Is 2 to young for disneyland???

Question

Hi im planning a trip to disneyland for my childs 2nd bday the tickets are free so im really not wasting the money if he hates it but i was wonderind have any of you taken a two yr old to disneyland and if so how did it go?can they even ride some of the rides?my son does not like to sit still and hates even waiting in line at the grocery store..lol...do you think iam wasting my time ?do they have acctractions for children that young?we plan to get a room also to take a brake so anyone plz share your experence with me i'd appreciate it!biggest help gets best anwser!!!!

Answer 1

Hullo!

I'm a homeschooling mother, a craft teacher who has worked with children ages 2 - 12 for the last fifteen years, and a digital artist. I was at Disneyland years ago with my seven brothers and sisters, ranging in age from 3 to 13. I was at Disneyworld two years after that. Since then I've been to Canada's Wonderland, Korea's Lotteworld and Everland, and several other world-class parks and entertainment venues.

I can tell you that the lines at Disney were long back then (usually an hour's wait) and that has not gotten any better. IMO, there are only a few things that toddlers could do, compared with the vast range of attractions for older children.

While babychatter.com claims that there is a 'slew' of toddler-friendly attractions, you'll note that only a few are listed:

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"Disneyland boasts a slew of rides and attractions that, while tame, elicit squeals of delight from toddlers. Amy's favorites were It's a Small World, a boat ride through a musical diorama; the Enchanted Tiki Room, a Hawaiian extravaganza complete with automated birds and flowers; and the Country Bear Playhouse, where furry life-sized robotic bears sing and dance in a jamboree.
Children three and older can visit every attraction in Mickey's Toontown, including Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse and Goofy's Bounce House. They can also tour Mickey's House, where they're guaranteed a chance to meet the Mouse himself in his dressing room. Then there's this little-known secret: Several times each afternoon, Disney princesses tell stories to young guests in the Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe. Twice a day during our visit, the 45 Years of Magic Parade marched down Main Street U.S.A. Parade schedules vary, depending on the season, but stake out a spot early to give your toddler a good view of all her favorite characters. Every night when we were there, the park staged "Fantasmic!" at Rivers of America. A laser-light water show with fireworks and a full-sized pirate ship, "Fantasmic!" will knock the cynic out of any adult. I was worried that Amy would be scared of the giant fire-breathing dragon. Boy, was I wrong: She asked to watch it three nights in a row! Bright lights and big noise were also on tap at 9:30 every night with the 45th Anniversary Fireworks Spectacular, "Believe: There's Magic in the Stars." "
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Also, even for six and seven year olds (heck, even for adults!) the Disney experience can be overwhelming - too much stimulation. You'd really need to pace yourself: having a room to take a break is a great idea, but how many days is your free ticket a pass for? You won't see much of the park in one day as it is.

Since you say that your son hates even the five-minute waits at the grocery store, I'd guess that a thirty to sixty minute wait would be unbearable. You'd have to put up with a very frustrated toddler - not much fun for you, him, or the other people in line, most of whom have paid quite a lot of money to be there. (Not that I begrudge you your free tickets - congrats!)

Also, the 'payoff' for many of the rides involves sitting - sitting in either a long tour through visual attractions and shows, many of which he is simply too young to appreciate (as at two he won't yet have aquired the pop-cultural background, experience, emotional range, and visual sophistication to interpret them...) OR sitting in a fast-moving coaster car through a thrill ride which may terrify him. And that's assuming he's tall enough to be allowed on many of the rides...

Finally, though your child may enjoy the Disney characters as two-dimensional figures on his videos, movies, pajamas, or disposable diapers, seeing them 'in the flesh' can be overpowering and actually frightening for many small children. Micky's nose would be about the size of his head, for example, and Goofy's hands big enough to sit in. What seems charming exaggeration to adults is often intimidating to toddlers. After all, we enjoy the cartoon environment with its stylization, its playing with scale, and its many visual 'shorthands' - but to young children it can be simply unfamiliar and 'busy'.

Having said all that.... here are two other points of view.

A. This is a link from someone who had a 14-month old with them and had a great time nonetheless. Read and make your own conclusions - but be aware that you can't tell the author's motivations... they may or may not be Disney employees, for example! It IS on a Disney-advertising page and supported by a travel company... www(dot) disneymouselinks(dot)com/disneyland-toddlers-2003.asp (remove the (dot) and replace with a period, of course!)

B. This is from someone who recommends waiting till at least five....

"Tips on Taking a Toddler to Disney World
by Jay Massey May 1997

I just got back from taking a 2 1/2 year old to Disney World and have a couple tips you might want to think about before you go. The first one is this; if your child is under 3 years of age, just don’t do it. Disney World, a place for fun and fantasy! Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on planning and knowing what to expect. My wife and I used to live in central Florida and we spent many years observing frustrated parents dragging exhausted infants and toddlers around the various Disney parks. Their vacations seemed more like work than pleasure, especially from the eyes of a then childless couple. Moreover, they just did not look like they where having any fun.

Now it was my turn. Because we were trying to meet up with some extended family that we had not seen in years, who was coming down to Disney World on their vacation, I was placed in the situation of taking a 2 1/2 year old to the Magic Kingdom, against my own advice. Personally, I would strongly recommend waiting until age 5 before going. But, if you must go before then, remember that your daily routines go out the window and this can lead to a toddler nightmare..."

Read the rest at http://www.slowlane.com/articles/taking_a_toddler_to_disney.html

Finally, I'd suggest that you try searching on Google for "disneyland with toddlers" and read some of the links. Just read with a cautious eye and don't believe everything you read!

If you do decide it's not right for your and your son, I hope you can pass the tickets along to a friend or relative who will enjoy them - what a wonderful gift that would make for someone who otherwise couldn't afford it - or offer them to a foundation that grants sick children's wishes, or to a local charity that could raffle them off?

Do some research, pack carefully, and have fun, whatever you decide! Best of luck,

Judith

Answer 2

I don't have any kids so I can't give you any personal experiences with 2 year olds at Disneyland. However, if you plan on going before the end of February, then you should do it. The park has been very empty since early January and will be that way until the end of February (crowds will start to pick up again in March).

There are plenty of rides that your son may like (about 10 to 12). And he wouldn't want to go on the rides with height requirements anyways. Some rides to go on could include:

Alice in Wonderland
Autopia
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Dumbo
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Small World
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Winnie the Pooh
Disneyland Monorail
Disneyland Railroad (goes around the park)
Main Street Vehicles

If possible go on a Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday. The other days of the week have "early entry" for some guests, and some lines may begin the day longer than normal because of it. If you do avoid an "early entry" day, arrive before the park opens (to arrive at the gate at opening) and start the day by going on Peter Pan, Dumbo, and Alice in Wonderland (in that order). These are the most popular rides in Fantasyland and these could have a decent sized line as the day goes on (Peter Pan always has at least a 15 minute wait during the day). If you have to go on an "early entry" day, you may have to avoid Peter Pan because you will need to wait in line for 10-20 minutes.

Getting a room is a good idea because you and your son will probably get worn out pretty quickly. You will also have plenty of time in the day to do every ride your son may enjoy.

Lastly, don't be afraid to pack food for your trip. Disneyland is pretty nice about letting food inside the park. And if you bring a lot there are also lockers you can put the food in so that you don't have to carry it all.

If you won't be going in February or early March, you will need to seriously consider not doing it if your son hates waiting in line. But you will need to make the judgment call yourself.

I hope that helps!

Answer 3

I do think that a 2 year old is too young for disneyland. For one thing it makes it hard on the parents because the child gets worn out really quickly and then when the child starts fussing the parents start to get uptight. And another thing is that the child won't be able to remember their first trip to disneyland.

Answer 4

He's going to be miserable, based on what you said. Disneyland is all about waiting in line, and the crowds are so big you won't want him out of the stroller. About the best case senario (for a 2 year old) is a child who likes to sit in his stroller for hours on end looking at things. He may get a kick out of seeing the characters (especially if he watches the Disney Channel and can identify them), there will probably be less than 6 rides he would be able to go on.

Answer 5

We took our daughter to Disneyworld just before her 5th birthday, and while she enjoyed it, she was not old enough to enjoy it fully. She was too short to ride most of the action rides, which was disappointing to her, but she was able to ride things like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Keep these things in mind: If your child doesn't like to wait in lines, he will be very frustrated at Disneyland, where you have to wait in line for virtually everything. I assume he tires easily (probably still takes a nap mid-day), which may make him cranky and whiny. If you go when it's hot, his frustration may be cranked up even more. You want to be considerate of the other Disney guests as well as of your child.

Disney does have some attractions and, in particular, costumed characters for the smaller kids, but your child may be frightened by some of the rides he can go on (like the Haunted Mansion, for instance) and others he may not understand or enjoy.

The bottom line for me would be that if you want to go as a family and if you keep your 2 yr. old's limits in mind and plan accordingly, you can have a nice trip. However, if you want to go for your 2 yr. old, I would suggest you wait until he's several years older and can participate more and appreciate the attractions more. If you take him now, he may have few memories of it later.

Answer 6

i think you are probably wasting your time. i mean if you want to walk around all day with a crying baby, then yea thats the perfect vacation. but disneyland is always really crowded and even if they do have more than like 5 attractions for kids that young, there will be a long line, and you said he doesnt like lines. i think that it is a terrible idea, and there are better places to take you son that would be more fun and stress free for both of you.

Answer 7

i just took my 3 yr old. they actually have a lot you can take younger kids on i was vey impressed i thought she was to young but she really enjoyd it. some rides dont allow the strollers near but no now that we have gone i think there are quite a few rides that that age can go on and there is so much to see that even at that age they will definitly enjoy it. plus at anytime but christmas and summer vactation there is not a very long lines my daughter stood through the lines like 20 minutes was the longest. plus she loved the parade which was no line at all

Answer 8

Absoluetly. Way to much walking (pushing a stroller), bus travel to and from the different parks, and crowds. They wont enjoy it till they are at least 6 or 7.

Update, sorry, I was thinking Disney World, not land.

Answer 9

Two is a little young for all the activities. maybe you could take him for a couple of hours, anything beyond that and they start to get whiney. If you can take someone along who maybe can baybysit at the hotel while you go and enjoy that would be great.

Answer 10

it's tough. fantasy land and toon town would be really the only place where there are attractions you could go on. but it's always fun to see all the characters and stuff. i took a niece at 2 1/2 and she enjoyed it.