Hoop-Dee-Doo with 2 year old?

[ToTLaugher]

We are thinking of trying the HDDR for the first time this November but I am wondering how it goes over with a 2 year old. It seems like a long show. Has anyone found it is too long for their little ones? Is it possible for DH or myself to walk DS around somewhere if he gets too bored? Also, did anyone find it was too loud for little ears?

Thanks!

 

[chr1972]

I've wondered the same thing. I have a 1 y.o. and 4 y.o. I'm scared to book for it because it would be too much for the little ones. Hope you get some good responses from this thread.

 

[MinnieGi]

We took 5yo DD for the first time when she was 2 and she LOVED it!!! There is lots of singing, music and laughing plus the food that it kept her attention. At the end she got to bang on a washboard and didn't want to leave. For her first show we were in the balcony and there was room to do a little walking. However we did not need too. She attended again when she was 3 1/2 and loved it even more. At that show we were seated right in front of the stage so she really was in the thick of the action. Characters from the show walk around the floor and up in the balcony too and they seem to come up to the little ones or at least they did to DD and talked with her both times.

We are taking her little brother this July (23 months) for his first HDDR visit. He loves to clap to music and "sing" so we think he'll be fine. DD heard me make the reservation and is very excited to be going back to HDDR!!!!

There is a playground right outside the theatre that we always visit to use up some energy before going in to be seated. Enjoy.

 

[reeeoga]

We took the 4 year old and the 17 month old in November. Both had a great time. Try to get the 2 year old to get a nap in before you go.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We did the HDDR when DS was 15 months old. He really enjoyed it. He didn't eat any of the food offered -- very picky eater-- but he enjoyed the singing & activity going on around us. My DD was 4-1/2 years & she REALLY enjoyed it! She got so into the show that she let out a big, impromptu "YAHOO!"

I would highly recommend going to the early seating. I can't imagine going at 9pm with a little one. I don't know where you're staying, but I had read on these boards about how difficult it can be to get around in Ft. Wilderness to get to Pioneer Hall. We went to the HDDR on an MK day -- the park closed early because of MVMCP that night. We took the boat launch to Ft. Wilderness, which was just a short walk to Pioneer Hall. We got to see the fireworks (pre-Wishes) on the boat ride over. Then, on the boat ride back to the MK, we saw the MVMCP fireworks. Plus, just as we were almost back to MK, the launch boat stopped for the EWP to pass by. It was soooo neat seeing it while on the water. Anyway, once back at the MK dock, we just hopped a bus back to our resort. Much easier than navigating mulitiple busses.

 

[ToTLaugher]

Thanks everyone! I think we will go for it.

MinnieGi,
I like the idea of the playground before the show. That will probably help.

bamagirl@hrt,
Thanks for the info on getting there and back. Your plan sounds good.

reeeoga,
I agree - a nap beforehand should make it a much better experience for all!

 

[dizcrazy]

Our daughter was 17 months when we went to HDDR, and we all had a blast. I was nervous but the singing nad clapping really kept her attention.

 

[desiab]

We did the HDDR when DS was 15 months old. He really enjoyed it. He didn't eat any of the food offered -- very picky eater-- but he enjoyed the singing & activity going on around us. My DD was 4-1/2 years & she REALLY enjoyed it! She got so into the show that she let out a big, impromptu "YAHOO!"

bamagirl and others, just an FYI--HDDR offers alternatives for the kids if they will not eat the regular meal. They have macaroni and cheese as well as pizza.

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Our DD turned two the day after her first trip to the HDD! That was last July and she still breaks out with the tune... We are going again this summer. She had a ball. The servers really made sure that she liked her food and that she was just as included. The hardest part was the wait outside!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

bamagirl and others, just an FYI--HDDR offers alternatives for the kids if they will not eat the regular meal. They have macaroni and cheese as well as pizza.

I did know that, but I'm talking about a REALLY picky eater! On that trip, he lived off of Cheerios, fruit, and Pediasure. He's 4-1/2 years now and just started eating chicken nuggets & mac& cheese within the last year. Weird kid, I know!

Thanks for the info, though. Others may not know about the alternative for kids.

 

[desiab]

bamagirl

Not every kid likes the same things. I have a friend whose sons says "broccoli" is his favorite food! Go figure.

 

[tinkerbeth]

We also did it with ds when he was 2. Loved it. Try to get seats on the floor. I've seen it from both the floor and the upper seats and the floor was a lot more fun.

Beth