Something special for 2 year old's first trip

[DopeyDame]

I usually roll my eyes when I see a "I need something special" post... I mean, isn't going to Disney World special enough?

And yet here I am....

For my son's first trip, everything was new and special as he's our first kid. The highlight of the trip ended up being Mickey's Backyard BBQ. It was awesome, he was able to run around and burn off energy, he loved the dancing, etc.

We're now planning my daughter's first trip. She'll be almost 2.5. Not especially into princesses. And of course Mickey's Backyard BBQ is totally booked for our trip.

So what say you, Dis Families? What's a great "super-special-first-trip-experience" for a 2.5 year old girl? Something fun and not too crazy pricey. Something to replace the backyard BBQ?

Thanks!

 

[FireflyTrance]

What time of year are you going? Are there any special events going on that time of year? Otherwise I think character buffets are a good choice for that age.

 

[jtg2]

What type of child is she and what excites her? One.child's pixi dusting is another kids making mud pies and vice versa.

When ds was 18 months his most magical moments were digging in the sand near beach club, eatting a chocolate covered marshmallow given to him by a cast member, and running around in animal kingdom. Albeit 18 months and 24 months are worlds apart.

 

[SEA333]

I usually roll my eyes when I see a "I need something special" post... I mean, isn't going to Disney World special enough?

And yet here I am....

For my son's first trip, everything was new and special as he's our first kid. The highlight of the trip ended up being Mickey's Backyard BBQ. It was awesome, he was able to run around and burn off energy, he loved the dancing, etc.

We're now planning my daughter's first trip. She'll be almost 2.5. Not especially into princesses. And of course Mickey's Backyard BBQ is totally booked for our trip.

So what say you, Dis Families? What's a great "super-special-first-trip-experience" for a 2.5 year old girl? Something fun and not too crazy pricey. Something to replace the backyard BBQ?

Thanks!

Special to my kids was letting them do something in the moment that I normally wouldn't let them do, like run around somewhere they would normally not or eat cookies for breakfast. No way, now, at 2.5 would I pay for something special and I wish someone had told me this with our oldest. We were so into giving him "experiences" and now at 14, he doesn't remember any of them. It really didn't make or break him as a well rounded person like we were so into at the time lol

But darned if hasn't forgotten the time he ate halloween candy for dinner.

 

[mediadiva]

I usually roll my eyes when I see a "I need something special" post... I mean, isn't going to Disney World special enough?

And yet here I am....

For my son's first trip, everything was new and special as he's our first kid. The highlight of the trip ended up being Mickey's Backyard BBQ. It was awesome, he was able to run around and burn off energy, he loved the dancing, etc.

We're now planning my daughter's first trip. She'll be almost 2.5. Not especially into princesses. And of course Mickey's Backyard BBQ is totally booked for our trip.

So what say you, Dis Families? What's a great "super-special-first-trip-experience" for a 2.5 year old girl? Something fun and not too crazy pricey. Something to replace the backyard BBQ?

Thanks!

A stuffed mickey or minnie is always nice

 

[puffkin]

At that age, the most special thing you can do is just give them some freedom to jump in a fountain/puddle, play in a playground, watch the baby ducks, eat an ice cream treat and make a mess, dance at a dance party, etc. No need for special experiences.

I think you already know this

 

[PennockFive]

Does she have a favorite character? Make sure you look them up and get to meet them.

I have also heard people say the barbershop can provide a cool experience. Think of a much smaller scale and less expensive than BBB.

I'm sure it will be a magical trip no matter what!!!

 

[DopeyDame]

Thanks everyone! You all told me exactly what I needed to hear.

ETA: Two kids is hard sometimes!!! DD is adopted, so even though she is two, we've only had her for a few months and we're still getting used to parenting two kids. It's hard to keep things "fair" while still making sure each child gets what he or she really needs... just whining to those I know understand.

 

[Aggiegrl]

How about you take each child to do something special individually (assuming more than one adult is going)?

-a special snack
-playing in a resort arcade
-a special QS meal
-a trip to a shop to pick out one special item
- visit to see one special character

I hope to do this with my kids this trip. My younger two are twins, so I'm constantly trying to find little individual things for us to do together. They appreciate a shorter one on one experience with me way more than any larger, more expensive family experience.