I'll be traveling with my husband and mom the babysitter - (yes - am looking for a little relaxation) and I found some really nice resort hotels that have great water features like toddler pools, lazy rivers, etc. in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area that I'd love to go to but I'm not sure if I'm crazy of thinking of going there in late September/early October. Has anyone been there at that time of year to comment? If Phoenix weather is not great at that time of year, can anyone suggest a similar vacation spot that might have a resort hotel that I'm looking for? Maybe Las Vegas, Orlando or Tampa??? Thanks for all your help!

Early October is a great place for Orlando. All the kids are back to school and the summer heat is subsiding (some). The lines are so short! Your 2yr old will LOVE Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM and Sea World (and she/he is free). My daughter loves all those places. We started taking her when she was a baby but she really started liking it when she was slightly over 2yrs.

There are many resorts but what has worked for us, with a toddler, is to get a suite (Hilton Grand Vacations @ Sea World) or condo (like with VRBO) with a pool. You get to the parks early in the morning and leave at lunch for a mid-day rest. Whether it's at the pool or a nap or massage. Then you head back for the evening.

There are plenty of things to do for you and your tot. Plus, the Gulf (Tampa/St Pete) is only 2hrs away, so if you wanted to spend some time at the beach..you have that option.

My advice..remember your child is 2. Don't run them ragged or you will be miserable. I see so many parents whose kids are on sensory overload at 3pm and are having major meltdowns.

In any case...I vote for Florida. Either way..have fun.

We recently took our 3 yr old and 8 month old to ClubMed Sandpiper in Florida, it's a 3 star resort, but they are PHENOMENAL with the kids. My daughter is still talking about it! Fly to West Palm, don't rent a car, Club Med has a shuttle with car seats. They do day trips to Seaworld and Disney.

One more thing, you might not need the babysitter, the kids clubs run all day, you can sign them in and out. Also have a night sitting service.

Actually late Sept/early Oct. are nice times to go to Phoenix. My family has stayed at a few different resorts in the area and my youngest asks when we can go back. Actually all of my children enjoyed AZ and the great pools. One of my kids favorites was the Pointe South Mountain.

kellyrow - I actually looked into the club med sandpiper but the reviews were so mixed i wasn't sure if that was a place I should consider or not. How were they with your two children? What type of schedule did you have when you were there and how long did you stay? Did you rent a car while you were there? Thanks!

I know, I had some hesitation about the club after reading reviews. A Four Seasons it is not, it's very basic, but the kids clubs more than made up for it. Most of the GOs (Gentil Organiseurs) or hosts who look after guests and the kids were amazing. I almost hired one of the girls from the baby room to be a nanny for our family! You pay for the kids clubs for the week and you can sign them in and out. They have separate sleeping accommodations for each age group and my kids had a great time, we signed them out for lunch the odd day but they had such a good time we left them be. They organize a family activity at the end of the day every day as well. They have an adult only restaurant and yoga, the tennis camps are great for adults. It was also all inclusive. The bottom line was it gave my husband and I a great, worry-free vacation. I wish the resort itself was more upscale but it kept the kids busy and that's what made it great!

We did rent a car, but it was a waste of money as it sat in the lot all week. Club Med runs a shuttle from West Palm Beach airport which most people use.

We stayed for a week, just the right amount of time. Again, I should warn you, it's more like a Best Western, I expected more from a Club Med.