Taking a toddler to Disney??

[dunng]

Moe, Sarah would be the one to talk to about this... She planned it perfectly (especially considering it was mobbed being school vacation)!

[Blueface]

May not be what you want to hear but at age of 3?
Man, the only ones that will enjoy it to some degree before you hate it is your wife and you.
Your 3 year old will get tired easily, get cranky and never remember any of it.
I too made that mistake with my kids and was just a whole lot of money wasted.
I strongly recommend not taking a child there until at least 5, and even that may be too soon.

That said, good luck and hope you guys have a great time.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by dunng

On the flip side, she doesn't even remember she was there...

Just saw this after my post.
Seems to be exactly what I said.
Few realize this when taking small children there.

[md4958]

Originally Posted by Blueface

Just saw this after my post.
Seems to be exactly what I said.
Few realize this when taking small children there.

Thanks for your input Carlos

Gregs daughter was probably under 2 if it was last year.

Im really not concerned with him remembering for the rest of his life, because if he does well we would take him regularly.

My bigger concern is we will have to leave the park after 45 mintues because the giant Goofy scared the chit out of him. So, I was hoping if somebody could offer advice on how to avoid that it would be great.

He ususally does very well when we take him out all day say to the outlets or to the mall or something. We would be giving him naps in the afternoon, so that he wouldnt be a monster for the rest of the day. I AM concerned with sensory overload I think. There is so much going on at the parks.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by md4958

Thanks for your input Carlos

Gregs daughter was probably under 2 if it was last year.

Im really not concerned with him remembering for the rest of his life, because if he does well we would take him regularly.

My bigger concern is we will have to leave the park after 45 mintues because the giant Goofy scared the chit out of him. So, I was hoping if somebody could offer advice on how to avoid that it would be great.

He ususally does very well when we take him out all day say to the outlets or to the mall or something. We would be giving him naps in the afternoon, so that he wouldnt be a monster for the rest of the day. I AM concerned with sensory overload I think. There is so much going on at the parks.

Very, very legitimate concerns.
My daughter freaked out totally on the Snow White ride.
When younger, the characters really scared her too.
The good thing is they forget quickly as soon as you distract them with something else.
I tell you what, to a great degree, you will enjoy it as you will live through them. You can have an excuse to be a kid again for a while.
It is just a painful ordeal overall unless you happen to be one of the lucky ones.
The parks are much too expensive to go in for a while and have to leave soon after.

[md4958]

Originally Posted by Blueface

The parks are much too expensive to go in for a while and have to leave soon after.

This is my biggest concern Carlos, since the hopper passes are no longer good forever.

I guess if the wife really wants to go we can always see how the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom goes and if its a nightmare pay extra to have the passes good forever and just sit by the pool and relax.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by md4958

This is my biggest concern Carlos, since the hopper passes are no longer good forever.

I guess if the wife really wants to go we can always see how the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom goes and if its a nightmare pay extra to have the passes good forever and just sit by the pool and relax.

There will be plenty of warmth, sun and things to do in June in the Orlando area.
That is a great way to go. See how things go in one park or two and then go from there. Meantime, lots to do or not do so the vacation will still be a great one.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by md4958

This is my biggest concern Carlos, since the hopper passes are no longer good forever.

I guess if the wife really wants to go we can always see how the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom goes and if its a nightmare pay extra to have the passes good forever and just sit by the pool and relax.

Hey Moe-sy, I always bought my hopper passes from the people outside 7-11. It was a little scary the first time and seemed a little shady, but I got my tickets at a decent discount.
Disney scalpers rock.

Originally Posted by md4958

My bigger concern is we will have to leave the park after 45 mintues because the giant Goofy scared the chit out of him.

Moe, bring him tonight, I'll bring my goofy outfit and we'll see what happens.

[md4958]

Originally Posted by TRicker

Moe, bring him tonight, I'll bring my goofy outfit and we'll see what happens.

Originally Posted by TRicker

Moe, bring him tonight, I'll bring my goofy outfit and we'll see what happens.

If Leo can handle you he sure as hell can handle goofy.

[Sailkat]

Thought I'd throw my in..

I was in the travel business for over 20 years and booked alot of trips for people to Disney World. I discouraged people with children under 5 from going there. For many of the reasons already mentioned, kids don't remember it, there are limited rides they can go on, they often are frightened by the characters, sensory overload, etc. Not to say that you won't have fun, but it's a much better vacationn for older children.

That said, if you do go, stay in the park or on the park transportation system. If after two hours in the park you need to go back to the hotel it makes life much easier. Stroller is a must for little ones.....even if you just use it to carry the junk. Take a change of clothes with you....accidents happen. Bring a favorite book or toy, or both. A familar story or "Mr. Bear" needing a nap can be a good distraction if sensory overload happens. Take water and snacks that are your child's favorites....especially if they are picky eaters. Things are expensive...to find out after one bite that they don't like it and there is not an abundance of PB & J with no crusts

As a suggestion, check out Sea World. I got lots of positive feedback from people with young children regarding visits there.

Have fun....whatever you do!

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by Blueface

May not be what you want to hear but at age of 3?
Man, the only ones that will enjoy it to some degree before you hate it is your wife and you.
Your 3 year old will get tired easily, get cranky and never remember any of it.
I too made that mistake with my kids and was just a whole lot of money wasted.
I strongly recommend not taking a child there until at least 5, and even that may be too soon.

That said, good luck and hope you guys have a great time.

One of the first things we did when we moved to Florida was get Florida resident season passes. With my son being 5 ( 6 in March) he is really enjoying the trips there now and we are too.