What Did You Do...

[CamColt]

...with your squirmy toddler?
We have a trip to WDW booked for next month when my DS will be 20 months. We took our oldest DS when he was 15 months. He went on all the rides with us (except for the big ones obviously) and he never had a problem. I just assumed at 20 months with this DS, we would have the same situation. Well, we recently visited a local amusement park and couldnt get DS on any rides. It wasnt that he was afraid(I dont think), he just didnt want to be strapped in and have to sit still. Now Im worrying that he will be like this in Disney and not want to do anything.
So, how did you get your active toddler to sit still on the rides? Or at least sit still long enough to get on the ride? Im sure once the ride gets going, it will hold his interest enough for him to be still then. I just dont want him freaking out everytime I try to sit him down.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[robinb]

My daughter is a toddler, but not a real squirmy one like yours!

Maybe you can start him out on rides that don't need him to be strapped down to a seat. How about It's a Small World or the Tea Cups? Then you can try the Carosel. It has a strap, but he'd be on the horse and there's a lot to keep his attention. My DD waved to everyone as we went around. Then you can try something like Peter Pan which has a lap bar. Make sure to bring (or buy) a small pen light for your kids. It really helps with the dark rides. My DD didn't like the dark rides on our November trip, but was okay with Buzz, Pan and Pirates in uly at 23 months old with a pen light.

 

[Kermit]

I agree that you should take something small for him to hold and play with. A pen light is great if he's afraid of the dark, or you could get a small rubber Disney character toy from one of the gift shops. I'm guessing that he may be more willing to sit at WDW once he realizes that the rides are much more amusing. Not only is there movement, but most of them have lots of fun things to look at. Most amusement park rides just go around and around.