kelly

We are leaving in 10 days to go to Disney World with our children ages 5 and 18 month old. I would like tips on mistakes NOT to make while traveling with a toddler. (This is the second time I have posted question. Thanks to those who responded before!!)

ilisa

I think I may have responded to you before, so I apologize if I repeat myself. We just returned from WDW with a 20 month old and had a fabulous time. The key to a great trip is flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. The biggest mistake you can make is to try to do the parks commando style. You must accept the fact that you will not see or do anything. And you know something, that's ok. We just had a ball being with our daughter. Your 18 month old will understand more than you realize. It is amazing to see Disney through a child's eyes. You must let your kids's needs decide your schedules. Make sure you plan plenty of rest/nap/pool time. Try to eat your meals at about the same time you would at home. Do not force your children to visit with the characters. Many children are afraid of them because of their size. In the same vein, don't force them on any rides they don't want to go on. You can always use the baby swap. Also, there are a lot of rides that your kids can go on. We took our daughter on everything without a height restriction, including the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Use Fastpass wherever possible. Will you be buying groceries when you get down there? If so, a big mistake is to go to Goodings at Crossroads Shopping Center in Lake Buena Vista. Way overpriced (I made the mistake). I would find out the location of the nearest Publix or Target. Oh, and relax. I bet you'll have a great time. Some people on this board make it sound like travelling with toddlers is hell on earth. It's not if you have realistic expectations and just relax. Please feel free to email me at the above address if you have any questions.

julie

I agree with the above and would like to add: Although I like the hopper passes, I avoid hopping. It takes a long ime to go from one park to the next and it is tiring especially because of strollers and lifting children on and off the bus/monorail,etc.
Get a double stroller, the five year old will get tired too. Let the kids fall asleep in the stroller, in rides, at restaurants. Don't wake them up to see a site, enjoy a ride or eat their lunch. Just let them rest whenever they need it. Go with the flow.

Cindy

I took a 2-year old and older siblings 2 years ago. In addition to what has been said, I'd also caution that Disney can be a little scary for kids. It is very loud, many attractions are dark, and pretty much everything is big and unfamiliar when you are only two years old. So just resist the impulse to "test" the child our "encourage" them to try something.

For what it is worth, my son did quite poorly at Disney. He was afraid of positively everything, even things he handles well at home. Also, I found the baby swapping didn't work very well because Disney ride entrances are often part of the attraction and therefore are loud, dark and scary.

So I'd say that you and hubby might think about splitting up so the baby can do things the baby would enjoy.

Peggy

I agree with the first reply you got. We've been doin' Disney for years now, and we started when my boys were both little guys. Keep things slow, don't hurry. You and your hubby can enjoy seeing it all when the kids are bigger and they don't need as much attention. Mine are 11 and 14 now, and we still love it every year.

lisa

Hi I also agree with everyone here. We've been to WDW 3 times with toddlers, last year with our 3yo, 18mo and I was 7m pregnant! We had a fantastic time. We really enjoyed the Character dining - my 18mo really took to the characters - his face was a picture when he met his favourite characters, mickey mouse, pooh, tigger etc. To be honest we didn't go on many rides, didn't even see all of the parks but just being there was worth it! Universal Studios was also brilliant with Barney, Rugrats, Blues Clues etc. Like everyone else, take it easy and have a fantastic time!