How many days would you do?

[Jynxed]

I am going for my first trip to DL while my husband is in a conference in Anaheim, the downside is that it is the week of July 4th. I will have my 18th month old with me.

Obviously, with just him and I, none of the "big" rides are an option so it is more just leisurely entertainment taking in shows and smaller rides that he will enjoy. My husband will be able to come to the parks a couple of evenings and hopefully if my son holds up well, we can take in World of Color (anyone know what time this goes off in busy season?). We also plan on doing the 4th there as a family since H has that day off (or should we avoid it?).

Any must do's with an 18 year old? (I am a WDW pro- but clueless when it comes to DL)

 

[PinkBudgie]

Welcome!

I would say 4 to 5 days. Unless you just think you may get too exhausted with just you and your baby most of the time and don't want to do that many days. During summer season WOC runs three times a night, or at least it did last summer. You may want to look in to getting a picnic or dinner package that comes with tickets so you don't have to wait in line. I can't remember the time of the first show- 9 or 9:30. It has to be dark enough to see it.

Also, you can do the baby swap on rides when your DH joins you, but I couldn't tell you exactly how that works since I have teenagers.

Did you mean "must do's with an 18 MONTH old" or is there also an 18 year old involved?

I haven't been to DLR on July 4th. I have heard some say it was nice because APs are blocked out and others have said it was crazy. On any of the days, the most important thing you can do is get there at gate opening, especially on July 4th. This is prime time in parks and they are the most uncrowded. You can always go back for a nap in the afternoon.

 

[Jynxed]

Oh yes, good catch, I meant 18 MONTH old... I guess I am trying to age him so I can ride Thunder Mountain

 

[mystic_path]

Well it's peak summer season and you have 2 major rides opening in June, so the crowd level I predict will be a little busier. However if you are not doing major rides and want to do more of the kid rides, and stop and take time to see the entertainment going on everywhere then I would suggest going 3 days. Normally it takes 4-5 days to see most, if not everything in each park with the "Big" rides. But if you had 3 days you will be able to get a good grasp on the majority.

Things I am going to recommend...

- Fantasyland for sure
- Toontown
- Winnie the Pooh ride in Critter Country
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- A bugs land rides and spray water park area for those hot days
- The new little mermaid ride would be neat to see
- Pixie Hollow is cute
- Pirate Island (Although there are some things in the caves that can be a little frightening), but there are other fun things to see on the island.
- The parades are always a good time

 

[DLtorgo]

when you are in the park with your husband you can take advantage of rider swap and get on the big rides that way. Ask the CM at the ride for a rider swap pass and take turns riding. You can collect fastpasses in the morning and take turns riding stuff in the evening when he can join you.

My little ones loved Bug's land, Small World, the Train, Redwood Creek trail, Tom Saywer's Island, Dumbo, teacups- any ride that is outside.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Oh yes, good catch, I meant 18 MONTH old... I guess I am trying to age him so I can ride Thunder Mountain

Don't age him too fast! My boys will be 18 years this August and I'm asking myself how that happened when just the other day they were toddling around.

Is July 4th only day DH can join you for a day in parks or can he add on a day at the end of the convention? Something else you might want to consider when you are deciding on days.

 

[DahliaRW]

Toontown is great at that age too. Lots of places to run around and play. My dd was 18 1/2 mos when we went and she loved pooh and IASW the most. She also loved pirate island, and got really dirty running around playing, but it was totally worth it.

 

[rainyday77]

Just got back with our 17 month old and she did 5 rides in 4 days! She was not interested in waiting in line so it was a challenge to entertain her. It all depends on personality as my 1st born was 22 months and went on a lot of rides. Rides I would do are: Bugs Land Chew Chew Train, Flik's Fliers, Carousels, Casey Junior, Storybook....Indoor rides like Pinocchio are a bit loud and scary! My daughter loved the Tiki room and spent a lot of time walking around at the Redwood Challenge. She also loved meeting the characters and gave them lots of kisses. We had 4 adults to take turns entertaining her and riding on the rides with my oldest so we had that luxury. It also seemed busier this year during Presidents Day Week so we didn't spend a lot of time in Fantasyland. Swimming would also be a good option with a little one during the heat. Just don't expect to do too much and you will enjoy what you do end up doing.