Two year old

[DancingBear]

Our son's first visit to WDW was when he was just 2 weeks old! Actually, we didn't go to the parks or anything, but he was born in FL (he's adopted) and we knew that we could get a clean, safe place to stay there.

We're now planning his return visit. We're thinking of early December, 2002, when he will be just over two. Grandparents will be along. What can we expect at this age? What will he be likely to enjoy?

 

[Mr. Bildo]

We just took our 2 year old for his first trip. He LOVED it! We LOVED it! He squealed with excitement everytime he saw a character. He wanted to go on every ride. Book a character meal (or two or three). Bring your camera.

Don't let people tell you that you should wait to take your kids until they are older. They will love it at 2 and you will too.

-Bill

 

[DavidOH]

Great idea staying at WDW. We were lucky to adopt my DD(4) from within the state which we live.

Back to the question. We brought my DS(2) to WDW in May. Overall it was great experience. Obviously there were moments. I have several suggestions.

-Give him some time to wander and roam (obviously within arms reach) This will make times when he need to be in the stroller(a must) more tolerable.
-Buzz Lightyear Ride at WDW. My son is still talking about it.
-Eat at buffets. Your son is free.
-While BB is great you son will think the pool at your hotel is just as good. Bring swimmies or you could borrow a lifejacket from the hotel to give him a bit of freedom.
-Be careful with the characters My son was scared of the characters but warmed up to them after a while. He was ok with them from a few feet away but when he got close he was a little scared. He was ok with the human characters and obviously loved the princesses.
-Go to the petting zoo at Fort Wilderness.
-Make sure you ride the monorail. My son loved it.

I could probably go on forever. Overall enjoy. It is amazing to see the look on the kids faces.

 

[Planogirl]

My suggestion is just to kind of follow his lead. My son was absolutely smitten with riding in the big silver ball at Epcot when he was that age. We also had to sit through several Kitchen Kabaret (now Food Rocks) shows so you never know what they will like.

It's gonna be a lotta fun!

 

[Barb D]

My now-8yo was 2 the first time we took her to WDW. She still remembered that trip when we took her back at 4. She loved it at two, except for the characters. She was OK (not thrilled, but OK) as long as I held her, and not too close!

We're getting ready to take her baby sister (almost 2) in September, and I'm trying to prepare her a bit ahead of time. We went to the local (Towson, MD) Rainforest Cafe for a snack just to see how she'd react to the audioanimatronic characters. She was very frightened at first, but by the time we left the mall a couple of hours later she was giggling and waving at the chomping crocodile at the restaurant entrance. I think I'll take her to Chuck E Cheese soon, too.

 

[luvmy2sams]

Our DD was 21 months when we made our first trip last October. She absolutely loved all the rides in FantasyLand--with the exception of Snow White, which we'd heard was a bit frightening and didn't ride. Toon Town was also a big hit because of the boat and the play area. She loved the parades and the fireworks. She rode Spaceship Earth and did everything in the Land without complaint. TON and Illuminations blew her away. We bought the CD, and everytime it's played she talks about how much fun WDW was. Don't forget about the fountains in MK and Epcot. Our DD probably could have spent the entire vacation playing the water. She loved the AK, especially Festival of the Lion King and the playground. By the time you head back, they'll have Dinorama (is that what it's called) open, and I'd bet that area will be a hit, too. We hadn't scheduled much time for MGM Studios, but ended up going back there on 3 different days. They'll have the Playhouse Disney show going for your trip, so your son might enjoy that. Our DD loved Beauty and the Beast and MuppetVision 3D, along with the soon to be closed Bear in the Big Blue House.

Don't miss out on the character meals. It's better to make the PS before going so you're guaranteed a table. Then, if you find that your son isn't thrilled with the characters, you can always cancel your requests. We did Chef Mickey's about 45 minutes after checking in to our hotel, and now we'll make this our tradition. Our DD loved the napkin dance! We did quite a few other character meals, and she loved every second of it. Sometimes she wasn't quite sure what to think, but the expression on her face when she saw a character heading to our table was worth the entire cost of the trip.

Above all, though, take your cues from your son. We returned to the hotels every day for a nap and downtime. It made all the difference in the world.

You'll be surprised at how much there is for the little ones to enjoy! I agree that you shouldn't listen if anyone tells you that your son is too young. Our DD watches the vacation video at least once a week and is constantly asking when we get to go back. We'll be there for 2 weeks in November-December 2002, so maybe we'll see you there! Enjoy your planning! It's good to know that DH and I aren't the only ones already in this stage.

 

[Ricola]

Any time our DS 2 saw one of thos squirty play fountain areas (there are some in every park), we knew we were in for a nice hour long break. We brought a swimmy and dry clothes with!

 

[DancingBear]

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and suggestions. We're looking forward to seeing WDW through our DS's eyes! We've had the fun experience of introducing my 70+ FIL, and my DW's 63-year-old cousin, and re-introducing my parents in their mid-60s (they hadn't been to back to WDW since I was a kid). Now there will be a "whole new world" (to quote a certain Arabian orphan) for us to explore.

luvmy2sams--no, you're not the only ones thinking this far ahead! And my 12/02 plan (my DW may say "scheme") includes buying APs and returning in 11/03!! Got to get my Dad on board to make SoG reservations.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We too are buying annual passes with plans to return in early November 2003. Our "logic" is that, since we'll be there for 11 days in 2002, it's more cost efficient to buy annual passes. Translation: If we buy annual passes, we'll be forced to return within a year just to get our money's worth. Do you have a countdown calendar yet? Ours is posted on the fridge and on the computer. Sad, isn't it?

 

[sha_lyn]

My best advise is prepare him before the trip. The official guide and WDW for kids by kids has a lot of pic. also get the planning video and CD. Even show him the maps (in the guide books)and talk about the different rides. The most important preplanning advise is prepare him for the dark parts of some rides and shows. Tkae him to a couple of movies and tell him the Disney gets dark sometimes too but it is so mickey can get a surprise ready for him. I would take my DD in the bathroom and turn off all the lights and talk to her about the dark and how we would always be right next to her or holding her. Amazingly she loved eveything she did (which was everythign she was allowed into or on). She loved the 3 D movies, snow white etc. She was a little scared of the characters the first night (chef mickey's) but quickly warmed up to them the next day.

My best piece of advise is to remeber the child you have with you on vacation is the same one you have at home...meaning if he will only eat 3 foods at home he will more than likely only eat those 3 things at WDW. If he needs a 3 hr nap at home he will still need one at WDW. I think that is where most parents go wrong..they do not keep to their childs routine