Disney with toddler

ressieb · 12-04-2003

Hello,

First time at DisneyCentral but I love Walt Disney World. I am planning a trip for January or February 2004 with my 2 1/2 year old son and wanted to know where's the best place to stay on-site and what parks are the best to visit with him on a 4-day stay. I want him to have fun - not be worn out:)

MickeyMac · 12-04-2003

Oh glory! You are going to have such a ball!!

We stayed at the All Stars (Sports - first stop on the bus route) when my daughter was 18months (and running like the wind) but I could also see staying at one of the Monorail resorts as being completely easy. It just wasn't in our budget. You may want to consider staying at one (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) just so you can pop out and take an afternoon nap.

I *highly* recommend Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, taking things slow and at his pace. Take a look at MGM and Epcot, but you could even hold those for another trip. There is so much to do at the MK for toddlers, and repetition is the key for them. I've spent hours just on It's a Small World alone.

Also, huge welcomes to Disney Central!! :D

MickeyMamma · 12-04-2003

Welcome! I have a 2 1/2 year old son who has already been 2x to WDW.

Where to stay depends on your budget. Our first trip we stayed at the All-Stars Movie Hotel. My son loved it because it had all the cute cartoon characters around and included in the pool theming. They also have an area where there are fountain jets in the ground and the kids can run through them and play (one of my son's favorite things to do!!).

The second time, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge which he LOVED because he could get up every morning to see the animals and them see them again at night before he went to bed.

For convenience, you may want a monorail resort which will give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom. There is also the Wilderness Lodge which you get to the Magic Kingdom by boat which we have stayed at in the past.

In terms of parks, Magic Kingdom is my son's favorite by far! He even loves the Pirates ride. He likes pretty much all of the rides. Other things that are tops on his list are Playhouse Disney and Voyage of the Little Mermaid at MGM, the Lion King show and the Safari at Animal Kingdom, and Spaceship Earth and the Mexican boat ride at EPCOT.

I would also suggest getting him an autograph book so he gets to meet the characters. This is one of my son's favortie thing to do. We have the character sign on one page and the facing page we leave blank so we can paste his picture with the character in it. He looks at the pictures alot and tries to tell me about his trip.

Hope that give you a good place to start. I've also been to many of the restaurants with my son. His favorites have been Marakesh (EPCOT), Chef Mickey (Contemporary Resort), Crystal Palace (MK), and he LOVES eating the giant turkey drumsticks that you can get from counter service in the parks.

You can PM me with any specifics if you like. You guys will have a great time!!!! :)

DougiesMommy · 12-08-2003

Welcome to DC!

Disney with a 2 year old is tons of fun! Magic Kingdom is where we spend the bulk of our time. Dougie loved all rides except Snow White ~ hated the witch and Barnstormer ~ maybe a roller coaster wasn't a good idea but had to try it out.

We stayed at the Contemporary which is just a hop, skip and jump away from MK. Most days we would head back to the resort for nap time and then head on back over to finish off the night.

Dougie didn't like the Princess characters as he could tell those were people and he is always shy around people but had the best time with the other characters. The autograph books are just fantastic and he quickly got the hang of what to do after seeing only 2 characters.

Also recommend the character meals as this allows you to see many characters without standing in lines. Not a peaceful calm meal by any means but still great food and fun atomosphere.

ressieb · 12-09-2003

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have made reservations at the Pop Century for the first week in February and a PS for Chef Mickey's for breakfast (I've never been). Also, while we are down there I am going to look into purchasing a DVC.

Looking forward to my son's first of many trips to Disney:D

**Dana** · 12-09-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by ressieb
Thanks everyone for your input.

I have made reservations at the Pop Century for the first week in February and a PS for Chef Mickey's for breakfast (I've never been). Also, while we are down there I am going to look into purchasing a DVC.

Looking forward to my son's first of many trips to Disney:D

Good for you! Chef Mickey's is a blast and I'm certain Pop Century will just add to the fun you are going to have on your little one's first of many trips.

BuzzLightyear · 12-10-2003

You can't pick a better vacation when you have a toddler.
My little guy will be 3 in January and taking his 3rd Disney trip in May.

Cheryl · 12-10-2003

I think they key with going with a toddler is to not have too many expectations! LOL My daughter went when she was 20 months, 4 & she'll be almost 6 and had a blast each time. We went when my son was 20 months & holy moly was he a terror and a half. We spent most of our vacation pushing a screaming kid around the parks. He's 3 1/2 now and I'm praying he doesn't try and ruin it for us again!

preidel24 · 12-10-2003

I'm glad to see so many of you with toddlers going to WDW. One of my big regrets is that we waited to our youngest was 5 before we took our 1st trip. This meant our oldest was 11 when he went his first time. If I had to do it over again I'd have taken them sooner and let them experience it as a toddler. Been 4 times since and my boys have fallen in love with disney - but since I can't go back in time I'll always regret not taking them sooner.

Paula

tinkerbell · 12-10-2003

we started taking our DGD when the youngest was 6 months old.
I think the most important thing to remember is they may have more energy then you do at times. specially a toddler. when the girls were toddlers we would let them run off some of it at places in the parks, like Tom Sawyers Island and Mickey's ToonTown Fair (which was Mickey's Starland back then) also they may need rest. the Baby care centers are even great if you have a toddler. I think staying onsite is much better when you have a small one because it is easier / quicker to return to your room for naps if you must.
some of you have seen this before

http://www.angelfire.com/me/tinkrbel/100yrs/pp.html

ressieb · 12-10-2003

I was a little worried about taking him because he has soooo much energy and and can be very out-of-control sometimes, but I remember the fun I had and still have when I visit so I just had to take him now. I can't wait to tell you all how it went when we get back.

Please feel free to provide me more useful information on planning. Thanks again.

tinkerbell · 12-10-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by ressieb
I was a little worried about taking him because he has soooo much energy and and can be very out-of-control sometimes, but I remember the fun I had and still have when I visit so I just had to take him now. I can't wait to tell you all how it went when we get back.

Please feel free to provide me more useful information on planning. Thanks again.

I remember the girls seemed to have more energy because of excitement too.. they didnt care much for standing still in line ..and there were no fast passes then. In line I would play little games with them or sing, with them anything to distract them from the wait. FP has made that less of a problem for those going with toddlers now. And that extra energy your son may have ..well in Mickey's Toontown Fair there is this really wonderful area just for toddlers with benchs for the parents. Oh and you cant beat the Honey I Shrunk the kids playground for a great place to let little ones run!! At Epcot there are lots of out of the way places too for them, like this little garden area in France, ..plus the kid fun Stops at WSC. where they can make stuff :)
Chef Mickey's has always been a favorite of my granddaughters ..even now that they are young ladies.

you dont say if you are considering a stroller .. I know a lot of people take thier own ..we always rented them at the parks ..but at that age I really suggest you have one. The girls used strollers till they were around 5.

KarenT · 12-10-2003

My DD is 3 1/2 . She started going to wdw when she was 10 months old. She has been there around 6 times and DL once. Every time we went she enjoyed herself. Going on rides for the first time, meeting characters. Every age has brought new experiences and memories. For our convience we always stay at one the of monorail resorts, it just makes our lives easier. Easier to go back and swim, or take naps. Or just to get out of the sun if it is warm. I would suggest bringing your own stroller. IMO the rental ones are not very comfy. There is not a lot of storage either.
We aslo found that making one PS a day was the best route for us. That way she could eat when she was hungry,instead of at a set time.
Character meals are a lot of fun. She enjoys watching the Charcters go from table to table. We spend most of our time at MGM and MK. DD is a huge toy story/playhouse disney fan.
Her favorite rides are It's a small world, goofy's barnstormer and Big thunder Mt railroad.
The new wishes fireworks are really cool, but really loud. So if your child is afraid of loud noises....beware.....
Also you can bring your own juice/snacks in for the little guys.
Well that is all I can think of for now.

MickeyRon · 12-10-2003

hmmmm... maybe we should have taken our 19 month old in October 2003....

but we are going back in 2004!!! So she will be going this coming trip!!

Have I mentioned that we still have one day left on our Hopper Pass!!! :madmad

WE HAVE TO GO BACK

iluvwdw · 12-12-2003

Hi! We just got back from WDW with our 2 year old (he just turned 2 in October) and we had A BLAST! It was his 3rd trip to WDW, but this one was the most fun BY FAR!!!!!

I have to HIGHLY recommend staying at a monorail resort. I stayed at the Poly for 2 nights and wish I stayed there for our entire stay!!! I am already planning a long trip for NEXT December around the same time. I will NEVER EVER go in the Summer again!!!!! The crowds were light, we walked on practically EVERYTHING! My hubby LOVED this trip and can't wait to go back next December...and he wants to stay at the Poly too!!!

My 2 year old loved EVERYTHING! We got autographs of about 50 characters, we did 3 character meals (Chef Mickeys, Crystal Palace and CRT) and he had a BALL!!! I will post pictures when Iget them developed and put on a CD!

Oh, he LOVED Playhouse Disney! We never did this before! My little guy actually got away from me and RAN to the stage stairs when Pooh came on stage and screamed POOH!!! and he started climbing up the stairs! I had to run and grab him with the help of a Cast Member to pull him back to our spot on the carpet!!!! He was dancing, and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and the star of the show was JAMIE, the girl from the Disney Vacation Planning Video! She is actually in the brand new one, as well as the one from earlier this year! She is the one who starts out the video..."Welcome to the place where Magic lives. Etc, etc." It was so cool to see her!

We had a ball and we are going back in Feb for the MEET AND GREET and then we are going next December again....I can't wait!

You will have a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!! There is nothing like seeing how excited your little ones get when they get to WDW! :laugh :)

12-04-2003	#1 (permalink)
ressieb Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 41	Disney with toddler Hello, First time at DisneyCentral but I love Walt Disney World. I am planning a trip for January or February 2004 with my 2 1/2 year old son and wanted to know where's the best place to stay on-site and what parks are the best to visit with him on a 4-day stay. I want him to have fun - not be worn out:)

12-04-2003	#2 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Oh glory! You are going to have such a ball!! We stayed at the All Stars (Sports - first stop on the bus route) when my daughter was 18months (and running like the wind) but I could also see staying at one of the Monorail resorts as being completely easy. It just wasn't in our budget. You may want to consider staying at one (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) just so you can pop out and take an afternoon nap. I highly recommend Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, taking things slow and at his pace. Take a look at MGM and Epcot, but you could even hold those for another trip. There is so much to do at the MK for toddlers, and repetition is the key for them. I've spent hours just on It's a Small World alone. Also, huge welcomes to Disney Central!! :D __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

12-04-2003	#3 (permalink)
MickeyMamma Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 599	Welcome! I have a 2 1/2 year old son who has already been 2x to WDW. Where to stay depends on your budget. Our first trip we stayed at the All-Stars Movie Hotel. My son loved it because it had all the cute cartoon characters around and included in the pool theming. They also have an area where there are fountain jets in the ground and the kids can run through them and play (one of my son's favorite things to do!!). The second time, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge which he LOVED because he could get up every morning to see the animals and them see them again at night before he went to bed. For convenience, you may want a monorail resort which will give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom. There is also the Wilderness Lodge which you get to the Magic Kingdom by boat which we have stayed at in the past. In terms of parks, Magic Kingdom is my son's favorite by far! He even loves the Pirates ride. He likes pretty much all of the rides. Other things that are tops on his list are Playhouse Disney and Voyage of the Little Mermaid at MGM, the Lion King show and the Safari at Animal Kingdom, and Spaceship Earth and the Mexican boat ride at EPCOT. I would also suggest getting him an autograph book so he gets to meet the characters. This is one of my son's favortie thing to do. We have the character sign on one page and the facing page we leave blank so we can paste his picture with the character in it. He looks at the pictures alot and tries to tell me about his trip. Hope that give you a good place to start. I've also been to many of the restaurants with my son. His favorites have been Marakesh (EPCOT), Chef Mickey (Contemporary Resort), Crystal Palace (MK), and he LOVES eating the giant turkey drumsticks that you can get from counter service in the parks. You can PM me with any specifics if you like. You guys will have a great time!!!! :) __________________ Back from Disney, hoping to return again soon.

12-08-2003	#4 (permalink)
DougiesMommy Big Cheese Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 567	Welcome to DC! Disney with a 2 year old is tons of fun! Magic Kingdom is where we spend the bulk of our time. Dougie loved all rides except Snow White ~ hated the witch and Barnstormer ~ maybe a roller coaster wasn't a good idea but had to try it out. We stayed at the Contemporary which is just a hop, skip and jump away from MK. Most days we would head back to the resort for nap time and then head on back over to finish off the night. Dougie didn't like the Princess characters as he could tell those were people and he is always shy around people but had the best time with the other characters. The autograph books are just fantastic and he quickly got the hang of what to do after seeing only 2 characters. Also recommend the character meals as this allows you to see many characters without standing in lines. Not a peaceful calm meal by any means but still great food and fun atomosphere. __________________ Cher

12-10-2003	#7 (permalink)
BuzzLightyear MB Cast Member ® Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,917	You can't pick a better vacation when you have a toddler. My little guy will be 3 in January and taking his 3rd Disney trip in May. __________________ 86,92,96 Offsite * 2002 AKL * 2003 BCV * 2004 Contemporary * 2005 WL * 2006 BWV* 2008 CSR * My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 30 days 20 hours 52 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Resorts
Disney with toddler

12-09-2003	#5 (permalink)
ressieb Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 41	Thanks everyone for your input. I have made reservations at the Pop Century for the first week in February and a PS for Chef Mickey's for breakfast (I've never been). Also, while we are down there I am going to look into purchasing a DVC. Looking forward to my son's first of many trips to Disney:D

12-10-2003	#8 (permalink)
Cheryl Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 307	I think they key with going with a toddler is to not have too many expectations! LOL My daughter went when she was 20 months, 4 & she'll be almost 6 and had a blast each time. We went when my son was 20 months & holy moly was he a terror and a half. We spent most of our vacation pushing a screaming kid around the parks. He's 3 1/2 now and I'm praying he doesn't try and ruin it for us again! __________________ Cheryl - mom of 3 :) May 1997 ~ Wilderness Lodge October 1999 ~ Old Key West March 2002 ~ Off property (Wyndham Palace) January 2004 ~ Villas @ The Wilderness Lodge February 2007 ~ All Star Music

12-10-2003	#9 (permalink)
preidel24 Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 902	I'm glad to see so many of you with toddlers going to WDW. One of my big regrets is that we waited to our youngest was 5 before we took our 1st trip. This meant our oldest was 11 when he went his first time. If I had to do it over again I'd have taken them sooner and let them experience it as a toddler. Been 4 times since and my boys have fallen in love with disney - but since I can't go back in time I'll always regret not taking them sooner. Paula __________________ ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ Discover the Magic - and you'll be hooked for life!!!

12-10-2003	#10 (permalink)
tinkerbell Neverland Tour Guide ® Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Ark-La-Tex Posts: 7,596	we started taking our DGD when the youngest was 6 months old. I think the most important thing to remember is they may have more energy then you do at times. specially a toddler. when the girls were toddlers we would let them run off some of it at places in the parks, like Tom Sawyers Island and Mickey's ToonTown Fair (which was Mickey's Starland back then) also they may need rest. the Baby care centers are even great if you have a toddler. I think staying onsite is much better when you have a small one because it is easier / quicker to return to your room for naps if you must. some of you have seen this before http://www.angelfire.com/me/tinkrbel/100yrs/pp.html __________________ Stinkerbell, so named by Darth Official Defender of Swiss Family Treehouse MB chitchatter. We don't need no stinkin' post counts Protect Texas!!! Arm A Dillo

12-10-2003	#11 (permalink)
ressieb Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 41	I was a little worried about taking him because he has soooo much energy and and can be very out-of-control sometimes, but I remember the fun I had and still have when I visit so I just had to take him now. I can't wait to tell you all how it went when we get back. Please feel free to provide me more useful information on planning. Thanks again.

12-10-2003	#13 (permalink)
KarenT Mouse Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,025	My DD is 3 1/2 . She started going to wdw when she was 10 months old. She has been there around 6 times and DL once. Every time we went she enjoyed herself. Going on rides for the first time, meeting characters. Every age has brought new experiences and memories. For our convience we always stay at one the of monorail resorts, it just makes our lives easier. Easier to go back and swim, or take naps. Or just to get out of the sun if it is warm. I would suggest bringing your own stroller. IMO the rental ones are not very comfy. There is not a lot of storage either. We aslo found that making one PS a day was the best route for us. That way she could eat when she was hungry,instead of at a set time. Character meals are a lot of fun. She enjoys watching the Charcters go from table to table. We spend most of our time at MGM and MK. DD is a huge toy story/playhouse disney fan. Her favorite rides are It's a small world, goofy's barnstormer and Big thunder Mt railroad. The new wishes fireworks are really cool, but really loud. So if your child is afraid of loud noises....beware..... Also you can bring your own juice/snacks in for the little guys. Well that is all I can think of for now.

12-10-2003	#14 (permalink)
MickeyRon Grand Sorcerer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,353	hmmmm... maybe we should have taken our 19 month old in October 2003.... but we are going back in 2004!!! So she will be going this coming trip!! Have I mentioned that we still have one day left on our Hopper Pass!!! :madmad WE HAVE TO GO BACK __________________ Mickey Fan! Planned Nov/Dec 2007... BWV, Shareton Safari, SSR... 2007... WLV (Rented Points!!) 2006... ASMOV and RENTING DVC POINTS @ SSR 2004... ASMOV -- ON SITE!!! FIRST TIME! 2003... Silver Lake Resort (off property) 1982... Epcot Only Trip (off property) I forgot about this trip! 1976... Camping somewhere in Orlando (off property)

12-12-2003	#15 (permalink)
iluvwdw BLT for me! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Floral Park Village (Long Island), NY Posts: 7,426	Hi! We just got back from WDW with our 2 year old (he just turned 2 in October) and we had A BLAST! It was his 3rd trip to WDW, but this one was the most fun BY FAR!!!!! I have to HIGHLY recommend staying at a monorail resort. I stayed at the Poly for 2 nights and wish I stayed there for our entire stay!!! I am already planning a long trip for NEXT December around the same time. I will NEVER EVER go in the Summer again!!!!! The crowds were light, we walked on practically EVERYTHING! My hubby LOVED this trip and can't wait to go back next December...and he wants to stay at the Poly too!!! My 2 year old loved EVERYTHING! We got autographs of about 50 characters, we did 3 character meals (Chef Mickeys, Crystal Palace and CRT) and he had a BALL!!! I will post pictures when Iget them developed and put on a CD! Oh, he LOVED Playhouse Disney! We never did this before! My little guy actually got away from me and RAN to the stage stairs when Pooh came on stage and screamed POOH!!! and he started climbing up the stairs! I had to run and grab him with the help of a Cast Member to pull him back to our spot on the carpet!!!! He was dancing, and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and the star of the show was JAMIE, the girl from the Disney Vacation Planning Video! She is actually in the brand new one, as well as the one from earlier this year! She is the one who starts out the video..."Welcome to the place where Magic lives. Etc, etc." It was so cool to see her! We had a ball and we are going back in Feb for the MEET AND GREET and then we are going next December again....I can't wait! You will have a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!! There is nothing like seeing how excited your little ones get when they get to WDW! :laugh :) __________________ Kim LIFE IS JUST BETTER WHEN YOU HAVE A DISNEY TRIP PLANNED! 1997 Double Tree ~ 1998 Vistana ~ 1999 April Vistana ~ 1999 July Vistana ~ 1999 Sept All Star Movies ~ 2000 Vistana ~ 2001 Vistana ~ 2002 Vistana ~ 2003 Aug Vistana ~ 2003 Dec All Star Sports, Polynesian & OKW ~ 2004 Feb Vistana ~ 2004 Dec Vistana ~ 2005 Vistana/All Star Music 2006 SSR and Vistana Villages ~ 2007 Sheraton Safari, Vistana, POP Century ~ 2008 Vistana Villages, Animal Kingdom Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our First Disney Cruise and BLT stay as DVC Members - President's Week 2010! 3 days 10 hours 37 minutes

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