My stepson, daugher-in-law, and my husband and I (grandparents) took the children (9 yrs, 6 yrs, 3 yrs.) to the Magic Kingdom for the 3 yr old's birthday. He LOVED it. He walked most of the day. A couple of times while we were waiting in line, we took turns holding him. We got there at 9:15 in the morning and didn't leave until 10 that night. He went on the Carousel, Tea Cups, It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Lion King show, Wedway People Mover, Race Cars, Tom Sawyer Island, Toontown, WDW Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White's Ride. If something frightened him, we told him to cover his eyes and explained that it was all just pretend. He liked the large characters, but many children don't. The adults & 9 yr old rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. We took turns and it gave the 3 yr. old a chance to nap and the 6 yr old a chance to check out souvenirs. We kept the water bottles filled and the mister handy. We ate at regular meal times. We watched the daytime parade and the night parade, and saw the fireworks as we were leaving the park.
You know your child and what she needs. Hopefully this gives you a little more info. on what to expect.

BIG difference between a 2 year old and a 3 year old!!!

Ilisa-I almost choked on my coffee when I read your post on Walt's vision! While Walt Disney did indeed have a vision, the present day megaconglomorate that Disney has become is so far removed from his original vision it is laughable. WDW and Disney have virtually raped the enviroment to expand Disney, charge outrageous prices, employ sweatshop workers to make all their garbage that they market to kids all in the name of profit. Walt's vision? I think not. I have read Walt's autobiography and I have personally met Walt Disney and nothing is furhter from his vision.

And I seriously doubt Walt Disney would want parents to drag, cranky, tired 2 year olds around his theme park!

WaltsPal-I agree with you, but knowing Ilisa she will come back with some snappy comment. She is the know it all of this board and has wayyy to high an opinion of herself!

IMO, the majority of the parents here who take their kids on these inappropriate and expensive vacations are trying to compensate for either not giving their kids their time ie, 2 working parents, who just want to go themselves and to heck with their kids or have bought into the WDW marketing that WDW is such a great family vacation even though it costs an arm and a leg and it totally inappropriate for younger kids. These are the same parents who probably have stood in line at Christmas for the latest toy craze or paid inflated prices for it. (Remember Tickle Me Elmo, Furbys etc.) These parents really have no clue!

Dear Clueless at xxx.xxx.com

I have to respond since you have posted three times now that somehow parents who travel with their children are selfish or guilty or somehow doing their children harm.

As a mother of two teenagers, I have been both a "working" and "non-working" mom at different times and I have watched children of both "types" of parents grow up. And you know what? - whether both their parents have worked or not just hasn't made that much difference. Some are terrific kids and some are troubled. I do see that the kids from families that work and play together seem to have the closest ties and best communication. In fact, some of the kids have closer relationships with their "working" parents because the "working" parents have been more concerned about building and maintaining those ties. Many "non-working" parents often have appeared to assume that close ties would develop simply because they were "always around." I have also listened to "non-working" parents claim that they were "always around" when in fact they were off most the day shopping, going to lunch or responding to Fodor's travel forums. The kids of these "non-working" parents have sometimes been made to feel guilty - because "look what dear mom has given up for you" - when in fact mom really hasn't been any more emotionally or physically available than the "working-mom."

In my non-working days (7 years) I gave up spending much time with many "non-working" moms, because I became tired of how many of them seemed to enjoy lamblasting "working" moms. This pretend superiority is just that and is very tiresome. In all my years as a parent, I have rarely heard a "working" mom condemn the child-rearing practices of "non-working" moms. The practice of condeming dual "working" parents appears to be a great sport of "non-working" moms - it somehow appears to make them feel better about their decision to stay out of the workforce.

Finally - Both as a "non-working" parent and as a "working" parent, I have traveled alot with my kids simply because we all like to travel. We are a great team and we have created wonderful memories that can never be taken away from us. And, yes, we did travel (even to Disney) when the kids were very, very young. In fact, we took the kids on many trips that they may never really remember - But my husband and I will always remember them. We have wonderful videos and photos of these special times that the kids love to look at. While you may have some off-the-wall idea that parents take their kids on trips to "impress the neighbors" - I know that we have always traveled together because: 1. We do it well and we love it; 2. Travel creates wonderful memories; 3. Good times spent with your kids is never wrong, wasted or bad.

As my mother would say "Thou dost protest to much!" Are you actually jealous of parents who travel - so you feel the need to condemn them?

Lets get back to travel - To the Poster above: Traveling to Disney with a very young child may be difficult - but if you maintain the child's schedule and take your time - It can be done and be fun.

From my experience with my two-year-old, we recently went to a small amusement park here in Maine. It only took us 25 mintues to get there -- so we weren't tired or stressed to start with. The whole park was "do-able" in about 4-5 hours. Some rides we did several times, like the carousel. We had a great time. At first my daughter was very scared, but a couple of times on the carousel showed her what fun it could be. Personally, WDW with a two-year-old would be my idea of hell. Why not start small, with a local or regional amusement park or fair, and save the big-time stuff for when the kids are a little older.

Lynne-When did this turn into a debate about working vs. non-working parents? No where did I see it in clueless or anyone elses posts? Why are you getting so darn defensive anyway? Personally, I think this thread should be put to bed. The original poster is probably long gone by now and in all likelihood going to do what they want anyway.

Agree with Max.

And to Lynne-How do you know if clueless is the same one doing all the posting? And who really cares? If you do not like someone's opinion, don't post. Why work yourself all up in a lather and start another debate on working vs. non-working parents? Incidentally, I am a stay at home mom and so are most of my friends and we: a) have better things to do than bash working mothers, b) do not neglect our children or spend all day posting on Fodors or other websites and c) are not jealous of working mothers-we get our fulfillment from staying at home with our kids and doing things with them. Thank you very much! It was totally unfair to generalize and lump all stay at home moms together!!! As to kids being screwed up today-that goes back to PARENTING and DISCIPLINE and trying not to be your kids buddy. It has nothing to do with stay at home or working outside of the home!!!

Now-back to Travel.

Oh, my, my - we are a bit defensive.

I think we all need a vacation!!!!!

I would like to take a different view on this topic....I was the 2 year old at Disney. In fact, I went many, many times before I was even 5. We lived close to DisneyWorld when I was younger. I enjoyed it, and I still have memories of it....especially when I hear "It's a Small World." The parades are spactacular. Characters, although overwhelming for some, are fun to find in the park. I would start with the "life-size" ones if your child is timid (ie. Cinderella, Snow White). Animal Kingdom, from what I've heard, is great for young children, as well as MGM. However, like others have posted, don't try to cram an adult's schedule into a child's day. Also, look at the personality of your child. Is he/she outgoing, adventurous, and easy-going? If so, go for it. If not, I would say wait until YOU, and not other posters, think he/she is ready. Good Luck!!

Lauren-You must have been an exceptional child to remember when you were 2! ROTFLMAO at your response! Get real!

What the heck is ROTFLMAO? And what's with all the venom from you anonymous posters? Disneyland is a kid place -- get a grip!!

WOW! What a debate! Great advice on the taking you kids to Disney early side. Personally, I think you either love Disney or you don't. I'm from Florida and grew up going to Disney. I love it - it's not perfect, but nothing is. I appreciate the MAGIC that Disney can represent and I think that is a wonderful thing to give you childern. And, except for airfare, the Disney vacation can be a great value - there are many many nice hotels in all price ranges (depending on season and availability) in the area that offer much more than what is normal (bigger, better pools, kids activities, free transportation, etc.)because of the competition. Disney is comparable to the cost of many other entertainment options like concerts, movies (2hrs vs. all day), skiing, boating, etc.(those are all wonderful things to do with your kids too).
Depending on your kid(s), waiting until they are 5 and 6 may not be right for them - they may not belive in the characters as much by then and may consider them kind of babyish by that age. I have found that if they are exposed to Disney early they really belive in it. Even though they know the characters aren't real as they get older, they still love them and all that Disney represents. You don't just take a little one to somewhere great or do something special for them so that they will have great memories like we can have as adults, but so that they will have great experiences which will help mold them into who they will be. Of course, I do agree that some kids and some parents will not like Disney at any age, and thats okay. I just wish people could experience it in a positive way. Pick the time of year very carefully. You won't enjoy it as much (especially on a first time visit) when it is very hot or busy. You don't have to get the multi-park pass. You can concentrate on the small experiences in one or two parks. Go to the free Disney Marketplace and let the kids play in the fountains (great fun) and in the play sand areas. Have a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful setting and landscaping. Enjoy your hotel pool. If you have a car go the the wonderful downtown Orlando park around Lake Eola. Downtown Orlando is very nice with a little feeling of old Florida, sandy soil, oak trees with hanging moss, brick streets, etc. Read a lot, get advice, and then do what feels right for your family and your kids. Have Fun!

Eric-Did you check the date when this thread was started and the date of the last posting on it??? This thread was put to bed along time ago!!! It really ticks me off, when well meaning, dim-wits like yourself have to bring up an old thread like this!!! If you wanted to give your 2 cents, why didn't you post on a new thread???

Al - How incredibly rude! When people complete searches on specific topics - older threads may come up and people may respond to them if they wish. There certainly is no excuse for name-calling about such a minor thing. I hope the rest of your day goes better and you can rise above such pettines with the rest of the people you come in contact with.

I agree with Al--This is an old thread, why bring it up now?? It shoves the useful, travel threads to the bottom of the food chain!

Lets just keep complaining about Al and we can keep this thread at the top!

Just returned with my two sons...2 and 5...had a fantastic time! Go for it but be sure to take a break in the afternoons. Stay onsite if you can afford it. Check out www.wdwinfo.com - lots and lots of great information and helpful hints. Have a magical time!!!

2 words - no way.