Toddlers in Disneyland?

[Canadian DISNut]

I'm so excited! We've just booked our first family Disney trip! Since we live up in Canada, its a big deal for us.

Our daughter turns 5 on October 5th, so we've decided to take her to Disneyland to celebrate. She's obsessed with Disney Princesses and we're trying to keep it a secret.

We had originally planned to hold off on Disney vacations until our son was old enough to enjoy it too. The problem with that is we'll miss out on the days where our daughter still truely believes in the magic. The compromise is that we'll just do Disneyland for this trip and save the big park (DisneyWorld) until they're both old enough.

We've decided to leave our son at home for this trip because of his age (just turned 2). He won't be able to go on many rides and I think the trip will be less enjoyable for everyone. He's still at that point where he throws giant tantrums when he's tired or doesn't get his way, plus he'll be potty training

So after we had booked everything (and our daughter was in bed), my husband and I were looking for birthday ideas on the Disneyland site. Our son was on my lap and saw Mickey on the screen and started yelling "mih-mee, mih-mee"! Now I'm feeling really guilty that I'm not taking him. Any thoughts from those who have taken toddlers to Disneyland? Am I being practical or mean?

 

[Capo]

We have 2 young children and both have been several times to Disney.

In reality, you'll find that the majority of rides in Disneyland/Magic Kingdom are completely fine for a toddler. Especially fantasyland and the like.

The biggest challenge is the sleep of course. If your toddler won't nap in a stroller, then just go back to the hotel for a few hours and take a nap. Also keep in mind that Disney will give you rider swap passes (fast passes, essentially) for any ride that your toddler can't go on....

Personally, I think Disney is great for toddlers, but you have to judge it by the nuances of your own child.

 

[kindakrazy2]

My kids loved Disney as toddlers. I would say that the vast majority of rides they can go on. Mine always went down for a nap in Pirates and Haunted Mansion! lol! It was dark and they'd just cuddle in and go to sleep. Became a bit of a joke in our family!

 

[mama2dutchies]

when we went before i had a 5 years old (princess obsessed) 23m and 9 months..

at 2 they get the magic can't do as much but still love it..

we go back soon with 7 turning 4 and almost 3

 

[cheshiregirl]

My DS who is now 3.5 has made probably 20 separate trips to Disney property and spent at least 75 days at Disney starting with his first trip at 7 weeks old.

I LOVE the toddler years at Disney, as it is all so magical and real to them when they are still little. I will always cherish the fact that my DS thinks the characters are real and our memories of riding each ride for the first time. I also love that every time I ask him what he wants to do today that his answer is that he wants to go to Disneyland, even if that's not a possibility since we live 4 hours away.

Since you will be vacationing and presumably staying either on site or in the close vicinity to the parks, it is really easy to deal with nap time and taking midday hotel breaks--in fact I would highly encourage it. We also have a multitude of spots within the park where we know that we can take a timeout if necessary. In addition to things that have already been mentioned, the Mark Twain is a great respite, as is Mickey's Funwheel (stationary cars only) and the Nemo Subs Observation Room. If your DS will nap in his stroller you can also use his nap time as a time to take your DD on the larger rides by employing the Child Swap process and taking turns staying with your napping little one while your DD gets the added bonus of riding the big rides with both mom and dad.

I definitely would recommend taking them both, as I think that you would regret not having your whole family together for this experience. Congrats and enjoy the magic!!!

 

[I❤MICKEY]

My sister got married in Florida last year so since we were paying to fly there we decided to incorporate a few days in WDW with my son who was 21 months old at the time.

He loved the characters. I mean really love the characters. He would hug them and burry his face so deep in that it was impossible to get a good picture. My heart just melted. He was able to go on most rides and those that he was too short for we did rider swap. It was an amazing trip.

Next week we will be going to DL to celebrate his 3rd birthday. His little brother (aka WDW souvenir) who is 6 months will be going too.

 

[pinktink83]

Most of the rides that your 5 yo will be able to go on, your toddler will be able to go on, too! And for the few that have height requirements, she may not even want to ride them if they are "too scary". Depends on your dd's temperament.

And even a 5yo may need a small nap in the afternoon! So it may not be that big of a change having the 2yo along.

 

[iKristin]

This has made me feel a lot better about taking my 3 year old niece in 3 days. She's so excited to go though Every day she sees me and says "auntie we go Disneyland!!" with a big grin

 

[DahliaRW]

I've gone with toddlers twice. Once when my younger ds was 15 months and once when dd was 18 months. They both had a blast! And they would get tired enough to just nap in the stroller, or on my lap during fantasmic despite the noise. It wasn't an issue at all. IMO, my kids would have been less happy being left behind and missing me for a few days then coming and tagging along. We utilized rider swap a lot, which my older ds loved because he got to ride twice! Your son may not remember the trip (and in reality your 5yo won't remember all that much when she's older), but they both will have a blast and that's what counts!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I've taken our kids at as young as 6 months. Your 2 year old will be able to go on the majority of rides. When else are you going to be able to take him for FREE!!! And if you do any character meals for the birthday girl, brother will be free for those too.

 

[Thestrongholdsd]

DS2 and DD 7 months have been to DLR more than most adults, lol, and yes they enjoy it! We started taking both as young as 2 months and even at that age they're fascinated with the sights and sounds of Disney. If you can still take your son, I would. If you didn't I'm sure you wished you did once you saw all the other toddlers at DLR. Good luck!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

Rides & Attractions at DL/DCA by height restriction
You can filter attractions by height restriction on the DL site (I tried to link it up to 42" for you); there are only a handful of attractions your little one has to skip, and your big girl may not want to do all of those anyway. Rider switch is awesome for this--the big kid gets to ride twice and the parent staying with the small child gets to explore the area, keep a lookout for characters, etc.
I think a 2 yr old will know he's being left behind, especially when big sis comes back with an exciting trip report that will probably be repeated often for the next few years. My little one would have freaked if we left her out of a DL trip at 2, but she's been going since she was 2mo old.
Potty training/toddler stages aren't as bad at DL as it will play out in your mind before the trip. The magic hits instantly and hard and no matter the crazy stage at home, it goes on pause at DL!

 

[charmama4]

My youngest is 7 and oldest is 15 and I would have hated myself if I left one behind.

Start their memories now and with picture albums show them the magical times you shared while at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Oh dooo take your little guy!!!!!

 

[ThumbsUp]

I am in the exact same boat as you. First time going and want 4 yr daughter to enjoy it at this age, but nervous about bringing 19 month son who also throws tantrums about everything

I totally understand your are torn about leaving or taking him. I have no choice as our whole family is going (grandparents too) besides my husband would never allow us to leave him, after all it is Disneyland. (Little does he know how much work it is with a toddler, lol)

Everytime we go anywhere out of town he is such an angel though, I agree with the other posters, all the magic and distractions of Disney will captivate him. He will probably totally surprise you if you decide to take him, and you will be so happy you did.

Also, highly recommend you choose a hotel very close so you can walk to Disney, so if he does get fussy you can just walk back to the hotel.

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I am taking my (will then be) 3 year old DD. I must say that I have had the same reservations as you. But in the end, the memories I and my mom are going to have with my DD will be worth it all. I have come to the realization that I won't be able to go on some of the grown up rides but the trip is not about me. We are staying onsite (DGC) and we plan on taking a break, it's one of the major reasons we decided to splurge on the $$$ hotel. I think that little break will be a godsend.

But as others have pointed out, the majority of the rides can be enjoyed by little ones. But it's also just the thrill of BEING at Disneyland. Plus, think of the memories (in photos if nothing else) that your children will have when they get older of their trip together.

Have you told your DD that you're taking her to Disneyland or are you keeping it a surprise? I am hoping to take my family (DH and 2 DD's) during the Halloween time next year. I sat and watching videos on YouTube on the different ways people surprised their kids with the news of going to DL. If we're able to go next year, I'm so hoping I can get the bags packed and into the car and then surprise my kids. So much fun!!

Either way you decide, have a great trip.

 

[Cagirl767]

My kids have each been going several times a year, since they were 5.5 months old. They're now 4 and 6.

Not that your toddler can't ride the rides or won't want to because most are possible except for I believe the 5 (Indy, Space, BTMRR, Matterhorn, Splash), but there are so many other things to do. There's all the shows, the parades, the Lego store, the build a car store (can't remember the name in DTD), characters to meet, Rainforest Cafe, character breakfasts, Gibson Girl ice cream parlor, face painting, Bippity Boppity Boutique, Bug's Land in CA, even just riding the Monorail and ART over to DLR is fun for my kids, lol!

My kids went during potty training too, wearing pull ups and using those disposable potty covers at the happiest potties on earth. You can familiarize yourself with the happiest potties locations on the DLR map to be better prepared. I had read a thread one time of a mom who right in the middle of the castle entrance whipped out a port-a-potty and her child went right there in the middle of everyone! There will be many in your situation. And as someone else had said, I too think you would be disappointed not bringing the whole family, regardless of age or situation.

 

[mama2dutchies]

I had read a thread one time of a mom who right in the middle of the castle entrance whipped out a port-a-potty and her child went right there in the middle of everyone! .

This totally made me laugh.. I have never and will never be so desperate that I walk around with a port-a-potty

 

[damaris13]

I had read a thread one time of a mom who right in the middle of the castle entrance whipped out a port-a-potty and her child went right there in the middle of everyone!

Wow! The lengths to which we moms might go with our children. DD just turned 2 back in April, and we've held off serious potty training until after our DLR/CA trip for the reason that I had no desire to work on potty training in public places 24/7 during vacation. Thankfully she hasn't pushed the issue despite her occasional requests.

To the OP, personally, I couldn't imagine leaving anyone at home when going to Disney, but I only have one right now, and she is very mild-mannered, does not often throw tantrums (knocking on as much wood as possible...), and LOVES EVERYTHING Disney, so we did not have trouble last summer, and I don't expect any issues this summer. On the other hand, a close friend of mine has a wild-mannered young boy who does not sit still for anything. They are AP holders at WDW and will only go for a few hours at a time because he drives them and the other guests nuts in line.

You know your child best and will know if he's going to make it through the day with minimal issues.

 

[pinktink83]

I had read a thread one time of a mom who right in the middle of the castle entrance whipped out a port-a-potty and her child went right there in the middle of everyone!

Er, yaaaaaa, thats just weird, lol. Please don't encourage anyone to do that! That's really kind of disgusting. lol!!! I can't even imagine!!!

There are plenty of nice bathrooms in the parks, and pull-ups work GREAT!

 

[ktlm]

My DD was 2 years 10 months on her first WDW trip. She is five now, and has had 4 WDW trips and 1 DL trip. That first trip when she was 2 was my favorite. Everything was real and magical and she was in awe of it all, characters, rides, parades, shows. She spent a week with a huge smile on her face. She is a smart one, and by the ripe old age of 4, it wasn't all completely real anymore.

As far as not being able to ride any rides, most of the rides are toddler friendly. The few height requirement rides that are not, do you think your 5 year old will even want to ride those? Is she a daredevil? Mine is not crazy about the big rides. She would be perfectly happy not riding them. We still have not been able to get her anywhere near Big Thunder, and there is no way she is setting foot on Space Mountain. Her good friend however, loves them. It just completely depends on the kid. I think your son would have a wonderful time at Disney and you would have fun watching him, but it would just depend on whether you want to give your daughter a special alone time trip with the parents.