Is an 18 month old to young to bring to Disney???

[jpeka65844]

We took DS who was 16 mos at the time back in March. We'd planned a long trip; 9 days, 8 nights and he was pretty much cooked after day 5. He didn't want to sit for shows, meals, you get the idea. DH and I tag teamed a lot; I'd feed him/occupy him for dinner, DH would take him out of the restaurant while I finished! And we tried to get back to the hotel every now and then for a nap. He was a great sleeper in his Pack n' Play but had a hard time sleeping in his stroller.

He loved the characters, though! We have a great pic of him smiling at Pooh and his face is just lit up! Hope that'll be the same the next time around in June.

So, yes, it can be done. I just worked on keeping him comfortable, making sure he drank lots of water and always had the goldfish and Teddy Grahams ready!

I think if I knew that it would be our ONLY trip to WDW, I'd reconsider taking one that young. But we own DVC so we have a lifetime of trips ahead of us. By the time he's 4, he'll be able to show people around the park!

 

[cheshire1013]

GO!!!!! I have a 15 monh old and shes already beent o Disney 3 times!! Her first time was at 4 months. 4 months was rough, but when we went at 6 months it was a breeze and when we went for her first birthday it was amazing! She loved all the characters. We had birthday lunch with JoJo and Little einsteins and she thought it was great! Nap time was the only issue. She never wanted to sleep <you don't want to miss anything by sleeping!!> but she always eventually fell asleep in the stroller. My advice would be to bring extra everything. otherwise you should be just fine! HAVE FUN!

 

[Mickey1974]

We went when our youngest was 18 mos and yes, it was a different trip. We had a great time and she really enjoyed it but doesn't remember a lick of it now that she's almost 4. We left the parks to take naps during the day, we all couldn't ride the rides together, we had our cranky moments but a lot of not-so-cranky moments. (I blame those cranky moments on the sweltering July heat!) But not once did I think the trip was stressful. We just took a different pace then we normally would. I think it's all how you make it out to be.

 

[wardfamily1]

We brought our DS when he was 18 months. It was fun and stressful at the same time. He didn't want to sit still for some of the shows like the American Adventure and the Carousel of Progress. He kept getting up and trying to walk around. But when we went to things HE liked like character meets and Fantasy Land it was wonderful.

Some people think "Why bring a child so young, they won't remember it," The magical part is, you will.

 

[poohshunny]

We took our then 17 month old ds in 8/2007! He Loved it! & he is a very active capable 17 month old! He enjoyed everything! Especially the interactive sprinklers! T-shirt bathing suit sets worked great for us! Always have a few swimmy diapers w/ u! Long wearing sunblock applied bf you leave your room helped too. Re apply as needed of course!

What we did too was to pack only the Huggies overnight diapers b/c they were x absorbent & if time gets away from you w/ changing, the baby won't leak & mess his outfit! The use & toss cups worked great we washed them out & if we lost 1, no great shakes we just grabbed another 1. The disposable bibs were great too. We also like the premoistened washcloths (also by huggies, no plug here I am really a pampers girl, lol not me but my baby!). I even packed a few for the parks & really utilized the baby care centers to change, wash him up, & take a break. They were great, loved them. They sold all kinds of supplies from formula, to clothes, to baby food & even provided a`place to heat, feed your child. In 8-9/2007 MGM baby care center was under construction but they did provide a room in the first aid area to use.

Lastly bring a good umbrella stroller that reclines. We used the Chicco C5. It was awesome!

Our baby is a very adventourous eater, so he ate off my plate the whole time
no problem, but YMMV!

Hth!

 

[jpolak]

No way. DD was 10 months old for her 1st trip and although she was so young it was still magical. With each year/trip brings new experiences and new magical momements.

 

[Markstudy]

March should be alright

I just hate to see young babies and toddlers cooking in the heat during summer trips

Seems to me, its just about planning much smaller and slower days. Getting a Sample of Disney instead of "Doing Disney"

 

[SnowWitch]

Our family consists of 17 and 15 yr old boys and 2 and 1 yr old girls. We ahve been going with this number since the 1st dd was a baby. We ahve made multiple trips with the girls covering all ages from2 mon until present. LOVE IT!! Go as a family, go prepared and have a great trip. Some of our favorite memories are of our 1st dd at 14 months, chasing ducks, picking flowers and putting them in her hair and loving the characters a little to much.

 

[wilda]

OP, you didn't mention where you are staying. Are you staying on property? That might be a factor if the younger one needs some quiet time away from all of the stimulation. Having to commute back and forth (parking, etc) might prove to be more work than it's worth. I think as long as the plan is not to go "commando" you should be fine.

 

[Dancind]

DD was 19 months the first time we took her to DL. It's just a slower paced trip, they enjoy different things. She wanted to track down all the characters with her autograph book in hand. She had no idea what it meant, and she wouldn't talk to them, but it was important to her! LOL We got lots of cute pictures, and she has no memory of it. She didn't like too many of the rides, though she did like the Go Coaster!

We waited until just after her 8th birthday to tackle WDW. We really thought that would be one big trip, not repeated any time soon, and wanted to be sure we could all enjoy everything, ride everything, with no stroller hassles. You know how that worked out, though it was two years before we got back.

It really depends on the kid. If your toddler can handle people dressed in big furry costumes and loud noises, he should be fine. You can always split up. I'd make sure that Mom has one on one time with the older child too.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We took our son at 18 months, 23months and again this year at 35 months. He loved it each time but each trip was differnt.

18 months. He loved the characters and fantasy land rides. He also loved the spectromagic parade. He slept in the stroller alot and we did the baby swap passes and it worked out great.

23 months. He was more in tune to everything. Loved the fake characters but was terrified of the dressed up people (princesses) He was really into the character dinners so we did alot of them. His favorite was crystal palace. Was a little frightened by POC prior I dont think he realized what was going on around him.

35 months. He was riding everything. He was tall enough for some of the biggies but we didnt even consider taking him on them due to his maturity level. He did actually go in the Haunted Mansion and it did not scare him a bit.

I think the easiest trip was actually the 18mo one because we either took him with us on everything or did the baby swap. he was to young to understand being "afraid" of somthing.

You will have a blast!!!

 

[Maukey]

OP, you didn't mention where you are staying. Are you staying on property? That might be a factor if the younger one needs some quiet time away from all of the stimulation. Having to commute back and forth (parking, etc) might prove to be more work than it's worth. I think as long as the plan is not to go "commando" you should be fine.

I've narrowed it down to WL, POR, and CSR. I'm thinking WL with everthing under one roof would be the way to go. Opinions on this are definitely welcome.

To everyone else,

I really appreciate the replies. My wife and I have been reading through everything, and all of you with your wisdom have given us lots of ideas and advice to make this trip magical. Thanks, and please continue with the replies.

 

[MickeyMarcie]

We took both of our children around this age and had a blast both times. I know they won't remember it, but my DD, who is now 5, loves looking at the scrapbook. We went last summer when DD was 4 and DS was almost 2. He enjoyed it even more than she did at that age. We did have our troubles with getting in and out of the stroller with her at 18 months, but last year we rented a double stroller and it was almost like a game. They both loved the different stroller, and we had no problems! We always go to the parks early, get back to the resort around lunch/nap time, take naps, maybe jump in the pool, and then head back out for dinner and some park fun in the evening. This has worked the best for us both years.

Both times we stayed at POFQ and it was great with kids that size.

Have a great trip whatever you decide.

 

[GabbyMom]

DD was 18 months for her first trip. She'll be three in February and still talks about it. She wants to know when were going back to see Cinderella.

 

[disneywith4boys]

I agree WL is a good choice. You can keep the baby in the stroller and roll it right onto the boat to the MK. Our kids ages for our trips were (almost) 3 with 1st DS- stayed at WL (Loved it), then again when he was 3 1/2, stayed at Poly, I was preg with son #2 and wanted monorail, we loved it but missed WL. We went again with DS (almost)4, and DS13mo, and preg with twin DS's great time, stayed at WL. Last trip was with DS (almost)7, DS4 and twinDS's 2 1/2. WL was the only way to go!!

 

[ppan77]

Our first trip with our only child was Easter 07 and he was exactly 18months!! It was wonderful!! Just make sure you go back for naps! We are leaving for his second trip in a few days. Now he is more into Disney movies and knows a lot of the characters so we are psyched!! We are going to concentrate on MK more this trip than the others too !!

 

[rgionet]

Our twins were 15 months old for their first trip and it was fantastic! Sure when they are older it is a different style of trip. They were so fascinated and in awe of all their surroundings. Your trip can not be a commando style and you just go at their pace with well timed breaks. We found the Babycare stations to be a great benefit to get out of the heat and feed the boys or just take a short break from the rain. No, they don't remember it, but I will never forget the looks on their faces (like when they saw one of their favorite characters Bear in the Big Blue house for the first time and the look of sheer amazement in their eyes is something I will always cherish)
We also spent a few hours at Donald's boat while they splashed about having the time of their lives. Ultimately, only you can judge what is right for you and your family.

 

[llmurphy17]

My son was 18 months on our last trip in Dec. 07 and he loved it. He enjoyed watching the parades and just looking at everything.

His favorites were playhouse Disney and when he met Handy Manny.

 

[Bugsmom73]

We took DD with us when she was 15 mos old. She LOVED it. Her favorites were Small World and Spaceship Earth in EPCOT. The kid still loves EPCOT at 6. SHe went again at 3 and again at 5.

DS- was 13 mos old. He too had good time. He enjoyed Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin and the Safari Ride.

Our kids go just about everywhere with us.

 

[Going Broke]

I'm sure you've made up your mind based on all the other posts but here's one more telling you to GO and have FUN! My daughter was 15 mos. when we took her, she saw the Dumbo ride and ran up to it saying "Me on that!" Your toddler may not remember the trip but you will!