Please tell me...!!!

[steph73]

Wonderful tips so far!

 

[helloconnie]

You've got some good tips here. I will add some more. I have two pirates, I mean sons, and I started taking them when the first was 2.5 years old. My youngest has been twice now, once at 9 weeks and the second at 1 year. We are going again in May and my youngest will be 16 months. Forgive me if I repeat - I did not read all the posts above...

Bring Cheerios (if your child likes those as a snack). The parks don't sell them.

Bring your own stroller - Tie something on it that will make it easy to spot in the sea of strollers that is the stroller parking areas!

STROLLER ALERT - Bus drivers are not allowed to help you off and on the bus. If you take a big stroller, you will need to be able to fold it up and hold it while the bus is in motion. (Plus all your bags, sippy cups, ohh and your children! )

Bring a small diaper bag (pack light - change of clothes, snack, sippy cup, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, sunscreen). Remember you go through a bag check prior to entering the parks.

I would highly recommend the First Years travel changing mat. It has sections to hold a small container of wipes and a couple of diapers. It has a velcro strap for easy fastening to your stroller. It's much easier to grab this and take it into the bathroom than a big diaper bag.

I would also recommend a Mommy Hook or Stroller Swivel hooks. Hook these to your stroller after you get off the plane. You will be amazed at how many packages and bags these things will hold. Plus, it is much easier to take something off of the hook then try to retrieve it from an under the seat storage net.

Take and Toss sippy cups - They are the best! You don't get upset if you loose them. You can wash and re-use. There are even Disney themed ones!

Small zip-locks with snacks. (Cheerios, Nutri Grain bars, Goldfish, etc.)

My children never really need toys to play with in line. So, that's your call.

Lightweight blanket - You can pull your stroller visor forward, then drape the blanket from the back of the visor to the stroller handle. This gives more shade which is very helpful if the LO is sleeping.

If your LO is showing signs of needing a nap and you don't want to leave the park, go into a dark, cool environment like one of the shows or Spaceship Earth. Your LO will be asleep before you get out/off!

Another nap trick - Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA). You can get on and ride for a very long time.

Fireworks - my DS(#1) saw them for the first time at 2.5 yrs and LOVED them. It's all in what your child likes.

If your LO gets overly tired, let him/her take a really long nap at the hotel.

If you let him/her walk - Watch Them carefully! I have seen LOs almost walk into very dangerous situations. Example, in Feb. I saw a toddler complete with binky in his mouth almost walk off the loading platform for the Tomorrowland Speedway. Yikes!

Use the play areas.

Take a picture of your child every morning before you head to the parks. If your LO gets lost, you can show the picture to the CMs help in locating the child.

The parks have machines where you can get ID tags made with a Disney Theme on them. Its fun for th e LO to wear an contains your name and contact number in case you get separated.

CMs, especially the hotel ones, will usually always give stickers. If not, ask for them.

Ask the bus drivers for the trading cards.

Use 'Kids Night Out' for an adult night. I have used them for three years now. It's great to have some adult time for a nice dinner or riding adult rides!

Use the parent swap to ride the rides that require a minimum height.
Relax, go with the pace of your child and Have Fun!

 

[pixarmom]

These pieces of advice in particular were just wonderful, ppl already say to me that my daughter will never remember, but I will and its important to me to capture these memories with her!
As far as the characters go, Ive noticed my daughter is completeley fine with Santa and The Easter Bunny (she took pix w.them during those holidays), and we've been getting her used to "real life size" Mickey by watching the planning tapes with her, I hope this works!!
Also wondering your thoughts on bringing a full size stroller to the parks...I'm driving down and will b able to bring my own instead of renting, seems more convenient to the blind eye!
And here's the fun question!!! What rides will I be able to take my 18 month old on???

As for the "never remember" comments that we have all heard when taking our little ones - just a story about our oldest (now a pre-teen) who I mentioned went to WDW for the first time at 18 months: At 18 months, he saw and loved a little bronze Chip and Dale right in front of the castle at MK. I have a photo of him "tickling" the little statue and you can really see the delight in his eyes. He "remembers" that through the pictures, and on every trip he goes back to the same Chip and Dale and asks me to take a picture of him in the same pose and with his younger brothers.

OK, now for the nuts and bolts!

1) Stroller: We bring our maclaren quest now for our youngest - it's umbrella, but has a canopy, a basket underneath and reclines. We had a cheaper model a long time ago, but it had all of those features - umbrella, canopy, basket, reclines!

2) The planning video worked wonders for us!! Didn't have all that when our older boys were little. But for our youngest son's first visit at age 2, it definitely worked. Unlike your little one, he hated Santa, EB, etc. After watching the planning video and LOTS of youtube videos of character meet and greets, he LOVED all the Disney characters.

3) As for rides, during their toddler stages, we've always taken our boys on anything that they meet the height requirement for and look willing to try. They have all disliked Snow White at a young age. Our oldest was very adventurous - loved everything from Buzz to Haunted Mansion to Dumbo (just not Snow White.) Our middle was cautious at first and now goes on anything. Our youngest is a bit timid (likes rides with recognizable Pixar characters for the most part, does not want to try Haunted Mansion, for example.)

Have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[Momtomouselover]

We use this same exact stroller and loved it for those same reasons (plus easy folding). I took my son by myself at around 16mos and was able to put the soft sided cooler with snacks in the bottom and then everything else I put in a backpack (change of clothes, sunscreen, small toys, etc.). I was able to quickly fold the stroller when needed and hold the backpack on my back, the cooler over my shoulder, my son in one arm and the stroller in my other hand if boarding a bus or a small boat. The backpack would also fit in the bottom carrier or across the back of the stroller/push arms if I didn't want to wear it. I would not bring a full size/limo stroller just because they are heavy and not so easy to cart on to buses, etc.

 

[AreWeThereYeti]

Just read all the wonderful tips and could only think of one thing to add. Went with DD in 2008 for DGS first visit, he was 19 mos. As others have said, he did not like the dark rides (Winnie the Pooh) but did love It's A Small World. We took his picture on that ride and it is my favorite from the entire trip -- the look in his eyes -- pure magic. My tip is to try to make it to Playhouse Disney as well. My DGS was dancing in the aisle and DD took him there twice. He was also thrilled with eating at the Crystal Palace and seeing the Pooh characters. While I was getting my food, Pooh sat in my seat and acted like he was drinking my iced tea -- DGS thought that was VERY funny. Take lots of pictures and enjoy your trip!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

barbershop on Main St (on the left as you enter, past the fire station) does "My First Haircut". It's a bit pricey, and there is usually a line-up, but it is totally worth it! They are super at keeping your child occupied with stickers, light spinners, etc. They will gather up the hair clippings for you in a kleenex to keep (label it or put it somewhere you won't accidently throw out like I almost did!). Plus you get a certificate and a pair of mickey ears with "My First Haircut" embroidered in the back. Total photo op!!!

I am soooooo excited for the haircut!! My daughters hair has been long since she was born but I havent cut it yet cuz I want her first haircut to be a Disney haircut! I am sooo excited about this, thank you for mentioning!!

We learned the hard way table service meant at least an hour at the table. This coupled with a long day in the parks can be disasterous.

I'm actually very nervous about this part...ok, we're doing TWO table service dinners with my 18 mo old !! We will be there for Thanksgiving and plan on having a big traditional turkey dinner with our huge family, and we will also be there for my 30th bday which we were going to go out for! VERY nervous about this!! Has anyone gone to The Wave at Contemp yet and if so, do u think suitable to bring an 18 mo old??

Bring Cheerios (if your child likes those as a snack). The parks don't sell them.
Take a picture of your child every morning before you head to the parks. If your LO gets lost, you can show the picture to the CMs help in locating the child.
Use 'Kids Night Out' for an adult night. I have used them for three years now. It's great to have some adult time for a nice dinner or riding adult rides!

#1-OMG, cant believe they dont sell Cheerios!! Very good to know!
#2- What is Kids Night Out??? Sounds intriguing!! As I said above it will be my 30th bday and may want a good nite out!

My tip is to try to make it to Playhouse Disney as well. My DGS was dancing in the aisle and DD took him there twice.

Where is Playhouse Disney? DHS? My girl loves Disney Channel, however we were not planning on going to DHS since I didnt think there was much there for her to do!

 

[buzyanne]

Yes, Playhouse is at DHS. So is Toystory Mania. Drake liked that. They also have Little Mermaid which is loud and in a dark theather but some little one love it. they also have Muppets 3D a must do for us. Drake had to see Lighting and Mater and get his picture taken with them. They also have Honey I shrunk the kids play ground where the kids can play with giant grass and other things found in the yard. They don't have a full day of little stuff( Unless they have to do it over and over. but they do have some interesting things. I did not carry a bag when we went to Disney. The stoller we have had several nets on it and I packed diapers, spare clothes, I use single serve drink mix and took them and ponchos in the pockets and we were able to walk right thur with a quick glance at the guard tent. Drake preferred to nap in the stroller he wanted to go back to the hotel every afternoon to swim only. Then back to the parks.

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Yes, Playhouse is at DHS. So is Toystory Mania. Drake liked that. They also have Little Mermaid which is loud and in a dark theather but some little one love it. they also have Muppets 3D a must do for us. Drake had to see Lighting and Mater and get his picture taken with them. They also have Honey I shrunk the kids play ground where the kids can play with giant grass and other things found in the yard. They don't have a full day of little stuff.

Yes, I think we'll steer clear of that park this year...we've decided on only doing 2 parks with her- Epcot and Mk (ofcourse )...I hope she likes the Nemo ride, def wanna take her on that!!

 

[d1gitman]

Hi! We first took our son when he was 22 months old and our dtr at 6 months, 15 months, and 23 months. People asked us why we were taking them at such young ages as they would not remember it later. We always responded that "we will remember"...

our sentiments exactly! plus under 3 is free, just another great reason (er, excuse) to go to Disney more often.

as far as advice...
- stroller naps. heading back to hotel was a waste of time and energy for us
- hydration and shade
- let them play in the water fountains (bring change of clothes or swim suit)
- take lots of photos/videos
- did i mention hydration?

 

[helloconnie]

Has anyone gone to The Wave at Contemp yet and if so, do u think suitable to bring an 18 mo old??


#1-OMG, cant believe they dont sell Cheerios!! Very good to know!
#2- What is Kids Night Out??? Sounds intriguing!! As I said above it will be my 30th bday and may want a good nite out!


Where is Playhouse Disney? DHS? My girl loves Disney Channel, however we were not planning on going to DHS since I didnt think there was much there for her to do!

I took my DS to California Grill at 1 year. No problems. All restaurants at Disney are pretty family freiendly except for Victoria & Albert's. You will see children of all ages at every dining establishment.

Kids Night Out is a Disney sanctioned in-room baby sitting service. They are not owned by Disney but have been through Disney's certification program. I have used them for three years now and would highly recommend them. It's great for the adults to get a night to themselves!

Disney Studios is the second park I would recommend for young children. There is a character breakfast/lunch called teh Pay N Dine that has characters from the Little Einsteins and JoJo's Circus. The Playhouse Disney puppet show is great. Then tehre are character Meet & Greets for the Little Einsteins, Handy Mandy, The Incredibles + Frozone, Buzz & Woody together. Pre-school age kids tend to like the Animation Studos where they can see an artist draw a Disney cartoon character. For rides, Toy Story Mania is a must for all kids.

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

stroller naps. heading back to hotel was a waste of time and energy for us
- let them play in the water fountains (bring change of clothes or swim suit)

My daughter is the "I dont wanna miss anything" type and she will easily sacrifice naps if thats the case!! I would love if she would take a nap in the stroller...
I'm so glad ppl suggested the extra clothes for the fountains! Ive seen kids playing in them a hundred times and woulda never thought myself to bring DD an extra pair of clothes for them!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Kids Night Out is a Disney sanctioned in-room baby sitting service. They are not owned by Disney but have been through Disney's certification program. I have used them for three years now and would highly recommend them. It's great for the adults to get a night to themselves!

Omg, I never knew about this! Is there an age min or max? Ive never left my DD with a stranger before, kinda hesitant about it but its definitly good to know about! Thanks!

 

[nemofans]

Yes, I think we'll steer clear of that park this year...we've decided on only doing 2 parks with her- Epcot and Mk (ofcourse )...I hope she likes the Nemo ride, def wanna take her on that!!

The Seas w/Nemo in Epcot isn't really a ride. It's just a way to get you into the aquarium section. You sit in a clam & as the clam moves SLOWLY along you see glimpses of Nemo & friends in the little viewing windows of the aquarium. Turtle Talk w/Crush is cute too.

 

[helloconnie]

Omg, I never knew about this! Is there an age min or max? Ive never left my DD with a stranger before, kinda hesitant about it but its definitly good to know about! Thanks!

Here is the link to the information on Disney's website.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/kids-activities/

I believe they take them as young as 6 weeks. They come prepared with age appropriate toys and activities. They are very professional.

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

The Seas w/Nemo in Epcot isn't really a ride. It's just a way to get you into the aquarium section. You sit in a clam & as the clam moves SLOWLY along you see glimpses of Nemo & friends in the little viewing windows of the aquarium. Turtle Talk w/Crush is cute too.

hahaa, yeah, Ive been on it a few times...I actually really like the queue and I think the ride is cute but I happen to really like Nemo and I do like going to the aquarium...I think my DD will like too, keeping fingers crossed, I know its dark!

Here is the link to the information on Disney's website.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/kids-activities/

I believe they take them as young as 6 weeks. They come prepared with age appropriate toys and activities. They are very professional.

Thank you so much for that info!!

 

[Keke]

Thank you for starting this thread! We are taking DD in September and she'll be 19 months! I am SO excited! All this tips have been really helpful. I was originally thinking of the umbrella stroller, but now I think we'll take the large one so she can lay back. I am also going to research the first haircut thing. That would be such a neat thing to always remember!

 

[milmore104]

We've traveled w/ our kids every year since they were 1. And this last trip we had our 9 month old and our 16 month old niece. Now I am a shopping mommy. I love to take off for the weekend and go shopping w/ my kids in toe of course. So our DD's are used to their strollers and LOVE being in them. I walk almost everyday w/ themin their strolers so they were used to being in them. Now my niece on the other hand HATED being in her stroller. My brother and his wife don't ever really have her in it. So she really hated sitting in it. She would scream her head off if they tried to put her in it. So I would suggest if your little one isn't used to being in their stroller get them used to it NOW!!!
Plus this made it easier for naps. My brother's family would have to leave the park for hours to nap my niece becuase she woldn't sleep in the stroller. Where we would be able to get some child swapping in on rides while our DD napped in her stroller. It's much easier to me then going back to the room for an hour. But that's us. We've never done the afternoon break thing.

Also try and stick to your little ones schedule in WDW like at home. I plan our meal times around when she normally eats. I plan lighter evening activities so she can fall asleep in her stroller while we still have fun.

Make sure you ALWAYS have some kind of snack in your bag. You never know when a little one will want something.

Be flexible with your plans. We all know life gets in the way. Sometimes we need to make an adjustment for our llittle ones.

Have a great trip. Your kids are NEVER to young to bring w/ you. This trip we will have our 10 yo DD, 2 yo DD, 4 month old DD, 10 yo DNiece, 2 yo DNiece, and 6 week old DNiece. I say bring them as much as you can while their still FREE in Disney's eyes. And for that matter still concidered a child!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Have a great trip. Your kids are NEVER to young to bring w/ you. This trip we will have our 10 yo DD, 2 yo DD, 4 month old DD, 10 yo DNiece, 2 yo DNiece, and 6 week old DNiece. I say bring them as much as you can while their still FREE in Disney's eyes. And for that matter still concidered a child!

WOW, that is awesome that you have so many princesses in ur family!! That is a dream of mine, my sis has gotta get on that, LOL! Have fun urself, I hope u have help with so many wee ones!

Thank you for starting this thread! We are taking DD in September and she'll be 19 months! I am SO excited! All this tips have been really helpful. I was originally thinking of the umbrella stroller, but now I think we'll take the large one so she can lay back. I am also going to research the first haircut thing. That would be such a neat thing to always remember!

I think my decision is def final on bringing the big stroller for the same reason as u...they can lay back in it! Knowing my DD, she prob wont want to (God forbid she should miss something )...but ya never know when they'll wanna pass out!

Ooh, I can start her her own pin collection too! I sorta have one of my own, but how nice she'll have her own from her very first trip! I hope they have a special pin like that (im sure they do!)

 

[boakl]

If your child isn't prone to bad sunburns, and if your back is up to it, bring a toddler backpack instead of a stroller. It is so much more convenient and the child sees everything, not just legs and rear ends like he/she would in a stroller.

We would slather our kids down with sunscreen each morning and retouch during the day and never had a sunburn (and they were all towheaded blonds with blue eyes!).

We would wait in line with the child in the back pack, and then quickly get them out at boarding time. Sometimes, the backpack would ride with us, and sometimes the CM took it from us and it was waiting at the end of the ride for us.

Our backpacks had a built in bag for diapers, wipes, sunscreen, wallets and a small camera, so we could walk around hands free.

These backpacks made a big difference in our trips. We really hated it once they were too heavy to tote on our backs and had to switch to the stroller!

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

Sorry to bump an old thread but I am subbing to this so I have it handy for our trip next yr! xxx