phandtf

Two grandparents, 3 young adults and 1 toddler. We have done Sea World and Disneyland in Calif. Universal in Calif. and Orlando. We are the grandparents and don't have to run to everything as we did when our kids were small and can "sit" with the little one while the parents do a few biggies,so any itinerary suggestions? If you wanted to visit 2 parks.....knowing you can't do everything what would be best? We had thought maybe Sea World and Busch Gardens in Tampa as the toddler lives there and loves it, but we have never been to Disneyworld....so.....any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

amwosu

I love Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure in Orlando. There are great thrill rides for the young adults and cute themed areas for the toddler. I love the Dr. Suess area (although the Cat in the Hat ride scares some children as it is in the dark). The park is small and manageable.

GoTravel

If you've never been to Disneyworld, you need to spend at least one day there.

The toddler will not care which park and IMO, adults like Epcot best.

My two favorite parks are Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios and Sea World.

capxxx

Well, you don't want to strap kiddo in the stroller all day... Disneyworld has Mickey's House (I think that is the name) tuned for toddlers, and you could find some nice shady play areas on Tom Sawyers island, I think. Otherwise, the hotel pool and playground might be just the right thing while parents hit the park.

TravelingMom

We had our extended family vacation in Orlando about a year ago, when my son was 25 months old, so just a bit older than your grandson. We took him to Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot.

Epcot was his least favorite. There just wasn't a lot that he could do or that he was interested in.

He loves animals, so enjoyed Sea World and Animal Kingdom. Both are easily do-able in a day.

His favorite day, by far, was Magic Kindgom. He was familiar enough with the stories and characters to enjoy that aspect and he was big enough to accompany us on many rides.

Some of my relatives had talked about meeting the characters and we didn't have much luck with that at MK - that was the one bonus of Epcot. We got there early and went to the building with all the characters lined up so he could meet a couple.

You could consider a 2-day park hopper pass, which would give you the most Disney options.

swalter518

I totally disagree with the post that it won't matter for the toddler which WDW park. The Magic Kingdom has two whole areas, Fantasyland and Mickey Toon Town, which are perfect for toddlers (and geared toward them). EPCOT, while my personal favorite, does not have this. I would highly suggest that the Magic Kingdom be one of your parks with that age child.

suzy101

Two days in Orlando Park? I would say WDW: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Since you have not been there. It covers both the adults and kids. Other attractionsa are the same everywhere, like Sea World and Universal. You don't have EPCOT in CA. and the Disneyland in LA is so much smaller than in Orlando.

ajcolorado

Disney is a "theme park" - not a "thrill park". Walt's intention from the beginning was that the whole family would enjoy the experience and, as the oldest park, the Magic Kingdom most reflects that goal.

The whole family will be able to do these attractions at MK: Its A Small World, The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,Peter Pan's Flight,Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, Snow White's Scary Adventure, Pooh's Thoughtful Spot (play area), Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer's Island, All of "Mickey's Toontown Fair" with the possible exception of Goofy's Barnstormer, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. And you can see the parades, fireworks and other entertainment.

We took our daughter when she was 18 months (our other children were older) and she had a great time. Of course, she got equally excited about a bird on a branch as she did the rides and attractions but it was a great trip.

There are some great resources out there to help you plan a trip. We've used The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, www.tourguidemike.com, and www.buildabettermousetrip.com. We've used Build A Better Mouse Trip most recently and were very pleased - you deal with a real person and they create custom touring plans. They can create a plan that will work with an infant.

ajcolorado

Animal Kingdom has some worthwhile things that you will be able to enjoy with a toddler. You can ride the Kilimanjaro Safari with the little one. You can also enjoy: Rafiki's Planet Watch, The Boneyard Play area, you'll be able to walk the Animal Viewing Trails, you'll be able to ride Triceratop Spin. You'll also be able to enjoy the shows - which are great. My favorites are "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo - the Musical". "Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends" is not my favorite shows but it really is geared towards little ones.

There are great street performances and character meet-and-greet opportunities. My family loves "Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade". You'll definitely want to bring a stroller or rent a stroller at the park. Again, I recommend having a good touring plan.

ajcolorado

I think Epcot is WONDERFUL when traveling with a little one. Mission Space ,Soarin’, Test Track, and Maelstrom have height requirements that will exclude the little one. Honey I Shrunk the Audience 3-D might be too loud or scary. Spaceship Earth, The Universe of Energy (Dinosaurs & 45 blessed minutes of air conditioning), and Journey into Your Imagination with Figment are all visually interesting for kids. One of the Innovention pavilions has a lot of things geared for little ones. “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” is great for kids – marine life & “Turtle Talk with Crush” are fantastic. “The Land” has a character meal and there are Princess meals at the Norway Pavillion. There are Character Meet & Greets all through Epcot. There is some great entertainment too – the Jammitors are a “Stomp” like percussion group.

The boat ride at the Mexico pavilion is similar to “It’s A Small World” - but is currently closed for refurbishment. Keeping a little one occupied may make it hard to enjoy the American Adventure or the Circle Vision movies in China & Canada. If I was going to choose one, I’d go with the China movie. The American Adventure is a good spot for a nap. I saw kids intrigued by the model train at the Germany pavilion. My kids loved wandering through the Morocco pavilion. There are Koi fish in the pond in Japan. There is some fantastic entertainment that you will be able to enjoy with a toddler in tow: The “Serveur Amusant” (France) is a comedic balancing act. Japan has three great things for kids – “Matsuriza” is a traditional drum act; “Miyuki” is a very neat candy artist, and there is a Japanese Storyteller “Honobono Minwa” on Wed, Thurs, & Fri. Sergio (Italy) is a juggler. “OrisiRisi”, he drum circle and African Storytellers (Mon- Fri) in the Outpost get good reviews. Kids always love the Dragon Legend Acrobats (China) because they are children too. Some kids will enjoy “Off Kilter” (Canada) – bagpipe rock and “MoRockin” (Morocco) – Middle Eastern pop sounding band. IllumiNations is the evening fireworks show and it is excellent.

Epcot takes a little advance planning so that you see the entertainment that you want to see - some starts earlier in the day, others a little later in the afternoon. You'll received a "Times Guide" when you get to the park but you can get an idea of the schedule by clicking on the "Epcot" tab at http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

ajcolorado

MGM Studios - how well can you keep the little one occupied while trying to enjoy a show? Disney-MGM Studios has some great shows: "Lights, Motors, Action!", "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular", and "Beauty and the Beast Live". The little one might enjoy "Playhouse Disney". You can ride the Great Movie Ride and you might be able to do the Backstage Tour. You won't be able to ride "Rockin' Rollercoaster". "Tower of Terror" or "Star Tours" "Muppet 3-D" is not scary - but is a little loud. "Fantasmic" will also be fine though possibly a bit scary.

tmom

Check out Nickhotels.com - so fun for all ages. There is a great story about Nick on www.travelingmom.com.

gilber20

My wife, 20 month old son, and I will be travelling to Orlando in June for a conference. We will be staying at one of the Epcot Center hotels (Dolphin), and have 1 day for sightseeing.

Would Seaworld or EPCOT be more fun for a toddler? He likes to take a mid-day nap around noon.

mikesmom

The Magic Kingdom is the most fun park for a toddler - hands down. They just love the characters, the many rides that are themed just for them -- the whole experience.

After many, many trips to WDW, I believe the Magic Kingdom is best for the little ones. The adults will have fun too. There are lots of rides for the adults including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion.

Have fun!