Taking a 2 year old?!

[Ohpair]

Would you take a 2 year old?

I think I might have found a real bargin combo of friends villa, free Disney tickets & just have to find flights.

However Molly will be 21 months & the thought of the flight/jetlag horrifies me!.
Molly has the most perfect day/night time routine at the moment and I don’t want to ruin that, but the idea that I might just be able to go to Orlando gives me goose bumps! (I have a butterfly’s just thinking about it).

So is taking a 2 year old a no no?

Katy

 

[amf]

Katy....we've taken our 2 kids when each was nine months old and absolutely no problem, routine wise (One problem with a streptococal throat infection where the "nurse" at the walk in clinic on ID took DD's pulse using her thumb!!!!!)

Young kids will stick to their own routine and I'm sure that Molly will sleep when she wants to sleep...in fact she will be the only one not jet lagged. Go for it girl

Alex

 

[Astrid]

I'm of the opinion 'Have kids will travel'!

I've been travelling with my two since my son was 6 weeks and my daughter a few months old. My daughter first went to Disney at 3.

I have never had any problems with taking either of them anywhere. The great thing about the States is that you can just buy everything you need for Molly from Walmart or somewhere similar and if you're staying in a villa it'll be even easier.

Go for it. Don't worry or stress, just chill, relax and she'll pick up your vibes and I'm sure have a brilliant holiday!

Astrid

 

[allie5]

OF COURSE YOU CAN GO!!!

My daughter has been at 11 months, 26 months and 3 years old. Hopefully, this year will be trip number 4 for her. My son has been once when he was 9 months old last summer (and I also went when I was pregnant with him as well, the year before).

Never had a problem, and my son is a "difficult" baby who likes routine and his own bed. He LOVED the flight, adjusted quickly to the time difference and had a blast.

Its quite easy to keep a 2 year old amused on the plane. My daughter isnt allowed much in the way of sweets at home, but I said she could have whatever she wanted on the flight...worked like a charm!! Also, Early Learning do some fantastic pocket sized toys...buy 9 and produce one each hour. Sticker books, card games, magic scribblers etc. Most flights also have cartoons, Disney films and great kids packs. They dont get much chance to be bored!

Please go on the trip!! You will look back on it forever with the best memories!! All the parks have excellent child care facilities for nappy changes etc. Cant think of one reason why you shouldnt BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!

Allie

 

[Hilary]

Given the choice between taking a two-year-old or not, I'd say "not"...

.......but given the choice between taking a two-year-old and not going, I'd say "go"!

Seriously, if you have this chance and it might not happen again, then you'd kick yourself for not taking it, wouldn't you? However, I think you have to put yourself 100% behind the decision if you do go, and make sure that you don't let a change of routine spoil things for you. As Astrid says, chill, relax and go with the flow.

If you think there'll be another time when Molly's older and you'd be able to enjoy things more because you wouldn't be worrying about her, then hang fire. But, let's face it, most of us worry about our children for a looooooooong time, and the stress-free age may never come!

 

[Ohpair]

I knew I could count on these boards to put a positive side to going! - Hubby doesn’t know yet & should get in from work in about 10 mins (I'll break it to him gently!).

Ok off to look into total cost & see where we can start saving!!

To be honest the idea of 2 weeks in the sun is just fantastic!!

Thanks all!
Katy

I'm sure I'll be back with lots of questions.....

 

[uksaint]

We took our 2 and a bit yr old last year. The truth is he adjusted to the time difference better than we did. He loved Disney and talks about it still. He doesn't know that we are going back in April.

He had a great time in Orlando, and we will never forget the joy on his face when the WTP characters came round at the Crystal Palace breakfast.

Go for it.......big style!!!

 

[Enright78]

Trust me, taking a 21 month old is far easier than taking two 16 year old girls!!!
I still bear the scars

 

[PoohBears#1fan]

Hi Katy

(Do you post on BGH btw? )

I can only reiterate what's already been said, we first took DD when she was 2 1/2 and DS is off for his second trip there this year aged 22 months.

It's a lot easier out there with young children than it is here, everywhere is very child friendly and people are a lot more tolerant of families.

Go for it - you'll have a fab time and even if the flight is 'challenging' you'll soon forget about it once you're there having fun

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We first took our DD when she was 2 she was absolutely fine, she slept most of the way, and she seemed to cope better than us.
She's also been when she is 3 and this time she will be 4, believe me she will cope fine, better than you think

Happy Planning.

 

[Sazuburns]

We're going with our two boys, one of whom will turn 2 just after we get home.

The one concession my dh agreed on was that both boys should have their own seat, as there was no way I was flying all that way with a child on my lap!

We are flying Virgin and have booked one of their Infant Seats which is like a car seat, so he can be strapped in comfortably for sleeping etc.

Sarah

 

[poohstix]

Do not worry. You will feel a bit worried first time.

We went first time with our little one only 15 months old !!!!

We all had a great time and believe me they will sleep when they want to sleep.

You can take your own push chair or hire one at ALL the parks or even buy one out there at walmart. They are so cheap.

One thing I would suggest you decide on is "Car seats"

if you are using a car you will need by law a full harness car seat for you little one.

You can hire these with all hire firms but let them know when you book or take your own.

Go and have a great time...

If you have any more specific questions just PM me and I will try to help.

 

[poohstix]

Do not worry. You will feel a bit worried first time.

We went first time with our little one only 15 months old !!!!

We all had a great time and believe me they will sleep when they want to sleep.

You can take your own push chair or hire one at ALL the parks or even buy one out there at walmart. They are so cheap.

One thing I would suggest you decide on is "Car seats"

if you are using a car you will need by law a full harness car seat for you little one.

You can hire these with all hire firms but let them know when you book or take your own.

Go and have a great time...

If you have any more specific questions just PM me and I will try to help.

 

[debsy]

i had the same reservations with taking my son who was 18 month last year. It was no problem.

Will your child have a seat of their own on the plane, if not and you are flying with Virgin prebook your seats. There are some 2 seats near the rear of the plane with some additional space at the side nearest the window. I booked these and it allowed my son a little space to play in, not alot but at least something. It also allowed you somewhere to put your hand luggage etc.

I would recommend that you prebook the 10 day Disney ticket as this includes a free Character breakfast. It was free for kids under 3 anyway. The character breakfast was great.

Dont worry about taking a 2 year old, the loom on their face when they see the characters and the parades is the best ever and will bring tears to your eyes.