Taking a 2 1/2 Year Old - Is that crazy?

[SillyOleBear]

I had a playdate today with my friend and her son. We were chatting about Disney World and she mentioned that they're thinking of taking their son in September this year. We both concocted the idea that we should go together - we figure it'd be so much fun for the boys to experience it together and us adults would have fun too. Plus, we figure that would make things easier when dealing with lines (i.e. one of us can run the kids around and play while the other waits in line -- I've been before and so many parents do this). We also said it'd be nice because we can take turns and have a "date night" while the other couple watches our child.

Anyway, would it be absolutely crazy for us to go? My son will only be 2 1/2 in September. Plus, I'm hoping to be pregnant by then (We've been trying for over a year and I recently went through an ectopic pregnancy. We can start trying again in 2 weeks so I could be up to 4 months pregnant IF it happens right away) - would that be stupid of me??

I just don't know. I'm a major Disney nut - we went for our honeymoon and anniversary - and I'm so looking forward to sharing that experience with my son. I just don't know if he'll be too young and if the timing is even right.

What do you guys think??

BTW, I don't actually go on most of the rides (hate roller coasters and spinning things and anything with heights) so that's not a factor for me to consider with being pregnant.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[delmar411]

DH took our 'older' DS last June for his first trip to WDW when he was 2.5. They had a fantastic time and DS did great with DH's commando open-close touring style. It was just the 2 of them so they only did the rides that DS could go on as well but that was most of them.

I think your DS would also have a great time. It's a great age and the *magic* is in full force for them.

Sending lots of baby dust your way!

 

[TDISFAMILY]

I think it would be a great time to go that is the age we took our DS for the first time, and I don't think we could of had a better time. If you are pregnant you should be able to go on all the rides your DS is able to. Good luck with getting pregnant

 

[lpoeppelman]

I had a playdate today with my friend and her son. We were chatting about Disney World and she mentioned that they're thinking of taking their son in September this year. We both concocted the idea that we should go together - we figure it'd be so much fun for the boys to experience it together and us adults would have fun too. Plus, we figure that would make things easier when dealing with lines (i.e. one of us can run the kids around and play while the other waits in line -- I've been before and so many parents do this). We also said it'd be nice because we can take turns and have a "date night" while the other couple watches our child.

Anyway, would it be absolutely crazy for us to go? My son will only be 2 1/2 in September. Plus, I'm hoping to be pregnant by then (We've been trying for over a year and I recently went through an ectopic pregnancy. We can start trying again in 2 weeks so I could be up to 4 months pregnant IF it happens right away) - would that be stupid of me??

I just don't know. I'm a major Disney nut - we went for our honeymoon and anniversary - and I'm so looking forward to sharing that experience with my son. I just don't know if he'll be too young and if the timing is even right.

What do you guys think??

BTW, I don't actually go on most of the rides (hate roller coasters and spinning things and anything with heights) so that's not a factor for me to consider with being pregnant.

Thanks for your opinions.

2 1/2 years is a great time to take your little one. They are so thrilled with the characters & the magic... not to mention... they are admitted to the parks FREE!

 

[AndyMcV]

When we went last in 2005 we went with our DS5 and DD1.5. Both our kids had a great time. Your 2.5 year old son will have a fantastic time for sure!!

 

[ChristusG]

Nope, not crazy! We've taken DD at 2 years old before and it was great!

 

[mom2girlsn1boy]

We took our daughter to DL when she was 18 months, and I was about 3 months pg. We all had a great time. She still talks about things we did, and is so excited to go to DW for the first time in Oct. she will be 5. We are also bringinng her two younger siblings, her sister will be 3 a week after we leave and her baby brother will be 20 months, and we are all looking forward to it, I think you and your son will have a ton of fun

 

[LadyEMT]

My niece will be 3 in Oct and has been to WDW about 8 times in her life already, starting when she was 6 weeks old.

We have had nothing but good experiences and she has always enjoyed herself. Maybe she is just "acclimated"? Lol! They always take her on pretty much all the dark rides (POTC, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, Etc...she LOVES Small World). In any case, don't worry, you know your own kid. It will be so fun for you all.

We are going back again in Sept and Nov and I can't wait to see how she reacts this time (since she will be a year older than the last time we went).

Oh, I guess I should add that I love taking my own dd too, who will be 13 next month! Lol! So, having a 3 year old and a newly minted teen along will be fun fun!

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Some Disboards kids have gone a dozen times by then!

We took DS for the first time when he was 32 months. I would like to take the little guy when he's about the same age. It's great because they are really into everything at that age, and eat plenty of food, but they are free in the parks and at all you can eat dining places. We did so many character meals that trip!

 

[coolbeans]

DS will be 29 months (basically 2 1/2) when we go it August and I'm super excited!! I think it's gonna be great.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

All my life I had looked forward to taking our children to WDW someday. So, one day in February 2007, when we had a 17-month-old and a 4-month-old I looked at DH and said, "We're going to WDW! THIS YEAR!"

And we did. They were just-turned-2-years and 11-months when we went. We had a blast, the kids loved it and we couldn't wait to go back again so we're going this year too.

Don't miss an opportunity to take your children, of any age, to WDW. You won't regret going when they're little, I promise.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

If it's crazy you're serving up, set a place for me. My younger boy will be 30 months when we go in October. I believe there is no "bad" age to let a child experience Disney. The only time I would think it's ill-advised is if it's a once-in-a-budget trip, and the parents are concerned with their child remembering it - if that's the case, wait.

 

[Merriwind]

GO - they will have a great time and be free! We took DD on 3 trips between her second and third birthdays. All were great!

 

[mdsouth]

Just be prepared for Meltdowns

We went when our DS was 8 and DD was 2 1/2. She is even tempered at home, but at WDW she had several meltdowns! The two meltdowns occurred at the beginning of two separate days, and we didn't even get to the park until 10:00 or later, so, it wasn't due to being dragged around all day.

Keep in mind the heat will play a big part - it did for her and we were there in mid-May when the weather wasn't all that hot.

We stayed on site and one of us would go back to the resort with her in mid afternoon or early at the end of the day. Then either my DH or myself stayed with our older son at the parks. It was nice to have the one-on-one time with my son, but, I missed spending large amount of time with all of us.

Our DD and even our DS age 8 wanted lots of time to just relax at the resort and play with their toys, much like they do at home. They loved playing on the beach and plaground at the resort. We swam some, but neither one care much for water. I do, but they just weren't comfortable in the water.

So, go ahead and go. But remember not only will you be dealing with your own toddler, but will also have another toddler in tow. Don't expect to do much and you should have a nice trip.

 

[miksilver]

My DD's first trip was when she was 2 1/2. We had a great time and we didn't need a ticket for her and since we were on free dining, we only paid OOP for a few kids meals. I say 2 1/2 is a prime age to go -- they understand a ton and you don't have to buy them a ticket!

Just be prepared to take it slower and utilize the baby care centers when needed. They are great.


Forgive me, my DD wants to see a bunch of dancing bananas --

 

[Sally_K]

We took our children to Disney when they were over six but two of my grandchildren had their first Disney experience at 3 m/o and then again for their first birthday and they had a great time.

 

[dananbethany]

My daughter went her first time on her 2nd birthday. People said, "She won't remember it...why are you taking her?" We had a wonderful time and some of the most precious memories. It's never too early to take them the first time - even if they can't ride all of the rides or get involved in everything, it's still a special trip.

 

[cerberus]

Yea, I think it is alittle crazy.....hummm, but I am taking my girls in August.
So I guess I am crazy too!!
They will be almost 3yo and 17 mon. We are just going to plan on going to the parks first thing in the morning when they open, stay til noonish, they go back to the condo for a swim. If the girls want to go back in the evening again, we will!

 

[DVCsince02]

Some Disboards kids have gone a dozen times by then!

Don't miss an opportunity to take your children, of any age, to WDW. You won't regret going when they're little, I promise.

We've taken DD 5 times already and she's only 4. LOL

Go and have fun!

 

[nytimez]

Let your little one set the agenda and you should do just fine. It's incredible seeing the parks again for the first time -- through their eyes. And be prepared to be surprised... you never know what they're going to like (and dislike). But as nearly everyone else here is saying, it's not crazy at all -- it's a great time to go, they are little enough to really believe in the magic, and old enough to be totally engaged with what's going on.