Traveling with toddler in December questions

[MsNewsradio]

So our planned vacation for January 2025 was unfortunately canceled (our travel party had someone injure themselves severely enough that travel will not be possible then (possible surgery on the horizon as well). So we intend to now bump it back to the first week of December 2025, and take advantage of the holiday decor, party, etc.

My son will be two. I know he is not on the hook for a general park ticket - does that also extend to MVMCP tickets, or would I have to pay for a ticket for him for that? I assume I need to include him on dining reservations from a numbers/seating standpoint, but would he be charged (for say, a character meal) at the child rate?

Also, anything recommended to do? I've been to WDW during the holidays before, but not with a toddler, so open to any suggestions for attractions or fun holiday things I may overlook.

 

[lanejudy]

No ticket required -- regular park entry or MVMCP.

Yes, everybody must be included on ADRs (even infants). Under 3 is free to eat off an adult's plate. If you prefer to order him a kid's meal, you'll be charged. Buffets/AYCTE are no charge for that age.

 

[ArielDreams]

We did a first week of December Christmas trip with our 4 year old last year. Just be warned - MVMCP is a long night so think about if the 2 year old can hang! It was so much fun but my son who never naps anywhere except for his bed passed out in his stroller by 10:00!

One thing we really enjoyed was a special brunch with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s in Disney Springs. It was truly a highlight if they are offering it again (I think just on weekends). My son still talks about it. We did that on the party morning and then walked Disney Springs to do the Christmas Tree Stroll.

Epcot also had a ton of holiday stuff with the Festival of the Holidays. We did 2 days there and definitely did not do everything we wanted.

 

[MsNewsradio]

We did a first week of December Christmas trip with our 4 year old last year. Just be warned - MVMCP is a long night so think about if the 2 year old can hang! It was so much fun but my son who never naps anywhere except for his bed passed out in his stroller by 10:00!

One thing we really enjoyed was a special brunch with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s in Disney Springs. It was truly a highlight if they are offering it again (I think just on weekends). My son still talks about it. We did that on the party morning and then walked Disney Springs to do the Christmas Tree Stroll.

Epcot also had a ton of holiday stuff with the Festival of the Holidays. We did 2 days there and definitely did not do everything we wanted.

Yes, he may be going back to the hotel room with his grandmother, since she definitely can't hang that late lol. We're going to play it by ear depending how he does the first few days. Thankfully he does nap *very* well in his stroller, so if he passes out, we'll just swap out who is with him and who is riding, etc.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Never done any of the special “pay again” parties with my traveling kiddos. Maybe when they get older they’ll opt to go on their own and since it’ll be their dime, why not?

Have fun out there

 

[Anna131517]

We went during the holidays last year. I really enjoyed the holiday ride overlays - like Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain (during the party), and Living With the Land. My kids couldn’t stay awake long enough for MVMCP (we left during fireworks!) but they still had fun. Best thing we did was go to MK during the day on a party day - crowds were so much lower! We went to the Candellight Processional at Epcot and while it was nice, it was just too cold to really enjoy. So bring warm clothes, hats, gloves, puffer jackets. Maybe a stroller cover and blankets for the 2 yr old.

 

[ArielDreams]

We went during the holidays last year. I really enjoyed the holiday ride overlays - like Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain (during the party), and Living With the Land. My kids couldn’t stay awake long enough for MVMCP (we left during fireworks!) but they still had fun. Best thing we did was go to MK during the day on a party day - crowds were so much lower! We went to the Candellight Processional at Epcot and while it was nice, it was just too cold to really enjoy. So bring warm clothes, hats, gloves, puffer jackets. Maybe a stroller cover and blankets for the 2 yr old.

We had the exact opposite weather experience haha! It was 90 degrees the day we arrived - I had bought mostly cold weather outfits leading up to the trip and almost all of it went out the window. Basically - be prepared for any weather!