Is there anything geared towards smaller kids (18 months)?

[bbak30]

I'm so excited about all of the things my older DD will get to do, but I'm hoping I can find some things for my younger one to do. She will be 18 months old at the time of our trip. I don't think she will care much, but I would like to try and plan some fun things that are appropriate for her. Any suggestions?

 

[RMulieri]

There are playgrounds.But I know that Poohs Thotful spot at Mk is closing soon as is toontown to make way for the fantasyland expansion.AK has the dino playground, and DHS has the Honey I shrunk the kids playground

 

[scarlet_ibis]

My wee ones have always liked certain rides. Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Small World, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Aladdin's Flying Carpets, WDW RR at MK. Triceratops Twirl, Safari at AK.

Shows like Playhouse Disney, the Little Mermaid, etc. Not too much waiting and short enough shows to keep their attention.

And anything with a boat, really.

I've only had one of three kids go through a "no characters!" stage, and that was my oldest on her first trip (23 months). The other ones see the older siblings meeting the characters and jump right in, so far.

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

Actually, I find a lot of the playgrounds to be geared toward bigger kids. The Pooh one is nice for smaller kiddos though. Honey, I shrunk the Playground and The Boneyard I remember as being very geared toward little people.

Be sure to have a spare set of clothes with for fountains--Donald's boat is a super fun water fountain in Toontown (if it's still there when you go), but there are nice fountains everywhere to play in.

Also, never underestimate the power of things like ducks and squirrels! Kids find the fun, we're just along for the ride.

 

[DrMomof3]

My 23 month old has already been to Disney twice. We joke that he was the easiest child on both trips! He loved all the rides in Fantasyland. He loved the Playhouse Disney show. On his 1st trip he loved the characters but by the 2nd trip he was a little afraid. He was a late walker so we didn't really explore playgrounds. He loved, loved, loved the swimming pool at the hotel. He seemed to just enjoy all of the sights and sounds of Disney!

Amanda

 

[MaleficentFan]

We've taken dd multiple times since she was born and she's always had a blast... kids seem to find things to enjoy in unexpected places! There is plenty to enjoy at MK... dd's faves were the "smaller" rides (Pooh, IASW, Dumbo, carousel), Minnie and Mickey's houses and the slide/play area in Toon Town Fair, the People Mover, the train, Country Bear Jamboree was a HUGE hit. At Epcot she really enjoyed the Living Seas and the Nemo ride, the Figment ride, the maze behind the tea shop in the UK, watching the Koi and she enjoyed running around the various "plazas" in a few different countries. At DHS... the Playhouse Disney show... not much else there but we didn't spend as much time there. She enjoyed all things "animal" at AK... the two different "trails" were a fave since she could watch the animals and she loved going to Rafiki's Planet Watch. (Big bonus is the train ride there) She also loved watching the parades. You'll be amazed at how much the little ones can do and enjoy.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

Oh, I forgot completely about this... take a swim diaper and bathing suit with you. There are splash fountains at Downtown Disney Marketplace (far end), Epcot (between FutureWorld and World Showcase), and at MK (well, they used to be at Ariel's Grotto and Donald's Tugboat in Toontown). There's also a more traditional playground on Tom Sawyer island, along with tunnels and trails to explore. The resorts might also have good traditional playgrounds. I seem to remember one at SSR and maybe another at OKW.

 

[mugsy]

If you are going before the end of May (like we are), there are special playgrounds set up in Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival (as well as a butterfly tent). We are looking forward to our 2 yr old and 8 yr old boys enjoying themselves!

 

[katied]

DS has already been 6 times (he'll be 3 next week), including at 13 mo, 18 mo and 20 mo. Based on our experience:

1. in MK - Pooh's Playful Spot - have a swim diaper/change of clothes, because there's water. Toontown playground area/ Donald's Boat water play area. Most MK rides are great too for little ones (it's a small world was the favortie at this age).

2. In DHS - the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playgroud is mostly for bigger kids, but there is a toddler play area tucked in. DS had great fun there at 20 mo. DS already really liked the Playhouse Disney show - with Mickey, Tigger, Manny, etc.

3. Epcot has the special water areas - just bring a swim diaper. Also, Nemo ride, aquariam area, Spaceship Earth ride, the Figment ride - all were fun.

4. AK - train ride, walking trails to see animals were the highlights here.

Overall, DS had a great time at this age.

 

[PigletsMommy]

DD was 16 months on our trip at the beginning of March. She loved the playground in Toon Town across from Mickey's house but I'm guessing that is closed now or will be soon. She hated all the water play areas. She really enjoyed meeting all the characters in costumes and was kind of shy with the "face" characters (like princesses). She also really enjoyed the parades. She tried to "dance" like the parade dancers between floats and waved to all the characters on the floats.

The only ride she really enjoyed was Small World. Anything in a small car that went into the dark scared her. Even Winnie the Pooh ride, which I thought she would love. I think she would have enjoyed TTA but she fell asleep.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well she did. Everyone warned me that she wouldnt like the characters and she loved them. Everyone said we would need afternoon breaks to get her to nap but she fell asleep in my arms and then slept in her stroller. One of us would stay with her while the others rode and then we would switch off. They said the fireworks would scare her but she squealed with delight. The only reason I say this is because every child is different and will enjoy different things. My suggestion is to keep plans to a minimum and an open mind. Hope you have a magical vacation!!

 

[scarlet_ibis]

There's a small playground IN THE SHADE near the Splash Mountain area, too.