First trip with toddler- any tips

[tinkangell]

We went last year with our 2yr old daughter. My advise it to make it simple. Do not park hop to much! Have snacks for her. It is a busy time of year so you will need Advanced reservations for dinner! Try not to do a ton of parks. she will need some down time! Make sure you have your essentials and do not sweat the rest! Have a great family vacation! It is truly magical for a 2 year old and her parents!!

 

[mum1]

I'm curious to hear how your trip went!

My husband and I are planning to take my 2 year old son to Disney next October. We'll be with Nana & Grandma too, so we're shopping for connecting rooms, and I'm debating between CBR and the Poly.

I am enjoying these stories and ideas. I can't wait to experience WDW with our son =)

 

[don.mickey]

Dont ever lose sight of your toddler.

 

[Elmo007]

The only thing I have to add is that DTD can be fun with a toddler. They have a splash/fountain area that the kids love. Plan on sitting and watching for a long time. Just dont plan on shopping much

 

[spencerbomar]

don't rent one there...fab, but adds up.

don't take one.

buy an inexpensive one when you get there.

Give it away when you leave.

 

[SPBendersky]

we followed some simple rules when our children were young. Don't try to set a schedule and then think that that will be what you do that day. You need to go with the flow with some modifications. If the child naps like ours did, we would go into the park early when it opened until around noon when it gets more crowed, and we would go back to our room for lunch and nap. We would then go back into the park after an early dinner aroun 5 while people were coming out for theirs. Eating at a real resturant with a wait was not an option. Plenty of healthy snacks throughout the day kept our toddlers busy and not wanting all the other distracting items. Early to bed, pool mixed in and a general common sense attitude towards what we could get done that day based upon the mood of the Toddler was the key. Don't push it and you will see enough for a happy first trip.

 

[p&tbrown]

Don't go with a large group. Everyone pulls in a different direction. We went with MIL, FIL, SIL and family friend. I hate to say that my favorite time was when everyone went back to pack on the last day and my 18 mth old and I were at MK by ourselves. We did whatever he wanted to do and had a blast.

 

[LKMang]

We have taken DS when he was 12 mo & again at 21 mo. The first time, he couldn't get enough of the characters. We had breakfast at crystal palace and he just loved them. At 21 mo., he screamed any time he saw one. At 12 mo. he went on a bunch of rides (dumbo, pirates, peter pan, etc.). At 21 mo. he went on maybe 2 rides the whole time. He was definitely more aware and more scared of everything.

We took our own stroller and it was one of our best decisions. He was used to it and usually took a nap in there in the morning while we were at the parks.

have a blast. I think it is so much fun bringing a little one to WDW. We are planning on going back when he is almost 3 years old and I can't wait to see what he enjoys this time!

 

[redandblue]

I got this idea from another dis board.

Take a diaper fold it like you would a dirty diaper pour a can of coke over it so it swells and looks gross, stick it in a clear plastic bag like those ones from the produce aisle. And tie it to your stroller. I guess it is a sure fire way to keep your stroller from being stolen. People will think you tied a dirty diaper to your stroller to dispose of later.

Or you could be really gross and smear a chocolate bar on the seat but then you might get stains on LO's clothes.


Question? Anyone have any umbrella stroller ideas that don't require you to hunch over to push? I am not tall 5'4 and I am always bent slightly pushing our umbrella stroller, not a big deal for regular outings but a trip to Disney would kill my back. My cousin who is taller never uses her umbrellas for this reason she is always lugging around her regular stroller.

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Question? Anyone have any umbrella stroller ideas that don't require you to hunch over to push? I am not tall 5'4 and I am always bent slightly pushing our umbrella stroller, not a big deal for regular outings but a trip to Disney would kill my back. My cousin who is taller never uses her umbrellas for this reason she is always lugging around her regular
stroller.

I would recommend a Maclaren umbrella stroller. They are a little more pricey than the average umbrella stroller, but in my opinion, they are well worth every penny! My husband is 6'2" and has never complained about the handles being too short. There are many more features that these strollers offer depending on the model. Good luck!