My wife and I are taking my two year old daughter to DW in September. We are also bringing along both sets of grandparents. I was looking for suggestions on what to bring, what activities are "can't miss", and any general suggestions for a tot this age. Thanks in advance to all those who take the time to reply. 7 months and counting.........
First trip with 2year old, any suggestions?
- Thread starter kid4ever
- Start date
Welcome!
I went to WDW with my in-laws when DS was 2.
Having done WDW on-property and off-property, I much prefer staying on-property for the ease of going back to the hotel for naps.
An afternoon nap is a MUST. We try to get to the park at or close to opening time and then head back to the hotel a little after lunch for a nap. After a nap, we get some dinner and are rip-roaring ready for more rides, parades, and night shows like Fantasmic. (We get Park Hopper passes and often do one park in the morning and a different one in the evening.)
Naptime is a great time for doing one or two wild adult rides. When we had just one little guy, I would take him back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap and my DH would hit one or two rollercoasters before meeting us back at the hotel. Now that we've got two, I'll likely lay down with the baby, while DH and our son have some fun time at the hotel pool.
You can also use Fastpass and/or Babyswap for the adult rides. With Babyswap, just take the baby through the line and tell the attendant you want to "Babyswap". One of you gets to go on the ride first, while the other watches the child and then the second parent gets to go. If you're at the park with the Grandparents and they are willing to watch your daughter, then you and your wife could get a Fastpass for a ride and come back at the appointed Fastpass time to ride while the Grandparents watch your daughter/take her on a different ride.
I highly recommend taking your own water, juice boxes, and snacks. You'll save money and a few snacks can help avoid a meltdown in a long line. Also, I take a couple of candy items -- at the parks, it's virtually impossible to buy one small lollipop -- you can buy a BIG lollipop or several small ones, but can't just shell out 75 cents for one. And, yet, when your child sees other kids eating a lollipop, you may not want to spend $5 on a big lollipop that is more sugar than she needs in a week.
Ahead of time, check out the Disney Planning Guides from your local library. Know ahead of time which rides are appropriate for your daughter and which aren't.
With a large group, you DO NOT want to be going from ride to ride with 7 people at one time. Trust me -- I've done this and would not wish it on anyone. You will all enjoy your vacation much more if you: stay at the same hotel and arrange for all rooms to be near each other. Make Priority Seating reservations for one meal each day for the entire group -- maybe dinner. You get everyone together for breakfast, back at the hotel for an afternoon break (Grandmas and Grandpas may want that break too), lunch or dinner and meet for some shows.
Be careful with your daughter and the characters. At two, my intrepid son was great about the characters until we got within 5 feet, when he would run screaming the other way. We actually spent 45 minutes in line to see Mickey, only to get right up to Mickey and have my son run for the door! Try the Character Meal for a great, low key interaction.
If you want to take your daughter to the Disney Princess breakfast at Cinderella's Castle, you'll need to be on the phone exactly 90 days from the day, first thing in the morning to secure a Priority Seating reservation. (I'm waiting till my daughter is older for this one, but hear it's great for little girls who like the Princesses.)
The Philharmagic show was the only 3-D show that didn't have any parts that scared my son. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience had mice and a large snake, I think. It's Great to Be a Bug had bugs and spiders. Even the Muppet show scared my son -- something about the little animated character scared him to death -- he'd scream and cry any time the character was on screen.
I hope this helps!
EthansMom (and now Molly's too)
I went to WDW with my in-laws when DS was 2.
Having done WDW on-property and off-property, I much prefer staying on-property for the ease of going back to the hotel for naps.
An afternoon nap is a MUST. We try to get to the park at or close to opening time and then head back to the hotel a little after lunch for a nap. After a nap, we get some dinner and are rip-roaring ready for more rides, parades, and night shows like Fantasmic. (We get Park Hopper passes and often do one park in the morning and a different one in the evening.)
Naptime is a great time for doing one or two wild adult rides. When we had just one little guy, I would take him back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap and my DH would hit one or two rollercoasters before meeting us back at the hotel. Now that we've got two, I'll likely lay down with the baby, while DH and our son have some fun time at the hotel pool.
You can also use Fastpass and/or Babyswap for the adult rides. With Babyswap, just take the baby through the line and tell the attendant you want to "Babyswap". One of you gets to go on the ride first, while the other watches the child and then the second parent gets to go. If you're at the park with the Grandparents and they are willing to watch your daughter, then you and your wife could get a Fastpass for a ride and come back at the appointed Fastpass time to ride while the Grandparents watch your daughter/take her on a different ride.
I highly recommend taking your own water, juice boxes, and snacks. You'll save money and a few snacks can help avoid a meltdown in a long line. Also, I take a couple of candy items -- at the parks, it's virtually impossible to buy one small lollipop -- you can buy a BIG lollipop or several small ones, but can't just shell out 75 cents for one. And, yet, when your child sees other kids eating a lollipop, you may not want to spend $5 on a big lollipop that is more sugar than she needs in a week.
Ahead of time, check out the Disney Planning Guides from your local library. Know ahead of time which rides are appropriate for your daughter and which aren't.
With a large group, you DO NOT want to be going from ride to ride with 7 people at one time. Trust me -- I've done this and would not wish it on anyone. You will all enjoy your vacation much more if you: stay at the same hotel and arrange for all rooms to be near each other. Make Priority Seating reservations for one meal each day for the entire group -- maybe dinner. You get everyone together for breakfast, back at the hotel for an afternoon break (Grandmas and Grandpas may want that break too), lunch or dinner and meet for some shows.
Be careful with your daughter and the characters. At two, my intrepid son was great about the characters until we got within 5 feet, when he would run screaming the other way. We actually spent 45 minutes in line to see Mickey, only to get right up to Mickey and have my son run for the door! Try the Character Meal for a great, low key interaction.
If you want to take your daughter to the Disney Princess breakfast at Cinderella's Castle, you'll need to be on the phone exactly 90 days from the day, first thing in the morning to secure a Priority Seating reservation. (I'm waiting till my daughter is older for this one, but hear it's great for little girls who like the Princesses.)
The Philharmagic show was the only 3-D show that didn't have any parts that scared my son. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience had mice and a large snake, I think. It's Great to Be a Bug had bugs and spiders. Even the Muppet show scared my son -- something about the little animated character scared him to death -- he'd scream and cry any time the character was on screen.
I hope this helps!
EthansMom (and now Molly's too)
Mr Poohbrain
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2004
- Messages
- 215
We took our DS down to Disney, just shy of his 2nd birthday. He did great!
One suggestion that I read on the boards (and that really helped us!) was to get the Disney sing-along videos that have the "live" characters in them. We rented a couple from the library - my DS's favorite was the one filmed in Disneyland, California. As far as I know, it's only available on VHS, as it is about 15 years old. One word of caution - you will be singing these tunes out loud for days.... they're very "catchy".
Good luck!
Mrs. PB
One suggestion that I read on the boards (and that really helped us!) was to get the Disney sing-along videos that have the "live" characters in them. We rented a couple from the library - my DS's favorite was the one filmed in Disneyland, California. As far as I know, it's only available on VHS, as it is about 15 years old. One word of caution - you will be singing these tunes out loud for days.... they're very "catchy".
Good luck!
Mrs. PB
We took our DD when she just turned 2 for the first time. We had no problems with her!!
A couple of things that I would recommend are staying on property, the transportation is great. Bring your own stroller!! Some of the ones at the park are very uncomfortable, especially MK. I just think that your child is much more comfortable in their own stroller. Bring time fillers like a travel size magna doodle. This is great for waiting in line and in the restaurants. We also brought small bottles of bubbles for waiting in lines. They amused not only our children but others too!! Be prepared with snacks at all times!! I think we must have gone through 25 Dum Dum pops a day. Normally she doesn't eat too much candy so this was a treat in itself.
We never left the parks to go back and take naps. She did take a nap everyday but we just kept going. Baby swap works great in those situations. Find out which attractions use this by reading these boards and other Disney how to books.
Most of all just remember that you are there to have fun!! Don't overthink, over schedule or over do it!! There is always next time for those things you miss!!
A couple of things that I would recommend are staying on property, the transportation is great. Bring your own stroller!! Some of the ones at the park are very uncomfortable, especially MK. I just think that your child is much more comfortable in their own stroller. Bring time fillers like a travel size magna doodle. This is great for waiting in line and in the restaurants. We also brought small bottles of bubbles for waiting in lines. They amused not only our children but others too!! Be prepared with snacks at all times!! I think we must have gone through 25 Dum Dum pops a day. Normally she doesn't eat too much candy so this was a treat in itself.
We never left the parks to go back and take naps. She did take a nap everyday but we just kept going. Baby swap works great in those situations. Find out which attractions use this by reading these boards and other Disney how to books.
Most of all just remember that you are there to have fun!! Don't overthink, over schedule or over do it!! There is always next time for those things you miss!!
I forgot about the characters!! Take your child to Chucky Cheese or any other local place with real live characters. Nothing else really prepares them for the real thing. DD was scared to death on the first day but them we scheduled a character meal at Chef Ms and Minnie was awesome!! She completely turned her around. She loved the characters after that.
siennacrew
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2004
- Messages
- 103
We just got back from Disney with our just turned 3 year old. I think alot of these tips still apply.
I took disposable sippy cups. I put 2-3 in a ziploc and took them each day to the park. I found that many of the counter service places have huge screw top lid containers of milk (we split it between 2 kid). Animal Kingdom doesn't have lids! I just threw out whatever he didn't drink. This is one of the best things I did!
I also made up diaper changing packs disposable changing pads (Babies R us has big packs), sandwich bag w/ 2 wipes (one for bottom & one for hands), and a diaper all in a quart size ziploc. I found that 3-4 of these worked great. You may want a small ziploc of just wipes for smaller messes. My husband often changed my son while I took care of my daughter. It made it go alot faster! Maybe if someone doesn't need to use the bathroom have them change your daughter.
If your daughter likes juice boxes make sure to bring the favorites w/ you. A couple a day w/ milk & other drinks works well. The same goes with snacks...I took a variety and all he wanted was fruit snacks & pez candy.
I would also have meal items she likes back at the room. My son ate 2 doughnuts one night for supper....I wish I would have had lunch meat or something else for him! I know not healthy but he wouldn't eat when we ate & fell asleep during some meals.
My son loved: Dumbo, Pooh Ride, Buzz Lightyear Ride, Mickey Philharmagic (this one everyone absolutely loved we watched it at least 3 times and my son said more duck!), parades, Pocahantas, Cinderellabration (stage of the castle) ,Playhouse Disney, and fireworks. There are more....I just can't think of them all. He loved the pool at our resort too! We bought pool toys that are Nemo at the living seas & he had a ball!
I wish I would have dressed my son in sweats for night parades. He often fell asleep on the way back & I wouldn't have had to change his clothes back at the hotel.
Do not make to many priority seatings for early morning. We needed to sleep in a little some days. The Crystal Palace w/ Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet is very nice w/ great food! Chef Mickey's Dinner was ok...food was better & cheaper at Crystal Palace. I would also plan them for early in the trip. It seemed like as our trip went on my son did worse & worse at them. I've heard the princess breakfast in Epcot is very good. Cinderella was nice...food wasn't great, but the atmosphere was awesome!
Take special or expensive items out of your stroller! My son's favorite stuffed animal was stollen! It wasn't fun on the ride home!
We bought a leapster as a birthday gift for my son and that helped keep him entertained on the plane, before shows etc. He also loved a spinning top and bubbles.
If you fly be sure to gate check your stroller. They will have it ready for you when you get off of the plane! It saves a lot of back pain!
We also saved a spot for the parade and I sat there. My kids went with dad and got to do stuff while I waited! One night before the parade they saw County Bears! We also utilized fastpass! I would get one whenever you get to the park. The time span for us was generally 1 hour from the time we got it and it is good for 1 hour. You can ride some stuff and come back & get to the front of the line. This is another thing to do right before the parade....after the parade you can walk right on!
We also tried to do things that were close to each other. The following worked out very well for us: Beauty in the Beast and then you walk around the corner to Fantasmic (it may depend on the season if this would work or not). We also did that with Lion King straight to Pocahantas.
It also helps just to be back at the hotel for awhile. We went back one night just for an hour and it recharged us all! Take time to swim if you can...my son loved that...as much as other things! The hot tub does wonders for mom & dad too!
I also tried to be out & about during nap times right before our trip. It helped get my son used to sleeping in his stroller.
Your daughter may not sleep sound. Our son kept waking up....it helped to hold him until he fell asleep. I brought night lights and that was very helpful.
If you can stay at a resort that has monorail or boat service. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge & it was wonderful! It cuts down folding your stroller by about 2/3 if you go to Magic Kingdom alot. My son always fell asleep on the way back. When you ride on the bus you have to fold your stroller up and get everything out of it! That's hard w/ a sleepy child!
Anyway....enough rambling....have a great trip! My son did great...I'm sure your daughter will too
I took disposable sippy cups. I put 2-3 in a ziploc and took them each day to the park. I found that many of the counter service places have huge screw top lid containers of milk (we split it between 2 kid). Animal Kingdom doesn't have lids! I just threw out whatever he didn't drink. This is one of the best things I did!
I also made up diaper changing packs disposable changing pads (Babies R us has big packs), sandwich bag w/ 2 wipes (one for bottom & one for hands), and a diaper all in a quart size ziploc. I found that 3-4 of these worked great. You may want a small ziploc of just wipes for smaller messes. My husband often changed my son while I took care of my daughter. It made it go alot faster! Maybe if someone doesn't need to use the bathroom have them change your daughter.
If your daughter likes juice boxes make sure to bring the favorites w/ you. A couple a day w/ milk & other drinks works well. The same goes with snacks...I took a variety and all he wanted was fruit snacks & pez candy.
I would also have meal items she likes back at the room. My son ate 2 doughnuts one night for supper....I wish I would have had lunch meat or something else for him! I know not healthy but he wouldn't eat when we ate & fell asleep during some meals.
My son loved: Dumbo, Pooh Ride, Buzz Lightyear Ride, Mickey Philharmagic (this one everyone absolutely loved we watched it at least 3 times and my son said more duck!), parades, Pocahantas, Cinderellabration (stage of the castle) ,Playhouse Disney, and fireworks. There are more....I just can't think of them all. He loved the pool at our resort too! We bought pool toys that are Nemo at the living seas & he had a ball!
I wish I would have dressed my son in sweats for night parades. He often fell asleep on the way back & I wouldn't have had to change his clothes back at the hotel.
Do not make to many priority seatings for early morning. We needed to sleep in a little some days. The Crystal Palace w/ Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet is very nice w/ great food! Chef Mickey's Dinner was ok...food was better & cheaper at Crystal Palace. I would also plan them for early in the trip. It seemed like as our trip went on my son did worse & worse at them. I've heard the princess breakfast in Epcot is very good. Cinderella was nice...food wasn't great, but the atmosphere was awesome!
Take special or expensive items out of your stroller! My son's favorite stuffed animal was stollen! It wasn't fun on the ride home!
We bought a leapster as a birthday gift for my son and that helped keep him entertained on the plane, before shows etc. He also loved a spinning top and bubbles.
If you fly be sure to gate check your stroller. They will have it ready for you when you get off of the plane! It saves a lot of back pain!
We also saved a spot for the parade and I sat there. My kids went with dad and got to do stuff while I waited! One night before the parade they saw County Bears! We also utilized fastpass! I would get one whenever you get to the park. The time span for us was generally 1 hour from the time we got it and it is good for 1 hour. You can ride some stuff and come back & get to the front of the line. This is another thing to do right before the parade....after the parade you can walk right on!
We also tried to do things that were close to each other. The following worked out very well for us: Beauty in the Beast and then you walk around the corner to Fantasmic (it may depend on the season if this would work or not). We also did that with Lion King straight to Pocahantas.
It also helps just to be back at the hotel for awhile. We went back one night just for an hour and it recharged us all! Take time to swim if you can...my son loved that...as much as other things! The hot tub does wonders for mom & dad too!
I also tried to be out & about during nap times right before our trip. It helped get my son used to sleeping in his stroller.
Your daughter may not sleep sound. Our son kept waking up....it helped to hold him until he fell asleep. I brought night lights and that was very helpful.
If you can stay at a resort that has monorail or boat service. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge & it was wonderful! It cuts down folding your stroller by about 2/3 if you go to Magic Kingdom alot. My son always fell asleep on the way back. When you ride on the bus you have to fold your stroller up and get everything out of it! That's hard w/ a sleepy child!
Anyway....enough rambling....have a great trip! My son did great...I'm sure your daughter will too
If alot of people share the same first name you need to make eye contact when 'handing' off the child ...my MIL had my two year old and was shopping around a large store and then decided to leave my two year old with us while we were in line trying to complete a purchase....only problem was she said "john" watch "Johnny" without making eye contact or getting any sort of acknowledgement from "John" who thought that his mom was talking to his dad..since 98% of the time mom refers to him a 'johnny' ...my son walked off and no one knew he was lost until we happened upon my in-laws and we all asked where 'johnny' was....needless to say DH and I flew through the store and finally found Johnny 30 seconds later standing in a doorway drinking his juice 'people watching' ...yikes...the kids never leave MY sight anymore.
Jennyvelaz
Can a Princess have twins, too?
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2004
- Messages
- 648
I just want to say what great advice everyone gives!
This is a special site to share parenting information, not just for Disney but for any "toddler travelling". That diaper idea rocks!
My 3year olds went first at 2 1/4. Believe it or not we went without a stroller! We quickly learnt our lesson! Definately bring one. After going twice without a car I would definately say rent one because the last visit was the best (not waiting in lines for buses, making our ressies, being able to get medicine, and shopoping for groceries and souvenirs!) Have a great time...Hit Chef Mickey's the 1st night as a warmup! Everyone swinging the napkins let my children relax! Go at their pace...you've been before and will go again so let them explore and see the things they don't see everyday! Characters will come and go and pictures will happen! Enjoy the natural happiness and don't try to force anything! Enjoy the pools, too! Most people forget that fun! Swimmies and floaties are everywhere so don't bring with you. They're 99cents a pair! Just makes me wanna go again! Have a great time!
This is a special site to share parenting information, not just for Disney but for any "toddler travelling". That diaper idea rocks!
My 3year olds went first at 2 1/4. Believe it or not we went without a stroller! We quickly learnt our lesson! Definately bring one. After going twice without a car I would definately say rent one because the last visit was the best (not waiting in lines for buses, making our ressies, being able to get medicine, and shopoping for groceries and souvenirs!) Have a great time...Hit Chef Mickey's the 1st night as a warmup! Everyone swinging the napkins let my children relax! Go at their pace...you've been before and will go again so let them explore and see the things they don't see everyday! Characters will come and go and pictures will happen! Enjoy the natural happiness and don't try to force anything! Enjoy the pools, too! Most people forget that fun! Swimmies and floaties are everywhere so don't bring with you. They're 99cents a pair! Just makes me wanna go again! Have a great time!
Luv_Tink
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2005
- Messages
- 325
Lots of great suggestions so far! A couple of others for you. Don't forget to utilize the baby care centers in each park. They are great for changing diapers, having a snack or taking a little down time from the park. My DD (2.5)was afraid of the fireworks in December, they were too loud, so I just took her into the baby care center where she watched cartoons and played until the fireworks were over. They also carry just about any type of medicine you might need while there as well as diapers, etc. - for a price of course. We ended up having to buy hydrocortisone cream one day because DD developed a weird rash on her neck.
Also, take along some toddler sized utensils for your DD to eat with. We brought some disposable ones that we would wash each day until they got too gross, then we'd toss them. The utensils at the restaurants were always too big for our DD. We'd take a ziplock with the utensils and a few disposable bibs in it to the parks every day.
As for rides and shows, my DD loved the carosel, dumbo, magic carpets, teacups, Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, the safari ride, Lion King show, and all the parades. She did not like Philharmagic, I had to take her glasses off and turn her around so she couldn't see anything.
Most of all, enjoy the trip with your DD. Its a whole new experience when you see it through their eyes. We were there in December and my 2.5 year old is still talking about it and asking when we can go back.
Also, take along some toddler sized utensils for your DD to eat with. We brought some disposable ones that we would wash each day until they got too gross, then we'd toss them. The utensils at the restaurants were always too big for our DD. We'd take a ziplock with the utensils and a few disposable bibs in it to the parks every day.
As for rides and shows, my DD loved the carosel, dumbo, magic carpets, teacups, Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, the safari ride, Lion King show, and all the parades. She did not like Philharmagic, I had to take her glasses off and turn her around so she couldn't see anything.
Most of all, enjoy the trip with your DD. Its a whole new experience when you see it through their eyes. We were there in December and my 2.5 year old is still talking about it and asking when we can go back.
the kabuki
DIS Cast Member<br><font color="teal">Has Drama Ki
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2004
- Messages
- 2,283
Taken each one of my kids when they were 2 yrs. Bring your own stroller, check it at the gate.
Rent a car. I know, I know, WDW has own trans., but it's really really nice to be in your own car ,especially at that age.
Get them used to the characters ahead of time. Watch disney movies before you leave, especially Lion King, Peter Pan if you can find it, any of the princess' movies if you don't already....
Do Fantasyland at MK first thing when you get to the parks in the morning. Very slow moving rides and little ones will want to do them more than once.
Don't expect them to be into World Showcase at Epcot. Grandparents will love it, but 2 yr old will get bored. Try to schedule it around naptime.
We never went back to the room. Mine always fell asleep in the stroller for their naps.
Bring warmer clothes to the parks for the evenings. Amazing how chilly it gets when the sun goes down.
Bring a soft sided collapsiable(sp?) cooler with you for snacks and drinks.
Honey I shrunk the kids playground in MGM and Dinoland playland in AK are great for the age.
Rent a car. I know, I know, WDW has own trans., but it's really really nice to be in your own car ,especially at that age.
Get them used to the characters ahead of time. Watch disney movies before you leave, especially Lion King, Peter Pan if you can find it, any of the princess' movies if you don't already....
Do Fantasyland at MK first thing when you get to the parks in the morning. Very slow moving rides and little ones will want to do them more than once.
Don't expect them to be into World Showcase at Epcot. Grandparents will love it, but 2 yr old will get bored. Try to schedule it around naptime.
We never went back to the room. Mine always fell asleep in the stroller for their naps.
Bring warmer clothes to the parks for the evenings. Amazing how chilly it gets when the sun goes down.
Bring a soft sided collapsiable(sp?) cooler with you for snacks and drinks.
Honey I shrunk the kids playground in MGM and Dinoland playland in AK are great for the age.
This site is amazing, in only one day I already have some great ideas on what to do and bring. At first my DW and I thought my DD might be too young to truly enjoy this trip, but now I know this is not the case. Once again, thanks to all for the wonderful advice, and keep it coming!!
If you don't have one yet, consider getting a child harness. I got one for our son for his first WDW trip -- can't tell you how many people stopped me to ask where I got it (Babies R Us). Basically, it's a vest that wraps around the child's chest and secures with super-industrial strength velcro. The roughly 6 foot long strap attaches to the back of the vest also with velcro and there is a handle for Mom or Dad. It was great for letting my son walk and explore but keep him safe and in sight at the same time. The velcro is strong enough that my very strong son could lean forward with all of his strength trying to get away and the velcro never budged. I think ours is made by Safety First. I plan to use it with our daughter who should be toddling by our WDW visit this spring.
Also, attach identifying information on the inside of your daughter's shirts. I use a Sharpie and masking tape to label the kids' clothes with their names, our names, our hotel name and our cell phone number.
And, if your daughter uses a pacifier, take extras! We lost 4 of our 8 pacifiers at Disneyland one trip -- thank goodness I had taken every pacifier we owned! It was actually hilarious because it got to where we would spot other people's pacifiers that had gotten dropped. Makes you wonder what Lost and Found does with all of those pacifiers!
In addition to disposable sippy cups and changing pads, consider getting disposable bibs also. Those things cost a little bit, but are worth it for the convenience on vacation.
I agree very much with the suggestion to not take valuables. We never take the video camera -- too much of a hassle to hold at all times. We just take the regular still camera and I put it in a "fanny pack" with our tickets and my wallet.
I hope this helps!
EthansMom
Also, attach identifying information on the inside of your daughter's shirts. I use a Sharpie and masking tape to label the kids' clothes with their names, our names, our hotel name and our cell phone number.
And, if your daughter uses a pacifier, take extras! We lost 4 of our 8 pacifiers at Disneyland one trip -- thank goodness I had taken every pacifier we owned! It was actually hilarious because it got to where we would spot other people's pacifiers that had gotten dropped. Makes you wonder what Lost and Found does with all of those pacifiers!
In addition to disposable sippy cups and changing pads, consider getting disposable bibs also. Those things cost a little bit, but are worth it for the convenience on vacation.
I agree very much with the suggestion to not take valuables. We never take the video camera -- too much of a hassle to hold at all times. We just take the regular still camera and I put it in a "fanny pack" with our tickets and my wallet.
I hope this helps!
EthansMom
We took our DS when he was 20 mos. A few suggestions that really helped (and sorry if I am repeating everyone prior to me)
Bring your own stroller with a sun shade. Our reclines and he just napped right in the stroller.
We went in September as well, so the crowds were minimal and the weather was decent. We still made it a point to stop in some shady cool spots and let him out to run around abit.
He did very well with the characters but we eased into it. He checked them out from a far at first and through the week we introduced him to them. By weeks end he would spot them before us.
Any of the indoor theatres/movies he loved. Plus it gave us all a chance to cool off.
Enjoy it all. This was the first time I went with my child and it was such a different experience. I loved seeing his reactions to all the things I have grown to love at WDW. I can't wait to go next September with our DS (then will be 4) and DD (then will be 2).
Have a blast!
Bring your own stroller with a sun shade. Our reclines and he just napped right in the stroller.
We went in September as well, so the crowds were minimal and the weather was decent. We still made it a point to stop in some shady cool spots and let him out to run around abit.
He did very well with the characters but we eased into it. He checked them out from a far at first and through the week we introduced him to them. By weeks end he would spot them before us.
Any of the indoor theatres/movies he loved. Plus it gave us all a chance to cool off.
Enjoy it all. This was the first time I went with my child and it was such a different experience. I loved seeing his reactions to all the things I have grown to love at WDW. I can't wait to go next September with our DS (then will be 4) and DD (then will be 2).
Have a blast!
turnerx5
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2004
- Messages
- 92
We just went to WDW in November with three children, the youngest of which was DS 3 and a half years old. One thing we did to prepare our youngest in advance was to buy the Shrek 3D movie so he'd be used to putting on 3d glasses and not freaked out by things jumping out off the screen. This preparation worked like a charm for us.
Also, don't underestimate just how exasuting this will be for your child and be ready for some 1st day early melt downs. On our first day in the MK, my son was freaked out by the life size Buzz lightyear right before you get onto the Space Ranger Spin. I looked up and my wife was wearing my son as a hat. He'd been in the park for 2.5 hours, and that was it for him for the day. I recommend preparing your daughter by having her watch the free Disney DVD, and we also watched the Disneyland sing along (shows the kids interacting with the life sized characters).
Hope this helps! Tx5.
Also, don't underestimate just how exasuting this will be for your child and be ready for some 1st day early melt downs. On our first day in the MK, my son was freaked out by the life size Buzz lightyear right before you get onto the Space Ranger Spin. I looked up and my wife was wearing my son as a hat. He'd been in the park for 2.5 hours, and that was it for him for the day. I recommend preparing your daughter by having her watch the free Disney DVD, and we also watched the Disneyland sing along (shows the kids interacting with the life sized characters).
Hope this helps! Tx5.
siennacrew
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2004
- Messages
- 103
If you stay at a Disney Resort they have bed rails. My son loved sleeping by mom or dad. He giggled the first night we all were in the same room going to bed!
All of the shows are short in length and my son loved them! I think most of them are 30 minutes or under. They were relaxing and kept my DS attention.
My husband said it would have been good to lift weights before our trip! My DS loves to be held....ugh 30 lbs!
All of the shows are short in length and my son loved them! I think most of them are 30 minutes or under. They were relaxing and kept my DS attention.
My husband said it would have been good to lift weights before our trip! My DS loves to be held....ugh 30 lbs!
-
Best Disney Character Outfit Ideas for Magic Kingdom
-
New Loungefly Styles to Complete Your Disney Character Look
-
New Imagineer Experience at Walt Disney Family Museum
-
Amazon Joins Disney for NEW Pumpkin Spice Merch on Demand
-
Rides Disney Guests Pretend To Love but Always Seem To Skip
-
Check Out These NEW Disney Princess Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charms
-
New Walt Disney Studios Merch Hits the Disney Store
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
