buzz ride in MK. He loved the playground in AK too.

We did several character meals and he really enjoyed those, especially seeing Mickey and Pluto which were his favorites at the time.

He was pretty content in his stroller most of the time with snacks and little toys and he napped there a lot.

 

[crisi]

Bring a stroller that reclines - he may spend some time napping in it. Take some opportunities to trade parenting duties - men hang together with kid, moms go off. Switch. Parents go off, aunt and uncle hang with kid - and of course, aunt and uncle go off while parents hang with kid - The kid won't be up for everything, and may like nothing better than just hanging at a playground or sitting in the stroller.

DO hit Fantasyland early. Make it a rope drop morning at least once. Its less critical at the other parks (except if you want to ride TSM).

We always found a busy morning at MK, DHS or AK, followed by a evening at Epcot where we spent a lot of time pushing a stroller around made for a good day.

 

[RachaelA]

DD's first trip was in October and she was 11 1/2 months (but running all over the place). The parades were her absolute favorite. She would just stand near the curb and scream and clap the entire time. It was adorable. Plus she got so much attention from pretty much every CM and character in the parade.

She loved rides like the teacups, the people mover, the new Little Mermaid ride and of course Its a Small World (we went on that way too many times). The Land at Epcot was a winner too. The Disney junior show at DHS.

 

[forloveofdisney]

On our first family trip our youngest was 18 months old. I bought him a plush Mickey months before the trip that quickly became his buddy. We talked about WDW a lot and watched Disney movies leading up to the trip. You never know how they will react but he had a blast. All the prep worked out great for all the kids. One of my most special Disney memories came that trip. As we were leaving Animal Kingdom one afternoon Mickey was to the side of the exit area and there was no one around him. My little guy's eyes lit up, Mickey got down on his level and my son walked right up to him with a magical look and touched Mickey's nose. I was actually teary eyed. It was such a sweet moment.