Tell me about taking your 27 month old

[la79al]

DH just informed me that we will not be able to go to DW in January because he doubts that we can take the kids out of school. The alternative is to go in August. DD will only be 27 months at that point. I know she is not going to remember it and will probably still be too small to get on most of the big rides but tell me about taking a just-over-2-year-old.

 

[Picabo]

I have never been wtih kids however we are taking our girls when our youngest will be 30mos. I grew up in Florida and went there several times a year growing up. Honestly, I may not remember going at age 2 but when I see the pix of me when I was there at that age....it seems so magical. In anycase....I think there is quite a bit there for them to do once they reach age 2. I'd say the majority of your time would be spent at MK more than the other parks but many of the rides he/she will be able to go on with you. And theres the whole Mickey's Toontown area and Minnies house and all the little spots to play at in the parks.

I think you have to go with the idea that it's a trip for the KIDS and not for the adults. I already have in my mind that I probably won't be going on rides like Test Track or Big Thunder, etc. Sure, I know I can do ride swap (and if lines aren't too long, then we will) but this trip is all about us giving the girls the times of their lives. It's all for THEM not for me. So I think that's a huge thing is to have that mindset before you go and not be disappointed that you may not get to do some ofthe "adult" things that you may have done in the past.

I know tons of people who've taken their kids since before 1 yr old and I've never talked to anyone who's regretted it. I think that he/she will do great and you will have a wonderful trip with wonderful new memories!

 

[holleetigerlilly]

My son was shy of two when we went the first time. My daughter was a month shy of three.

I would say get your toddler prepared by watching the disney shows. If you don't have the Disney channel, rent some DVD's. By the time we went, my little guy was all about Tigger and Pooh, so that ride was really special for him.

At the 2 YO age, I would say that the biggest problem is that when they get tired...they just get tired. As they get older, you can distract them from being exhausted by doing something fun. WHen the finally get to the hotel, they crash, but you can manage them through that "one more ride" or that parade that you really want them to see. But with my son, when he was done - he was just done. It didn't matter that Winnie the Pooh was walking by, he was tired/hungry/hot/whatever.

We also went over Labor Day Weekend, which was HOT (August will be warmer). My daughter was okay, but my son is a little hotbox and was absolutely miserable. He also sprouted a low-grade fever, which made everything a little more exaggerated than they would have been otherwise. I will never forget sitting in Play n' Dine with my kids. My daughter couldn't get enough of June and Leo (she was BIG time into Little Einsteins) - but my son just wanted to sit in the AC and eat his waffle. He could care less...but try to take that sausage away and LOOK OUT.

Now, all that said -

Something magical happens between where my son was (17 months) and my daughter (35 months) - where the Magic Kingdom comes alive. Cinderella REALLY lives in that castle, and Mickey REALLY is a giant mouse. KWIM? Not only do they care - but nothing has been tainted by reality. I just eat this age up, because my daughter watches Aladdin (he current favorite princess movie) in awe. She really thinks Jasmine rode that flying carpet, and married her prince. She can hardly wait to visit the BBB in early October.

So, I would be prepared for a range of reactions when you take your toddler. Prepare for the "worst" - but you may be surprised!

 

[Sherry047]

I have taken my DD to WDW twice (when she was 18 months and 3 1/2). She went to DL when she was 2 1/2.

She had so much fun each and everytime. There were plenty of rides that she could ride. She loved the character meals. Loved the shows.

I really can not see a negative in taking a child so young.

I am a firm believer that it does not matter if they remember it or not. What matters is the look on their faces at that very moment. I enjoy watching her see the Disney magic. I don't care if she remembers it or not.

 

[PrincessPeyton]

We are taking my DD2 for her first trip to DW in 12 days!
Ofcourse I have heard that she will be too young to remember anything and this is what I tell everyone:
1) I went when I was 18 and don't remember most things about the trip! So no matter what age, you need to go often!
2) Am I suppose to keep her in the house until she can remember everything we did??? if she has my memory, that would be FOREVER!
3) and that's why they make cameras!
Go and enjoy! And, oh, use the baby swap!
We will be back from our trip the first week in September, feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

 

[JillPTFLA]

We started taking my older son when he was just shy of 2 (my little one has been going since he was in utero..LOL! but his first real trip was at 3 months old). I have to say that my older one doesn't really remember those first trips but in between trips he always remembered stuff we did on the previous trip. My little one is now 2.5 and he talks about disney rides and things he saw on our last trip (in April).

I love taking my kids...every trip we discover something new. On our last trip, Benjamin was 29 months, I think. We went to see Finding Nemo for the first time and I enjoyed watching him as much as I enjoyed watching the show! The wonder and amazement in his eyes was priceless and even though he may not remember, I always will!

I would definitely recommend taking a 2 year old...it is such a delicious age!
Jill

 

[GiGi30]

Took my daughter last year when she was just 25 months and she still remembers going! She will have a blast!

 

[Picabo]

Ohhhh all of your responses are making me HAPPY! My husband keeps insisting that our girls (mostly the younger one who will be 2 1/2 when we go) are too young to "appreciate" it and remember it. Well, duh, like PP said....you forget alot of things...that's what cameras and video are for! haha I grew up in Florida and went 2-3 times a year and while I may not have vivid memories of each visit...I DO cherish Disney in my heart and it will always be my most favorite family memory EVER even if I don't recall specific trips.

Anyhow, reading about the positive experiences has made me feel all the better. He was starting to get me worried a bit. haha