MNSSHP with a toddler?

[alovelace]

That is a great point and what a positive way to look at it!

 

[rachael95]

We're going on Sept. 23 and I'll try to remember to report back how it goes.

We are doing a resort day up until party time, so however DS sleeps will be great and then we're also bringing our City Mini GT. So he should be able to rest a bit. DS is a night owl though. It's all I can do to get him asleep by 9:30p.m. (even when trying for earlier). So not too concerned about that. We also planned on having a day off Wednesday to just go to Downtown Disney or whatever. Going to bookend it with relaxation as much as possible.

DS is going to be Buzz Lightyear
DH Woody and me Jessie. I've been sewing DH and my costumes and am ALMOST done. (I'm not a very good seamstress). DS is going to wear a Buzz PJ tshirt and long PJ pants. He's got a hat and wings he can wear if he wants, but I wanted him comfy for this. I've got a long sleeved Buzz shirt for actual Halloween day though.

 

[mockers]

I'd really like to go but I'm the night owl of the family. I decided to skip it with my family - we have a 5 mth, 2, 5, 7 and 9 year old. The younger kids are normally in bed by 8:00 and the older ones are in bed by 9:00. Honestly my kids could probably handle it but my DH is also usually in bed by 10:00 at the latest. I figured they would all be happier skipping the party and doing early mornings. Plus we will save a lot of money.

 

[Bluegrrl]

We did it last year when he was 1+ and we are doing it again on the 28th of Sept!! Sundays are great since many locals work on Monday, so Sunday=not good day to go!

Tips we learned:
-Take kiddo in a light no-fuss costume that you can turn into pjs at the end of the night. We dressed him in a hand-made (by me!) Lost Boy bunny outfit. I was Wendy!
-Don't push the characters. He liked seeing the princesses (love girls), but other characters were a no-win
-Don't even consider other parks that day. Have babe relax around the hotel, swim, sleep, eat, etc.
-Arrive at 4pm or earlier. That helps get the most out of your party time.
-As much as I hate to say this, the earlier parade is better for LOs. That way, if they do conk out, at least they saw one parade!
-Fireworks? Not a prob for our kiddo. He loves the fireworks. But if yours freaks, jump on something indoor and long, like HM or pirates. While you might want to see the fireworks, I think not having a screaming terrified kid is better!
-Do take food breaks. Stop at a qs and grab a snack so you can recharge, get a little rest, drink, etc.
-Don't feel shy about using the baby center for changing and nursing. Yes, we still nurse, but only a little. But the rooms are a nice break if you get desperate and only "one thing" will do, and the changing area can't be beat!
-Let them have candy. Seriously, if it's something they can eat safely, let them have it. My kiddo loves chocolate - like his mama! Why torture them?
- If they are runners, get a leash. I know, it sounds so mean, but he loves his leash. It's an Eddie Baurer one with a monkey that is a backpack. It is a lifesaver when all he wants to do is get out of the stroller and run.
- on that note: Get a stroller. A tired 2yr old is a HEAVY 2yr old!!

And have fun! We got many compliments on our costume - I thought no one would get it. But people did, and we had so much fun. My DS has been to Disney so many times - DL at 8mon, WDW at 6/10/11/1yr/2yr, 2Christmas parties and now 2 Halloween parties. He loves it!

If you go on the 28th of Sept, look for us! We will be the Monsters University Greek Council and he will be Mike Wacowski. The rest of the family will be decked out in MU frat/sorority t-shirts

 

[disneypolybride2008]

My dd last year was 2 and we decided to skip the party, which we loved going to as two adults. We were glad b/c she got up super early every morning so excited to be at Disney and did not nap the whole day. We had her in bed by 8pm. I dont think a 'rest' day would have been possible. She just has too much energy and excitement. However next year she would be 4 yrs old and our new baby would be 1 yrs old. It is a lot of money and still is late for her, but she just loves trick or treating. It has been almost 1 year since last Halloween when she trick or treated around our block for about 10 minutes and went to the few houses with their lights on, yet she remembers every detail of it... so i can't wait to take her to the party and have her trick or treat there! Then the following year i hope to do the land and sea package and have them trick or treat on the disney ship.

One thing nobody mentions is how their little one did once awakened from the stroller.
It's one thing for them to nod off there, but what about getting awakened by the fireworks, or at the bus stop, or getting off the bus, or getting out of the stroller, or getting their pajamas on?? Mine would be a dinosaur if i woke her up!!

 

[nadira36]

One thing nobody mentions is how their little one did once awakened from the stroller.
It's one thing for them to nod off there, but what about getting awakened by the fireworks, or at the bus stop, or getting off the bus, or getting out of the stroller, or getting their pajamas on?? Mine would be a dinosaur if i woke her up!!

It depends on the kid. Our 1 would fuss and fight a little until she knew what was going on (when transferring at the bus) but she settled quick. None of ours woke up for fireworks if they were sleeping.

We don't bother changing their clothes at the resort, we can clean them up in the AM.