Experienced Disney Moms w/Toddlers

[marybogue]

We are taking our 2 year old(and his 9 month old sister) in December. We have a few ADR's for dinner while we are there; all around the 5-6pm time. DS is pretty good at sit down meals - unless he is sleepy. I know we should head back to the room for naps in the afternoons. Any other tips? Advice? Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

P.S. - I am a little nervous about how we will all go down for bed times in our room(All Star Music), so please share any experiences!

 

[TheLittleRoo]

I bet you'll get a lot of advice on this one! Mine is just pretty basic stuff you probably already know, but here goes:

1) Go to the noisier restaurants or the Character Buffets. It helps drown out any noise your kids make, eases the stress on you of hoping your kids don't disturb other diners, plus the characters keep the little ones entertained. I also recommend Ohana's for dinner - they have games they play with the kids and run them all over chasing coconuts with a broom! My DD5 loved it!

2) Take a break around 1 to go back for naps. Rouse everyone around 4 and head over to your ADR in advance. The earlier your ADR, the less likely you will have to wait at all to be seated. And the faster you get served (less crowded) and out the door, into the parks after the heat has worn off some.

3) Lunch ADRs are good too. Grab them at the first seating so you aren't waiting on your table, and get served faster. Saves money too. Make your dinner the CS at your resort if you want to stay in and swim at the pool, or eat CS in a park that night.

4) I worried about everyone going down at the same time too, at lights out. At home that would never fly. At WDW, with everyone being heat-exhausted and whipped from all the walking and excitement, you'll be amazed how quickly and TOTALLY out everyone goes for the night. I bet even your baby won't wake up your 3 y/o if s/he wakes in the night for a feeding!

5) It sounds silly but you might consider taking a cloth shower curtain and some duct tape to hang across the door opening to your vanity area. I've heard the Values don't have a tension mounted rod there with a curtain like the Mods do. It comes in so handy in the morning when you are getting up before the kids to shower or get dressed - - blocks the light into their dark room until you want them to get up. I've heard of some ppl bringing a tension mounted rod with them for this door opening to hang their curtain on...

That's all I can think of for now! Have fun!

 

[tink2]

We took our kids when dd was 2 1/2 and ds 6 months. That said, it was also a big family trip with grandparents, an aunt, 2 uncles, and 2 cousins included- that helped a LOT! Good news is that you are going in Dec.- cooler weather as opposed to the summer weather! Here is what we did- others will vary on experiences but you have to find what works better for your family...
Naps- we did not go back to the room- dd would have had a major meltdown if we did left the park! By the time you catch a bus, get to the room, get to sleep, get ready to come back, wait for another bus- a lot of time is spent doing this! We simply found a quiet, shady spot in the parks and let them sleep in their stollers. This worked for both of our kids- and they are very different in personailites- one mid and the other more 'challenging'. Again, this worked for us and we found it easier. It was nice for the person with them taking a nap- they got down time sitting on a bench and people watching.
Strollers- we used two separate strollers for the kids- not the double. We found that ds 6 months slept a lot more than dd 2 1/2- hence while brother slept, dd could ride rides with an adult and not miss stuff. Besides, their needs are very different at those ages. And, the single strollers are much easier to maneuver around the parks! You might consider bringing your own stroller for the nine month old- depends on where he is developmentally. The strollers you rent are hard-plastic at MK and AK and not easy for an infant who isn't sitting up well. DD loved them at 2 though and they are great when they are old enough. The strollers at DHS and Epcot used to be soft cloth- better for infants. The ones you rent in the park are much easier to maneuver in the parks than the regular ones- the wheels are fantastic!
Bedtimes- well, you're all in one room with two beds and possbily a crib- been there, done that. We found that after the first night, the kids were so tired that they went to sleep very easily and slept hard- allowing us to watch tv or whatever. Usually they were asleep before we reached the room- especially the 6 month old. We did stay for the nighttime activities- so he was usually a goner by the time we reached the room- with big sister not far behind.
Another topic you didn't mention- characters. DD was very scared of the characters the first day of our trip at that age. The best thing we did was schedule character meals- we had several scheduled since older cousins were with us too. The first meal, she wouldn't get a picture taken with any of them. By the second day and meal two- she was sitting in Chip and Dale's lap and hugging all over them. The characters were all very good about trying to get her to warm up to them and working with her. They would back off if she got too upset. It was wonderful and the meals probably saved our trip b/c they could really spend time with her. She was crazy about them the rest of the trip. Now, she wasn't scared of the face characters- princesses- just the furry ones without the human face.
Most importantly- have fun and enjoy the trip. WDW is priceless with toddlers- they get so excited to see their favorite characters and ride the rides. Everything is so magical for them at this age. Oh, and try to stay for the fireworks at MK if you can- that is all dd talked about- seeing Tinkerbell fly from the castle.
Have fun!!!

 

[Manda]

At that age, I'd take my son's night time diaper and PJs with us when we went out for the evening (after nap/break at the room) and I'd change him before we started to leave the park for the night. Usually, he'd fall asleep in the stroller out of the park or on the way back to the hotel and I could just put him in bed without waking him. It was problematic to get him to sleep otherwise and that seemed to work best. At 4, it's still difficult to get him to fall asleep in the hotel room with both of us and other interesting things in the room.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

I can respond on sleep times. I had me, dh, dd 10 and dd2 We ALL took naps together at noon time. Sometimes dd10 would read or work on some school work, but mostly we slept.

At night, we all got ready and got in bed at the same time. Sometimes we would watch a bit of tv but the little ones fell asleep durng that time.

If this is your first trip, character meals can be frightening to some little ones. We only did Crystal Palace our first trip and dd2 screamed anytime a character came by. By the end of the week she was good to go, but breakfast wasn't as fun!

 

[Taja]

I must have been a very strange child. When I was tired, I slept. Didn't matter where it was, how much light or noise, I was out! I don't think my parents ever had to worry about it! One of my cousin's was the same--her brother was a bit more finicky, though.

After a day of excitement in the parks, I have a feeling you'll all be ready for bed around the same time!

December is a gorgeous time to visit WDW! The weather can be variable, but mostly is comfortable.

You're going to make some wonderful family memories!

 

[marybogue]

Thanks, ladies! I love to hear all this!

About cribs - will we need two? Is that even possible to fit in the room? I am fine with our kids sleeping in beds with us, but it is better for our 2 year old wild man if he is confined a little?

 

[SLDL]

We have been numerous times w/ DS5 & DD2 & we have never gone back to the room for a nap. We have a comfortable stroller & are usually able to find an area that is pretty quiet (i.e. Casey's before the lunch crowd gets there, Hall of Presidents, Coral Reef in a booth, Contemporary lobby waiting for Chef Mickey's, etc.) and the kids usually sleep pretty good in the stroller. I would advise you to bring one of his/her favorite blankets (maybe not THE one they can't live without!) so they will have it when they get tired. We also have one full size fleece blanket that we purchased at Disney years ago & I bring that everywhere & drape it over the stroller if they fall asleep...oh and we bought one of those clip on fans when it was warm & they slept great while we walked around, shopped, etc.

As far as sleeping at night, that has always been a struggle. They are so excited they can't sleep well. It always takes my kids a few nights to adjust to nighttime sleeping at the resort.

And the key to it all is BE FLEXIBLE. You can't completely plan out every moment b/c you never know what may happen.

Is your 2 year old potty trained? That is going to be my struggle during our July trip b/c DD is almost out of pull ups but I don't know if I'll be comfortable w/ her wearing undies all day at the parks...not sure about that one.

And I just noticed you are going in Dec. I love Disney in December!! Be sure to do the party at MK, Candlelight Processional (my 2 yr old loved it!) and pictures w/ Santa at Downtown Disney. Have fun!!

 

[dana1003]

hi- we did disney in dec also with 3 year old twins..we went in early dec..the weather was great, so were the crowds..we didnt go back to nap..too much time going back and forth. we did the same thing as another poster,,find a quiet shady spot(there are allot) and though they didnt nap it gave them a chance, and us, to get away from the noise and just relax.

i am very strict about bath and bed times so i was very worried about how this was gonna go down..we were in a suite at music so we had the girls sleeping on the pullout in the living room while we had the bedroom. it was great..i made the room very dark,,while we were in our room w/the tv low and they knocked out in like 15 min..it will be new to them so it may take a little longer for them to get down but like the other poster said,they will be so tired...it may not be a problem. dont worry about meal time..you and every table will be parents with kids so we're all in the same boat..it'll turn out fine..time goes so fast before you know it your trip will be here..have fun

 

[F1Julie]

We never went back to the room for a nap. DD was never much of a napper tried to stay awake as long as she could. She would usually crash in her stroller around 3:30 or 4:00 each day (parade time). She'd wake up just in time for dinner. It worked out great for us.

 

[Lovin' Disney]

We never go back for naps either...the adults didn't need it and our daughter who was 1 and 2 when we've been there the past 2 years fell asleep in the stroller right before the parade. I think you pay too much to get into the parks to spend 4-5 hours traveling back and forth back to the hotel (walking, parking/catching a bus, trams, etc.) and then getting back to park and getting settled into your groove again. If you have a reclining stroller, just give them whatever they need to go to sleep (bottle, cup, blankie, etc.) and after walking around for about 10-15 minutes, they should fall asleep.

As for nighttime sleeping, what we did was give them baths at night when we got back after the parks closed. The older one was in first (he was 4 and 5 at the time) and then he had time to wind down while the younger one took a bath. We showered in the morning before the kids woke up.

As far as sleeping arrangements, you can push in the mattress (maybe the whole double bed...I can't remember) against the wall next to the bathroom and the 2 year old could sleep there along with you or your husband. Then the parent could either continue to sleep there with the 2 year old -OR- you could stack a ton of pillows on the side of the bed and hope he doesn't roll over and fall out. I would definitely get a crib for your younger child. If they were to fall off the bed, it is pretty high up and they could be hurt badly. But I think it would be too crowded in your room at ASMu with 2 cribs and both beds.

Your ADRs should go well....character meals are best, but regular sit-down restaurants can be done. We took ours to the Coral Reef and they both enjoyed it. Just remember to bring some small toys (even happy meals work well), have a small snack because at non-buffets, the food can take a while to arrive. Plan on spending 1 to 1 1/2 hours at each sit-down meal. Always use the bathrooms at the restaurants because they are usually pretty clean and always easier to find than the ones in the parks. Also, you're already there so may as well have everyone try. If you have any character meals, try to discourage the characters from sneaking up behind your children and tapping them on the shoulder...one did to my 1 year old and she was afraid of the characters for days after that!

Any other questions, just ask. Good luck! We have gone in December the past 2 years but are going for free dining this year so it should be a different experience!

 

[KelleyGirl]

One suggestion I didn't see mentioned is bring a blanket to the parks. We also went in December, and the weather was beautiful (and hot!). Although it didn't really get cold at night, it was chilly for the little one who was sitting in a stroller getting pushed through the park at dusk. He snuggled under a blanket and was as happy as could be.


Have fun!

 

[SLDL]

Don't forget that you can add bed rails to your reservation as well. Ours were too old for the crib (which is actually a playpen) and the rail helped us sleep better b/c we knew they wouldn't fall off the bed!

 

[csmoore1808]

I can see both points of view on the the nap issue, but we almost always go back for a nap, unless it's going to be a short day. I can't tell you how many kids you see zonked out in their strollers around 3 or 4pm and as cranky as can be. That's not fun to me. I'd rather go back for an 1-1/2 hour nap. It'll only be 3-4 hours away from the park. If you're there for a week, you'll have plenty of time to spend at the parks. We are always there for opening and always stay until the end (with a nap).

In regards to characters, even after 3 WDW trips, my DD4 is still shy with the characters the first day. Let them ease into it.

We got the bed rails last year, and they worked really well.

Have fun! I thnk we'll be there around the same time!

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

subscribing

 

[Zeebs]

I am interested in all this as well, as our kids will be about the same age as yours.

Our plan at this point is to be there for opening and leave around 3.00 and probably not come back. We are staying offsite.

We have the MNSSHP booked in for one night so that will be a late one and it will let them see the parade and fireworks one night. The next day is a rest day. With only a dinner at Coral Reef booked in for 4.00 pm.

We are open to change if our plan doesn't work we will just see how it goes.

Kirsten

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

ok since it is not 1am I have time to write - our first trip DD#1 was 2.5, DD#2 was 15months - we tried going back to the room for naps - didn't work - neither one of them slept - they would fall asleep on the bus then wake up when we got off and that was it. We slept in instead and wouldn't get to the park until 10,11, or even noon. If they got tired they fell asleep in the sroller anyway. We took two separate umbrella strollers & had clips if one of us had both strollers (DH really wanted to go on Exp. Everest) - wished I had my double jogging stroller- the umbrellas we had didn't recline and hade no storage. This year we will have all 3 DD - 4, 3, &9months. We are bringing our own stroller -baby jogger city elite with an attachable toddler jumpseat. DD#2 never sits in a stroller anymore but i know she will get tired - thisis my plan to get them to take naps - I want to get to the parks early and come back for a nap since they will be walking and we are driving our car.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I have a 5yo and a 20 month old and we go every year.. We ALWAYS go back for swimming- which tires them out and naps. It is so nice to have the down time relax read a book etc. and the kids do so much better! But we never could make it back for 5-6 dinner reservations we would always miss them. We now make them at 7:45-8 (since they are sleeping from 3-6 that is fine for us) and then they are ready refreshed and ready to start again. Good Luck!

 

[Fall1]

Since others mentioned dinner, what time do you think is the best time for dinner with toddlers? We have mostly 5ish ADRs and I'm wondering if it's too early. We are planning on doing the parks til 1-2ish, then relax back at the hotel or pool with 17 mos old twins.

 

[Zeebs]

Since others mentioned dinner, what time do you think is the best time for dinner with toddlers? We have mostly 5ish ADRs and I'm wondering if it's too early. We are planning on doing the parks til 1-2ish, then relax back at the hotel or pool with 17 mos old twins.

We have chosen times close to when we eat normally at home. I figure they will get hungry around the same time.

Kirsten