First Visit with 2yr old - Ground Rules

[cgorn]

My wife and I just booked our trip for December '09 when our DD will be 2. I thought it would be useful and fun to start a thread with advice -- serious or silly (anecdotal is welcome!) -- for "ground rules." We will be staying five nights at POP with park hopper, water parks etc, and quick service dining. We have been to WDW as recently as 2007, so we already know we don't need to work ourselves to death to see everything.

These are designed to be fair to the parents and respectful of a child's tolerance for long days and excitement.

So here they go. Feel free to add on or comment:

1. Expect at least one return to the resort in the middle of the day. Do not plan to be at any park from open to close

2. The Quick Service Dining Package seems to be designed for convenience rather than value. It *can* be a value, but rather than fret over making sure we get more than our money's worth, choose restaurants for the normal reasons (menu choice, convenience, etc)

3. No more than one parent swap per park visit. Solo rides must be FastPassed, if available

4. Plan one AM Extra Magic Hour. Plan one PM Extra Magic Hour OR a special party (in our case, MVMCP)

5. If the kid doesn't want to meet the characters, so be it

That's good for a start! I look forward to your additions.

-- Chad

 

[Worfiedoodles]

To quote one of my favorite lines from a famous Disney travel planning book, "
Take the nap, take the nap, take the nap!"

 

[baybemama]

These sound like ground rules for my husband!

 

[chipper10]

I agree with the characters thing, but Ds eventually warmed up to them. On our first 10 minutes in the MK, DS met Pluto. DS screamed/cried/acted scared. I was extremely nervous about this, because we had mostly character meals scheduled. By day 3 he would kiss the characters, and by day 5 he was running up to all the characters and laughig\ng/having a good time.

You know your child better than anyone else does, go with your gut.


As far as naps go, I would also follow your child's lead. We stayed at Pop in September with DS who wsa 21 months at the time. our plan was to nap everyday. But sometimes DS actually fell asleep in the stroller at the parks. If he did we would just stroll in the shops and let him nap. This was easier for us than heading all the way back to Pop. Also, housekeeping never got to our rooms until the afternoon, so if we went back for a nap, our room was never cleaned.

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

I just got back with my 2yo 3 wks ago. She napped in her stroller when she was tired so next time we would not go back for a break mid-day since we missed all of the parades, instead we would go back after dinner and relax/go to the pool/etc. We would not park hop again while having a child in the stroller- so stressful to deal with bags, diaper bags, and the stroller. I would do a character meal or two to see the main characters because those lines get out of hand.

 

[chipper10]

I would not bring a "diaper bag" to the parks. We used a backpack, and it worked much better than bringing our normal diaper bag.

 

[shelby101301]

I always say, bring a mini flashlight (key ring one work great) for the little ones for those super dark moments. It literally saves our vacation.

ring familiar snacks from home.

 

[cgorn]

Thanks for the advice... I found the nap issue the most interesting. We were planning on bringing a stroller, but it's a lightweight McLaren umbrella stroller and she doesn't tend to nap well in it. She'll nap, but awkwardly and not for long. We may wind up deciding to rent while we're there. We have plenty of time to decide!

I also love the backpack, light, and character ideas. We don't yet know how our DD feels about waiting in long lines (though she was fine at World of Disney in NYC when she met Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald).

Thanks!

Chad

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

Oh and FP's for any rides you are thinking of. For us, we needed fp's for peter pan and winnie the pooh- those lines were over 20 mins - and after 20 mins, she was completely fried.

 

[lorax123]

Bring along at least one small favorite toy to fit into your backpack...not diaper bags...too bulky...to entertain while you are standing in lines. FP for the main ones like Winnie the Pooh. We actually just got back from a December trip with a four year old and one year old and I highly recommend getting to the park as early as possible and heading to Fantasy Land...it was completely dead and we got on everything with no waits. I also recommend a lightweight stroller that folds up easily (we used our Maclaren) and (while I never liked them prekid) a baby "leash"! I used a soft monkey shaped backpack looking thing for my one year old and I was so glad I did!! He wanted out of his stroller at all costs most of the time and he is a runner so without this I would not have been able to keep up with him and he didnt mind having it on because he got to be out of the stroller most of the time if we were not holding him. Stick to one or two character meals for character interaction...dont wait in those long lines. We checked out the resorts since it was christmas and some of them (like the Contemporary) had Christmas atire Mickey and Minnie in the lobby. We didnt wait at all and actually had some personal time with Mickey! The kids loved it and we didnt wait in line at all to meet them. Just ask at the conciere desk to see what times they might be showing up WE ate at the Wave and the manager actually told us about it...great restaurant by the way!

Just dont expect too much, relax,and most of all have a great family trip to the World

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

One of my favorites that my DD9 came up with on our Sept. trip was for her Dad.

No getting mad when I'm tired and have to go back to the room for a nap.

My DH is a commando tourer and hates taking a break in the middle of the day.

I 2nd having a book handy or even a small thing of bubbles in your backpack to keep your DD occupied when you need it.

 

[Mom2m&k]

Tie any beloved blankies or sippy cups or toys to the strollers...as they will be tossed overboard by a toddler! We were very fortunate that several nice people returned mini blankie to us when they saw it get tossed over! This is also great with sippy cups so they don't hit the ground and then need to be washed!

 

[Drewsmommybear]

Put a small clip on etch a sketch or something similar on whatever bag you bring (I also reccommend a backpack). During bus rides or while waiting in line, you can help your child draw pictures. It helps to pass the time and you don't have to worry about leaving anything behind.

Also, stick some cheerios or some other small snack item in the bag. The first time we went, my son was 2 1/2 and we'd get moving and not realize that he was hungry until it was too late. Cereal can hold you over until the next pitstop.

Oh! Also know where all of the baby centers are in the parks. Your 2 yo might already be potty trained but this is still a nice quiet place with little potties instead of the big standard ones. Also, the changing areas here are very nice. It's a great place to take a quick break.

 

[SaraMc]

We were there in Oct with our son who is 2. We bought a whole bunch of glow sticks ( Michael's has a bunch for $1) and they were braclets. When we went on dark rides he got a bravery braclet. Which worked wonders!
We found he was MUCH better having a nap in the resort. However sometimes we didnt make it back in time and he would pass out in his stroller. We would let him sleep and find a quiet place for him to do so. Movie theatres in Main Street. The rocking chairs under splash mountain in the briar patch store etc.

 

[BellyBaby]

This is what made our first trip with a toddler wonderful - sorry it's long, I learned alot in one trip:

RULE #1 - Do not start potty training until after the trip no matter what. I'd much rather change a diaper, than have my dd tell me she has to go potty after waiting in line for 15 min. It's just way easier.

RULE #2 - Do not go on any FP ride until after you've already gotten the next FP. 20 min. or so can be spent ON the current ride instead of wondering the park waiting for the next time slot.

RULE #2 - Pay attention to your toddler, you can often prevent overtiredness, grumpiness, etc. by being observant and proactive. They're too little and overstimulated to tell you what they need before it's too late.

RULE #3 - Know that although it may suck to not do something you really want to (my dd refused to go on the train, Little Mermaid, etc) just remember it'll be that much more to see and do next trip.

RULE #4 - Take time to just sit on a bench and eat a mickey treat or popcorn, and watch other families - yelling at each other, having fun, struggling with a whiney toddler, etc. I saw a family acting just like ours one day in the park, and we all had a laugh. It reminds you that we all have our moments, and it's really entertaining and reassuring that you're not the only one who yells at the in-laws to move their butts and hurry up - good to make you feel normal.

RULE #4 - Press pennies

RULE #5 - Talk to your toddler long after the trip about the rides, who they saw, play the trip planning DVD, look at pictures. My 3 yr-old still talks about Disney, she may have well forgotten the experience by now had we not kept it alive and well...who knows?

RULE #6 - Take it all in. Enjoy the time when your kids actually believe that Mickey is really THE Mickey, not a short chick in a suit. Of course it's still wonderful when they're older and know better, but that little window of believing it's ALL real, is so much fun to watch.

RULE #7 - Expect the unexpected. My dd never slept in her stroller, so we'd go back to the house for naptime until day 5, she conked out outside of Pirates. We decided to stay (lots of benches, nice and dark). We took a breather ourselves.

RULE #8 - Always double check that you packed up your diaper-changing pad. I left mine behind somewhere. You tend to rush at Disney.

Hope you can use something, we had a blast, have the best trip ever!

 

[dsneygirl]

Thanks for the advice... I found the nap issue the most interesting. We were planning on bringing a stroller, but it's a lightweight McLaren umbrella stroller and she doesn't tend to nap well in it. She'll nap, but awkwardly and not for long. We may wind up deciding to rent while we're there. We have plenty of time to decide!

I also love the backpack, light, and character ideas. We don't yet know how our DD feels about waiting in long lines (though she was fine at World of Disney in NYC when she met Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald).

Thanks!

Chad

We went for 12 days with my DS when he was 26 months in Sept and naps were an absolute necessity. Not just for DS but for DH and I. Most days we would get back to our room around 2 and we would all sleep for 2-3 hours. Then we would head back until 9/10pm. As such we missed most afternoon events and also missed a few early dinner ADRs but just go with the flow far better to miss a parade than to have your DC having a giant meltdown in the middle of dinner.

We had the BEST time with DS on that trip so you will have a ball.

 

[TravelinMommy]

Great advice....except we will not be going back to the hotel for naps...luckily our son will nap anywhere..and he loves to nap in his stroller...so during that time it will be exploring the parks for us and picking up a fast pass....plus my MIL is coming, so that might be a time for dh and i to go ride a rollercoaster

 

[connie1042]

Just laugh when you are hanging on to your 2 year old in a bus line and he is screaming for you to "let go of me" you will not be charged with kidnapping!!!!

 

[coolbeans]

Just laugh when you are hanging on to your 2 year old in a bus line and he is screaming for you to "let go of me" you will not be charged with kidnapping!!!!

this is true... I know from experience.

Our DS was different, he actually napped in his stroller and we never once went back to the hotel mid-day for naps. While he slept one of us rode with DD and the other shopped or gave our feet a much needed rest! Cell phones were a lifesaver to find eachother after the ride and the little giftshops at the end of rides were great too!!

Also the hotel provides bed rails free of charge you just have to ask. We did that for DS and we all rotated who slept with him (DD is 12 and didn't want to be stuck with him every nite!) So one nite she slept with me, then with her dad then with her brother, easy!

And don't forget the first visit button for little ones, POR didn't ask if I needed one so I asked for one for DS and it is hanging on his picture board in my living room, very cute!!

 

[ktlm]

cgorn- When you say 2- how close to 3? There is a huge difference between just turning 2 and getting close to 3. We were there a few weeks ago with DD who will be 3 in February. As for your rules:

1) Don't be surprised if any attempt to leave the park during the day is met with extreme resistence, including kicking and screaming. For us- a nap in the stroller in the park worked much better. We used the small Maclaren and it was fine. Some days she was so tired, she might nap for an hour or longer in it. Other days less, or maybe even multiple short naps. Also- do not be surprised if after you have waited in line 40 minutes (when the wait time said 20 minutes) for the Peter Pan ride, your DD suddenly falls asleep in your arms just as you are about 2 minutes from the ride. Tip- there is a little cubby right before the ramp to the boarding area where you can sit on the ground and watch the line pass you by with a sleeping child in your arms until said child wakes up (25 minutes later) and you can pop back in line. Also, do not be surprised if your child insists on riding Peter Pan and Small World over and over and over and over..... One more- do not be surprised if the one time you actually get your child to go back to the room for the day for a short nap- only because DD did not care for AK and wanted to go back to MK- when you get to the room the housekeeper is there working and tells you she just started and will be there for another 20 minutes.

3) Don't forget that some of the big rides have single rider lines. We never had more than a 10 minute wait for those- no fast passes needed. Great for a trade off during a nap.

4) DD loved MVMCP, especially the parade and the dance party at Ariel's grotto with the Stepsisters

5) Sometime in the next year- find a character anywhere and see how your DD reacts (ball park mascot; Chic fil A cow; easter bunny etc). My DD loves them. She pretty much did a running tackle for each one at Disney when it was her turn. If your DD is the same- character meals will be a huge highlight- I would highly recommend them. My big tip on characters is start introducing her now (or at least a few months before you go) to all the Disney characters through books and movies (be quick on the fast forward through any scary parts). My DD knew them all before she got there and that made it so exciting for her to meet them. The first one she met was Pluto and I didn't think she was ever going to let him out of her bear hug. The look on her face was priceless. Also- if your child is a character lover- expect to spend large amounts of time in line for them. Expect this to be your child's number one priority (even if you do 3 character meals- all of which were loved). Tip- if you see a character first and do not want to spend time in that line- strategically place yourself to block character from child's view and get out of the area FAST. Trust me- it works.


Tips:

1. Garden Grocer delivers to the resort. Someone else could tell you about whether POP has refrigerators in the room and what size. We had bottled water, orange juice, cereal and snacks my DD liked delivered the day we arrived. Also had diapers and wipes delivered so we didn't have to try and pack the bulky things- it was great.

2. Take your DDs personality and schedule into consideration. Be aware of any time zone differences. If DD is not a morning person, do not expect DD to easily get up for any early pre-park opening breakfasts or rope drop in any kind of mood you would want her to be in for the rest of the day. Attempts to do so, may not be pretty. After realizing that getting her to wake up to try to get to the park at opening was a losing battle, we found ourselves scrambling to try to move our one pre-opening character breakfast. Luckily, they were able to change us to later.

3. Tie ribbons or other things on your stoller so that you can easily spot it. This was one of the best things we did. I thought our pink flowered stroller was unique looking and would be easy to find. Surprisingly, there were several others just like it (which I'm sure their owners thought would be unique too). Unless you mark your stroller, it is easy for someone to mistake it as theirs and take it- I've head this is how most strollers at WDW are "stolen".

4. Potty training- Although you decide not to push until after you are back from your trip- fully expect that 2 weeks before the trip DD will decide on her own she is potty trained and demands to be taken to the potty rather than peeing in her diaper- also expect said child will generally not do so without potty seats. Target or Walmart have portable fold up potty seats which come with a plastic bag. They just lay flat on the toilet- they slide a litle as they aren't a perfect fit, but they are good enough. We bought 2 Sesame street ones. 1 for the hotel and 1 to take into the airport and the parks (I figured I wouldn't feel as gross if I had a seperate 1 for the hotel). We threw it in the stroller and off we went. They were a lifesaver. Also expect several mad dashes to suddenly find a bathroom for the newly potty trained child.

5. Small boxes of Raisins or something similar are great for when the small child suddenly realizes while standing in line that they are hungry.

6. Expect to buy strange souvenirs. Don't question why the Minnie backscratcher is the most exciting thing in the giant store and an absolute must have- just get it. Expect to have to carry it every day in the park.

7. Buy Princess costumes on sale ahead of time and take them with you. Anticipate the possibility that once child has worn it once and gotten a ton of special attention- that said child will refuse to wear anything else for the rest of the week. Give in- you are at WDW. So what if she wears the same dress for 3 days in a row.