Getting a 2.5 year old in the Disney State of Mind

[Mrs.Charming]

Hi All!

I haven't really posted on this board but I was hoping y'all could give me some advice. We are doing a land/sea vacation with our ds who will be 2.5 at the time of the trip (November 5-13). We will be arriving late morning on the first day of the trip.

We will not be getting our park passes until the following day so I am trying to figure out what to do that first day and where to eat that first night.

I guess if the weather is warm we could do a pool day (we will be at the All Star Sports for that first night - it is an add on to our package) or hang out at DTD or The Boardwalk. I just want him to be having fun from the get go.

As for dinner I am thinking Chef Mickey's or Whispering Canyon Cafe. I would really like WCC but I am thinking that seeing the characters the first day might get him "in the mood" more. He watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse all the times and LOVES the Fab 5! Also part of me wants that magical first Mickey meeting to be at MK the next day.

What do you think? I know I am totally over thinking this but I am an obsessive planner

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

In my book, there is no such thing as OVERplanning, then again planning Disney trips is my obsession, but I digress...

My 2 cents: for that age I think that a great way to "get into the mood" is just what you mentioned: DTD and Chef Mickey's. Downtown Disney has such great theming and activities (Legoland, playground, fun shops), if it is a busy day you can almost imagine you are in the parks! Chef Mickey's is great character interaction, and it's so nice when you take your time with your meal and you're not stressin' over getting back to the parks to "do some more".

I might also add a spin on the monorail! You can resort hop and check out the different styles, pools, playgrounds, and shops, or just stay on and take a (somewhat) air conditioned ride and see some of the parks.

Have a really great trip!

 

[Pluto14]

Last year, when our DD was 2, our first day was a non-park day and we did exactly as you mentioned. DTD to window-shop (who am I kidding! We always end up buying something! ) and Chef Mickey's for dinner to have some character interaction. It was the perfect way to start off the trip! In fact, we're doing the same plan again in July!

 

[Jajone]

After having taken 3 kids down there throughout those ages I have come to believe there can never be too many Mickey sightings.We just returned with DS21 months and that is all he wanted to do-play with Mickey and the fab 5. I would take every chance possible to see him. Seeing him at a meal gives you more 1 on 1 time in a friendly environment too. I vote for the meal!

 

[Zoesmama03]

I watched the planning dvd with her. I don't think it really worked she still did not "get" it. Even now at almost 5 having gone she doesn't remember anything about her trip at 2 but she is excited to go now and I just show her pictures and she watches movies Little Mermaid is her fav these dasy. Not that she didn't have fun, she loved it when she was there. She especially loved the shows and pushing her stroller around. The same thing happened at SeaWorld.

Watch lots of Disney movies and talk about the characters.