Tips for 2 year olds! About This Page:

[Princess in Training]

My son will have just turned 2 when we are at Disney World this Christmas--does anyone have any tips for me? What rides he can go on? Stroller or wagon? We are eating at
O'Hannas, 50's Prime Time, Crystal Palace and the Coral Reef.

[DISNEYGOOF]

We never had a two year old with us but the family
that went with us did. I would suggest doing what
you want but plan a few slow times when you could sit
through a show(Hall of Presidents, American Adventure,
O'Canada) were they might have a little time to recharge.
If they get too tired you might go let them take a nap.
You have to remember to trash the plans if its not
going exactly like you want sometimes the most fun thing
to them is chasing the birds. (Our kids still do this )Just remember "Commando" and 2-year olds don't
always mix.

[MelissaL]

Your son will be allowed on anything without a height requirement -- pretty much everything except the roller coasters, the motion simulators, and Tower of Terror. Depending on how he reacts to scary stuff, you might also want to avoid the Haunted Mansion and Great Movie Ride.

I don't think you can bring a wagon into the parks, so the choice is between renting a stroller and bringing your own. When we brought our son at 3 and at 4, we brought our own lightweight folding stroller, which came in very handy walking to busses and boats outside the parks.

If your son has trouble with the dark, you may want to bring a small keychain-type flashlight. That way if he gets scared on rides like Peter Pan, he can turn his light on without bothering other riders.

If you're staying on-site, I'd highly recommend doing Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom and making a beeline for Fantasyland. In September we were able to ride Dumbo, Peter Pan, Snow White, Pooh, and Small World in an hour, while waits later in the day got up to 30 minutes each. Crowds will be much worse near Christmas but Early Entry should still be a big help.

Have a great time!
Melissa

[goofy4goofy]

I can't stress this enough: Ft. Wilderness activities, including the petting zoo, pony ride and campfire program. My two year old loved these more than anything else we did at WDW.

When you go to the parks (or DTD) bring an extra outfit (I took mine in a ziploc bag).

The key to enjoying a trip with a toddler is flexibility. Make plans, but also plan on breaking them here and there. When your child gets tired and cranky, find a quiet place for your son to rest and rejuvinate (for you as well).

Have a great time!
Kelly

[TinkerAnn]

I've done this twice.

If there is anyway you can bring your big stroller I would. This was our nap lifesaver!! A friend convienced me to get a double stroller....I was hesitant and I am so sorry that I ever doubted her. I got one thatboth seats were capable of laying flat. It allowed me to take a small collapse. cooler in the front for snacks and juice for Chloe and then I could still lean back the back seat for her to lay down. I know lots of people rent or take umbrella strollers but for us we would never go without our own. More comfortable and in addition you have all that wonderful storage space on the bottom. You won't have to carry anything!

We also packed snacks. You know how energy levels for toddlers just plummet and they are hungry NOW!!! Don't be shy about that...it's just something you have to do.

[Colexis Mom]

Bring your own stroller, bring his special toy if he has one (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.), and above all, remember to be flexible!

[GATechGal]

Keep Small World handy. Any time our kids got fussy at that age, back on SM we would go. Everyone gets off MUCH happier than they get on (hence my theory about the narcotic gas )

[michnash]

Don't forget about "Kid Swapping"- no, I don't mean swap your kid for a new one! If you and/or your mate want to ride one of the Mountains or bigger rides, they will let you all stand in line together-then, one of you rides while the other waits with the little one, and then you swap places! You give the little one to your mate and ride the ride yourself. Have fun!

[TinkerAnn]

[ QUOTE ]
(hence my theory about the narcotic gas )

[/ QUOTE ]



Hilarious...but somehow seems like it could be true!

[Disneyphile's Wife]

[ QUOTE ]

(hence my theory about the narcotic gas )



[/ QUOTE ]

It's a pretty specialized gas, though. It only appears to work on small children, their parents and older adults. Teenagers, especially, seem to have a bad reaction to the stuff.

[disneygal]

Our son turned 2 during our trip in December of 2001. We had the best time. It was his first trip. There was soooo much that he was able to do. You are going to have a ball! It's very easy to keep him entertained and happy in Disney!

[Mimi Belle]

Our last trip, my son was almost 2. The first thing we did was go to MGM and hit the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Boy was I in for a shocker! It is dark and he SCREAMED his head off. Hubby had to take him out while I stayed with my 4 year old. After that, he was scared of EVERYTHING! So, my advice is to start with non-dark, quiet, happy rides/shows first and then move on. He even cried on the Winnie The Pooh ride after that! I hope he does better this time!

What he did enjoy (not-dark, low noise): Indy Speedway, Mickey and Minnies Cottages, Meeting characters outside, Parades, Cinderella Celebration Show, Animal Kingdom trails and animals, Kilmanjaro Safaris, ALL EPCOT World Showcase (people watching and then parade).

Hope this helps a little.

[TINKN]

I've never gone with my kids. Next trip will be the first so I don't have much to add. But, the poster is right in that you will not be able to use a wagon. Disney has rules that prevent you from pulling anything behind you in the parks. They also do not allow jogging type strollers, although some have used their's without a problem.

[dzlovesdisney]

Hello,

We took our son last year (he was 2 years, 4 months), and had a great time. He was amazed with every ride, and after every one he would say "DAT FUN!"

We did use the park strollers, and he napped in them without a problem in the middle of each day. It worked out very well that while we pushed the stroller, he would fall asleep, and we would shop until he woke up.

Snacks and water are key -- lollipops work well when waiting for a ride or a parade.

Have a great time -- what incredible memories you are going to make!