Navigating with a 4 and 2 year old

[disneyphanatic1911]

I plan on taking my DD's ages 4 and 2 to their very first WDW trip next July. What strategies do you all have for enjoying the parks with little ones.

I understand that the entire family can't ride everything since the girls are so small. I would also hate to ride some things alone, because it's just not as fun.

I'm thinking of inviting my SIL and her family, this may relieve some of that (if they don't get on my nerves too much).

What suggestions do you all have?

Thanks!

 

[maci]

You will be surprised how much they can ride, espeically at MK!

That is why WDW is so great!
There will be some stuff you will have to ride alone, Space mt, etc. But dont let that stop you!
Just get a baby swap, and you and DH take turns. WDW is really great with young kids, it is not hard at all.

If you have other specific questions, I would be happy to answer.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

We arrive early, rent a double stroller then tour MK until 1:00pm.
After lunch, we head back to the resort to swim or rest. It really helps us all feel refreshed and ready to head back out in the early evening to experience more of the magic.

Take it at THEIR pace, slow down and enjoy the magic all around you!

 

[babar41]

I agree that there are so many things that the entire family will be able to ride together. If there is something like Splash Mountain that you want to do the baby swap is great. Also a mid-afternoon break will be good for all. Nap time is even more important at WDW, as no one has fun when the little ones are overly tired!

Just go and have a magical time! Seeing MK through the eyes of your DD's will be such a wonderful experience.

 

[disneyphanatic1911]

Thanks guys!

My DW and I will heed to your advice.
What are your opinions on inviting DIL's an DGP's?

 

[susykt4]

We recently returned from our first trip with DD4 and DS2. We had 6 full days. My parents came along for the first 3 days. I loved having them along for part of the trip because DH and I (and my dad) got to go on some of the big rides while my mom kept the kids. We also had a night out without the kids which was wonderful. It was also nice when it was just our family for the final 3 days because we didn't have to stop at EVERY landmark for my mom to take our picture and we could eat what WE wanted, etc. My parents were very good about keeping my schedule- hit parks at open, back to resort for naps in early afternoon, back to parks in evening but "home" and in bed early... They stayed in the parks or park hopped while the kids were resting. If I ever went with my brother and sister-in-law we would have to have an agreement beforehand that we'd meet up at the parks at a certain time when they got their slow, lazy butts moving in the morning. I would go CRAZY if I had to be with them and keep their schedule the entire trip (and vise-versa I'm sure.)

My kids loved all the Fantasyland and Toontown attractions. Liked TTA, Buzz and the Indy cars and were bored by CoP in Tomorrowland. Loved Jungle Cruise and Aladdin's carpets but were a little spooked by Pirates and a lot spooked by Haunted Mansion. I was shocked by how much they loved Epcot. DD4 LOVED the Kidcot stops and Test Track and Soarin'. DS loved the Living Seas and Living w/ the Land. Both loved Animal Kingdom. I was very surprised that the ONLY things they liked at Dis-MGM Studios were the Honey, I Shrunk playground and the characters. They didn't even especially like Playhouse Disney or the Little Mermaid. My biggest surprise was how much my normally shy, crowd-hating children LOVED the characters. DD4 loved getting autographs. We used a book of spiral bound index cards for autographs and made a 4X6 album with the pic on one page and the autograph on the page facing it. The album turned out great and more than a month after our trip she still looks at it nearly every day.

Hope you have a fantastic trip! We did