Going to WDW for the first time as a parent...HELP!

[miadeebee]

DH, myself, and our 2 1/2 year old daughter are going to WDW during the week of Nov. 21st through Nov. 26th. It will be a first for both of them. I've been there once as a teenager. We are staying at Pop Century. We got 4-day MYW park hopper. Please tell me which rides are most fun for a 2 1/2 and what are the "must see" attractions. What would be fun for us adults to see/ride (I figure DH and I could take turns watching DD) Also, ANY TIP would be appreciated when traveling to WDW. Please give me some input, share experiences,etc. Thank you so much. I'm glad I found this board!

 

[laceemouse]

You can take your toddler on any ride that does not have a height restriction, which is basically all of the slow moving stuff. The best thing about WDW is that adults enjoy these rides too. As long as she is not scared of the dark you should have a great time.
You and your hubby can switch off to ride the coasters and stuff but I wouldn't do that. I don't like them anyway, but if it were me I would just concentrate on all of the rides, shows, and parades you can enjoy all together.
Book a character meal, your toddler should love it!
Enjoy the pool and just relaxing and taking in the sights!

 

[PrincessPoohsMom]

A break back at the resort every day is a must. Even if your daughter doesn't always take an afternoon nap at home, she'll likely be far more active & stimulated, so a nap and some down time at the pool will help keep all you happier.

Obviously the Magic Kingdom will have the most rides she can go on (as PP said, anything without a height restriction) but don't count out the other parks. Also, be sure to check the times guide with your park map for all the various shows, street entertainment, etc. Most toddlers love these.

A character meal is a great way get some interaction without having to wait in long lines at the parks. Plus, your daughter can observe the characters from afar first, watch them interact with other children, and be prepared when they get to your table (or if she's scared of them, you'll be prepared to intercept them before they get too close). Call Dining at 407-WDW-DINE and see what's available, you don't want to just show up and try for a table, these meals are far too popular.

Bring your own stroller from home. You can rent strollers in the park, but they aren't inexpensive, and they're hard molded plastic. Your daughter will be far happier in the stroller she's used to from home. Plus you don't want to have to carry a heavy toddler to the bus and then to the room after a long day at the park.

Do some research, read ride descriptions, then form a list of a few "must do" and then "like to do" attractions for each park. Start at the top and work your way down, but be prepared to go with the flow. "Commando", non-stop touring just isn't possible with a child this young.

I'm sure you'll have a great time, it's so much fun to watch a young child at WDW, it's all so magical to them!

Have a great trip!

 

[SnowWhite12]

DD first went when she was 2 years and 2 months. She loved the princesses, but was (and still is) terrified of the full costume characters (you know, with the heads covered). Everyone said she would love Dumbo, but she was terrified as soon as it started going up. Now, she loves it. I don't think it bothers most kids. She loved the rides Peter Pan, Pooh, and her absolute fave at that age was It's a Small World. Oh, before I forget, do NOT take the child on the Nemo ride at Epcot. It is pitch black dark, and has the scary shark throughout the ride. Every kid I saw freaked out. She loved all the shows, esp. the Lion King at AK. Everything was fun with her. She even did well in Tough To Be a Bug, because she didn't wear the 3-d glasses and sat on our lap. She loved to people-watch, and loved, loved, loved watching the cars going around at Indy Speedway. She also loved playing in all the water sprinklers (esp. at Epcot), but it may be too cold when you go. We definitely took advantage of fast passes and the baby swap.

 

[colonelnock]

DW and I brought our 2 sons (2-1/2 and 2 months (yeah 2 months!)) to Animal Kingdom in February. My 2-1/2 year old really liked it. There's an area of the park geared toward him and of course animals (Safari Bus). He also really liked the Nemo show. Make sure whichever park you decide on you make use of the FastPass system - where you get front-of-the-line access on rides/attractions based on when you get your FastPass for that particular ride.
Also if you and your husband like the bigger person rides, take advantage of the baby swap program where one rider waits in line as the other watches the kid(s), then the second rider gets front-of-the-line access. You pays your money, you may as well do all there is to do in the park.

 

[kjbrown]

We brought our daughter to DW when she was 2 1/2 for her first trip. We had a GREAT time. She was a great age.

DEFINITELY, without a doubt, do the afternoon break thing back at your resort. Nap, nap, nap. That is essential.

My daughter loved Fantasyland. Loved the characters. Of course, she was really into the princesses before we went, so that was easy.

My DS when we went with him (he was 18 months at the time) hated the dark rides. He also wanted to see the characters, but never touch them.

Don't forget the little playground areas in the parks. Yes, you can play in a playground at home, but they really do need the "free" time to run around. It's worth it!

Have fun!!!!