Question for Parents with Toddlers

[bethnburke]

We are going to WDW in January with DS (almost 3) and DD (10 months). We will have 4 day PHP passes and will be staying at Pop Century for 5 full days (6 nights). Our plan right now is to go to the parks the first 4 days, then spend our 5th day at the waterpark and maybe do mini golf.

My question is does this make sense with a toddler? We keep thinking that we will spend all day in the park and see everything but I want this to be fun for the kids, especially DS who is so looking forward to this. Both my kids are water babies so I also want to give them plenty of time to have fun in the pool and the Goofy pop jet area.

What have other people done? Is a half day at the park each day enough to do the things a toddler wants to do? We are going to need to find a way to get him to nap (he's a horrible napper) - someone on another post suggested the monorail which I think we will try - and he is excited about seeing the fireworks. Are we trying to get too much in a short amount of time?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
Beth

 

[bubbasmom99]

I think it is a "your mileage may vary" kind of thing, depending on your toddler. My son falls asleep very easily, especially with any sort of rhythmic motion, so strolling along in a stroller will put him to sleep. My daughter, on the other hand, is really difficult to get to nap unless she's REALLY tired, and I lay down with her.

Depends on your kid. Since you're going off season, you'll probably want to take advantage of as much park time as you can.... but don't think that your child will think they're missing out. We've gone a couple times where we didn't really ride that many rides (lines too long to wait with a cranky infant) but he had a blast anyway running around the park.... oh and he always remembers the pool

 

[Rapunsel]

We went with a 2 yr old back in October and with the parks being open for shorter hours, we chose to sleep in till about 8 or so and get to the parks around 9-10. The little one took a few cat naps, but we did not go back to the room to sleep. Especially since you have to estimate the time you wait in line for the buses vs. is it worth it to come back and take a nap to go baack to the park. They really do have more energy than you think..

Also you might want to do the water park in the middle of your trip as it will give you a day to wind down and relax.. But remember, so times it only gets up to the low 60's and you don't want to freeze your kids at the water park...

Your best bet is just using the pool at your hotel as it is closer to your room and there are wading pool for the little ones..

 

[BrerMama]

I've been to WDW twice when one of my children was 10 months old. The last time we had 10 months, 4 and 6. We like to open the park so that we can do a lot before the lines get long. When we went in Dec. 2000, we were there at opening but the latest we ever stayed was 4 pm. We just couldn't do a full day with our kids being that young. If you think your kids can handle it, go for it. Use your children as your guide.

 

[MinnieGi]

Our DD (3) is also a "water baby" and just adores the pools at WDW. Although she loves the parks she needs her pool time everday so we generally arrive at the parks at opening or EE and then leave early afternoon for a nap and swim. In the evenings we sometimes swim again or head to Epcot or DTD or MK if it is one of their late nights. We always go during off-season so are used to shorter hours and they suit us just fine. Our DD would be a bit overwhelmed if we stayed in the parks all day. Going in January you should experience low crowds that will allow you to do quite a bit in just the morning hours.

Don't forget extra clothes for Epcot's fountain areas with pop-up jets of water. DD loves playing in them! Last trip DH did MS and TT while DD splashed in the fountains and then I also took a ride on MS and she still didn't want to leave that area.

Have fun!

 

[Gillian]

I'd plan a back up activity for your water park day, unless you are used to swimming in colder weather. Or stay flexible and go on a day when it's warmer. Temp averages range from 50-70 but you could get colder or warmer. Putting it in the middle of your park days might be wise also.

If you get to the parks when/before they open, you should be able to see a lot in the AM. But the Studios have scheduled shows, which can take longer. And Epcot is very larger so it takes a while to get around. Decide ahead of time what you want to see most.

My son napped well in his stroller (from home, with a recline) when he was 24 months, but when we went again at 2 1/2 he was too worked up to nap until we left the parks. If he was able, we would stay for lunch and then tour a little more after, heading back around 2. It was more difficult on the second trip, because we had to leave to avoid a meltdown later.

 

[bethnburke]

Thanks for all the tips. I need to keep reminding myself to just have fun and that it doesnt matter if we dont see or do everything.

 

[Gillian]

Not seeing everything is a great excuse to go back!

 

[bethnburke]

We havent even gone yet and we are already thinking about our next trip - for DDs 3rd birthday!

 

[Schmeck]

Plan on NOT seeing everything, because if you try to squeeze in everything, especially in just 5/6 days, you'll most likely end up with exhausted, grumpy, maybe even sick, kids. Disney is just not 100% do-able in less than a week, and you're setting yourself up for a miserable time if you try to squeeze it all in - especially with a 10 month old and a toddler/preschooler!

 

[catherines_mama]

My DD (3 in April) needs to nap. I have tried recently to skip the nap thing on weekends, I only end up paying later. So.. we plan to do the noon break and take naps on the days I want her to make it through the fireworks. The other days I may try to keep her going and head home at 6pm.

I'm going in Feb, if you want any pointers IM me. .I'll email you when we get back
Deedee B.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Our DD just turned 3. We've gone on 5 trips this year and one when she was 1. On the first trip when she was 1, we did park commando and she took naps in her stroller. By our second trip, she was 2 and we started going back to the room around 1pm and taking naps (parents too!). Then around 5pm we would head out to a park open late. It worked so well for us that that is what we do on every day of every trip now. We can go swimming, nap, relax, enjoy the resort and then be refreshed for the evening.

I highly recommend not going all day with no breaks with 2 kiddos. Have a great time!!