Is a 2 year old too young for disney?

[tigger1514]

Hi all. I'm new here and thinking about taking my two year old son to disneyland, but I'm wondering if maybe I should wait until he's older for him to really enjoy it. I am disabled and money is tight, so I want to make sure he will enjoy it if we go. Any ideas or suggestions?? Thanks,
Mary
PS. I live in So Ca so there wouldn't be any travel involved, just a short drive.

 

[GraysMom]

We took DS to WDW when he was almost 2 1/2. He had a blast! He was so enthralled with the characters, especially Cinderella whom he is in love with . He also loves to ride, so he enjoyed that aspect as well, and was even just thrilled with swimming or turning the ceiling fans on and off in our hotel room. We were there for a week and he did fine (although I did overpack just a little ).

It sounds like you are talking about making a day trip to DL, is that correct? Would it just be you and your son traveling, or would someone else come along to help you out? Having DH along to get food while we saved a table, or watch the stroller while I went to the bathroom was a big help. I would definitely find someone to go along, even just getting on and off the tram from the parking lot with a toddler (and your stroller if you're bringing your own) is hard. I think your son would definitely enjoy the trip, even at his young age. Everything about Disney is sooo magical for kids this age especially. If finances are tight now and you'd rather wait, I'm sure your DS will thoroughly enjoy the trip when your financial situation is better. Heck, I didn't go until I was 23 and I'm a huge Disney freak! You can also check out the budget board here on the DIS to get money saving ideas/bargains. Please PM me or reply here if you want more info or have specific questions.

 

[inloveindisney]

Everyone will ask "why take a 2 year old when they'll never remember it?" That's crazy. A 2 year old would have an absolute blast!! I just returned from a trip with my 8 month old and she absolutely loved it. There is so much for kids to do there, not to mention all the neat stuff to look at and explore.

 

[all4fun]

We took ds to DL 3x between his 2nd and 3rd bday. Really this is such a magical age. It was at about this age that my ds really got into the characters. We have so many cute pictures of him hugging and posing with them. He has also been to WDW a total 9x (all before the age of five) and each time we've gone, he's enjoyed different things. I honestly don't think there's a "wrong" age to take them for the first time. Unless you wait until they're so old that there is no "magic" any more because they're old enough to realize the characters aren't "real". And sure, your two year may not remember this trip someday, but YOU will! I think if it's something that you want to do for yourself, then just do it. I only recommend waiting until age 5 or so if it's going to be a "once in a lifetime" event. But since you're local, there's less of a risk of that happening probably.

hth

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Well, I guess it depends on the child. Is the kid a good sleeper or one that kind of goes with the flow or is it more of a child who lives on a schedule and gets out of sorts when things change?

We took my oldest at 3 and the youngest just before she turned 2, so I know what it is like going with kids who were still in diapers and had to have milk, etc. And they were the best trips of my life!! I wouldn't trade that for anything All I can say is try and go when the crowds are lighter and take it easy. Go at their pace and stop and see what they like. You will never forget it!

 

[annie1995]

We went this last September when our youngest just turned 14 months, other then him getting sick, he had a blast!!! We plan on going the next 2 years in a row because this age is just so fun with them. All the magic is in their eyes!!!

 

[GoinToDisney]

If you feel like you will be able to go back again when he is older, then I say go for it. You won't have to pay for his ticket, right? My dd was 2 1/2 when she had her 2nd trip to WDW, and was just developing fear of the dark at that time, so it took a few rides before she was comfortable with the dark rides. However, by the end, she loved it. I didn't think to prepare her for the dark because she was never afraid before. At 17 months, she loved every minute of it.

 

[mrswh]

No way! We took my daughter the first time at 2, and she had a great time! My DS's first time was at 9 months, and he loved it too. My only precaution would be to respect the nap!! Disney is very overwhelming and exciting, so keeping on a regular schedule and getting rest is really important - then he can really enjoy it. I'd say go now, you will both have a great time.

 

[bumbershoot]

Kids are free until they are 3, so since there's no big travel involved, if YOU want to go, why on earth haven't you been yet?

DS liked it when he was 1, he liked it and remembered it when he was 2, and he LOVES it now that he is 3 and has been twice this year so far (we now have APs).

 

[t-beri]

Heck NO!!!! Of course my DD's first trip she was 3 months old-BUT this past October she was 2 and 3 months and LOVED it!!!! She really knew the characters (of course mommy had been drilling her a bit before the trip ) and had a BLAST!! I think it's a great age. and I agree w/ bumbershoot it's free for kids that age and you live close (I'm assuming you'll get CA residents rates...I know we do here in FL) so no big, you should definitely give it a go.

...t.

 

[4formickey]

He's free ,so go for it.

 

[disneymommieof2]

Definitely not too young!! Took my ds to WDW when he was almost 2 and he loved it- we just went back (he is now almost 4) and when we ate at the crystal palace I asked what he wanted for dessert he said he wanted a sprinkle cupcake. This is not a regular dessert-since it was almost his birthday last time he got a birthday cupcake and he remembered it!!
This last time we went dd was 15 mo. and she had a great time too!! Just remember your on the kid timetable and try not to plan too much & take some time to rest!!

I agree with the previous posters- only wait if it will be a once in a lifetime thing!!

Have FUN!!!

 

[Grumpy24]

The only time they are too young is if you go to WDW straight from the hospital!

 

[bigbabyblues]

Our youngest was 15 months old on his first trip, and he had a ball. He doesn't remember it, but we have the pictures, and WE remember. He likes to look at the scrapbook of the trip and talk about it. He's been back twice since then, and it's special every time.

 

[WAHMto5]

I think that is a perfect age!! He will have a blast.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I don't think that 2 is to young to go, but if it means that you can't afford another vacation for 3 more years, I would suggest concidering waiting. We have the same thoughts going through our heads too - our girls will be almost 4 and just 2 when we go this comming december, and I just can't help but think if we waited till next december, would it be better?..... We live on the Jersey Shore, so we have plane trips to pay for and everything else on top.
In the end, we are going to go this coming december, but who knows when we will be able to go again - probally not till I start working again and bringing more $$$ into the house.
But regardless, your 2 year old will love it, and just make sure to take a lot of pictures for the memories!

 

[tigger1514]

Thanks everyone for your imput and suggestions. I am going to take my little guy to dland soon and I'm sure he will have a great time!

 

[MickeyMouseMomofSix]

OMGosh NO WAY is he too young! I wish you could have seen my 2yr old son last March when we took him. He still talks about that trip today and cannot wait to go back! He remembers it all!

 

[Belle72]

Not too young. We had the best time when my dd was 2 1/2, her first trip. We had such a great time that we went back 6 months later at the holidays. We've been each spring (at 3 1/2, 4 1/2) and she will be 5 1/2 this year's trip. And I'll have my little guy who will be 18 mos. (HE also went at 5 mos.) The majority of families have little ones of all ages- you won't be in the minority. There are some rides and shows that are too intense even if they are allowed to ride. Read up about them and you'll know what your child can handle. We just attempted POC and HM this past trip with our daughter. The character breakfasts/dinners were great and we got to EAT without her being bored or fidgety. It is a great place to vacation with children because you not only feel welcome- you are catered to. It is extra magical with the young ones- they can't go on everything, but they experience it with such delight.