WOC with an almost 3 year old

[poseys]

So, we are planning to go to DLR next September and I am already having dreams about it! Last nights dream inspired me to investigate WOC more in depth and I am just unsure what to do. I don't really want to wait around so long with a toddler to get a good spot and I also worry about her (and myself at 5'2"!) being able to see well anyway. It almost seems like it would be much more easier and enjoyable to just take the compromised view at The Cove and enjoy some food and drink and catch some of the water and lights that way. I don't think it is the end of the world if we don't get the "full experience" if we get to avoid a lot of hassle but didn't know if anyone had any suggestions, perspective. Sorry so long!

 

[rms123]

What I did in the exact same situation was wait for the late show than walk around the back with the stroller after it started to find a place I could see pretty well. No waiting and we could see most everything. Waiting around that area with a toddler is no fun.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

WOC was my favorite part of our trip last September, but I think a good spot is important to fully enjoy the show. It is doable with little ones if you send one person early to hold the spot and the other brings the kids closer to showtime. That's how we did it with our then 3 year old and 18 month old and it worked really well. Here is what I posted on the WOC superthread after our trip:

We just got back from our trip and I wanted to share our WoC experience in case it might help someone else. I also have to say a big thanks for this thread because it made it so easy for us. The show was the highlight of the entire trip for DH and me and our little ones really enjoyed it too.

We went to the one and only show (8:15) on Wednesday, September 4th. I forgot to grab passes in the morning, so we ended up with the yellow section around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I believe passes were still available later when I headed in to line up for the show. I got to the yellow queue around 6:50 and there were only 6 people in front of me. They let us in to the viewing area just after 7:15 and I went straight to the spot I had picked ahead of time - on the rail just behind the wet zone, at the two green stars next to the reserved viewing area. I put down a beach towel to save enough space and sat and read while waiting for the rest of my group.

DH arrived with the kids in our double stroller about 25 minutes before showtime and they were able to join me fairly easily. I pushed the stroller right up to the rail where the towel had been and DH stood behind it while I stayed on the rail next to it. The kids sat in the stroller until showtime and then I held DD (1) in a carrier while DS (3) stood in the stroller.

 

[BayGirl22]

My kids love WOC and its a must see for us. We get everyone in line early and get a space then one parent goes in and out with the kids while one stays in our spot, with the stroller. I've taken them on Ariel's and to the outdoor challenge trail during the wait, both are nearby. Kids are in awe of the show if they can see it, its all cartoons and music and lights and colors. I love the look on their faces. My kids watched it several times after from the hotel window and they play WOC in the bathtub too.

TBH I've had better luck with viewing spots when I do the dining package. I know its not necessary but for us it was worth it. We enjoy eating TS so I don't mind spending on the food to get a better choice of spots. I know that's not the case for everyone though and it is possible to get good spots with just FP's. I would not want to watch it from the Cove Bar for the first time, you'll miss all that is good about it and it will just be a music show instead of a movie from the kid's perspective.