MVMCP w/almost 2yr old - Go or No?

[goofygal531]

I'm wondering if we should go to the christmas parade with our son? Are they normally very crowded? We'll be there Dec 7 - Dec 11.

I want to go and see it snow on Main St. but don't want to bring him if it's going to be uncomfortable.

Anyone gone with a toddler?

Thanks.

 

[ZippyDooDah]

We went last year when our DS was almost 20 mths old. We had a great time, and I think his favorite was the "snow". We were there the week after Thanksgiving and it wasn't very crowded, and I can't imagine that the second week would be crowded. Go! Go! And have a great time!

 

[EthansMom]

We opted not to take our DS4 and DD1.5 to MVMCP on our upcoming trip for a few reasons. MVMCP doesn't start until 7 p.m. and our kids go to bed around 8:30 p.m. Even with an AP discount, MVMCP is pretty expensive. And, I've heard that MVMCP can get crowded. So, while I think the snow, hot cocoa, parade and fireworks would be pretty neat, it just didn't seem like a good idea to pay to keep the kids up late.

Instead, we opted to do the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. It's still a little pricey, but there is a show at 5 p.m. and we'll have dinner afterwards. We'll consider taking the kids to MVMCP when they're older.

So, I think it's partly a matter of expense and comfort. Don't be surprised, though, if you go to MVMCP and your baby is passed out in the stroller.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[missymagic]

I have taken both of my DDs now (5&8) since they were little. I made sure they had a nap that day. I have done it with a double stroller also. Yes it is more crowded than the normal day crowd for that time of the year. But you just take your time and enjoy yourself! The parade is the best my girls loved it better than anything else that night. Go for it!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We've never done the Christmas party, but just returned 2 weeks ago , and took DD to MNSSHP. She turned 2 on our trip.

We made sure she got back to the room early and took a 3 hour nap that day. We opted for counter service instead of sit down that night so we could wake her up at the last minute to go to the party.

I was amazed at her. I told DS not be disappointed, we may have to leave early. But DD made it until midnight. Wide awake and ready to go. And this is a child, who goes to bed between 8-8:30pm at home, sleeps until 10 am , plus takes a 2-3 hour nap. It was pricey, but we had a fun time!

 

[skuttle]

We will be bringing DS...he'll be 2.5 in December. We don't have anything planned the day of MVMCP...probably do a little resort hopping along the monorail and then head back to the WL for a (hopefully) long nap right before our PS for LTT.

roliepolieoliefan...glad to hear your DD enjoyed it and managed to stay up for it! DS made it until midnight for a mardi gras parade in New Orleans last year, so I'm hoping the same thing happens in December! If he falls asleep..that's okay, too.

 

[nuzmom]

We took our DS3 & DS8 last year and going again this year. I didn't think the crowds were bad at all, but we go on Tuesday night party so maybe that's why? We got a double stroller for the party last year and that worked GREAT. Anyway, last year was VERY COLD. Bought a blanket and the kids cuddled up and took a nap in the stroller before the parade and during the midnight show at the castle. Yes, we made it the entire evening. For us, the snow was just "ok" at best. Of course, PA has real snow and the artificial (soap?) stuff just wasn't the same. My kids were like "this isn't snow!", but that's ok. We just really enjoyed the festive atmosphere at night and the Christmas parade was very cool.

There was no way my kids would have napped in the afternoon, but like I said, they snoozed some during the party. For me, the bigger planning is making sure the next morning is a "sleep in" one.

If I had a younger child, like you do, I would go and plan on him taking an afternoon nap and a nap in the stroller. I would recommend a blanket for him and maybe a stuffed animal to be nice and cozy and happy. And lastly, take the next morning easy. Have fun!!!

 

[jtopp]

GO! Don't miss it. Have a pool or shopping day, with a nap so your child is awake. The snow and holiday atmosphere is fabulous, and our children have been enjoying it from when they were very small(1 yr old for my youngest).
Well worth the extra money, especially if you do not go to the parks during the day, so it doesn't seem like you wasted money for only a half day in the park.