Travelling with small children

[Belle's World]

As you can see from my signature i have been to DLRP many times. However I gave birth 8 weeks ago and therefore my next trip will be our first with a child. We are planning on going in December 2014 when our son will be 18 months old which will also be our 10th wedding anniversary.

Can anyone tell me which rides are not suitable for an 18 month old. I know the obvious ones Indianna Jones, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller coaster, Crushs Coaster are there any other rides he cannot go on?

Also for the rides above mentioned how does Baby swap work, one person queues up as normal and the other goes in the exit with the child but how do you know when to go in?

Any other tips for travelling with an 18 month old greatly appreciated.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Congratulations on your booking

Some of the rides are suitable, as in you can go on, but the lo's may not like them. One that stands out is Pirates. My kids were freaked out by it being so dark inside, and by the time we got onto the ride they were really upset.

So I suppose you need to think of things like that rather than if they can 'legally' go on them.

Baby switch works really well, but is different on some of the rides. For BTM/Space Mountain, one of you joins the queue, and you go with your lo to the ride exit. You explain to the CM and they'll usually tell you to go back to them once your other half has come off.

In the Studios, for Crush and RnR they give you a baby switch ticket, so that you can go to the exit and show the ticket. For each ride i'd just ask the CM at the entrance - they will keep you right You could maybe also make use of the single rider lines at the parachutes or RC instead of baby switch.

I'd also make sure you take plenty of whatever your lo likes to drink with you. For example my ds would only drink diluting juice, such as Robinsons Orange or blackcurrant. We would carry a water sized bottle of this around so we could make up juice for him. He didn't like the pure orange or apple that was available in the parks.

You've plenty of time to plan - sounds like it will be a fun trip

 

[sleepymama]

One thing I didn't think about before I went with my little ones is how loud some of the rides are. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin comes to mind. Some of the rides really bothered my little one's ears.

 

[tinks_1989]

Hello,

We have been to DLP 4 times with our little lady she was 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 21 months. Once they are one they can go on anything that doesn't have a height restriction. We took DD on Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor she was fine I some times think when they are so young they don't realise it should be scary. Now she is 29 months (nearly) she is just showing fears of noise and the dark.

Character meetings are great with little one's our little lady loved meeting Mickey Mouse she tells me most days he is her favourite (though it does change often).

We had a great time going with her the parade as well is a must do. We were lucky and managed to stay up to see dreams as well. Christmas time is amazing at DLP getting to meet Santa at the happiest place on earth is just heart melting

 

[Belle's World]

Thank you so much for all your replies - I had completely forgotten about Santa that is going to be amazing!

I was hoping he would be able to do Phantom Manor and Pirates I will make sure he is prepared by showing him the videos we have made on past trips.

I know under 3's eat free at buffets so would these be the best option? Really hoping they bring back another character dinner by then as Auberge is too girly, did not like Cafe Mickey last time and Inventions really expensive. Cowboy cookout was perfect but alas no more.

 

[tinks_1989]

Thank you so much for all your replies - I had completely forgotten about Santa that is going to be amazing!

I was hoping he would be able to do Phantom Manor and Pirates I will make sure he is prepared by showing him the videos we have made on past trips.

I know under 3's eat free at buffets so would these be the best option? Really hoping they bring back another character dinner by then as Auberge is too girly, did not like Cafe Mickey last time and Inventions really expensive. Cowboy cookout was perfect but alas no more.

We took her to see the dragon first as a little tester of the darkness and noise.

I agree that the character meals are lacking at the moment