taking toddlers to disney

[princess-rn]

My husband and I are taking our 2 1/2 year old son to Disney for the first time this year. We will be staying 8 nights at the All Star Movies resort. They only special thing we have planned so far is the Hoop dee doo dinner show. Is that a good idea for a two year old and does anyone have any other suggestions for entertaining a toddler at the happiest place on earth??

 

[HurricaneWarning]

Chef Mickey's for breakfast was a fun place for my 3 yr DS

 

[Robinette]

Chef Mickey's...breakfast or dinner. It's a fun place for kids and adults.

Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. There are no characters but they have a pony race sometime during your meal. The waitstaff likes to joke around...alot! My kids have always loved this place.

 

[turnlisa]

We have been traveling to WDW with our kids since my oldest DS was 2 1/2. My youngest was 2 1/2 during our last trip. The places they both seem to really love were Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Ohana's and the Biergarten. Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace were all about the characters and the boys just loved it. Ohana's was for the games and the gummy worms. Who wouldn't love free candy? The Biergarten was a favorite for the dancing and the Ompa Band. They just loved doing all those crazy dances! Good luck!

 

[SamanthaL]

My DD was about the same age on her first trip. Sophia just told me to tell you she liked dinner at OHana's because they gave her gummy worms after the game she played. She also said to tell you she liked making the masks in Epcot at each of the Kidcot stations and she loved the parade. (We did the Christmas Party and the saw the holiday parade.)
Her favorite character meal was at Cape May. goofy climbed over the back of the booth to sit next to her.

 

[akghutton]

Another vote for Chef Mickey's! We took our son when he was 2 years-old, and he loved it so much that we returned for a second breakfast near the end of our trip.

 

[Teaching in NV]

All the places mentioned above are great choices. The counter service places also offer kids meals that come in cute little lunchboxes. We had a great time ordering the kid lunches and just finding a nice place to picnic. DD LOVED that.

Also, her favorite things at WDW were things you would not expect. For example, we spent a LOT of time riding the monorail system (her hands down favorite rids at WDW LOL)

She also loved anywhere where she could get wet. Those interactive fountain play areas were wonderful - just bring a change of clothes!

My last tip - slip a bottle of bubbles into your carry-all for the day. They really come in handy whenever you have a bit of wait time (before parades, on line, etc)

 

[Thediskids]

My daughter is 2 and has been there at 8 months and 18 months, My son was 3 and 4 , and we will be going again in May.
Chef Mickeys was fun for dinner and The Chrystal Palace was a great lunch, both were buffet. My son remembers both trips and is excited again for this trip. My daughter looks at pictures and smiles but doesn't talk much so hard to tell. All the shows hold both their attention. And highly recommend Mickey Philharmagic show at Magic Kingdom.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

A character meal is a must though CM is not a favorite for our family. Crystal Palace is great for a toddler as it has the Pohh & Gang. We also like Donald at AK with the fab 4 and we love Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner at the MK. It has Chip and Dale, Minnie& Mickey and Pluto.

He might also like Sci Fi drive in as a fun meal. Most places are fun and toddler friendly. Eating at WDW is an experence in it's self. WE too love the HDDR. It should be great for your family.


Jordans' mom

 

[MagicPrincess]

we just returned and our 2 year old DD loved Chef Mickey's for breakfast, the Biergarten in Germany (she was dancing to the polka band- very fun!), and the Whispering Canyon Cafe.

 

[YCFAN]

My two year old loved the HDDR!!! He laughed and really enjoyed playing the washboard with his spoon. He loved Crystal Palace with Pooh and the Gang and he also really like sitting in the car at the Sci-Fi in MGM. The Coral Reef was fun for him in Epcot because he like seeing the fish swim by, but another choice for Epcot might be the Garden Grill in the Land, Mickey and friends dressed up in farmer's outfits. He also really like Rainforest Cafe in AK.

 

[DisOrBust]

THe great thing about dinning at 'WDW is your kids are welcomed at the restaurants. Don't hesitate trying some of the sit down restaurants while your there. I have gone now 6x's with my DD from 4 months to 10yo and have never had a problem at any of the restaurants.

I fell the character meal at Garden grill is a little nicer then CM. Not so hectic and it is served to you. Be prepared for a sleeping child, our napping scheduled usually goes out the window at WDW.. If you have a small umbrella stroller they will let you bring it in at most restaurants if your child is asleep. I usually bring a small um strolller to get us to/from the bus and rent one of the large ones at the park.

I would also consider jiko/bomas it would give you a chance to check out AKL and have some great food. My DD was thrilled with the animals there.

Always be prepared if your child acts up in the restaurant to go for a stroll.

Have Fun!!!

Sue

 

[MagicPrincess]

we also took DD who is 2 to Artist Pointe at the WL. It was such a nice upscale yet casual restaurant- with lots of kids all around us!