Traveling with toddlers

[Hawkeye Sparks]

Does anyone have any helpful tips for traveling within MK, Epcot, and MGM studios?

My son is 19 months and this will be his first trip, also what were your toddler's favorite rides at the parks?


Thanks

 

[kimwim8]

Just make sure you bring or rent a stroller. If you aren't staying onsite, make sure to find a cool/shady spot to take an afternoon break. Your DS will tire out & probably nap right in the stroller. Make sure to keep him hydrated with plenty of juice and/or water.

If you are staying onsite, you can hop on a bus & head back to your resort for the afternoon for a rest/nap & then head back out to the action at night.

Your DS will be able to go on any rides that don't have a height requirement. Go to this site to check that out.

http://allearsnet.com/tp/rr.htm

I'm sure you'll get a lot more advice here! Have a great time!

 

[droycro]

On our toddler's first trip to Disney, we stayed off site, and it was difficult to head back to the room for an afternoon break. During her "nap time" we went on a slow-moving, dark ride and she fell asleep every time. We then transferred her to her stroller, where she got a decent nap in. At MK we rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and at Epcot is was Spaceship Earth. A dark show would also work, except that they can be kind of noisy. But a tired toddler seems to sleep if they need to, noisy or not.

My daughter's favorite ride was Small World. She also loved going into Tinkerbell's Treasure Shop located near the castle.

Have fun!

 

[skoba-nelson]

Our DS had just turned 2 before we went in September. First of all his favorite "rides" were the bus rides to and from the hotel and when we rode the "quiet choo-choo" or monorail as us adults know it.

At MK: the MK Railroad and Cinderella's Carrosaul (sp?) were his favorites. We noticed on this trip that things in the dark started to spook him a little so in turn Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh were just okay. We had to talk him through those 2. Country Bear he really watched, I think he was trying to figure out if they were characters he had met like Mickey or what. Buzz was not a problem, it's quite colorful in there. It's too bad that Jungle Cruise and Liberty Belle were down unexpectedly. We had known about Small World going in, but he would've enjoyed the boat rides. TTA broke down in side Space Mountain, which was dark even when they turned on the (dim) lights so he cuddled with DW until he fell asleep. The Main St Electrical Parade he enjoyed a lot, Wishes woke him up and he looked shocked but did not cry.

At Epcot: SE darkness spooked him but not to the point of crying, but the thunder and rain in the Living with the Land boat ride started a few whimpers. He enjoyed the Circle of Life movie-lots of animals! JIYIw/F startled him with the surprises. He really seemed to be interested in some of the live acts we saw, especially the Candy Artist and the Living Statue. There is quite a bit of toddler-aged things to do in Innoventions that he enjoyed until we dragged him out because it had stopped raining (good-bye Frances remnants).

At MGM: at Playhouse Disney he was nervous because of all the other people sitting on the floor with him but perked up when Bear and the gang appeared. When Pooh & friends showed up he got really excited. VOTLM spooked him a little, again thunder, darkness. He enjoyed the Kodak film slide at the HISTK playground.

You didn't mention the AK. Are you not going there? We still have 2 days on our passes and said if we buzz down again before he turns 3 we would visit MK and AK. He enjoyed the KS, FOTLK, the animal trails, the train ride to Rafiki's, the petting zoo and the conservation building and some of the exhibits in it.

Not sure when you are going but keep reading DIS until you leave and you'll get plenty of tips and will feel comfortable in whatever you decide to do with your 19month old.

 

[TwingleMum]

Stay onsight !!!!!!!!!!! This is a must IMHO with small children. I have taken my 3 children for their 1st birthday ( and I have 18 mos twins ~ so that trip was a 3 yr old and 1 yr old twins). Throw all your commando ideas out the window. Its not fair to the little guys (or anyone else ~ it makes for cranky , whiny kids) Go at their pace ~ let them wake up naturally in the morning if you make early entry fine if not no sweat. You must go back to your room at midday and nap them. Even let them swim. If your little one is anything like mine , they love, love love to splash in the pool. Maybe one night of your trip stay out late to see parade and fireworks but be prepared for a tired baby next day. I have friends who only nap their kids in the stroller at WDW and I think thats unfair. Its hot and uncomfortable and OK in a pinch but no substitute for a nap in the room.

If the budget allows stay at a deluxe and better yet concierge. You will be spending more time relaxing at the resort than normal so the nicer amenities will be appreciated. And it was great to slip out and get a snack from the lounge while they were napping or at night to get a glass of wine or cordial and dessert while they went to bed early. A zero entry pool is great because they can sit and splash. Take your time and enjoy the wonder on your little ones eyes and know that WDW will be there for future trips. Enjoy. WDW with little guys is magical and until their 3 you don't have to pay for a ticket!!!

 

[sperk99]

For those of us who cannot afford the conceirge level or deluxe resorts, why not go to the Embassey Suites near DD. These rooms would provide much needed "escape" from the little ones after bed time and during naps. Plus, you aren't really offsite so to speak. Another idea is any other "off site" property near DD. These are great hotels near the action but you do lose a sense of the magic.

If you can, get a discounted room onsite somewhere so you don't have to pay those exhorbitant costs.

I went last year with a 6 month old. My wife and I took turns watching him while we went on the bigger rides alone. It worked out well because we were single riders and liked the shorter lines. Yes...he slept in his stroller. This is not unfair to him at all in our minds. He was fine and should learn to be flexible. Did I mention that we also drove down from Maine as well for this trip. This little guy was a huge trooper for us. He loved Cracker Barrel on the way down! He loved small world, peter pan, snow white, pooh, carousel, dumbo, Honey I shrunk the kids, the boneyard, etc... We did stay at the WL (with a heavily discounted rate from a mailing) and loved that as well because it was very convenient for afternoon naps. He only took his morning nap in the stroller and according to our Boston pediatrician - as long as they get 45 to 60 minutes, they are good to go. You shouldn't be too worried about screwing up their schedule...toddlers can go with the flow. Maybe that is just our parenting style...

 

[Fox&Hound]

The best advice I received, when taking my 18 mo old son to WDW, was to bring a backpack carrier in addition to the stroller. There were times when my 18 mo old just wanted to be "above" the crowd, rather than being pushed around at knee level. He could see a lot more of the park while riding on his Dad's back in the carrier. When he got tired, and preferred to sit in the stroller, (especially during the parades), the carrier fit in the stroller basket beneath him.

DS's two favorite parks were MK and AK. He loved 'It's a Small World', and everything at Toontown (except the 'Barnstormer'. We let his brother ride that one -- but not him.)' Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin' was another favorite.

Also at MK: Taking the train ride around the park on the 'MK Railroad' was another big hit. Very low-key and a lot of fun for train-loving boys.

He enjoyed everything at AK -- including the park benches, which we thought was pretty funny. Festival of the Lion King was also very enjoyable.

We found there was less for him to enjoy at MGM, though we didn't know that when we dragged him over there. The 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground' was a madhouse when we arrived, and older children kept knocking him down and running into him. I was a wreck. (My 3 year old got pushed around as well -- there was a large group of 12-13 year olds there at the time, fighting their way onto the slides and climbing structures, pushing aside anyone in their way. It was too insane.) --- Though I must mention that this may have been an exception. It's a cute playground, and I'm sure it's a lot of fun with a less wild crowd.

We went to Playhouse Disney Live Onstage, which both kids enjoyed, but other than that, there wasn't a lot for them to do at MGM.

 

[Terk-1]

Although I have no kids, I've traveled with them and we've found the following a must:

1. Bring your own stroller. This is handy, not only in the parks, but in the airports as well.

2. If you're renting a car, make a quick stop either at Gooding's or at the local Wal*Mart or Target and stock up on small snack items, as well as easy breakfast things. We did this and it made life easier (and a bit cheaper). The kids had cereal or Pop Tarts for breakfast as the adults got ready, then we let them pick out some snacks to take with them. These were like snack sized packages of Teddy Grahams, peanut butter crackers, etc. Also we threw in some juice boxes. This saved us money when the kids got hungry, rather than spending lots of $$ on snacks inside the parks.

3. Breaks are a must. We usually will do MH into a park, get some of the must rides done, then head back to the resort for lunch, a little swimming, then a nap. By then we'll wind down, draw the curtains so the room is dark, and everyone takes a quick nap. This gives you that second wind and the kids don't get overtired.

Here's what my nephews enjoyed:
Magic Kingdom:
Dumbo
Peter Pan
Small World
Pooh
Philharmagic
Buzz
TTA
Speedway
Most of Mickey's Toontown
Pirates
Jungle
Aladdin
Wishes
SpectroMagic
and of course, Magic Kingdom Railroad

EPCOT:
Honey I Shrunk
Spaceship Earth
Wonders of Life
The Land
Living Seas

MGM:
Muppets
Little Mermaid
Fantasmic
Movie Ride
Playhouse Disney

Animal Kingdom:
Lion King
Kali
Kilimanjaro
The Boneyard
Tri Spin

 

[Barbday62]

If you go in hot weather carry with clothes to run in the fountains. My grandaughter was 2 years 11 months when we went in August and running through the fountains was her most favorite thing to do. She also loved making a mask in Mexico Pavilion and we played on the ship in NOrway then we played drums in a little covered area of world SHowcase. Her best times were the unplanned things we found to do.

 

[skoba-nelson]

Be prepared for a different type of trip than you might have had done before. This most recent trip was our 4th since 2000, but first with a toddler. We did take him when he was 5 months old but that was almost like taking extra bag that needed a diaper changed. At 5 months he was easy, at 2 years old he was a challenge. We realized going in that we would see and do less than ever before at WDW. At MK he fell asleep in his stroller (ours from home, we drove) even before 10AM. DW and I camped out on 2 rockers in front of Liberty Tree Tavern and people watched for almost 2 hours. It may sound crazy, but it was relaxing. We were finished with MGM so soon he had a nap back at the room and at AK he again fell asleep in the stroller slightly before lunch and we again found a shady spot to people watch. At Epcot he was sleeping in DW's arms as we waited for our table at the Garden Grill but woke up as we tried to seat him on a booth w/o waking him. He didn't cry, but it took a couple of visits from Chip & Dale to get him perked up.

A couple of things that we would've never thought we would spend any time at were the photo cutouts in the rear of the Exposition Hall. He ran around and up and down the stairs and ramps for 30+ minutes. Also in Norway he didn't care much for the boat but for the ramp getting to it. Again he ran up and down, to the boat, off the boat, over and over.

Kids are funny. We thought he would be afraid of the characters and we would we changing his clothes constantly from his possibly playing in the water fountains. He was scared of the water fountains, but loved the characters. I read a tip here that for their 2ish year old they bought the autograph book because then their child had a reason and purpose to see Mickey, etc. That worked for us. We saw him first at PC lobby (during Frances) and as we waited in line (as it turned out our longest line of the trip to see a character) I kept pointing out that the other little kids gave their books to Mickey, he signed it, then Mickey LOVES getting and giving hugs. DS watched all of this going on with each little boy or girl taking it in. When it came to his turn he walked right up, gave him the book, got it back , set it down, gave a big hug, high five and then waved bye-bye as he left. This was his routine for every character. We didn't want to mess him up so he now has Mickey's autograph 7 times in his book with about 4 Chip/Dales, 4 Minnies, 3 Goofys, etc.

Also not sure if you water down your juice for your toddler. But we realized that our DS didn't agree with the water at WDW. He had diarhea (sp?) starting with day 3 until after we got home. Once we got it figured out we bought some more bottled water (DW had brought some for herself that we were now using for him). When he was 5 months old the water didn't affect him through his formula, but now it obviously did.

 

[beasleybear]

My son turned 2 in July. We have taken him to the local Six Flags parks several times, so we have a fairly good idea of his ride temperment. For instance, we knew he loved carousels. Both Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom have carousels, so he did that. Ditto for trains. He liked the monorails & buses, assuming the trips weren't too long. He seemed to enjoy Dumbo, and he was very fond of the Winnie the Pooh ride. And he likes the little green aliens at the Buzz Lightyear ride.

But he absolutely didn't enjoy the Playhouse Disney show. As soon as everybody started clapping to the preshow songs, he wanted out! He liked the HISTK playarea, except the large dog nose that sniffed him upset him. The Muppets preshow also got loud & scared him, so there were very little at the Disney Studios for him. Too bad, since that's one of my favorite parks.

He really surprised me by loving the jumping/pop-up fountains at the Downtown Disney entrance. He laughed & laughed and dragged Daddy through the fountains. This is from a kid who hates getting his head wet! I have this on videotape, and it'll always be a precious memory.

The best tip I could give is to watch your child's reaction & plan to leave an attraction if possible if your child is getting upset. For instance, before the Playhouse Disney show started, I asked a CM if it was possible to leave during the show. She said yes and showed me the route to the exit. For the Dumbo ride, we let our son watch the ride in motion several times before getting in line. Many rides that are tame & have no height requirement may have dark parts, like the cave portion of the Jungle Cruise. I suppose that's part of the experience is finding out what your little one's likes & dislikes are.

Like others have said, it was a different trip traveling with a toddler. But we still had a great time!

 

[jenjen212]

we are going in the next few weeks as well, with my 2yo godson. we have been there when he was 1 and then again when he was 18 months

Here is a link to disney's website that has a list of things to do with toddlers...

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/experience/experienceLanding?id=PreschoolersExperiencePage

good luck!

jen

 

[Alysa]

I did a detailed trip report earlier for our trip this past May which might be of use (see below) - plus further down in the message there is info on an autograph book we made which was one of the best things we did. Have a wonderful time and can't wait to hear your trip report!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=570103

 

[lmk]

Alysa - just out of curiousity are you Pauline Martin's friend? The facts seem to add up with you being from Oakville and having a little girl. If so, this is Lesia.

 

[sarahsmom73]

Throw some favorite snacks into your bag.... Sometimes fruit snacks hit the spot when dd had a "rumbly in her tumbly!"

 

[Alysa]

LMK -
I sent you a pm!
Alysa