How many of you have been to Disney with kids under 2?

[*mama2aislinn*]

I cannot wait to bring my baby to WDisneyW. She's only 4 months old, but we're going in November of 2005 for my 21st birthday.

For those of you who brought your toddlers, was it fun? Was it worthwhile? I figure she'll have fun and it will be free for her so I won't feel as though I've wasted money on her, KWIM?

What attractions are best for an 18 month old?

 

[Disney_1derland]

We took our daughter at 14 months and had a blast!!! She wasn't scared of anything yet and we went on everything (except the very few rides with actual height restrictions). We had a blast and just took our time and didn't rush anything. We spent a lot of time playing with characters and enjoying quiet places where she could get down and run around (toontown park 1st thing in the morning, fort wilderness, etc)

We did the Pooh character meal, it was a blast and LTT character meal, what fun!

The fact that they are free makes it all the better-go and enjoy it, they are only that little once!

 

[jcemom]

We took our DD at 1 1/2 and she went on everything without a height restriction! The only things she didn't seem to like were the 3D movies because of the air and water that blow on you sometimes. Otherwise she liked everything, especially the "going in circles" rides like Dumbo and TriceraTop Spin, the characters, the birds on Tom Sawyer Island, and the fireworks. Disney_1derland is right, they are basically fearless at that age...and they'll sleep in their strollers, lol. Be prepared for people to tell you it isn't worth it to take a toddler and that they won't remember it anyway...can't count how many times I heard and read that one! YOU will remember it and you'll be sharing special time together! Go and have a magical time! She'll only be 18 months old once, make as many memories as you can!

 

[JABEAR]

Our son is going to be short of 1 1/2 yrs when we go in June. I doubt that he will have any memories of the trip, but will probably have fun nonetheless. Could he ride most rides in Fantasyland?

 

[swilphil]

I've taken my son at 13 months and at 24 months. He went on everything without height restrictions. The only problem I had was taking him to Fantasmic. It was too loud (and probably too late). On the last trip, he did fine with the Muppet and Mickey 3D movies (I wouldn't take him to the Bug and Honey I Shrunk the Audience), but he did stick the 3 D glasses up his nose and got a nose bleed. He didn't cry or anything, his face was just covered with blood when we walked out. He did okay watching the movie though without the glasses. Next time I won't let him play with them.

The main thing is to make sure your daughter is well rested, fed, and gets a little time to just be a toddler. We took naps every afternoon, and made sure our son got time out of the stroller every so often. The MGM and MK play areas are great. It's also fun to let the toddlers wander around Epcot's World Showcase. Our son really liked going to the Kidcot stations to make masks even though he just scribbled.

I'd also recommend a character meal. Our son loved the Pooh characters at Crystal Palace.

Jabear--Your toddler can ride everything in Fantasyland. We skipped Snow White because we heard it was scary and my oldest son is a little skittish. We also have never done the Tea Cups since my husband and I both get motion sickness.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We took our DS when he was 15 months old. Granted, we mainly went then because our DD was 4-1/2 yrs. However, our son had a wonderful time! He wasn't afraid of anything and he loved all of the characters. He didn't care if it was Mickey Mouse or Captain Hook, he would hug them all. The only characters he really "knew" before we went were Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore, so we did the character breakfast. His expression when he saw Pooh was priceless! We went the week after Thanksgiving, so the weather was cool and crowds were low. He napped everyday in his stroller. Our nights weren't really late anyway, since the parks closed earlier that time of year.

I would also recommend making PSs ahead of time. Even if it's a slow time of year, I just wouldn't want to chance having a long wait time for dinner with a toddler.

Have a wonderful time!
Christy

 

[Got Quattro?]

my wife and I have been going to disney for 10+ years before we had a child. We always said we would never bring her untill she turned 6. We thought she would never remember, so why bother.

Well...we were wrong.

We took her when she was 18 months. While like most parents, we think she is quite advanced for her age, but something magic took over,

She had a blast. Loved the charecter meals. Road all the rides she could. Enjoyed fireworks and food.

so over the next year, she kept asking if she could go back to DISNEY WORLD. She always wanted to watch the home movie and see pictures. I told her we will go back in march (she would be 2.5 by then.

So all year, she would say, daddy is taking me to disney world in march. It helped us teach her months of the year.

So, on her second trip, at 2.5 mind you, she remembered verything we did the previous year. My wife and I were amazed.

So she of course loves to watch this years home movies and pictures. And again walks around saying daddy is taking her to disney world in march.

BUT - she does not know she gets to go in 2 weeks Nov 6 and gets her first airplane ride. The flight is at 7:10am and we are just goiing to see how long it takes her to figure out where we are going.

Animal Kingdom lodge is where she stays next.

So in short...take your kids, and take pictures and movies....they will remember.

 

[paigevz]

well, he was turning 10 months old that week. He learned to walk that week, too!

He actually did not like the characters, except for the face characters........until we went to CP, he did warm up to Pooh there. However, all the characters were wonderful about seeing that he was fearful and staying back. He didn't mind them being there, just didn't want them to touch him. I was impressed with how they handled it.

He loved all the rides.............he fell asleep on the one we were worried about.......Haunted Mansion.

He napped well in his stroller, and loved the hotel room.

He adored the parades, the Tiki birds, and Playhouse Disney........and the Mermaid show.

Since he could talk at that time, he's always talked about Disney World adn Mickey Mouse and frequently now asks to go there. We are going in December, and he is very pleased when I tell him we are going to be there when Santa comes. (He remembers him from last year too). He remembers events surrounding the pictures in our album and comments on them.

And for those who say they won't remember..................maybe not, but every new experience makes new connections in the brain...........and disney is truly a very unique sensory experience!

 

[DisFam95]

We took our 17 mo DS. He was a little timid of the characters at first whcih we assumed would happen and scheduled our character meal on the 3rd day giving him time to figure out this new place he was thrown into!! He quickly warmed up and was hugging them.

We rode everything but things w/ height restrictions and theater type shows..he does not have the patience for that.

He slept well in his stroller so we never had to return for naps. Bought lots of snacks to fend off the crankiness. He loved grapes and always bought 2 cups form the hotel food court to carry with us every morning.

It was the perfect age because he did not have such strong opnions. I dread the "I wanna's" of this next trip!!!

We got all our pictures developed right away and into an album and he loves going through it and talking about it. We watched the Disney planning video almost every day (he actually asked it..we did not force it ) and he knew "Disney Castle" and pointing as soon as we walked into the gates...it was perfect!!

You'll love the different pace you take on this trip.

 

[YourMajesty]

We took ds #1 at 14 months and then ds#2 when he was 20 months. Both were a little shy with the characters. Both rode most of the rides without a problem. My second was seemed to be bothered more with the "loudness" of many attractions. There were so many sights and sounds that were perfect for their age. We would not vacation without them so we thought WDW was a great place for small kids on up to granparent(which we took on one trip). I do think like, many have posted, you have to be reasonable about it. They need snacks, naps, and lots of exploring time. Both of mine loved the DTD area too. Like many have posted they love the pictures. I think off season and cool would be nice too. My theory is to take them as babies, toddlers, preschool, etc They will get cranky on any vacation...they are toddlers!

 

[mjmcca]

My Ds is 4 he has been 4 times. The first when he was 9 months old. His younger sister is 2.5 . She has been 3 times. Her first trip she was only 2 months old ( it was the only way i was going to get a vaccation that year before i went back to work after my maternity leave)They had a great time on each trip. DD had her first swim in Fla.

 

[jfis1020]

DS10 went to WDW at three months. He loved the sounds, lights, etc. DS7 also went at 3 months. DD4 was 9 months. Hence, I didn't let their ages (nor breastfeeding) stop me. The more you can expose your children to at a young age, the more you can take them anywhere, the quicker then learn good "behaviors" in all situations.

Our kids are quite active, but it was nice when they were 7, 4, and 2 and three different families at the California Grill stopped by our table to compliment their behavior.

They all can sit through games (college fb, bb, prof. baseball and fb). Maybe it's the exposure that helps?

The sooner the better! If they don't remember WDW, guess you'll have to take them back!!!!!

 

[doc hog]

DS was 14 months on his first WDW trip, it was okay. He like the characters, mostly touching them. Last years trip he was 2.5 and loved the trip. He loved getting is picture with Mickey, Minnie, etc. DS 8 months will be making his first trip to see the mouse.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

*mama2aislinn*,
Welcome to the DIS.

My two oldest DDs have been to WDW well before age 2. My youngest is now 4 months and will be making her first trip to WDW in January. There is so mush to do and see for an 18-month-old. Have fun planning.


Click on this line for the Disney for Families board.
There is lots of more information over there.

 

[TwingleMum]

Its a tradition for us to take our children for their 1st birthday. Last year we took our twin sons for their 1st birthday. Everyone thought we were nuts. We also have a 3 yr old DS. We got comments like "Your going alone?? Your not taking help?? " My DH and I thought they were crazy. Of course we're taking everyone , they're our kids! The most important piece of advise I can give you is stay on property and go back to the resort at lunch time to nap the kids. I don't think having them sleep in the stroller is the same as letting them stretch out in a bed and nap in air conditioning. Its also helpful for you to lie down and rest. WDW is exhausting. When they woke we would go to the pool to splash around and relax. Then we would go to the parks for a few hours and return around their bedtime. I would stay around a week at least more if you can. Stay out late a couple of nights for fireworks and parades, but try and stay on their schedule. They'll be happier so therefore you'll be happier. Remember WDW will still be there so take it at their pace. Some of the best tear in the eye moments were the least expected. Like them running around the spitting fountain at the Poly and running over and saying Your the best Mommy ever. I love you" and then running back in. Or sitting in your lap riding the monorail loop for the 4th time in a row because they just love watching the resorts and parks all lit up at night and then seein the fireworks go off. Have fun and enjoy every minute.

 

[homeschooler]

DS was 4 mo, DS, 4 years and DD 8 the first time and I went alone. We had a wonderful time and have been back each year since. DS#2 obviously doesn't remember much of the first trip but the older two do and remind him of it always.

Every time we were near Its a Small World, it was like someone turned off the light switch, he was asleep in seconds. Now, at 9, if he is getting annoying, someone starts humming the tune and he gets a glazed look and pretends to fall asleep.

DS#2 does remember the next year (pieces) and every year from there.

 

[lillygator]

We took our daughter at 18 months and had a blast....the only thing she didn't like was Mickey's Philharmagic....and I think that was because it was so LOUD! It was almost too loud for me....


you'll have a blast!

 

[ErinInCT]

We were there last month when dd was just shy of 1 yr old. She was actually easier then our 4 yr old dd!! The only thing she did not like were the non human characters. We went to Chef Mickey's & she cried every time a character came up. We were going to go back in 2 yrs but last night dh & I were discussing our 2005 family vacation & he said we could go back to WDW so yaaaay. I need to change my counter. Baby dd will then be just shy of 2 yr old!! Yikes, may be a bit harder then!
Advice:
Baby Swap - If your child gets scared at the last minute but you & dh still want to go on a ride, you can tell the CM you want to do baby swap so the other parent does not have to wait in line again. Or if you want to do an adult/ht restricted ride, you can do baby swap so You & dh get a turn!
Bring bubbles - mine loved it when we were stuck in line or waiting for a show to start.
Stay on site - The afternoon break was crucial! A lot of our fun memories are from the hotel swimming pool! Also the EMH is great if you can get up early.
Glow sticks - we brought our own for the nighttime fireworks. We also used them during the day to give dd4 some light on the darker rides.
Stroller - Get a helium balloon the 1st day to tie to your stroller so you can find it quickly after exiting a ride. Nothing worse then taking valuable time trying to find your blue stroller in the sea of blue strollers!!
Clothespins - Used them for everything from clipping our snack bags, to clipping wet clothes to the line in the shower, to clipping our rain poncho onto the stroller!
Shout Wipes - They really do work! Along that line...
Plastic soda lid/covers - Slip the stick of a popsicle or Mickey Bar into the straw holder & it catches the drips! (Then you may not need the Shout Wipes!)

Most of all, go at their speed. You can always go back to do what you miss!! And have fun!

 

[Lori S.]

We went when my daughter was 3 and DS was 18 months. It was the best trip ever. I would never have picked that time because I thought he was too young, but while my daughter was timid, he just was so happy. We have the most precious picture of him kissing Piglet right on the snout!!! I'll never forget that trip, and because my husband went to seminary shortly after that and funds were EXTREMELY limited, we are just now going back, almost 5 years later. I'm so thankful we went that time. NEVER pass up an opportunity to let them enjoy the magic.

One piece of advice: Buy a video of the park while you are there. I thought, oh, we're videoing everything, why buy that, but my parents, who went along, insisted. Well, my kids have watched it a million times, and while they really don't remember, especially my son, he remembers through the video. It's really good too, the characters ride the rides and there's great music playing. It's the best souvenier to buy for little ones!!

 

[jiminyfan]

now he is about to have trip 14 at age 5. Each of the trips he and we learned something new. Like an earlier post said, it is amazing what he remembers from previous trips. Each age gave us special rewards and thrills. The first trip was for Daddy to take his son to WDW, I couldn't wait to do it. But even at 6 months he interacted with the characters by tuching the fun and looking wide-eyed at the colors of each. The lights were also part of his stares, I really doubt he remembers anything, but the memories in my mind are PRICELESS, who could ever forget taking their child to Disney for the very first time.

As he got older we discovered that fear is learned and favorites change FAST ( a few times in a week). He went from liking the Haunted Mansion to being afraid of it . Some things never changes - loveof the trains in Germany, meeting other children in the playgrounds and many other things that us adults would normally walk by. Decide who the vcation is for and remember to live the magic through your child's eyes. We, as adults, sometimes overlook the joy and magic of the simple things that Disney provides.

Also, remember that children have vastly different thoughts than adults of what is important and not important to see. Be very flexible and try to make everyone happy. Our rule of thumb has been make sure he has a great vacation, but do some of the stuff we like as well, even if he is not thrilled with it. (Going on Haunted Mansion for example). He yelled at us that this isn't fair and he didn't want to do it. I told him congrats he learned the first rule of life - it isn't fair and that we must share and learn to do something we normally would not choose to do.


Any age is great to take a child to WDW, we found it is easier to travel with an infant over a toddle of 4 years. But, then again he discovers a lot more magic now than he did before.

GO and have fun - no need to worry if your child is too young. Remember, Disney memories are for all ages and maybe you can share your fondest memories of your child's first trip with them when they are older and can appreciate your joy and happiness you got from watching them discover a whole new world.