Taking a 2 year old to WDW

[Lucys dad]

Just looking for any thoughts on taking kids at such a young age. My daughter was 4 and a half when she first went and we thought it was a perfect age for her first visit. At the time we were of the opinion that perhaps any younger was maybe to young and the holiday would be wasted ( to some extent)

Fast forward 10 years and we now have a baby boy who will be 2 and a half next October. I'm all for going as is my daughter but my wife ( an extreme worrier and bad flyer) is very reluctant. I appreciate everyone is different so any feedback is appreciated. My wife has visions of having a screaming/impatient son on the flight, at immigration, at the hotel and in the parks and fears it will be a traumatic experience rather than a holiday !! Suffice to say he is a bit more of a 'handful' than my daughter was at this age but of course he is only 1 right now.

Thanks

 

[california37]

Hi there!
We have taken our girls (DD is now 6 and DD is 2 1/2) every year and we have just arrived again!

You know your kids the best but imho toddlers are a great age for Disney. Ours have never had a problem flying- DD 2 on the flight yesterday was really good (except when the overtiredness kicked in) but I have her her blanket and she slept on me for an hour (which is pretty normal) yes a 2 year old won't go on all the rides so from that perspective it could be seen as a waste but to counter it, an under 3 is 'free' in the parks and at buffet style meals (like with characters) kid swap passes at big rides are amazing and easy to allow you all to ride the rides at some point. My 1st DD lives characters but my 2nd not to much. I'm hoping she will get over her concerns tomorrow when we have breakfast with pooh et al!! But if not that's ok! It's her 4th time here and she's gone from being fine to being scared - she loves them tho and won't stop taking about them!!

Personally there some things I wouldn't do in Florida with the under 3'a regardless of cost-I wouldn't take them to universal (so little for them to do!) and I have only taken DD1 when she was 3 to a water park which was a bit pointless if you are staying at a decent resort as the splash zones and kiddy pools are more than enough for them!!

Happy planning if you decide to go!!

 

[Tash87]

We took our daughter when she was 2 and a bit, it was her first time on a plane so we were apprehensive....she was perfect the whole flight also on the night flight home she slept the majority of the time. I don't think I've heard anyone say they had a horrible flight with a toddler ( I understand there will be someone, somewhere )

The only thing I would say wasn't great was the heat/humidity as it was Sept, she struggled to cope and buy the time we got to the tram she was dripping with sweat. Hence why we go in November now.

We are now taking our son for his first trip, he will be very close to his 3rd birthday....we won't have to pay for his park tickets etc. I am measuring him regularly hoping he will make 40". He is now 37" with no shoes.

I would say go for it, your wife would probably be surprised at how well he would cope.

 

[poppyberry]

My DS went first at 16 months, he's now almost 4 and been to WDW three times, DL once and is off to DLP soon!

My DD went to DL first at 10 months and just back from WDW at 17 months, we are about to book for next summer. They get something new each time out of the trip, for DS this time was the big 40" - he loved it!

Our motivation for next year is that it will be the last time DD is free for park tickets! I'd say go for it.

 

[londontime]

Definitely agree with all the sentiments on here. DS went to WDW when he was 3, DD was 1. August will be their 3rd trip in 3 years. DD has done 6 american trips and only had one bad flight (and it wasn't that bad, she just wouldn't go to sleep). As Poppyberry says, every year they get bigger and more aware, and it's amazing to watch them appreciate more and more. It's also a great bargaining tool. "Not tall enough for Seven Dwarves Ride? Eat more vegetables." They love the pools. I would say if this is going to be your only trip ever to Disney, then leave it a couple of years. If you are like some of us and see these years as training for when they are older, definitely go for it.