Take Your 2-Year-Old to Disney! Aug '17 TR * COMPLETE 1/10/19

[kastoney]

The latest it got was 8:11 which would've meant we waited 26 minutes for a bus, which really isn't that bad, but I was so frustrated because I was so sure we had just missed the last bus by a minute. But happily, at 8:05 it suddenly jumped forward to 8:06 and up pulled the bus.

I get the same way. I'm pretty chill most of the time and even in Disney, but those dang buses and their constantly changing times drive me insane!!! We ended up doing uber a lot on our last trip just to avoid it

We were the very first ones to meet Buzz & Woody!

Woohoo!

Awesome gif!!!! She looks so happy!

It ended up taking 15 minutes to get through the line so I was very glad that I followed the advice of the Dis'ers and we did the character meet first. It ended up working out perfectly.

Speaking of happy.... Her face is perfection. And I never would have guessed to do the characters before the ride. Great idea !

We told DD to pet Pluto but she wasn't getting it so DH helped her. Pluto's reaction was adorable.

This is perfect !

There should be a 15 minute grace period but I didn't want to test it. The line was very quick and this time we had DD sit in between us.

I can attest there is a 15 minute grace period since I am always late

 

[heathsf]

I can attest there is a 15 minute grace period since I am always late

 

[JAMIESMITH]

Great trip report so far! I’m hoping we can go back to Orlando when my now ten month old daughter is 2 1/2. You’re making me see how much she will be able to do at Disney. We are debating spending some time at Universal as well.

 

[heathsf]

Great trip report so far! I’m hoping we can go back to Orlando when my now ten month old daughter is 2 1/2. You’re making me see how much she will be able to do at Disney. We are debating spending some time at Universal as well.

Thank you! That is a really great plan for a really great age! You will have the best time. It makes me so happy that the TR is getting you excited for your own trip. Honestly, that's my angle Before our trip, I was looking for TRs with kids my DD's age so I could get an idea of what the trip may be like for us. I had a hard time finding them so I figured, let me just throw this right in the title!

 

[ziggystardust]

Welcome! Thanks for joining in. Your DH sounds just like mine! The next trip will be soooo different than taking them at 7 months. Do you have anything planned?

Plans!!! SO many plans! I have a wish list and a count down clock going. Along with a price break down and a vacation fund I keep squirelling every penny into

Its reports like these though that help me add to my list. I've never been a commando in the parks but I definitely know what worked for my single self will not work with 2 2 year olds. I think a big change will be adding a lot of character meals, if possible. That way we can get all the character interaction in without waiting in lines.

I love how well your daughter did! Gives me reassurance that my girls will enjoy it as much as I will!

 

[heathsf]

Plans!!! SO many plans! I have a wish list and a count down clock going. Along with a price break down and a vacation fund I keep squirelling every penny into

Its reports like these though that help me add to my list. I've never been a commando in the parks but I definitely know what worked for my single self will not work with 2 2 year olds. I think a big change will be adding a lot of character meals, if possible. That way we can get all the character interaction in without waiting in lines.

I love how well your daughter did! Gives me reassurance that my girls will enjoy it as much as I will!

Characters was a huge change for us too because I never went out of my way to seek them out before. Meeting characters was a huge part of our trip (as you may have noticed) and if you want to do meets besides the character meals, I'd highly recommend getting a subscription to Kenny The Pirate's character locator. It was only a few dollars and well worth it!
You have so much to look forward to!

 

[ziggystardust]

Characters was a huge change for us too because I never went out of my way to seek them out before. Meeting characters was a huge part of our trip (as you may have noticed) and if you want to do meets besides the character meals, I'd highly recommend getting a subscription to Kenny The Pirate's character locator. It was only a few dollars and well worth it!
You have so much to look forward to!

I will definitely add that to my list.

And thanks for mentioning those water pen things. I picked up a couple today at target and it's a huge hit. Perfect to stash in the diaper bag to occupy my girls when we are out.

 

[heathsf]

I will definitely add that to my list.

And thanks for mentioning those water pen things. I picked up a couple today at target and it's a huge hit. Perfect to stash in the diaper bag to occupy my girls when we are out.

Yes! We will be bringing one or two with us to church tomorrow for my nephew's baptism!

 

[ariane37]

We could have walked to Bus Stop 1 (El Centro) in the mornings because that bus stop was also pretty close, but then we risk the bus already being full before it even picks us up, (this happened to M, S, and A on our first park day and they waited an hour before they finally got a bus to MK and they missed rope drop and the opening show)

On our first stay in 2014 we always went to bus stop 2 which was right by our room. Last Nov. we ended up going to the stop at El Centro a few times and while we always got on a bus, they were always quite full and a couple times couldn't fit everyone that was waiting. In the future when we stay there we'll avoid that stop if we can and I'll recommend others do the same. Still love CSR though!

As fun as the ride is, it's really jerky!

It is, and I forget until I'm on it again!

Love all the pictures of Ryann with the characters

 

[heathsf]

Chapter 15
In Which It's Snowing and I'm Crying

I left off with a rumbly in my tumbly. Time for something sweet!

I asked a CM where I could find the infamous Carrot Cake Cookie now that Writer's Stop had closed. She directed me to Sweet Spells and there it was!



It's kind of hard to see because it's wrapped in wax paper. Middle row on the right side, next to those enormous and amazing looking Mickey cookies.

And here's some more eye candy:


I could cry thinking about the unused snack credits we had at the end of the trip...

There was a decently long and slow-moving line during which DH decided that he would like an apple danish. Side note: this man is obsessed with apple pie. He wants apple pie on his birthday instead of cake. He even petitioned me for apple pie instead of wedding cake Anyway, DD was getting a little restless so DH stroller her around the store while I waited in line.

Here it is...


It was sooooooo good. Ugh, just so delicious. I ate it way too quickly and got super full super fast and couldn't finish it.

I forgot to take a picture of DH's danish.
I also forgot to order it.


I had already paid and just as the CM was handing me the carrot cake, DH and DD came back. DH asked me where his danish was and I realized I definitely never ordered it. Oops! I felt really bad, but there was no way I was waiting on that long and slow line again. I turned back to the cashier and just as the person behind me was about to order, I excused myself and explained that I forgot to order an apple danish for my husband.

I was pretty embarrassed and I felt badly that I was holding up the line even more, but the woman behind me was very nice about it. I'm sure she, and everyone in line behind her, were cursing me under their breaths I think DH was too! He said the danish was good, by the way!

DD had a snack too in her stroller. We must seem like jerk parents eating these amazing snacks while our poor food-allergic daughter eats dry cheerios but I promise you she was happy! And look, the Alien is totally eyeing up those cheerios too!


We had an upcoming Frozen Singalong FP with M, S, and A. I was hoping we could meet Olaf beforehand since he's right around the corner but we didn't have enough time. We were still early for the sing-along though so we decided to use the bathroom. We hadn't talked about where or when to meet up with our friends for our FP but we happened to run into them at the bathroom! We all took turns going so we didn't have to bring the strollers in. The March of the First Order was going on nearby and while we couldn't really see anything, it sounded really cool. When it was time to go, M held DD and A's hands and they walked together to the FP entrance. With the Star Wars villain-esque music going on in the background it totally seemed like they were storm troopers on a mission. I found it hysterical.


I don't have anything about it in my notes but I don't think the FP really saved us any time. I remember S making a joke about it. I do think it got us good seats though. Last time we saw this we sat way in the back on the backless bleachers. This time was way better.

We somehow managed an adorable selfie of all 6 of us while waiting for the show to start.


And DD and A got some hugs in.


DD was pretty cranky at this point. When the show started I put her on DH's lap because there was no one sitting in front of him but she freaked out. We ended up switching seats because she would only sit on my lap. Then she got upset because Anna left the stage. She kept asking where she went. She eventually got over it. Overall she loved the show and stared wide-eyed the whole time.


When Kristoff came on stage she screamed his name and threw her arms up over her head, whacking me in the face. So yeah, she was pretty excited to see him. When the snow started coming down she was completely mesmerized and when she started reaching for it I got all teary. It was just pure magic. I think back to that moment frequently now as one of the most special memories of the trip for me.

We said goodbye to our friends and headed our separate ways after the show. We hurried out quickly to try to beat the exiting crowd to Olaf. The posted wait when we got there at 12:05 was 30 minutes. I asked the CM if it was really 30 minutes and she said, "Absolutely not, maybe 10 or 15 minutes." We were all done and back outside 14 minutes later so her assessment was pretty accurate!

Waiting on line


Olaf can't write so we were given an autograph card right before it was our turn. DD didn't understand what it was and when it was her turn she ran up to Olaf and tried handing it to him (like it was her ticket to meet him )


(continued in the next post)​

 

[heathsf]

This was a fun meet and I'm really glad we got in line because it ended up being quick!

We had one more FP to use, and because we're such jerky parents, it was something DD couldn't do. But it is one of my favorite attractions in any park, so it had to be done.

Don't worry guys, she got to eat some crackers. So she was happy!
​

 

[heathsf]

On our first stay in 2014 we always went to bus stop 2 which was right by our room. Last Nov. we ended up going to the stop at El Centro a few times and while we always got on a bus, they were always quite full and a couple times couldn't fit everyone that was waiting. In the future when we stay there we'll avoid that stop if we can and I'll recommend others do the same. Still love CSR though!

I really didn't mind the ride around the resort. Sitting on a bus is more fun than waiting at the bus stop

Love all the pictures of Ryann with the characters

Thanks!

 

[heathsf]

Chapter 16
In Which We Find a New Snack

It was time for me to use a FP for my beloved Tower of Terror!


I got a rider switch ticket for DH for later.




With the FP it took me 20 minutes before I was back outside and looking for my family.

Found them!
I totally snuck up behind DH while he was wearing these pretty gold ears and he had no idea I caught him until it was too late

Yes, please tell me again how you don't love Disney


It was getting pretty close to naptime but I wanted to find something for DD to eat before we left.

Crowds were pretty light. I guess no one wants to be in Florida when it feels like the surface of the sun. Luckily it was cloudy and drizzly for much of our trip which made it the heat much more bearable. The humidity was ridiculous but not having the sun beating down on us was much appreciated.


Back on the Sunset Blvd we bumped into some familiar faces


I forgot (until I just read it in my notes right now) that A had fallen asleep in the middle of the Frozen Sing Along and was still asleep. This is amazing to me. DD would never fall asleep and transfer in/out of her stroller and stay asleep.

We chatted for a minute and then headed to Anaheim Produce. I was hoping DD would get to eat something besides the cheerios & raisins and ritz crackers she'd been eating nonstop the whole trip. Don't get me wrong, she loves them, but if ever there was a time to search for new snacks for her, WDW was the place! I had read online that the Mickey soft pretzel should be safe. I asked to see the ingredients and was given the binder with the food labels. Sure enough, the pretzel was safe (not made with milk or eggs) although the cheese sauce obviously wasn't. The cheese sauce comes in a separate sealed container so this was no problem and I was thrilled to present to DD - her first Mickey-shaped food! I was so excited I forgot to take a picture until she had already eaten an ear.

She LOVED it!!!!!!!

She continued to eat as we made our way to the exit, stopping for a few photopass pictures.


Showing off her pretzel to the photographer


(continued in the next post)​

 

[heathsf]

Just as we were reaching the exit we saw Daisy with a short line.


She told DD she loved her but DD was too busy with her autograph book to notice. She really did love that autograph book more than I thought she would.

We waited about 20 minutes for a bus and got back to our room a little bit before 2. It was drizzling which felt kind of nice.


By 2:20 DD had stopped talking to me (and herself) and stopped singing so I knew she was close to falling asleep. DH went to Pepper Market to get us lunch. I wanted the same beef bowl I had for dinner on the first night because it was delicious.


I wish I could eat this right now. It was SO good.

Here are a couple of construction pictures I took earlier at DHS. I'm not sure what we're looking at here... I took them in different places so I guess one is Toy Story Land and one is Star Wars Land




I'm glad DD was able to get a nap in but I woke her at 4 because I had some plans in mind back at DHS...​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

It's kind of hard to see because it's wrapped in wax paper. Middle row on the right side, next to those enormous and amazing looking Mickey cookies.

I need to get this carrot cake cookie next time! And maybe one of those GIANT cookies!

I forgot to take a picture of DH's danish.
I also forgot to order it.

Oh no! One track mind, I guess.

I turned back to the cashier and just as the person behind me was about to order, I excused myself and explained that I forgot to order an apple danish for my husband.

I probably would have done the same thing...

DD had a snack too in her stroller. We must seem like jerk parents eating these amazing snacks while our poor food-allergic daughter eats dry cheerios but I promise you she was happy! And look, the Alien is totally eyeing up those cheerios too!

Will she grow out of the allergy?

We somehow managed an adorable selfie of all 6 of us while waiting for the show to start.

Very cute! Even with the smilie face little girl! Ha! At first I couldn't figure out what I was looking at.

It was time for me to use a FP for my beloved Tower of Terror!

I have yet to ride this ride. My girls don't want to ride it. But I hope to give it a try on our next trip.

Found them!
I totally snuck up behind DH while he was wearing these pretty gold ears and he had no idea I caught him until it was too late

And he doesn't like Disney?!? Sure...

Yes, please tell me again how you don't love Disney

I love it! I feel like men don't like to admit that they like disney sometimes. By 4 trips my DH finally was able to admit he likes coming! So, one day, maybe?

I was thrilled to present to DD - her first Mickey-shaped food! I was so excited I forgot to take a picture until she had already eaten an ear.

YEAH!!!! And that is a super yummy one!

 

[cindianne320]

Thanks for the tip on where to find the Carrot Cake Cookie! I had no idea it had moved to Sweet Spells!

Looks like a fun afternoon at the studios- I can't wait for the new additions!

 

[kastoney]

With the Star Wars villain-esque music going on in the background it totally seemed like they were storm troopers on a mission. I found it hysterical.

I can hear the music now...dudududududuududuud ud dudu duduud ud dududuudududu....So menacing

So yeah, she was pretty excited to see him. When the snow started coming down she was completely mesmerized and when she started reaching for it I got all teary. It was just pure magic. I think back to that moment frequently now as one of the most special memories of the trip for me.

Ah, it almost makes me teary too. I remember those days so fondly. Couldn't be happier that you got to have this experience.

Olaf can't write so we were given an autograph card right before it was our turn. DD didn't understand what it was and when it was her turn she ran up to Olaf and tried handing it to him (like it was her ticket to meet him )

Odd he doesn't sign anymore. He did on our last trip to see him. If I recall he drew a picture of a snowman instead of actually writing Olaf.

Found them!
I totally snuck up behind DH while he was wearing these pretty gold ears and he had no idea I caught him until it was too late

Clearly he hates it there. That is a miserable man if I've ever seen one

She LOVED it!!!!!!!

AWESOME!!!! I'm sure this was a real treat for her.

 

[heathsf]

I need to get this carrot cake cookie next time!

Do it! It's more like a cake than an actual cookie but it's so good

Will she grow out of the allergy?

Hopefully!!! Her allergist is very optimistic.

Very cute! Even with the smilie face little girl! Ha! At first I couldn't figure out what I was looking at.

M knows I write TRs but I told her I wouldn't post any pics of A's face so I had to get creative

I have yet to ride this ride. My girls don't want to ride it. But I hope to give it a try on our next trip.

Can't wait to see what you think!

And he doesn't like Disney?!? Sure...

Right!?

I love it! I feel like men don't like to admit that they like disney sometimes. By 4 trips my DH finally was able to admit he likes coming! So, one day, maybe?

Ugh, I hope so!!!! This was his 4th trip if you count Disneyland. He says he likes DL better....

Thanks for the tip on where to find the Carrot Cake Cookie! I had no idea it had moved to Sweet Spells!

Looks like a fun afternoon at the studios- I can't wait for the new additions!

Me too! I'm really excited for Toy Story Land. I've already resigned myself to not expecting to see Star Wars Land until all the craziness dies down after opening. Judging by how insane Pandora was.... and I'd think Star Wars has way more of a fan base than Avatar...

Ah, it almost makes me teary too. I remember those days so fondly. Couldn't be happier that you got to have this experience.

Thank you

Odd he doesn't sign anymore. He did on our last trip to see him. If I recall he drew a picture of a snowman instead of actually writing Olaf.

Maybe it was a test? We got a signed card at Hollywood & Vine too and I had heard before our trip that they were testing it at Crystal Palace (guests were told there that the characters would not sign and were given the autograph card instead) but when we went they were signing.

Clearly he hates it there. That is a miserable man if I've ever seen one

Right!?!?

 

[heathsf]

Chapter 17
In Which I'm a Little Black Rain Cloud, Of Course

While in our room eating lunch, I spilled something on my lap in the shape of Mickey. Naturally I had to document this magical moment to share with my Dis-friends


I woke DD from her nap and we caught a bus back to DHS at 4:15 and arrived at 4:30. I was crossing my fingers that we could catch a Characterpalooza this afternoon, because it was the one place we could even have a chance of meeting Bert from Mary Poppins. I had seen Characterpalooza mentioned here and there in the past, but I really didn't know exactly what it was until I subscribed to Kenny the Pirate. I can't post any of the details here (as part of the terms of the subscription) but even aside from this, his service is well worth it so I suggest checking it out. Anyway, I was reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally hoping we could catch it today and that Bert would be there with Mary, which is why I woke DD from her nap.

We waited, and waited, and waited...... and it didn't happen. I know it's never guaranteed but I was so excited and then so disappointed. Thank goodness I didn't tell anything to DD, so she didn't even know what she was missing. She was having so much fun playing with her new Belle ball that we had bought earlier in one of the shops.




An amazing thing happened while we were waiting around. I noticed another family had the same stroller as the one we had rented (the Mini GT) and their child was asleep in their *reclined* stroller!

I could've been reclining the stroller!?!? Maybe DD would have actually napped yesterday at Epcot!!!!!
DH thought I'd seem crazy if I asked the family, but I had to know! I tried to be as quiet as possible since their child was asleep and asked them how they were able to recline the stroller. The dad was like, "Oh here, I'll show you!" and starts manipulating parts of the stroller to show me how he did it. I told him he didn't have to do that - I was afraid he was going to wake the kid! He said it was fine, and showed me how to do it. It was super easy! I thanked him and ran back to my family and immediately reclined DD's stroller.



She found it interesting but wasn't a fan.

Anyway, DH was ready to give up hope of Characterpalooza happening long before me and he decided to ride ToT with the rider swap pass I had gotten earlier. DD and I took some Photopass pics and shopped for souvenirs for her cousins. It took DH less than 20 minutes to ride ToT and meet back up with us.


We decided to catch the 5:40 Disney Jr. show since we didn't end up seeing it in the morning. DD totally loved it and was completely mesmerized.

Don't mind DH

By the time the show ended we needed to make a mad dash across the park to get to dinner at Hollywood & Vine. It was drizzling so I held DD and started on my way while DH went looking for the stroller. The drizzle lasted about 10 seconds before it turned into a steady rain, and about 10 seconds after that it was absolutely pouring with lots of thunder and lightning. Just like that. POURING!!!! DH caught up to us quickly and parked the stroller in front of the restaurant. I threw the rain cover on the stroller, not really knowing how to do it properly and not feeling like getting drenched while I tried to figure it out. I just threw it on and ran. In hindsight, I should have gotten a little bit wetter and figured it out. Oh well...

We had to wait outside for a little before our names were called. Luckily there were some spots available under the umbrellas. DD was a little perplexed that we were outside in this pouring rain and the thunder was getting very loud.


M, S, and A were eating here with M's sister and her family, who booked a last minute trip during the same week we would be there and were also staying at Coronado, which is pretty funny. We had our dinner booked here for months, and then M and her sister decided they would all eat here together too about a week before, and our dinner times ended up overlapping but we didn't sit with them. However, while we were waiting for a table we saw M dash outside to cover her stroller.

We didn't have to wait too long and soon we were sitting and waiting to speak to a chef about DD's allergies. Our server was wonderful and in the meantime, she brought DD an applesauce pouch which she devoured. She ended up having 2 of those and wanted more. The chef was fantastic and brought out way too much food for DD. More than she could ever eat. More than I could even eat. Of course, she barely touched it. The characters started coming right away and some even visited more than once.





​

 

[heathsf]

Minnie noticed that she was on DD's shirt. So sweet.




Mickey and Minnie visited again. I love how you can see Mickey coming in the background and he looks so happy by his walk.


Loving that applesauce pouch...


...and hardly touched all this food


She did eat her dessert, of course


I took pictures of most of the buffet items. The last time I ate here was for lunch in 2009 and I was not impressed. I thought the food was good this time around. I ate some things off DD's plate and it was all good too.






(continued in the next post)​