What's my best strategy?

[Minniemoo15]

Hi! I've been to WDW more times than I can count, but this is my first time going as a parent ...we are bringing our 2.5 year old daughter for her first time and can't wait!

My question is for our MK day , March 16th, which I see will be relatively busy.

We have a BOG ADR at 8:05 so hoping that allows us to knock out a lot of Fantasyland when the park opens at 9:00 (specifically A&E, doubt I will be able to get a FP and of course it's the only thing DD wants to do).

I'm thinking of then using rider swap and making FP+ for our must-do's (BTMRR, Splash, 7DMT, Meet Cindy&Rapunzel)

My question is: should I make our FP+ for early times so we can continue to grab more throughout the day, or should I book them for the afternoon when lines will be long? We have no desire or expectation to "do it all" with a toddler in tow, everything else we do above and beyond our FP+ is gravy.

TIA!

 

[bc7ate9]

I get my MK FP from 11-2 then get additional FP as long as I can. Some people also like taking a break in the later afternoon.

 

[tsme]

Since your child is young, I would say get your FPs early. That way, when you're done with them, you can go back to your hotel (or house) & take a nap or rest.

 

[scrapquitler]

Hi! I've been to WDW more times than I can count, but this is my first time going as a parent ...we are bringing our 2.5 year old daughter for her first time and can't wait!

My question is for our MK day , March 16th, which I see will be relatively busy.

We have a BOG ADR at 8:05 so hoping that allows us to knock out a lot of Fantasyland when the park opens at 9:00 (specifically A&E, doubt I will be able to get a FP and of course it's the only thing DD wants to do).

I'm thinking of then using rider swap and making FP+ for our must-do's (BTMRR, Splash, 7DMT, Meet Cindy&Rapunzel)

My question is: should I make our FP+ for early times so we can continue to grab more throughout the day, or should I book them for the afternoon when lines will be long? We have no desire or expectation to "do it all" with a toddler in tow, everything else we do above and beyond our FP+ is gravy.

TIA!

We like to book our FP for later in the day when the lines tend to be longer. Usually I make them for either right before or right after our afternoon break.

 

[AFwifelife]

We always got earlier FP+ with a 2 year old and 4 month old (around 9:45-11:30ish). Many times after lunch and nap, they would be happier hanging out in the room or down at the pool so we wouldn't make it back to the parks. When we did go back to the parks for an ADR, we really wouldn't stick along for that much longer because my 2 year old was pretty much done with everything. He also took much longer naps than normal because of all the morning activity and being out in the sun.

 

[JWigs]

I have done it both ways. I think being able to know if you don't get to ride something before it gets too crowded but have a fp is reassuring. But your little one may get tired sooner with all the rides and so much sensory overload. I didn't take my little one back to the hotel for a nap; she napped in stroller (95% reclined) and we ate lunch then went on the FP rides.

 

[juliekzp]

I recommend spending 9-12 in the park without FPs, then naptime/rest time back the hotel, then back to the park (or a different one, if you have park hoppers) in the late afternoon with your 3 FPs. The importance of rest time with a 2-year-old cannot be overstated!!

 

[Grand Admiral]

OP, I'm not sure if you're planning to ride swap, but check the height requirements for your kiddo.

When we took my son he was 2.75. We went to the parks for rope drop, and went back to CR for midday swim and naps. Then we returned in the evening for a couple of hours.

Smaller kids are more interested in the simple things. Astro Jets was the only thing he pointed at and specifically asked to ride. He really liked Peter Pan. He also liked Haunted Mansion, but mostly because it was like Halloween Town and he was very interested in Jack Skellington, as you can see by his Magic Band and T shirt. I wouldn't recommend HM for most kids unless they're weird like mine.

Rocketships!

Meeting Mickey was important, so we got a FP. Only because my son was BIG into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at the time.

It wasn't strictly necessary, though. The standby line was only about 20 minutes.

The most important thing is to roll with your kid's wants and needs and be flexible. If they need a break, take a break. Keep up on snacks! You never know when a meltdown might happen just because they're hungry or thirsty. Kids under 3 may not be able to put into words what exactly they need.

 

[KimBean]

I like rope drop, early lunch at 11:30, FP's 1, 2, and 3. Snack break or hotel break if that is how you like to do it. We've always accomplished a lot by 3 and we can just relax and take it all in and catch what we can before dinner.

I think booking FP's to try to get some later just doesn't work. Unless you just know you won't get there at Rope Drop. If you book them at 9 then you are missing out on Rope drop slowness, Everything available in afternoon is usually not needed. Touring plans has a Fast Pass Availability page. You can go there for today and see what is still available for this afternoon. Keep in mind though that today is a 1 crowd level. LOL!

 

[Minniemoo15]

Thanks everyone ! We are staying off site for the first time (renting a house with extended family) so that complicates things in that I don't think we will be able to take a mid day break.

Maybe I will make my BTMRR and Splash FPs for early afternoon when DD will (hopefully) be taking her stroller nap.

 

[Minniemoo15]

OP, I'm not sure if you're planning to ride swap, but check the height requirements for your kiddo.

When we took my son he was 2.75. We went to the parks for rope drop, and went back to CR for midday swim and naps. Then we returned in the evening for a couple of hours.

Smaller kids are more interested in the simple things. Astro Jets was the only thing he pointed at and specifically asked to ride. He really liked Peter Pan. He also liked Haunted Mansion, but mostly because it was like Halloween Town and he was very interested in Jack Skellington, as you can see by his Magic Band and T shirt. I wouldn't recommend HM for most kids unless they're weird like mine.

Rocketships!

Meeting Mickey was important, so we got a FP. Only because my son was BIG into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at the time.

It wasn't strictly necessary, though. The standby line was only about 20 minutes.

The most important thing is to roll with your kid's wants and needs and be flexible. If they need a break, take a break. Keep up on snacks! You never know when a meltdown might happen just because they're hungry or thirsty. Kids under 3 may not be able to put into words what exactly they need.

Oh those pictures are so sweet !!! Makes my heart melt, I can't wait to see DD at WDW !!