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View Full Version : First time ever with a 2 yr old advice



ISLE39
05-28-2013, 01:59 PM
I have been to Disney well over 30 times as an adult but for the first time ever I'm bringing a 28 month old and he's my son. What items do u think I would forget that you can tell me now. I'm thinking stroller fan stroller cover autograph book water diapers. Tell me things that aren't obvious. Also in the hotels where did your 2 yr old sleep in the bed with you in a crib in a blow up toddler bed. My boy is bigger than most kids he's 3 feet already at exactly 24 months. The trip s sept 23-30. Tia for your advice.

BuddyL4
05-28-2013, 02:23 PM
We are going in August with the family and our 2 yo grandson for his first trip. My advice with the stroller would be to mark it some way so you can id it quickly. Ribbons, colored string whatever will make it stand out as the stroller may get moved. As far as sleeping arrangements we will try the pack in play but will be flexible if that needs to change. Have a great trip! :mickey:

MrPeetrie
05-28-2013, 02:54 PM
We went to Walt Disney World with my DD when she was 17 months and again at 29 months.

First, learn where the Baby Care Centers are in each park. They are key with a little one. It's a great way to get them out of the heat and let them cool off. They have drinks (juice, milk), spare diapers, changing areas, even private feeding areas.

Have a stroller that lays back and bring something to shield them from the sunlight. Purchase one of those misting fans if it's very hot.

Keep them hydrated! It sounds simple, but on my DD's second trip, she needed a visit to the First Aid Station as she was SOOOOO excited, she refused to eat or drink. Also, learn where the fruit stands are. Bananas are a great way to replace lost potassium.

Ask for bed rails when you check in and a mini-fridge. Bring plenty of "sippy" cups. Wash them out at night. We usually have six with us, bringing three to the parks while the other three dry out. Bring table-toppers for dining.

Find time to go back to the resort for an afternoon nap. They will need a break. It's so exciting for them, they won't want to nap. Trust me, they need a nap.

Forget the Commando schedule. You have to be on their schedule. Up at 6:00, in parks before 8:00, stay to midnight won't work. If they're cranky, no one will have a good time.

Rides that may seem boring to adults are usually fun for them.

Parades are great! Playhouse Disney is Great! Water play areas are great, like the new one in New Fantasyland.

KEEP THEM HYDRATED! I know. I said that already, but it can be an issue!

Be prepared to have the BEST VACATION !!! Watching their eyes light up is the absolute greatest joy I've EVER encountered. My DD's eyes were the size of saucers, watching Festival of the Lion King. When they see their Disney Channel friends up close they go nuts. Their feet kick. They scream. Then they sleep. And that's when you shop.

I hope you have a great vacation!

KylesMom
05-28-2013, 03:35 PM
All great advice, MrPeetrie!

I would like to add NOT to get started with any dark rides. This includes Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. Start it light and perhaps you can graduate to these later in the trip. Nothing like having a terrified child from the get-go who wants nothing to do with the attractions because they were spooked early in the vacation. Truly surprised us on the attractions DS was freaked out on when we took him at this age. :mickey:

Mendelson
05-28-2013, 03:48 PM
I would like to add NOT to get started with any dark rides.

Yep. My son (2.5) was fine for two days at MK and then got scared by a show on the Fantasy and when we came back to WDW he was very skittish...even on rides he was asking about and talking about riding and had ridden just fine before the cruise.

Also, just personal preference, but I hate taking strollers pretty much anywhere and found that carrying him on my shoulders for the bulk of the day was much preferable to taking a stroller. (This holds for MK and HS, but not for Epcot, where the stroller was welcomed due to much more walking and much larger walkways.)

Use the rider switch pass - essentially a free fast pass - to your advantage!

ransam
05-28-2013, 04:53 PM
i took my 3 year old son this past Feb. I have gone so many times w/ adults, and this was the first time w/ a kid.

I will tell you my experiences. your experience may be different. i'm sure everyone's is different. . First of all, it's a completely different experience. When i go w/ my friends we are out the door by 7am and get in about 1am. With my son we were pretty much in the hotel by 630 or so and in bed by 9. now that isn't bad, I actually enjoyed spending time at the resort w/ him. it was fun to play in the hotel and around the grounds. you will also find that you will discover things or do things you've never done. We spent a lot of time at Honey i shrunk the kid set, and other play grounds. I loved that. i am so impressed w/ the details of those.
I went on rides i never went on, kids rides.

a couple pieces of advice.
pull back and watch him. Watch his joy, amazement. when we walked down main street and i saw his face when he saw the characters performing it's a look i'll never forget. walking along w/ us, trying to keep up with his little legs pumping along. or running ahead of us because we're moving too slow. staring up at the toy story characters in amazement that they are real. enjoy the moments.

allow him to get his way. if he doesn't want to do something, don't make him do it. it will upset him and you will get upset, and who needs that. let him dictate things it will make eveyrone happy.

don't be afraid to buy him things. you won't spoil him one week. let him eat ice cream and buy lighted things, and balloons.

just a couple things. Hope you have a great time.


oh yea, take tons of pictures.

ISLE39
05-28-2013, 05:00 PM
Thank you. Loving this advice. Hoping my son stays in the routine he is in. Bed at 1030pm awake at 73-8am two hr nap between 4-6. It's a consistent routine for months now. I can't wait to see Disney through his eyes. I've added box of tissues to packing list. Gonna be so much fun. Thank you

clarkee
05-28-2013, 08:34 PM
Great advice from everyone! We have taken my two daughters since the oldest was 5 months. They love it. Here at my tips;
1. We pack an inflatable boat for their bed. Blow it up. Bring sheets. The boat has sides and they can't fall out.

2. Pack snacks to bring into the park. Whatever your little one likes to eat. I use Velcro straps from toys r us to attach a snack cup and sippy cup to the stroller.

3. Use a light stroller because it has to fold and be carried on the buses. Go one step up from an umbrella stroller.

4. Use a grocery delivery service to have snacks,diapers etc. delivered to your room and avoid over packing bags.

5. Use boats and monorail as much as possible since you don't have to fold stroller.

6. Pack a couple of toys or books for the hotel room quiet time.

7. Get lots of pictures by photopass so you are in them too.

8. Just about everywhere (counter service and restaurants) will make your little one a peanut butter sandwich or other suitable meal. Don't be afraid to ask.

9. Don't overpack for the day in the park. Use ziplock bags if possible. Bag check lines can be long and annoying.

10. Relax and enjoy. Let your little one guide your vacation but not rule it. If they want to keep going then enjoy. Consider spending a day away from the park. Enforce the rules you use at home. Don't get stressed or you won't enjoy it and neither will your child.

Have a great time. We go every year and the kids, now five and three have fun but also take turns, try new foods, get time outs and enjoy both rides and pool time. In short, we act just like we are at home.

Sylvia
05-31-2013, 12:23 AM
I've never been to WDW with children younger than 10 years, but, after over 60+ trips to a Disney Park, I have a few suggestions. Here are a few suggestions from a kid in an adult body, and a well-trained observer.

Remember sun block, hats, socks, a cover for the stroller to shield your child from the sun. Over the years, I've seen many people carrying a beet-red child in the hot sun, without protection from the burning rays.

Invest in spray fans. They sell them at WDW, but you can most likely find them at your local discount store at a cheaper price. Spraying the water while the fan is on, will help to cool your child and you'll probably be happy to spray yourself when the heat is too much.

When your child is cranky or tired, and just wants to nap, let him. Again, over the years, I've seen many people dragging their child by the arm, telling him/her to be quiet they have to go to another attraction or on another ride, before they can go to sleep. It bothered me to think that the only memory that child will have of WDW is - "All I wanted to do was go to sleep, but mommy and daddy wouldn't let me." Most of the time, though, I saw many people who allowed their children "call the shots" and I know those children really had a fantastic time.

And, finally, from someone who has heard more than her share of "I'm sorry" repeatedly from parents whose child was so excited he/she rushed to see something and ran in front of me, or walked into me, just take it in stride. Kids will be kids. Adults who love WDW used to be kids; most of us remember what it was like to be so excited we accidentally walked into someone. Most adults usually are careful when child are around, at least, I hope they are.

Have a great time.

ISLE39
05-31-2013, 09:10 AM
Thank you. I'm trying to make lists of what to bring. I'm a very big list person. So far I have everything everybody suggested. Keep it coming

dixielandings
05-31-2013, 10:04 AM
All this advice is great. I've got a 3yo who has been to WDW several times already.

Ditto on the Baby Care Centers - we still use these for diaper/potty time. They are awesome!

Bring some non-baby wipes for wiping hands and tables and stuff. You can get them for about $1 at Target.

You might consider stroller rental - you can get a deal on a multi-day rental and it'll keep you from having to lug your own around.

It WILL be hot when you go. Dress the kiddo lightly and bring a change of clothes each day, just in case.

We've always managed with no more than 3 sippy cups, FWIW.

Definitely do the things that are really geared toward little ones but don't limit your time to those attractions only - stroll around World Showcase, look at flowers together, go shopping...this is a time in your kid's life that whatever you like, he likes - within reason, of course.

Make sure everybody knows this is his first visit - so they can make a big deal out of him!

We still use the pack & play for sleeping but if your boy is 3' tall already, you might consider some of the previous advice. You can buy a "nap mat" - they're not to hard to find during back to school time, which is just before your trip. He could use a piece of the floor in the room, and a mat is easy to pick up and put away each morning.

DITTO also on not over-packing. Remember that anything you might find yourself in dire need of is probably available at Baby Care, first aid, or in any shop.

Have a blast - I thought I loved WDW before and that traveling with a child would "cramp my style". Man, was I wrong...We've made a million and one memories in the last 3 years! Enjoy!!

faberj
06-03-2013, 08:29 PM
We went in November with our DS for the first time and he was 2 1/2, he too is also very tall for his age (37 inches at the time of our trip!).

We stayed in a family suite at AoA Lion King. VERY NICE for families we loved it and hope to go back!

We took an inflatable toddler bed as he was too tall for a pack and play. He did a combination of that and sleeping with us.

To to keep with his schedule as best as you can. With our DS he did not nap very well as he thought he would miss something.

We did lots of character meals as he LOVES the characters. He very much so enjoyed them, but was confused why they did not talk to him and was hard to explain to a 2 1/2 year old.

As for rides that also really depends on your child. Our DS's first ride was Its A Small World. As he likes boats and music and it isn't really a dark ride. He went on a lot more then I thought he would. Perter Pan was one of his favorites!

We took our own stroller (the city mini) and car seat and it worked out nice for us.

We shipped down ahead of us his favorite snacks, juice boxes, diapers, wipes, etc. I also used Garden Grocer as he needed lactose free milk and you can not get that anywhere on property.

I would also suggest a back pack carrier (I bought the ergo that goes up to 45 pounds). It is pricey but it is SO WORTH it. Our DS liked to be able to see above all the people. It was also nice to have trying to get through crowds of people. I used it just about every day of our 9 day trip. I do have to admit I trained with it about a month in advance to get used to carrying him on my back and it was a breeze once we were there!

Plan lots of down time or just resort time to relax even if he won't nap. This was a new one for my DH and I as we tend to GO GO GO on our Disney trips. We had a lot of fun during our down times exploring the resort and looking though shops so DS could unwind and be away from all the park craziness.


ENJOY and Have a wonderful time. It is amazing to experience WDW with your child! :mickey:

ISLE39
06-03-2013, 10:22 PM
Thank you.

#1donaldfan
06-04-2013, 12:51 PM
Snacks are the biggest, because once you're in line it's hard to "feed an appetite" of a child who's hungry !! Wipes are a close second.:thumbsup:

Disney Doll
06-04-2013, 01:14 PM
I have 3 kids and we go at least once a year so I have done my fair share of traveling with toddlers.

1. Keep it simple. You don't need lots of extra stuff. My experience has been that we don't really use all the kid gadgets that we buy to make life easier.

2. Sept is brutally hot. Bring extra clothes to the park each day so that he can get wet in the fountain and water play areas. These were seriously the highlight of the trip when my boys were that age. A towel is a good idea too.

3. Simple lightweight umbrella style stroller with a decent recline. I like Chico lightway or Graco Ipo. Shade of course.

4. Schedule character meals for the end of your trip and test the waters with characters in the parks on the first few days. If your kid hates characters cancel the character meal and spend the money on something he would enjoy more.

5. Antibacterial wipes. Kids touch everything. They always need cleaning before meals or snacks and sometimes just because.

6. A favorite toy or blanket can make all the difference when a meltdown is coming. I pack these special items into the parks and keep close tabs on them.

7. Some kind of ID for your kid. We usually go with the dog tag laced onto the shoe with mom and dad's cell phone number. I've also seen temporary tattoos and bracelets. I also take a pic every morning so I know exactly what my kids are wearing should they get lost.

8. Afternoon break, every single day. Even is they are too keyed up to nap it's a decompression time from the chaos of the parks.

9. Don't rush. Take the time to explore the little things- your resort playground, jumping fountains at EPCOT, the little Disney touches. It's not all about rides and young kids appreciate the little things.

10. Buy the balloon, have the Mickey ice cream, do the special things that you wouldn't normally do at home. That doesn't mean you have to break the bank, but indulge a little. You can bring plenty of stuff from home if you are on a budget. Light toys for the evening, special snacks, little Disney toys to surprise them with each day, mini bubbles to make waiting a little more fun, etc.

Disney Doll
06-04-2013, 01:15 PM
Oh and we keep the kids in our bed. That kind of goes with #1 above, but since you asked specifically I thought I would be more clear.

thejens
06-04-2013, 11:18 PM
My son was 2 on my first trip with him! I definitely agree to bring a change of clothes, if only a shirt and diapers. Our son loved getting wet and would find a puddle to sit in even if managed to avoid the water feature! Also bring some large zip lock baggies into the park every day. These are helpful if your child's clothes get wet so that they don't make everything else wet. Also you can stick your camera or album etc. into it when you go on a wet ride. Kid's leftover slice of pizza, etc.

Our kids have never been rigid schedule types and I basically hit the parks at opening and plowed through the day and had many late nights. Both of my boys napped as they needed to in the parks! The little one just fell sleep in reclining stroller and often fell asleep in my arms in dark rides. We have a joke that my youngest falls asleep when there are fireworks because he always did at WDW as soon as they began! It seemed to work really well for my boys who would awaken full of happy energy again. I know this isn't right for every child.

This isn't to say I drug my kids around and made them go on rides they didn't want to (the baby swap is a great for this.) I did slow down however when my baby suddenly became entranced with something (often puddles, bugs, and non-exciting things imo.)

Lollipops, snacks, and small toys are great to save until you are stuck in a long line and toddler gets irritable and bored. Always have something novel tucked away for these emergencies!

You can save some money by buying some dollar store glow sticks/neclaces because they are wildly expensive in the parks and a 2 year old would likely not know the difference. (When they are 5 their heart is set on things like the light up Buzz or Micky light saber!)

When you come out of rides, run as fast as you can because you seem to usually come out into a gift shop!! :)

Have a wonderful time! Great ideas here.

Goes4FastPass
06-05-2013, 02:24 PM
Introduce 'fur' characters slowly. To us they're giant stuffed adnmals to a 2YO they can be terrifying.
Our grandkids LOVED the dark rides when they were 2. That stuff about dark is scary is an adult response not a kid response.
Take the grandparents. Grandparents are great Disney travelers. They are babysitters with credit cards.

thejens
06-05-2013, 11:57 PM
"Take the grandparents. Grandparents are great Disney travelers. They are babysitters with credit cards."

:funny:

SO TRUE!!

ISLE39
06-07-2013, 09:39 AM
Lol. We are bringing one grandma and 2 uncles. Gonna be the best trip

princessesmom
06-07-2013, 01:03 PM
My youngest is now 9, but all 4 of my children were at WDW when they were 2. As others have said try to stay on his regular schedule. Naps are very important! Get to the parks early, take an afternoon nap break, and then head back out for the late afternoon/early evening. There are some scary things in WDW for some children. I think Fantasmic is especially scary and we did not take any of our children to that show until they were older. Don't be surprised if he is not receptive to the characters at first. A lot of children are, but some are not. My son didn't want to be close to them early on the week we visited when he was two, but by the end of the week he loved them! Take lots of snacks along. We always traveled with my parents, which was a huge help when the kids were young. It sounds like you have some extra hands along as well. You'll have a great time.

GoldenDreams
06-07-2013, 11:03 PM
Looks like a lot of great advice here. I'll add these tips:

1) Have some toys for him to play with in the morning while you get ready. He'll need the downtime. My son was 4, so it was Legos, but maybe you'd bring some Duplo or toy cars... whatever usually keeps him busy at home.

2) The strawberry ice bars are a lifesaver for a cranky, hot, or hungry kid. All fruit, so we didn't mind giving him a few. The fruit/cheese snack-stand at Animal Kingdom is also a nice change of pace and has very toddler-friendly food.

3) It isn't a bad idea to pack a thermometer. Kids get sick, so being able to take their temperature can be helpful.

Have a great time!

megustamex
06-26-2013, 12:55 PM
I don't know if this is a consideration, but we always get a rental car to take to the parks now that we have young kids. It has been a savior when they are cranky and tired - we get to leave immediately on our schedule, no waiting in lines for buses. I have too many memories of standing on a full bus at the end of the night - can't imagine doing it with a tired kid. We also don't take trams but walk to the car - then the sleeping child doesn't need to be taken out of the stroller until they go in their car seat.

We also bring full lunches into the parks - peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, the works. Disney will let you bring food in - people even bring rolling soft coolers. We used to have to stop what we were doing when the kids got hungry and make our way to a restaurant that had something they wanted to eat - sometimes that was on the other side of the park. Then get in line and wait some more while wrangling the kids - it's so much easier to just bring our lunch, find a table wherever we are and eat right away (they'll let you grab a counter service table and eat your own lunch there - no one bats an eye). Plus then we always have food that the kids will eat. That has been the best thing we've done to make the trip more relaxing.

Early on we changed the way we do Disney - we used to be all nighters too. When we went with kids, we stopped caring about going on roller coasters and just did whatever the kids wanted to do. That mindset resulted in the most relaxing vacation.

Have fun! It's a great age - your child will be so wowed by the magic. It's a break for you because as soon as you walk in the park he will be mesmerized by everything and you don't have to work so hard to entertain him! Enjoy.

minnie04
06-26-2013, 01:18 PM
You know your child better than anyone, so just relax and take it slow and at his pace. I wouldn't rush out the door in the morning if he isn't a morning kid or stay out late if he sleeps early. Those are the things to remember the most. It will be very overwhelming to him to see everything, so just take your time and let him enjoy all he can in the days you are there. I would try to book a character breakfast or dinner. This way he can see the characters he likes the most up close and take nice pictures. A two year old has no concept of time to be standing/sitting in those long lines to see characters. As far as sleeping arrangements, our son slept with us in the bed. I took a playpen, but that was only to put him in when a lot of people were coming in and out of the room, so he wouldn’t run outside or if I needed a hands free moment. Try to bring a few comforts of home (i.e. pillow cases, blanket, favorite toys, etc.) just remember take it slow and enjoy every moment of your trip. If you rush your will miss the little things like his expression, smiles and excitement… Have a great time planning :mickey:

honeybear
06-26-2013, 01:58 PM
I have been reading and taking it all in. Will be traveling to Disney with a then 2yo. Loving these tips!:mickey:

ISLE39
06-26-2013, 09:01 PM
Love the advice

BuffaloJason
06-28-2013, 02:10 PM
You're getting so much great advice here and I don't have much to add but just a couple tips from my recent trips with young kids. We took my oldest daughter when she was two (34 months), and then went with both daughters at four and one (16 months). We're planning to go back Jan-2014 when they'll be two and five.

For last years trip we rented the Citi Mini strollers from "Strollers and Groceries" and they were awesome. The fold super easy, are relatively light weight, comfortable for sleeping, and just enough cargo space. They're super expensive to buy and I don't really need them around town but I wouldn't go WDW without one.

My other tip would just be to try if you can to minimize your own expectations for how much you'll do in the way of attractions on this trip. We've found as many have suggested that things go smoothest if we just spend a few hours in the parks in the morning, take a long afternoon break, and maybe spend a couple more park hours in the evening. Dumbo, Small World, and the Speedway are about as intense as we can get with the attractions. First day or so of both trips I found myself feeling really disappointed that we weren't "getting more done". I have to really make a conscious effort to "slow down and smell the roses". There's so much more to WDW than the attractions. That's really what keeps us going back.

Lastly I'll mention that you shouldn't autotmatically skip World Showcase as many do just because you have small kids in tow. In fact I'd dare say WS has turned out to be both of my kids favorite parts of WDW so far. Coloring the Duffy's, meeting the princesses, checking out the train in Germany, checking out the fountains, getting souvenirs from all the shops. Your results may vary of course but the sort of low key aspect of WS seems to agree really well with my kids.

:mickey:

megustamex
06-28-2013, 07:37 PM
I just have to add an echo to the last post - my kids love Epcot too. The Character Spot in Future World is the best place to see all the main characters in Disney - spend one hour in line, yes, but it's indoors, air conditioned, and you get to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto all in a row. In Mexico in World Showcase, one of my kids' favorite rides is Tres Caballeros with Donald Duck. They also like to see the Pooh characters in England.

IloveJack
06-29-2013, 01:41 PM
Take an extra SD card. We've always taken hundreds of pictures on our trips, but we probably take twice as many now. By the way, this is one of my favorites from our last trip. <a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h423/MonkeyToesMom/?action=view&current=null_zps4cac46b6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h423/MonkeyToesMom/null_zps4cac46b6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a> It's my YDD, who turned 1 that day. I watched her watch the afternoon parade at MK. By far, one of my favorite memories.
I've taken each of my DDs for their first birthdays, and then a trip in between, so my ODD has been at 12 and 24 months, and at 3.5 yrs. that being said, this thread is full of great advice.
As for the extra outfit, I put a full outfit in a quart-sized ziplock, then roll it to push out all the air. It doesn't take much room in the diaper bag, and it's there for dirty/wet clothes later, or anything eelse you might need.
Both of my girls LOVED the characters at 1. At 2, my ODD wanted nothing to do with the non-humans. Nothing at all. I ended up changing an ADR for the Beach Club and changing it to Park Fare, the day before, just so we wouldn't have a kid under the table, hiding the entire time. Then at 3.5, she loved them again. Just be aware that its possible, and be flexible if it happens. I'm hoping our YDD still loves them when we go again, but we'll deal if not.
Lastly, don't forget ice water is free. I learned that here, and it's a great freebie to know about. We got a cup for the girls after playing in the park's "playgrounds" each time. It cooled the girls off quickly, and we didn't have to pay for a "real" drink. Like someone mentioned before, they dehydrate easily, because they're too excited to think about being thirsty.
Most importantly, have fun, and don't be shocked when you tear up seeing the magic through their eyes.

ISLE39
07-02-2013, 07:46 AM
I tear up now thinking of when I first arrive with him in wdw