What rides are there for 2.5 yr olds?

[cmputerdazed]

We are taking our 2.5 year old grandson with us this next trip. What rides will he be allowed on? And what do you suggest? Thanks Jan

 

[CalGal]

Your grandson has a very cool Grandma/Grandpa.

Ride restrictions are generally by height, although there are age restrictions for riding alone on most DL rides. Your grandson will be allowed to go on most everything except the mountains (Splash, Space, Big Thunder, and Matterhorn), Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Goofy's Bounce House, and perhaps Gadget's Go-Coaster (35" minimum height). While I don't believe there are any restrictions for Honey I Shrunk the Audience, it will probably be a bit too scary for many 2 1/2 year olds. Some children are also afraid of dark rides, so I wouldn't take him to Haunted Mansion until or unless he is comfortable with the dark Fantasyland rides. There are a greater percentage of rides at DCA that have height restrictions. Overall though, I think you'll find that there are lots of rides for the little ones to enjoy. You might also want to get him an autograph book when you first arrive so that he can collect character autographs.

 

[hookedup]

There is a lot for a 2.5 yr old to do!
Most of the rides that have height restrictions would not be good for a toddler anyway so enjoy the ones that are fun and little kiddie oriented. Small World is always a favorite. My son also loved: the train, all of the Fanstasylad rides (even the "dark" ones - but some small kids are scared by these) he also LOVED riding the monorail, going in the autopias with us, Pirates of the Carribean (another one that may scare some little ones), Dumbo, the Main Street rides (bus, horse drawn carriage, etc.) Really there wasn't much he did not do except the height restricted rides.
Have fun and enjoy the characters too - you should get some really great pictures of a fun and memorable time at DL!

 

[joanne1968]

I would be cautious with anything 3D such as Bugs Life, my daughter is 5 and still doesn't like that, the autograph book suggestion is great, my daughter would rather see characters/shows and parades than do rides.

 

[noryglory]

Some of my fondest memories are the times I went to Disneyland with my Grandma every year from a very young age (perhaps 4?) until I was like 12 or so. Then we went in college when she and Grandpa came to visit me in L.A.

This we be a great start to hopefully a similar tradition with you. Fantastic!

When I was young I thought Pirates really was on fire, but realized that no one else was panicing so I kept my cool.

 

[renomom]

"a bug's land" in California Adventure is a great spot for your grandson. This area is specifically designed for little ones. Fantasyland also will appeal to him. Keep in mind that the dark rides, at least for my kids when they were little, were not scary because of the darkness, but because of the loudness. On Pinocchio's Daring Adventure, the noise from the carnival rides made my son plug his ears and hide his head! Wait in that line for Dumbo - you will never regret it! Also, keep in mind that part of the Disney experience is not an attraction. The characters, the parades, the shops, the music and sights in every area, are so wonderful, that you will enjoy sitting on a bench and watching him dance and have fun! Enjoy!

 

[Glynis]

I agree with all the posters. There are tons of things to do with a toddler at DL. We have twin 3 year olds, and they absolutely LOVED Bug's Land in CA. They also loved both carousels. They would have stayed on those all day if we would have let them. One of my girls was terrified by Peter Pan, but the other one loved it. Different strokes. I would suggest just letting him set the tone. Try the rides, and see how he handles it. We knew just from being in the line for Peter Pan that Dtwin would not like the ride. She went on it, but ended up crying every time we tried to get her back on it.

Does your grandson watch Playhouse Disney? If so, he might enjoy that show in CA. I've never personally been, but I've heard it's fun for the toddler set. Block Party Bash in CA was great fun for our kids. They got to jump and dance with the CM's and see all their favorite characters from Monsters Inc., etc.

Just enjoy being with your grandson, and watch the magic unfold through his eyes. It's an incredible thing!

 

[DISNEYLAND DCA LOVER]

"a bug's land" in California Adventure is a great spot for your grandson. This area is specifically designed for little ones. Fantasyland also will appeal to him. Keep in mind that the dark rides, at least for my kids when they were little, were not scary because of the darkness, but because of the loudness. On Pinocchio's Daring Adventure, the noise from the carnival rides made my son plug his ears and hide his head! Wait in that line for Dumbo - you will never regret it! Also, keep in mind that part of the Disney experience is not an attraction. The characters, the parades, the shops, the music and sights in every area, are so wonderful, that you will enjoy sitting on a bench and watching him dance and have fun! Enjoy!

That Is True

 

[ann-elizabeth]

I've been taking my son to DL monthly since he was a little over 1 year old. At 2.5 he was really interested in just getting a new toy and "find a nice bench" and we would sit and play. He also loved the autopia which a 2.5 year old can steer. Another place he loved and still does is the petting zoo between FrontierLand and FantasyLand. Not many people know about it but it is the cleanest petting zoo I've ever been to. They also have a log cabin there with crafts for kids to play with. Mostly coloring. Great place to get away from the crowds. Don't forget Casey Jr. Train and the storybook land boats.

Have Fun...

Ann

 

[Fr0z0ne]

winnie the pooh is good for 2.5 to and also dumbo magic carpets and tours

 

[TheZue]

I agree with the bug's life suggestions. My son loved the water park and the area in general. He also loved the fireworks, the characters, the giant maintenance door in toontown, the marble in tomorrow land, teacups (biggest hit), and the block party bash. Two year olds will be facinated by unexpected things Just go with it haha. You also have to check out the playhouse disney show in DCA.

My only suggestion is to figure out ahead of time if they are afraid of the dark. We live in a city so it never really gets dark; and finding out in buzz lightyear that he was scared of the dark wasn't the best time.

 

[ralfrick]

At 2 mine rode all the dark rides, Storybookland, POTC, HM, Roger Rabbit, Train, Teacups, Dumbo, explored TSI and Toontown. Could've also ridden JC, Astro Orbitor, Autopia with someone, Carousel, Main St. vehicles or Casey Jr. (closed our day). You can ride Matterhorn (refurb that day for us) & Gadgets (long line) at 35". Could see Tiki Room or Treehouse.

It is vital to understand that a bug crawling in the dirt in a planter now is more interesting to a 2 year old than any of the above 5 minutes from now.

It is vital to understand that a bug crawling in the dirt in a planter now is more interesting to a 2 year old than any of the above 5 minutes from now.

It is vital to understand that a bug crawling in the dirt in a planter now is more interesting to a 2 year old than any of the above 5 minutes from now.

It is vital to understand that a bug crawling in the dirt in a planter now is more interesting to a 2 year old than any of the above 5 minutes from now.

Cheers.

 

[cmputerdazed]

ralfrick, I know what you mean. I would have liked to wait untill he was a little older but I am afraid that is probably the only time our whole family will be able to go together. So it is now or never.

 

[abby]

You will have a great time, and don't forget tom sawyer island, my dd loved it. I would also suggest you take a break mid day and relax (you) and nap (the grandkid) although we lost a few hours in the park, we made up for it without a melt down. Also, don't forget when little ones need to eat they need food now, so pack some snacks. Mostly remember little ones dwaddle and it's most fun for them if you let them set the pace.