Tips for going with a 21 month old

[efitzge2]

My husband and I are seasoned Disney pros (or so we think) but we feel like newbiews when planning a trip with our child. We have started to think about planning out October trip with our son who will be 21 months at the time. We would love to welcome any and all tips!

So far we have decided that we want to stay at a monorail hotel (we are typically Boardwalk people) since we will be at the Magic Kingdom most and will need to come back for a nap. I also think we would like to stay in a room where we can watch fireworks from our room after our son goes to sleep.

Outside of that I'd love to tips from people who have been there. What to do/not to. Rides, restaurants etc.

 

[Christiaan]

Every child is different so it's hard to give gauranteed advise. What you have planned makes sense, only thing I'd add is trying to find a room that is quieter so that nap times are restful. Plan a pool day. Do most things are your child's pace, meaning, don't wake them up early to open the park or keep them up late to close it down. Take frequent breaks in the park for food and drinks. Either bring or rent a stroller.

 

[Christiaan]

Also, bring a back pack rather than a diaper bag style bag, much easier to carry.

 

[efitzge2]

Also, bring a back pack rather than a diaper bag style bag, much easier to carry.

Oh yes! I have a tote and my husband uses a backpack and he will be bringing his FOR SURE!

 

[efitzge2]

Every child is different so it's hard to give gauranteed advise. What you have planned makes sense, only thing I'd add is trying to find a room that is quieter so that nap times are restful. Plan a pool day. Do most things are your child's pace, meaning, don't wake them up early to open the park or keep them up late to close it down. Take frequent breaks in the park for food and drinks. Either bring or rent a stroller.

Thanks for the feedback! Right now my son is SO easy going but I'm sure things can change.

 

[roseaster]

I second the going at their pace, and be willing to change up plans as needed. 2 of my kids are very anti morning. One is just groggy, the other downright evil in the morning. We never forced early starts. Mine were more of the night owl variety, so we were more inclined to stay late, than go early.

We didn't do the nap break thing, but I have a lot of kids, and my kids that napped were good nappers and just napped in the stroller while this bigger kids did their thing.

At that age I had one kid that was terrified of characters. Keep that in mind if planning character meals. What we did was sat her at the back of the table where she could wave at them, but they didn't get near her.

My kids also like rides, so we rode everything that they met the height restrictions. The oldest are 17 and the youngest 10 now, and they ride everything.

One of my oldest, they are twins, as a baby was afraid of fireworks, so consider that, too.

Restaurants are hit or miss. I have 5 total. 3 of the 5 were very good in restaurants. They would sit in a high chair or on a lap and they were fine, 2 not so much and we did a lot of carrying them out so they didn't disturb the rest of the restaurant. Since you only have one, I would judge dining reservations based on how well he does in restaurants. If he is good, then go ahead and plan sit down meals. If not, I would stick to quick service. It stinks to pay premium WDW food prices to have to leave and eat your food cold in the hotel room.

Oh, BTW October is gorgeous. Warm enough to swim, not so hot that you are melting and my kids LOVE MNSSHP.