Taking 2 1/2 year old to Disneyworld
 

Our friends just moved to Jacksonville, so we're going to visit them, then take our 2 1/2 year old daughter to Disneyworld. How many days do we need at Disney for a child that age? Keep in mind that we plan on going about every 2-3 years, so it's not like we have to do absolutely everything this trip, but would like a good overview. Also, what resort do you think is most appropriate for a kid this age?

This subject has been exhausted ad nauseum. <BR><BR>Please do a search.

I did a search and couldn't find anything discussing taking one child this age to Disneyworld. Families? yes. No kids? yes. My guess is that there are many things a kid this age cannot do, so I don't know if we should spend 2 days there or 4. Also, aren't kids under 3 free admission?

I think it is under two for free admission. Check out www.disboards.com for information. <BR><BR>There is a lot of controversy on taking a child that young to DW. <BR><BR>You could easily spend two weeks at Disney World and not see everything.

You'll need about 2 hours, then you really should take your little girl back to the hotel, feed her and put her down for a nap. I'm not being nasty - Disney is exhausting for children so young, and please don't be offend when people tell you that she won't remember it, and might not even &quot;get it&quot;.

Disney basically sells two kinds of park passes: one day/one park, or multi-day passes of 4 or more days, which let you park-hop. Don't get trapped into thinking you have to ante up for their multi-day passes. I think one or two days are plenty with a child that age.<BR> Concentrate on the Magic Kingdom and/or Animal Kingdom. Read &quot;The Unofficial Guide to WDW&quot; for some great survival tips. And you might think about hitting Animal Kingdom beginning after lunch; this worked out very well for us on our last visit, we seemed to miss most of the crowds. Magic Kingdom is packed with kids all the time. Take it easy and go back to your hotel for a midday nap. Polynesian is a nice resort, and very convenient to MK, if it's in your price range. Ditto for Grand Floridian. Port Orleans is my personal favorite, but I haven't stayed there with a toddler.

Go to universal studios instead!

We took our daughter to Disneyland when she was two, thinking that this would be a wonderful experience for her. She did enjoy a few rides - carousel, Dumbo the elephant - and we did try a few others that scared her. At 12 years old today, she still doesn't remember a thing and has never wanted to go back. I found it exhausting and expensive, but I know that many families really enjoy it. Crowds, gift shops everywhere, and expensive food just are not my thing.

asking about WDW and asking about young children at WDW are always questions that bring out the worst of many posters here. dont take it personally. I made the mistake of taking my kids to WDW when they were too young. We repeated the trip when they were older and we all enjoyed it. 2 1/2 is really young to appreciate WDW. Of any of the parks, your daughter might enjoy the Animal Kingdom the most-it's essentially a Disney Zoo. As for the rest of the parks, unless you go on a slow day and wont have to wait in lines, you'll find most younger children simply dont have the patience to wait in lines for attractions. It may also frustrate you terribly to wait 45 minutes for something, get to the front of the line or inside an attraction, only to rush out because someone has to go potty. Also, although your child may love her child sized Disney stuffed animals, life size characters may really frighten her. Since Disney only offers day or multi day passes, it's an expensive proposition to go to a park for only 2-3 hours, which is about all a toddler can handle. I would wait for this trip, but if you do go, I would check www.mousesavers.com for tips on just about everything. As for hotels, one of the original WDW hotels that is on the monorail line would be a good idea-easiest for transportation.

Probably the magic kingdom would be the most interesting for a toddler although your daughter will be too small for some of the rides. I would stay in a resort nearer to there. Epcot is more for older kids and adults, MGM would have a few attractions your daughter may enjoy. Years ago we stayed at the Polynesian with our 2 kids, 3 &amp; 5 at the time. To be honest, the 3 year old doesn't remember anything but did seem to enjoy himself at the time. The 5 year old was thrilled with all the characters and enjoyed some of the shows and rides (particularly the teacups and dumbo). About 3 days would probably be enough. The atmosphere at the resorts is very nice too and worth spending time just hanging out by the pool and relaxing. If you plan to attend any special character dinners, book in advance.<BR><BR>Ned recommended Universal. I have to disagree with that. Universal is geared toward older kids. Toddlers would be frightened by many of the attractions.

Thanks for the replies. I left out the part that we're going either the last few days of Feb or the first few of March. Is it very crowded prior to spring breaks and after Presidents Day?<BR><BR>We know our daughter won't remember it... just looking to show her a fun time for a few days, and get a taste of what Disneyworld is like ourselves (my wife and I have ever been). Maybe this is an overly expensive way of doing it though. Anyone know a ballpark figure for what a one-day adult pass costs? <BR><BR>Our daughter won't get close to the characters, but would love them from 50 yards away. I don't know. We might reconsider.

Like others, I wouldn't advise WDW for a 2 year old, BUT, since you are going to Jax anyway, have the $$, and you feel the desire, then I'd say go to the magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom. A few hours in the AM, and then later in the afternoon. That will be plenty. She will enjoy it. Won't remember it, but that's okay. Next time, I'd wait till she was at least 6 or 7.

Disney is very expensive. $50 per day per park entrance fee. Unless you get a multi day park hopper (you can only buy one of these if you stay on Disney property) you can't go from park to park. Food and drinks are very expensive but portions are big.<BR><BR>Yes, this will be an expensive trip for your family. Your 2 1/2 year old doesn't get a discount.

Your daughter is free until age 3. But Disney is a pain in the wallet nevertheless. When she's 10, she's considered an adult!<BR><BR>See wdwinfo.com for tons of information.

Your daughter should love the Magic Kingdom. Be sure to take a stoller (or rent one there). Also take advantage of Babyswapping if you and your husband both want to ride a ride thats inappropriate for your daughter. Consider a nap in the afternoon with a return in the evening for a parade. She may not remember the trip but you will!

Most 2 1/2 year olds do not like loud noises, their routines interrupted, the big furry characters and have zero patience waiting in any kind of line. And they have to use the restroom alot if potty trained. Save yourself the money and aggravation and find a nice beach where your child can happily play in the sand...

End of Feb or beg of Mar may still be crowded because spring break is different everywhere - no set time. My kids were 5 &amp; 7 the first time we went and altho they were able to go most all day, they were too exhausted to go 2 days in a row. Taking a day off in between worked better for them. Based on this and the age of you child, I'd say stick to the magic kingdom for the small-child geared activities. Save the rest for a few years down the road. Also, if you stay in a Disney Resort you can easily go back for a nap during the day if needed and resume your adventures later.

We just got back from WDW. Do not take a two year old. We saw more kids sleeping in strollers. One night back at our resort in the restuarant a mother was trying to keep her daughter awake to eat. I would wait until she is older.

I have four children, ages 12, 10, 5, and three. We've taken them to Disneyworld, Disneyland, Disney Paris since the oldest was 4 and second oldest 2. Disney Paris with a 6mo. old. I don't think she remembers that but a two year old will enjoy. Don't concern yourself with the negative things on the boards. Just enjoy.

I forgot to add, the 3yr old has never been there. We are surprising the kids the week of 3/7 with a trip to Disneyworld