Suggestions on taking 18 month old???

[eswill]

My Family is going to Disney World this December and we have an 18 month old daughter.
Any suggestions/experience on whats good for a small toddler in WDW? Are the strollers in the park ok or should we bring our own from home? We're a bit worried about keeping her occupied and HAPPY throughout out 4 days there.

Thanks, Spence

 

[disynut]

We were there in June with our very rambunctious 16 month old. We had just been in December, so we were there for a relaxing time. We actually only went into the parks one day and it was so hot we were miserable. We wound up leaving and coming back in the late afternoon and it was much better.
We had the best times at character breakfasts and by the pool. Remember to bring lots of drinks and sunscreen for your little one, try to keep them with their nap schedule, and relax. We have learned to go with the flow since we've had our little one and not make too many plans because we tend to not follow them anyway.
I would bring your own stroller because the walks in between being at the parks could be long with a little one in your arms.
Hope I helped!

 

[dutton]

Hey! We're going with a 20 mo. in December! We went in 1998 when our DS was 9 mos.(not same child)in May. It was fine! Character meals do make the whole trip!He was hesitant but the char. were so gentle! If your stroller is not too bulky I would bring my own. Only problem was getting on and of transportation modes.(bus,monorail,etc)I saw alot of people with the stroller that turns into a back pack and that seemed perfect. We did rent a stroller some days, but they do not have a reclining feature so it's hard for naps. I saw some people in March using pillows in the double strollers that they have and laying the kids down that way. I have a 3 yr old and 20 mo. so I still haven't figured out which we'll do. Above poster is right about having stroller to get to and from transp. areas b/c it is a long hike.Well have fun!

 

[king_triton2001]

We have been bringing our own umbrella strollers for the reasons cited above. They are so convenient for in and around WDW. You can also use it to carry stuff also, just make sure you take your valuables with you when you leave it to go on the rides. For the rides not appropriate for toddlers, you can take advantage of the "baby swap" so the each parent can enjoy the rides!

 

[LMHB]

We are bringing my 19-month old in a few weeks, and we brought his brother 2 yrs ago when he was 18 months old. This is my take on it...I do think it is possible to have a great time there at any age (we always have!). But, I do think this is a little bit of a difficult age. 18-months is "mobile," but not really so mobile that you can let them get down and roam around in a place like WDW. So, they WANT to walk and run around, but if everyone else is going to get to do the attractions they can't. There are a few exceptions to this. I know that my older son absolutely LOVED Donald's boat in Toontown. Bring extra clothes for that one, and socks (we let him wear his socks, getting them wet, to avoid direct contact with the spongy floor/athlete's foot danger). It is hard for kids at this age, because as we are roaming around exploring WDW, they are often strapped into the stroller or passed between hands while being "switched off" on rides. So, just remember to keep these things in mind. We have decided that on our first day, we will spend time at the hotel pool, walking on the boardwalk, etc. and not go to a park that day. Those things will allow him to run off steam more, and we wount' be counting the minutes until we can get back to the park. I don't want to unstrap him from his car seat after that long drive only to strap him into a stroller. Try to do as many rides that they can do, too. Also, schedule in plenty of roaming time on Tom Sawyer Island and the like. Although, unfortunately, this will be a workout for YOU!!! At this age you have to follow them everywhere, it is not like you can let them wander off in the Bugland playland or other places, even if the exits are blocked. See what I mean? It is just a challenging time. Good luck to you! (I hope I get good luck too, being in the same boat.)