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-   -   Taking 2 1/2 year old to Disneyworld (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/taking-2-1-2-year-old-to-disneyworld-167184/)

rrr Jan 15th, 2003 06:39 PM

We took our almost 3 year old to WDW Florida last Fall. He had the time of his life. We made sure to get him back to the hotel for his naps every afternoon and that his bedtime stayed the same as that at home. By the way, we stayed at a hotel outside the park. No problems. Have a wonderful time!!!

Gramps Jan 15th, 2003 07:03 PM

rrr-You mean his parents had the time of their lives. Ride lines at WDW are not fun for adults let alone kids that age. IMO, it is cruel to drag a kid that young through a hot, crowded WDW just so the parents can brag to their friends they took their kid there.

mom Jan 15th, 2003 07:06 PM

Funny R, I took my 3 year old to Disney and after he saw the characters all he wanted to do was go back to the hotel pool. Kids that age will have the time of their lives anywhere. If I had to do it all over again I would have waited until he was old enough to be able to wait in line, handle the crowds etc.

hi Jan 15th, 2003 09:33 PM

Hi there, <BR>Please let us know how it goes. My girlfriend said her daughter loved the charachter breakfast with Pooh and that seeing her reaction to Winnie the Pooh alone was worth the trip. He daughter was just a year at the time. Another girlfriend is taking her 20 month old daughter in Feb - I'll let you know how she does.<BR>I personally wouldn't do it, but that is more about the temperment of my 16 month old, and my stamina than anything else. We are just going to head to the beach this year and play in the sand. <BR><BR>Hope you have a great trip.

Cory Jan 16th, 2003 08:31 AM

Thanks for the many responses and I will let you know how it goes. I know some of you are just trying to help with your warnings, but please realize that each child is unique in what they can and cannot handle as well as their likes/dislikes.... only the parents know best -- like the previous post who obviously is a parent who knows their child. Cautioning someone is one thing. Telling them what to do is another. Our daughter has waited in lines for an hour with zero complaints and she despises sand, so I think it's hilarious when the one post says &quot;save your money and take her to a beach&quot;. Plus, we're going the last week of Feb so it's not overly hot and not the most crowded period. Not to mention we're going to Jacksonville regardless and we know this isn't going to be our daughter's only trip to Disney. Thanks again to the many who helped.<BR><BR>p.s. It is free admission for under 3.

A Jan 16th, 2003 09:36 AM

We've been taking our kids to disney almost every year, quite successfully, even when they were quite young. They love it, and ask to return each year. It's ok if your child naps in the stroller for part of the day - so what? Walk around and get an ice cream, or have one of you stay with her while the other adult go on Space Mountain. We always go off season so the lines are short and it's not too hot.<BR><BR>I find it hard to travel to the beach for more than a day or two with small kids - after that, we've all had enough.<BR>If you want to go on vacation and you have small children, Disney is a great option.

Mister Jan 17th, 2003 08:43 AM

Don't listen to the timid souls who don't know anything about parenting. I took my 1.5 yr old last year and she loved it, although I do think the shuttle bus was her favorite part! She loved the pool and some of the rides. We got there early, before the lines were long, went back to the hotel for lunch/rest, then went back again early evening.

LilMsFoodie Jan 18th, 2003 01:57 AM

I did a search on this site for 2 1/2 year old and Florida and came up with a different but same thread. Here is my response then:<BR><BR>Author: LilMsFoodie ([email protected])<BR>Date: 01/07/2003, 08:47 pm<BR><BR>Message: dear lou, we now have a large group of sociopaths who are more than likely unemployed and having fun making fun of everyone's earnest questions. Fodors will only deal with those that question hotels, restaurants etc that are promoted by Fodors. Fodors used to be an independent source but apparently no longer.<BR>That being said, we spent some time in Disney World in December and were amazed at the huge number of people with babies in strollers, many who were probably not yet on a bottle. There is no way these children were experiencing Disney. I did see many small toddlers enjoying the characters and of course those 4 and up were having a lot of fun. <BR>LMF

Mike Hocksbigg Jan 18th, 2003 06:47 AM

we took our 2year old last year...she had a blast<BR><BR>

Debbie Jan 19th, 2003 07:14 AM

DO NOT listen to the negative answers!<BR>Keep in mind, each child is different, some have more tolerance for long days, no naps than others do....others will kick and carry on when tired and hungry. <BR><BR>I have 5 children ages 4,6,7,9,12. We have been taking them all since they were 4 weeks old. Did they understand or remember? NO But at their present age they look forward to it and discuss where we will go, what we will eat, what rides they will do,etc. Even my 4 year old knows the routine and has her own backpack packed for our next trip!<BR><BR>Do whatever you want to do and have your child adjust to your routine. If you want to see Disney World, do it for yourself, your daughter is just along for the ride at this point. If you prefer EPCOT, do what you are interested in, etc. If she is tired and will nap in the stroller you are lucky...my kids never did, they went all day and were fine. If you plan to go to Magic Kingdom, I would pick a monorail hotel for the ease of getting to the park with the stroller. If going to EPCOT, we prefer the Beach Club or Dolphin hotel. It does not really matter where unless you plan to spend alot of time at a pool, for which I would choose Beach Club for its wonderful toddler beach/pool area. Have fun, keep in mind that each time you go she will appreciate it and see different things.<BR><BR>Debbie


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