I'm thinking of taking my 2 year old daughter to Disney World in Florida, any suggestions ?

Question

I'm thinking of taking my two year old daughter to Disney World in Florida and was wondering if anyone has been here and has any suggestions on the DO's and Don't about planning and taking a trip to Disney......
- Everyone keeps telling me that she is to young to remember her trip but I'm planning on taking her again when she gets a little older as well.

Answer 1

She is going to love it! We took our 3 children a couple years ago, and I was amazed at everything our 6 month old could do. We only went to the Magic Kingdom and spent 2 days. I thought it was going to be a lot of child-swapping for rides, and was pleasantly surprised that he could be taken on almost everything. Our other kids were 3 and 6, and they still remember and talk about that trip. My biggest piece of advice to you is this -- STAY AT A DISNEY PROPERTY!!! The parking lot is a train and a bus ride away, and it isn't always convenient for a quick nap in the afternoon. If you stay on site, it is SO much more convenient, and many times you can get into the park earlier than everyone else. We now live in Florida, and the next time we go, we're staying on Disney property. They even have a campground that we've heard is wonderful. Enjoy your trip. Half the fun of going to Disney as an adult, is seeing the wonder of it through our children's eyes.

Answer 2

Oh yes, take her. You can snap photos of all of her encounters with the characters and when she falls asleep in the stroller. She'll be able to look back on those later, as will you and enjoy them!
You'll definitely want to pack a hat for her to wear each day. The sun is brutal in Florida and you'll want to keep it off of her face. Also pack child sunscreen.

My husband and I visit Disney World once a year, and sometimes more. Visit www.disneyworld.com to learn more about the resorts, parks, shopping, dining, and more. You can even take a virtual tour of each Disney Resort!
If you'd like to save money, you can stay at a nearby resort. I recommend the Best Western Lakeside, which is located on the 192 in Kissimmee, only 3 minutes from Animal Kingdom and about 7 to the other Disney theme parks! It is a very nice resort, but pretty inexpensive.

If you would like help planning your trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, I'm All Ears at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/

Have a great time!

Answer 3

There is a Disney Land in California you know. 3 is awfully young for Disney World. She won't be able to do a lot of the attractions and it's debatable how much of it she'll remember when she's 10. The one year old won't have any fun as they won't be able to do hardly anything but be in the hot sun and they won't have any memories of the time they went to Disney. I'd wait 'till the one year old is at least 3 for the big trip to Disney World. Disney Land will be just as good for children that young, although a lot of the limitations will still apply at least it won't be such an expensive trip with such a long trip to get there.

Answer 4

I went in the 1980's, in my 20's.
I can tell you from experience there's an awful lot of walking to where you need to go. Plus there wasn't that many toddler friendly rides there, unless the adult was with them.

A lot of things there are more meant for older kids.
You might want to go online to Disney's website and do some research. Or, call up the resport and ask for a free information packet. They usually have a video available to let you see some of the attractions. It may help your decision.

Another thing is to go to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of Visiting Disney World With Kids 2006 or 2007. They list all the do's and don'ts of traveling with small children.

And remember, toddlers get cranky quickly. They do have a few stations to take care of a child's needs, but most toddlers can't stay still too long. Plus, there can be very long lines.

Answer 5

In February of 2006, my wife and I took our five-year-old daughter to Disney World for the first time. It's the perfect age to take a child because they're old enough to remember the "magic" and the "magic" is still there. Of course, being thirty, I found myself falling for the "magic" the entire time I was there. Disney World is one of the best places to take your child. However, I'd wait until she's at least four (at a minimum) before taking her there. At two years of age, she's too still too small for many of the rides, you'll have a lot of walking to do (or stroller pushing!).

But if you still want to take her, I suggest picking up the latest copy of the "Birnbaum's Guide to Disney World." Not only will it explain in depth how to get there (plane, train, automobile, etc.), it will also give you exhaustive information on each of the parks located there. It will give you suggestions on when to do certain things, when is the best time of year to avoid lines, which rides best suit each age group and what shows are the best to check out.

It also provides itineraries based on the ages of group members, the length of stay, pocketbook size, etc. Many people say that Birnbaum's Guide is nothing but pure Disney propaganda and it is to a point. However, it's the best source for anyone's trip to Disney World.

Answer 6

I hate to tell you this, but I agree with a number of other folks here...she is too young to remember & unfortunately she will probably be very stressed. There is a lot of walking, a lot of commotion & so forth.
I grew up in Orlando & have seen Disney change immensely, however I can tell you that as a kid I most enjoyed their campgrounds.
It is called Fort Wilderness & was actually very family oriented, very relaxing yet still very close to all the other Disney attractions. I think it very much over-looked by many of the tourist, who get trapped into the commercialism of the theme park. We would camp for a week, but only spend one day in the Park...time enough to meet Mickey & move on :)
Family friends went for the holidays & they spent an average of 500 dollars per person, per day...this included hotel, food and the gazillion other miscellaneous fees that come with Disney (Shuttles, rides, etc)
I am providing a link to Disney's Fort Wilderness below, again, because it family oriented, has complete amenities & I think would make for a more peaceful vacation.

Answer 7

don't spend the $$ on a Disney vacation for a child that young. she will never remember it, and traveling with a 2 year old can be very difficult. she will be too small for most of the rides in the regular part of the park, and possibly the "kiddie" rides as well. you will end up having to carry her or stroller her everywhere, and unless she's potty trained, that means diaper changing on the fly... wait until she is older before you plan such a trip. maybe when she's 5 or 6, then it will all be like "magic" to her, and much more enjoyable for you as well.

Answer 8

Might as well take her, my parents took me to disney world and sea world in florida when i was 1 1/2 , i have absolutely no recollection of the place :/

Answer 9

i was there a month ago with my 3 year old niece, and her parents.

disney world is broken up into seven diff. parks.

-magic kingdom (where the castle is)
-animal kingdom (where the tree of life is)
-epcot (where the epcot ball is)
-MGM-studios (where mickey's hat is)
-2 water parks (that i doubt is open at this time of year)
-downtown disney (which is pretty much the night-life scene)

MOST of the kiddy rides are in *magic kingdom*. half of those rides are geared towards adults too (so u may enjoy it with them)
such as "it's a small world", "peter pan", etc..etc...(the map will sshow you whats suitable for kids)

*animal kingdom* is also geared towards both parents and kids.

*epcot* on the other hand, has more of a relaxing atmosphere where you can just walk around and take pictures. there are rides there, too. but it's geared towards older children and adults.

*MGM studio* is more entertaining for adults and older kids.
but they also have a little mermaid show there.

and ALL PARKS, you can meet mickey mouse and his crew (but remember, there ARE LINES to take a picture with them)

and you can just forget about the water park and downtown disney, because thats only good in the summer, and the nightlife is only for adults.

but keep in mind--she will be AFRAID of even SOME of the kiddy rides. such as dark, loud places (like in a movie theatre show).
so be prepared to hear her cry and want to leave. she may even be afraid of some of the puppets too.

also to let you know, it takes about ONE WHOLE DAY to get through ONE PARK! so you won't need the park hopper (which cost more) and they got fast pass for some of the rides (mostly for adults though) which means you pick up a ticket that has a time on it. and return at that time, to go directly on the ride.

so there you have it. ENJOY!!!

Answer 10

First of all you dont want to be cramped in a hotel. Kids need room to move around.
we are members of fairfield resorts & I help my family get condos for their vacations.
For the price you would pay for adecent hotel you could stay in a condo.
the price also depends on when you are going whether your staying in a hotel or condo.
email me with dates & Ill e-mail you back more info
Also keep in mind that spring break is coming up & the accomadations will get booked up quick.