Free everything for 2 year olds??

[lustergirl]

I would like to take my great-nephew on next year's trip. He will be 2 years old next May. Does a child this young get free admission to the parks? How about the dining plan also? I am just curious because if he was free then I would take his momma also.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I know that admission is free. I don't know about the dining plan, but I would assume that is free for them as well.

 

[puddleduck]

Two year olds are not eligible for the dining plan. If you eat at a buffet or a restaurant that serves family style, then he can eat free. If you eat somewhere that you order off the menu and you order him a kid's meal, then you have to pay for his meal. Most kid's meals are under $5. He would be admitted to the parks for free.

 

[lustergirl]

I should probably rephrase my question as to not start the flaming. Free sounds so cheap doesn't it, lol. Okay here is my question- Is it more economical to take a two year on your trip??

 

[GoodFairies]

Children under 3 are not eligible for the dining plan. They may eat for free at buffet/family style (all-you-can-eat) meals, and they may share food/eat from someone's plate at menu restaurants. If you order a separate child's meal for them you have to pay for it. Children under 3 do not need a ticket for admission to the parks.

 

[thunderbird1]

I should probably rephrase my question as to not start the flaming. Free sounds so cheap doesn't it, lol. Okay here is my question- Is it more economical to take a two year on your trip??

We've done many trips with babies/toddlers and it is economical in the sense that you do not have to buy them a park ticket (until 3), they eat free at the buffets, and even if you do have to order them a kids' meal, they're generally pretty inexpensive. So it won't cost you a lot of $$.

But you will need to either rent or bring a stroller, he'll need diaper change breaks and possibly naps. A 2yo will also be the "weakest link" in your party, meaning he'll get tired, overstimulated, frightened, etc. If you don't mind the slower pace, and skipping attractions (or doing the parent switch) that he's too young/too scared to ride, it really is priceless to see the looks on their little faces when they experience the "Disney magic" for the first time.

 

[ctnurse]

We are taking our 2 yr old in Sept. He gets in free and doesnt qualify for dining plan since he doesnt have a ticket. The CM told me I can order off the menu or he can eat off my plate. He can eat free in the buffets. The only 1 we are doing is Boma. I cant wait to see the look on his face when he sees everything for the first time.

 

[Schmeck]

Rule #1 about WDW - don't believe everything a CM tells you. One CM may tell you that you can order off the menu for a 2 yr old for free. Next restaurant, next day, you'll most likely get a different answer...

Also, most 2 yr olds don't meet many height requirements, so child swap has to be used, as in, you don't all get to ride the big attractions at the same time.

 

[lustergirl]

do you have to purchase an airline ticket for a 2 year old?

 

[beattyfamily]

do you have to purchase an airline ticket for a 2 year old?

Yes. Children ages 2 and up must purchase an airline ticket/seat.