Is MDE, etc making it hard for toddler families?

[Habbott]

Thank you so much for your reassurances, insight and wonderful tips. I never thought of it from the aspect of benefitting a nap schedule (our DS so far is very much one who does best on a nap schedule. He is *not* a stroller sleeper or fall asleep playing/eating sort) And it really would be nice to avoid trying to get to rope drop. While DS is an early riser, and DH always did wake early at WDW to avoid crowds, DH is not a morning person. If I can get a good, sit-down breakfast in him, the day is much smoother (wow, he sounds like a more grown up toddler that way, lol). So perhaps this is a win-win after all. Though I truly do hope they fix some things by the time of our trip.

I'm still tantruming about Maelstrom, though. Mainly just for me (If only I'd known the last time was my last time possibly, etc)

We went when my son was 2.5 years old, before fast pass +. We didn't utilize fast pass as much as we could because it wasn't easy. My advice is, go in having no expectations. Being at disney changes everything. My son wasn't a stroller rider from 1+. But, when he saw the disney crowds, he happily rode in the stroller. He also wasn't a napper other than in his own bed, but he fell asleep in the stroller and in my arms on the bus a few times at disney. He wasn't a kid you could move and still have asleep at home, but he was at disney that first time.

He also did better than I thought he would on rides and in line. We even did the haunted mansion and pirates without him flipping out. He loved pirates. We didn't do any sit down dining last time, so our eating was flexible, and I knew he would freak out with the characters. He would give them a very wide distance when we saw them at the parks, lol. This time he wants to eat with pluto.

So, plan, and then change accordingly. I'm looking forward to the new system, and being able to prepare.

 

[fauna74]

We don't have toddlers anymore, so I can't speak to that. But, we did just return and I had one problem with an ADR that ended up conflicting with our tix for the Frozen Sing Along. I went to the restaurant, and since I was there they were able to cancel it for me (about 35 minutes before) with no cancellation fee. Biergarten in Epcot also told us that if you can't/ don't want to make your ADR there that you can walk in and tell them and they won't charge you.

So, if you have to leave a park for a nap or rest at least stop by the restaurant and ask them to cancel it with no fee.

 

[BecBennett]

If your toddler is prone to meltdowns, schedule ADRs around it. If they usually get tired in the evening, plan early lunch ADRs before they run out of steam so you're guaranteed a good/peaceful meal.

Wait?!? How on earth did you get your toddler on a meltdown schedule?? How can I get one of those?

So, if you have to leave a park for a nap or rest at least stop by the restaurant and ask them to cancel it with no fee.

That's great advice. Thanks