Planning 1.5 year olds 1st trip

[Reese'smom]

Hey! I'm new here, but heard about this wonderful group from another message board. My husband and I are trying to plan my daughter's 1st trip to Disney. I've been a few times, DH has been twice. My daughter will be 1.5 years old when we try to go in Janurary. Can anyone offer me direction about how to start planning? Is Jan a good month to go? Any help would be great!

 

[jack hannah bananah]

Hey! I'm new here, but heard about this wonderful group from another message board. My husband and I are trying to plan my daughter's 1st trip to Disney. I've been a few times, DH has been twice. My daughter will be 1.5 years old when we try to go in Janurary. Can anyone offer me direction about how to start planning? Is Jan a good month to go? Any help would be great!

January should be a good month.
How long are you planning to go.

Start with what resort. Value, moderate, I forget what the call the other group? I have opinions on several. Let me know which one you are looking at.

Then dining plan or not? I would recommend it. It is free for 1.5 yr. old. You can get anything off the buffets for her and share your plate if you order off a menu. If she is a good eater, this is definitely worth it.

Next, where to eat? You can start making reservations in July. I usually plan meals around which park has EMH. This is a debate in itself. I go on morning EMH days. We are usually up any way. Many on the Dis do not.

We have gone several times beginning when my youngest was 8 month.

Our last trip they were DS 2, DD 5, DS 7.

I would be happy to help you further. I just would need more info.

 

[katied]

I just got back with DS (at 13 months). We were also there with DNiece (at 23 months).

For parks- best parks were MK and Epcot. At AK, there is not a lot for ones that age (at least our little ones were not very interested). At HS, the Playhouse Disney show was nice and Toy Story Mania (but they cannot be held, they have to sit on the seat next to you).

So - most rides and most fun were Epcot and MK. DNiece learned to say "Rides" and ask for "more rides". Also, MK has some great play areas for the little ones, which gives them a chance to run around and play.

Best plan for us was to hit the parks near opening in the AM, stay thru lunch, and then head back to the hotel for a break/naps. We would then return in the pm, or else use the pool in the PM.

January can be a bit cooler, so maybe the pool will not be a big deal.

Key to success for us was to make sure the kids got their naps, take breaks in baby care when necessary, etc.

 

[olivia's mommy]

I would love to hear some advice too! Our DD will be 18 mths when we go in September! We are staying at AS Movies and ALK. I have all of our dining already booked, 4 character dinings so I hope she doesn't get scared!

I have already started buying little toys and games for the plane ride and for the park lineups. I still need to buy an umbrella stroller and maybe a backpack carrier. Right now she loves her mickey mouse and pooh dolls so I am going to introduce some other ones so she recognizes them.

We are planning on going to a grocery store on our first day there to stock up on diapers, wipes and lots of snacks. DD isn't a big eater now but we'll see what happens.

I'll be sure to post when we return and hopefully offer some advice and tips!

have fun planning your trip!

 

[nemofans]

We took DS when he was 19 mos old & he had a blast! We spent most of the time at MK & AK. Those had the most he could do. We spent a half day at DHS only to do Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid, & play at the Honey I shrunk play area. We also did the character breakfast there w/Little Einsteins & JoJo's Circus. We only spent a half day at Epcot to do Nemo ride & walk around World Showcase some. DS enjoyed watching the Chinese acrobats too.
We used the baby care centers at each park for diaper changes. They also have extra supplies if you run out or forget something back in your room.
DS was not fond of the fireworks at all, so we avoided those shows & used the time to do rides. His fav ride was Dumbo.
We took a break every day after lunch for DS's nap at the hotel. I kept his schedule the same & planned around that.
We brought our own stroller so we didn't have to worry about carrying him back & forth from parks to hotel.
DS was afraid of the characters b/c they were so big. Even the ones he knew well still scared him, except Mickey for some reason.
Are there any other questions I can help you with?

 

[Reese'smom]

I was thinking of the cheapest disney property for Hotel room. I've never stayed on Disney property before, but I thought it'd be worth it for the early hour days. Reese is up at 6am everyday anyways. Which parks are the best for one that age (18months)? About how much would a 4 day trip with dining plan be for me, DH, and DD? We'll drive as we're a few hours away.

 

[jack hannah bananah]

Olivia's Mommy - instead of taking time to grocery shop while there, check out gardengrocer.com
They will deliver groceries to your hotel for $12.00 (bell services will keep them in a refrig. if you are not there).

MK and AK are the best for little ones. The Playhouse Disney lunch at Hollywood and Vine in HS is fun too. Be careful at HS. Although she will be able to go on a lot of attractions, you may not want to take her. After doing the Backlot tour, Great Movie Ride, and Indiana Jones, we realized that everything our DS 2 was seeing, he thought was real. Although the attractions are not particularly scary over all, they do have some intense moments. Be ready to cover her eyes if you decide to go.
We save Epcot for the last day. There are only a few things she can do. We always get the kids books and let them relax in the stroller with their new books and any new toys while we tour the WS.

 

[olivia's mommy]

Thanks! I am definitely going to check this out. Sounds like the best option.

 

[katied]

At Epcot, DS really enjoyed the Nemo ride, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land boat ride, Mexico ride, Norway ride, and the Figment ride - so overall, there is a fair bit for little ones to do there, and most of it is fairly close, without long lines - so easy to get through.

 

[jack hannah bananah]

At Epcot, DS really enjoyed the Nemo ride, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land boat ride, Mexico ride, Norway ride, and the Figment ride - so overall, there is a fair bit for little ones to do there, and most of it is fairly close, without long lines - so easy to get through.

You are right. I forgot about Mexico, Living with the Land,and Figment. My son loved those.

 

[J&J'sMOM]

We took our daughter when she was the same age and it was great! We got her first haircut at the barbershop on mainstreet at the MK- they even give you mickey ears that say first haircut on the back, all for like $14 or so. She loved the parades and the fireworks! Definately go with garden grocer! It was a life saver! They brought everything right to our room right after we checked in. Have a great time--making memories!!!!