First Disney trip for 3 yo

[cheapi86]

Hi Everyone
I'm planning a trip to DW for my 3yo Niece and myself. She's really excited and we're going in May (I prob. shouldn't have told her this early

Does anyone have any favorite threads or info for preschoolers? I've been reading the threads on this board tonight and decided I should get a maclaren stroller for her. So I'm looking on craig's List/putting up an ad. She's 44 inches tall and 45 pounds...so she's a big girl!

Also, this will be my first trip with a young kid by myself! So send me good luck vibes.

Nice to meet you all!

 

[jkelly86]

Well, I am pretty new here too, but I will jump in and say "welcome"! One piece of advice for traveling with a 3yo is that even if she does not nap anymore, you may want to consider returning to your hotel for a mid-day rest and swim to avoid meltdowns at night! It sounds like you have been to Disney before, so you know the drill: early starts will really help your days at the parks. Also, try to schedule in a few character meals. Hope this helps.

 

[jkelly86]

The Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World is an excellent book to read before you go.

 

[pl'smama]

Hi Everyone
I'm planning a trip to DW for my 3yo Niece and myself. She's really excited and we're going in May (I prob. shouldn't have told her this early

Does anyone have any favorite threads or info for preschoolers? I've been reading the threads on this board tonight and decided I should get a maclaren stroller for her. So I'm looking on craig's List/putting up an ad. She's 44 inches tall and 45 pounds...so she's a big girl!

Also, this will be my first trip with a young kid by myself! So send me good luck vibes.

Nice to meet you all!

What an awesome trip you will have with your niece!! You will be the favorite auntie for sure!!

Our DD was three when we went last December and the stroller was a must. She did not spend a ton of time in it, but it was handy for putting our jackets and knapsack.

I agree with the other poster that you should try to schedule a character meal or two. The Crystal Palace is great because it has Winnie and friends. THe Ohana breakfast at the Polynesion was wonderful, if you are into Lilo and Stitch (Mickey was there to!!!). If your niece loves the princesses try to have a meal at the Castle.

If you are early birds then the suggestion to go early and come back to your hotel for an afternoon rest is a good one. We found it hard to come back and then go again so we only did it once. The rest of the time we either went later and stayed out or went early and came home early. If you are going for several days you may want to schedule a day to stay at your hotel, if your niece likes to swim etc...

Make sure you bring a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes for your niece to the parks. We used our change of clothes on two different days as my DD loved playing in the fountains at Ariel's Grotto and it was hot enough that she could enjoy it! I only needed the shoes once and that was due to a major rain that was unexpected.

Bring wipes for instant clean ups. I brought a whole bag to WDW with us and each day I would just top up my zip loc baggie with fresh ones. The ziploc folds over nicely and stowed away in the back pocket of the stroller.

You may want to consider getting your niece a Pal Mickey. He is full of wonderful tidbits and he is so entertaining for everyone.

If your niece likes to fiddle with the camera you may want to get her a disposable one to take her own photos. THey may not be the best pics, but they will be a fun reminder of the view she had of WDW.

Make sure you get her a pin that says it is her first visit. SHe will get lots of great things, like stickers, pages to colour, certificates etc...

I could go on and on, but I will bore you I am sure. I have not checked out too many other boards here as I am addicted to this one!! But, I am sure you will get tons of replies soon.

Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[ehrn]

i have a zooper twist stroller which is supposed to be decent but it's really hard to push w/ my 26lb 2yo--actually the Graco is much easier, has a bigger basket and is more comfy for him to sleep in. try out the stroller first!!!!
AAA had a map of things for specifically for preschoolers to do.
don't miss a meal at CP for some relaxation and time w/Pooh.
and pick a special spot to take a picture every time you go to Disney--we take Quinn's pic in front of the Totem at the Wilderness Lodge gift shop.

have a blast!!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

What a nice aunty and what a super trip you have ahead of you. You won't be sorry w/ a Maclaren...they steer very nice, even w/a heavy kid and fold up easy and have a carry strap so you can handle the stroller and kid on the bus.

I would recommend carrying a small cooler bag w/juice boxes/water and snacks to have them on hand because sometimes the wait for food is LLLOONNGG and she will appreciate familiar food. If she is not potty trained yet, bring more pullups than you think you will need and/or go potty frequently (esp before shows! Nemo Musical and FOTLK are long) because of the aforementioned juice boxes/water.

And, hey, welcome to the DIS!!!!!

 

[cheapi86]

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I'm learning so much from this board!

 

[pl'smama]

Another thought about the potty visits. My DD was toilet trained when we were there last year. However, she was afraid of the auto flush toilets and that is all they have in the parks! We did the best we could and she went when she really had to, but if your neice is in pull ups you are better off!! Just encourage her to go at the hotel etc..

Have fun!! Oh, we have the Maclaren to and it was great!