Three year old going to WDW

[daystar]

Taking a three year old to the parks, a good idea or not??Is he to young or not???Any advice about bringing a small child to the parks....Thanks

 

[BlindTyldak]

Just take it very easy, GET A STROLLER (I can't stress this enough, remember, the parks are huge!) and take a daily pool break. And whatever you do, don't push him, if he's getting cranky, take a break, it's a lot to take in for a little kid.

 

[MNSusan]

We had my 3 yo granddaughter with us last November. She did fine as long as we moved to HER schedule. Leisurely breakfast, a few rides, lunch in a park, back to the hotel for nap/swim, early dinner and back to the parks for a few more rides. She was almost always okay to stay and do fireworks, so she had some late nights.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Totally depends on the 3 year old and what kind of an experience you are wanting. We took our grandson when he was 3 (almost 4). He was pretty mature, potty trained of course and tall enough to ride MOST rides. We planned to spend the trip doing the things he could do and save some of the bigger rides for another time. We had a fantastic time. He did great. Now we are planning a trip with the same grandson (now 5-1/2) and his younger cousin age 3-1/2. He isn't quite as mature as the older grandson was but we are sure hoping it all goes well. Once again we plan to spend the entire trip doing the things the kids enjoy. We may try to sneak in a ride on Expedition Everest, but otherwise the trip is for the kids. If you have a 3 year old that requires naps you might want to build in time to go back to the hotel for naps in the afternoons. It also depends on the time of year you are going and the weather. If you are going in a low season you will have much more fun and it will go much better with a small child. Peak season can be trying with adults and older kids and very difficult with smaller children. It is also easier on the kids when the weather isn't really hot. Everybody wears out much sooner in the heat. We had some really special times with our grandson and we wouldn't trade it for anything. Have fun!

 

[mickeysaver]

Preschooler Tips
Toddler FAQ
Stroller FAQ
Ride Restrictions
Overlooked Attractions
Kid Friendly Restaurants

These should get ya' started! Happy Planning! Maggie

 

[rlrx]

We went with DS7 and DS3 last week and DS3 loved it! I would say the biggest problem would be if the 3 year old is under 40 inches tall. That is the cut off for some of the rides that you may want to take him on. Definitely bring a stroller because his little legs will get tired and you don't want to have to walk at his pace the whole trip. There are some ways that the trip was even better being able to see things through his eyes. When we were at Illuminations, he thought that all of the fireworks with "tails" were Tinkerbell. He rode many rides we didn't think he would and there wasn't too much that scared him even though he usually gets scared pretty easily. We actually got to the parks at opening every morning (no EMH) and brought him back for a nap every day, then went back out for the evening. He did fine. Of course, you have to go with the mindset that you won't get to see everything and start out with things you know your child would love.

 

[MJMcBride]

Take the three year old. The kid will have an absolute blast. I took a 26 month old who had the time of his life. Take it easy and take it slow. Take breaks too. Do that and it will be fine.

Tower of Terror may be out though.

 

[abeyst]

I've taken my kids at least once a year since they were born. They're now 7 and 3 (4 in September-although she acts like she's 13!)

She asks me everyday when we can go back to Disney. I have her on video tape from our February trip (she was 3) saying "Mom, I'm SOOOOOO happy!" while we waited in like at the Character Connection. There's nothing like the pure joy in their faces at that age!!

Just remember to go slow, stroller (I'd recommend bringing one-you'll need it outside the parks!), and take naps! everyone needs naps in WDW (even adults), and HAVE FUN!!