Through the eyes of a 2yr old- pretrip

[Boo]

Cast:

Me- Boo, 30 yr old mommy, 5 mos preggers and self-appointed family “cruise director” and DVC fan

DH- Michael 30, laid back vacationer & Homer Simpson’s personality twin- just tell him where to go and when to eat

DD- Isabella, just turned 2 Princess, a go-with-the-flow easy baby who’s been traveling since 6 weeks

Our trip: February 24 – March 1 Boardwalk Villas, 5 day hopper passes which we may or may not use each day

Our whole philosophy behind this trip is to just take it at Isabella’s pace. Since DH and I were in WDW in ’98 pre-parental style (meaning we could drink like fish, party all night, and do all the big kid rides) we don’t have an overwhelming urge to do Disney commando style dragging a fussy toddler behind us. Also, since we’re DVC’ers this time around, we know we’ll be back. So, name of the game is to let Isabella take the lead. Scary putting a 2yr old in charge of itinerary, huh? Our only definite is using Tiffany Town Car (has anyone used their toddler booster seats?) and Cindy reservations on Monday morning.

We’d like to catch the parades as Her Majesty adores them and went absolutely nuts seeing the Mickey Lights Michigan Avenue in Chicago this past November. We felt like saying- you ain’t seen nothing yet kid! Wait till we get to Disney!! Are all the new park parades worth going to?

We’d love to hear suggestions on the little things you do with your kids apart from major ride/attractions, the stop and smell the roses type of diversions, and the things you never have time for while trying to bee-line it for Space Mountain and Test Track.

Thanks!!

 

[yepod]

Boo, I'm jealous of your DVC status. We looked into it in 2000 but just could'nt justify it.
As for your princess, we took ours at 17 months in Sept 2000 & then 2 1/2 in Dec 2001.

The following are probably all obvious, but I completely empathize.

First, your right, commando style is out. Whether you want her to or not, she WILL control the schedule!
Take plenty of breaks.
Back to your villa (sigh) for a swim & nappy (oh & a nap for Isabella too)!
Comfortable stroller for Isabella. (The disney strollers are rigid & short/fixed backed.)
The typical parental stuff like take a backpack with the appropriate snacks, diapers, extra clothes, ponchos, water, & toys. (Unless you can afford to buy some at each stop!)
Toddler sized anything is somewhat rare IMHO, so pack that backpack accordingly.
Toddler attractions are at a minimum at WDW, so we found MK to be our DDs favorite.
Autograph book & camera for the character experiences.
Cindy's breakfast for an extra special character experience.

At 17 months our DD was thrilled with characters at a distance, but scared as they came close. We expected her to be a veteran (like us) this last trip, but found she still dropped her jaw & stared open eyed at most experiences. It was still overwhelming (she did love the characters this trip)! Remember your going for yourselves & the pleasure you'll experience with your princess! Kind of like that train set your DH bought for Isabella already!

Hope this was'nt total drivel!

 

[yepod]

Forgot to mention, the parades are great.
Especially recommend the Tapestry of Dreams & Epcot.
The interaction with the Dream Catchers & the puppet people are great for your princess.
Place her in front of you & at least one of the many cast members should interact with her.
We had this happen both at TON in 2000 & at TOD in 2001. Our princess (Snow White actually!) got to drop here dream into the first Dream Catcher's net & get a photo with the last one! There are 2 at the beginning of the parade & 2 at the end.

 

[Beast]

Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?! Please?!

Our "Princess" just turned 17 last month and is starting to get past the "I'm too cool for this" attitude. She wants to go after graduation in June of 2003.

That aside, I think it would be fasinating to read trip reports from a family with a toddler, who has a "go-with-the-flow" attitude.

 

[Boo]

Yepod,
these are GREAT suggestions!! Not drivel! I wasn't going to bring an autograph book, but now I think I will. I'll be sure to post when we get back! I can't wait!!!!!

 

[Beast]

when you do so we know to look for them.

Thanks!!!