Our first family trip!

[jenperich]

We finally booked BLT for our first family trip. Our son is almost 9 months old now and will be 19 months then. We have been many times before him, but we are even more excited to go with him! I know it will be a very different trip, but we can't wait. For you parents out there, what will our trip be like?

[Janmac]

We have taken young grandkids to WDW and yes, what a different trip. Definitely expect to explore the non-attraction sides of the parks as toddlers love sights and sounds, sometimes especially from the seats of their strollers.

One memorable visit involved 25 month old and 3 1/2 year old toddlers. While most of the older members of our group spent some time in Innoventions, the two toddlers were mesmerized by the sidewalk lights at Epcot. We must have spent a solid hour - a long attention span at that age - while the kids played with the lights.

We were much more aware of the characters, tho the toddlers in our group have always been more apt to interact with characters during a meal. Somehow, at a table, those huge characters seem less imposing.

We did have strollers, did take mid-day breaks at the resort, did get to the parks at rope drop, and often had meals while the toddlers slept in their strollers, or, in the case of 50s Prime Time, on the bench beside us. Also, you can get a lot of shopping done while your little one naps in his stroller.

I have thought that this age group is almost the best, easiest?, age group to tour with because they can communicate but still are apt to fall asleep when or where ever they get sleepy and, with at least a semi-reclining stroller, you can continue on with your touring.

We tried to be mindful of sensory overload, withdrawing to quieter areas of the parks when it seemed best. For one of the toddlers in our group, her mother invested in some good baby ear phones, very cute in hot pink, but I'm sure there are some good boy colors available.

We have brought two 25 month olds to the parks and after the first day, only brought one or two diapers, small pkg of wipes and a change of clothes, in a zip lock bag, rather than the whole diaper bag. Since we were going back to the resort at mid day, this worked out best for us.

Jan

[faline]

Yes, do plan on having a much slower trip - tailored to the needs of your little one. Keep in mind that things change quickly at this age. A child who loves characters at one age will fear them at another - or the opposite - just take your cues from your child.

Disney Wold is a very stimulating place. Again, your child's temperment will dictate how well this stimulation is handled and whether the child can take it in stride or will be overwhelmed and need to have some quiet space at regular intervals.

Some kids can fall asleep at the drop of a hat; others, fight the sleepiness and get cranky instead.

As Jan noted, you never know what will fascinate your child. When he was 2, my nephew loved the gulls out in front of the living seas but wanted nothing to do with the large sharks inside. He adored the stunt automobile show and the carousel but was less happy with other rides and shows.

Happy planning!!

[minnie-mouse]

We took our DD for her first trip around that age. Every child is different, but some can get frightened of the characters. Also remember with all the excitement, they will be sure to fall asleep in the stroller. We always let our daughter take her nap in it while we still walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere. Also, don't forget that it gets hot sitting in the stroller, make sure your child is dressed comfortably and has lots to drink. It is such a fun experience at this age, have a wonderful time!