one adult, two 2-year olds?

[RedRuby]

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about rids, shows or activities that one parent can do with two toddlers at WDW. My husband is a stay at home dad with a busy consulting business on the side, so if/when we go to WDW, I'd like to give him some time off and take the girls (aged 2) to the parks alone.
Problem is, I think a lot of the rides wouldn't quite do; a lot of the seats or cars take two people per row, or two adults and one child (eg Dumbo, Mr. Toad, maybe Peter Pan, etc?).

I'm thinking the Carousel, IASW, might be okay -- any other thoughts for MK or other parks?

Thanks,

 

[Nicolepa]

Actually, most of the rides will fit one adult and two small kids. You can ride Peter Pan, Snow White, Dumbo, Small World, Mickey's barnstormer (if they are tall enough), Pirates of the Carribean, Buzz Lightyear, TTA, Carousel, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh, Tea Cups.

Pretty much anything that seats two will fit an adult and two small kids.

 

[seashoreCM]

Can you manage two small children and luggage and little things that can go wrong such as being scared and running off in two different directions or spilled ice cream or rude people pushing you aside at the parade?

Do you feel that two years is old enough to appreciate Disney? I would think that is a close call.

The second especially makes me want to think twice about doing the trip.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Tinkerbellmom33]

I agree with Nicolepa.
I've been there twice with my girls at that age. You should be able to do most of the rides at MK. On our last trip, I was able to sit myself, 7 year old and 15 month old in a lot of the rides. My husband even sat himself with the little one and 10 year old son.
Playhouse Disney in MGM is a hit with them too. It's easy to sit on the floor with the kids and they blow bubbles around the audience and streamers. It's really a lot of fun. There's also Voyage of the little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
Rafikis planet watch in Animal Kingdom is a good area for the little ones. They have the petting area and character meets too.
If your interested in character meals, Chef Mickeys is a blast. The characters are fun and they swing napkins when they first come out. It's a fun atmosphere. We also did a Princess Breakfast in Norway. She loved seeing the Princesses.
As far as appreciating Disney, they DEFINITELY will. My youngest was 15 months old and loved it. Now when she sees Mickey, the "cesses" (princesses)etc. she gets so excited. I can't wait to go back with her this year when she's just over 2 years old. I think she'll appreciate it even more. My 1st daughter was about 2 1/2 when we went to Disney the first time and she did remember some things we did. What she remembered most was that she loved it and wanted to go back! Who knows what they'll remember if anything, but it makes for great family memories for you. I wouldn't start worrying about that. Definitely have a stroller with you though, that will save the worry of who's going in which direction.
Happy planning!!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

The way I read your post is that you all are going on vacation but you wanted to give your DH some 'dad' time while there. It this is the case, I think you might find dad does not want to be away from you guys too much after all. Bet he won't want to miss out on the kids reaction to the rides etc. If howerer he wants time to him self, I would do it in small doses. MANY rides you all will fit on if the todders behavior is that would allow you to handle them both in lines, in bathrooms, resturants and getting around at the parks. The kiddie pool at the resort might be a fun way to spend time with the kids while dad gets a break and less stressful for you. Perhaps during nap time he could go for a swim or a round of golf. Two's can and do enjoy the parks. Just communicate with your DH about what each of you want out of the trip and all of you have a blast!!

Jordan's mom

 

[slk537]

I agree that your husband may not want as much of a break once you get there...at least not at the parks. But letting him do whatever he wants while you supervise naptime and an afternoon at the pool is a great idea! Or what about taking them to DTD for an ice cream at Ghiradellis and a special treat at one of the shops? Then you don't use a day at the parks on your ticket and can save those for when your DH comes with.

Children are all different. While one 2 year old may not care about WDW, another may love it. Our DS has been to WDW 5 times in his little life and is only 3 1/2. We did not mean to take him for the first time when he was so little (one) but it ended up that way due to circumstances beyond our control. He didn't have a clue, but he really reacted to the colors and sounds and lights. His second trip a year later when he was 2? Loved it. LOVED it! We talked about it a lot, prepared him, showed him photos and he ended up very excited. He went again at 2 1/2 and it was even better. Between the trips, all he could talk about was the Tomorrowland Speedway and the orange car he drove (his favorite color). And Mickey. You know your girls better than anyone and can probably tell if they'll enjoy it

 

[mello]

We haven't been to Disney World, but last year we took dd, who was about 18 months to Disneyland, and she loved it! I think they can appreciate it at a young age - ever since our trip she has recognized and talked about Mickey, Pooh Bear, and 'Rella (Cinderella) and Belle. The best ride with her was Small World. She hummed along, and pointed at everything and waved at the dolls, and said, "Hi!" to them. Then she hummed afterwards. It was so cute. I'm not even sure if there is a Small World at WDW, but if so, definitely take your girls on it.

: ) melinda

 

[mum4jenn]

I agree with the others that I really bet that your dh will not want to miss out on their first trip. Giving him some alone time later on like was suggested would be great.


I also think that you should be able to manage the children just fine. We took our dd for the first time when she was 18 months and that was when she began her love affair with Eeyore!!! She will be 8 soon and the love affair has continued. There are lots of things that the three of you should be able to ride together. Of course at 2 they will tire easily so make sure you rent a double stroller. A great place to rest when they are tired so you can get away from the crowds at MK would be the Rose Garden area near the Castle. It is near the water and very peaceful.