Disney Ideas

Hi A F,
Definitely DO Animal Kingdom!
Blizzard Beach has kiddie pools and water slides.
In fact, we just came back from Orlando for our xmas vacation and our 16 mos old nephew had tons of fun at the Blizzard Beach.
Good luck and Please, ENJOY!

L.
Helping Moms Work From Home.

Have a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's in Disney's Contemporary Resort. I believe you can pre-order tickets or you can pay when you get there. It's a buffet breakfast and all the "traditional" Disney characters make their way through and greet the kids (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, etc.) Mickey does not seem to make as many appearances as the rest (he's special, one-he's Mickey, and two-he's "the Chef"), but he does make his way through to greet all the kids. It's a good way to get their pictures taken with the characters without having to wait in long lines at special character greeting areas.

Another fun thing for boys and girls is a little pirate show outside the Pirates of the Carribean ride. Lucky kids can go and fence with the pirates (i don't think they all get to), but you can stand there and watch Capt Jack Sparrow duel with another pirate.

Have fun!

If you are in the Orlando area, Universal Studios has a great Barney show and play area. We brought my nephew and son there when they were almost 3 and 16 months and they loved it. Have a great time!

oh i agree with Patty K. children at 2.5 years won't remember a thing. I brought my son there when he was 3. A year later he didn't remember and he is now 16. I took him back when my younger daughter turned 8 and he was 13. It still didn't ring a bell. In my opinion it's a waste of time not to mention so much money. Downtown disney is an area where you can walk around for free and visit lego land and other things. Also two years ago a new restaurant opened where you get to dig for dinosaurs/dino bones. It is dinosaur themed. That was cute.
If you do decide to go to the main theme parks have fun but don't expect your son to remember it in the future.

We are a Disney-loving family. We do Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruises... The last time we did Disneyland we signed up for Ridemax. It's a website that helps you to schedule your visit. It has great suggestions and if you follow the advice it shares, you will spend far fewer hours in line!

have fun!

www.thosecrazybeans.blogspot.com

allears.net is a great website for insites into what would work best for your family.

In each of the parks, there is a playground. 100 Acre Forest - across from the Winnie the Poo Ride in Magic Kingdom. Hollywood studios has one also and Animal Kingdom too. THat would be perfect for your kids. They can run and play. Also in Magic Kingdom, the Tom Sawyer Island is the best kept secret! You take a raft ride over to the island and than explore on foot. It is a nice safe envirnoment. They have a fort, secret tunnels, fun bridges to cross. At Hollywood Studios, they have a show that you sit on the floor and watch winnie the poo, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. Your kids will love it. But before you go you should have them do "homework" and make sure they are familiar with the Cars movie, Monsters Inc. Hanny Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Peter Pan etc.. It is more exciting for them when they see something they know. In Hollywood Studios, they also have Luigi's garage with McQueen and Mater there. You get your picture taken with them. Very cute. I probably would not go to Epcot. There is not much to do for young kids.

In response to other parents, yes they won't remember the trip, but you are building a foundation for them of good feelings.

We took my son (now 4 YO) there for the first time when he was 2 1/2 and he really enjoyed the character dining. It is free for kids under 3, but you will have to pay for you and your husband. Food is ok, but the character experience is what was the best for him. He like the Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom and Lilo and Stitch at the Polyanisian Hotel. He also enjoyed everything at the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. He was not really into EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. As for remembering, we just went back this past Sept (about 18 months after the first time we went) and he remembered alot of things, which surprised me. We were not able to get resevations at the Polyanisian this time and he was very disappointed. He also liked Downtown Disney and that was a good place to go for a down day. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy time with the great-grandparents.

When my son was your twins age, it was all about the shows. He loved the Lion King show at animal Kingdom. We saw it two or three times. He loved the parades too. The petting zoo at Animal Kingdom was a big hit. He loved, loved, loved brushing the goats and sheep and feeding them. There was an amazing play area at Animal Kingdom that I have pictures of him screaming when we had to leave. The ride lines were killer for us, so use the fast pass option wherever you can. We waited an hour for Pooh, but he fell asleep waiting in the no stroller area. My arms were exhausted. I found that the 3D "rides" scared the bejeezus out of him. He has only just now been able to do the 3D thing (he's 11). Toontown was his favorite at the Magic Kingdom. He still loves the autopia!
Have soooo much fun. Plan your day well. Bring lots of snacks and a couple changes of clothes. I have pictures of my son head to toe in popsicle. You might want to plan a rest/nap time midday.
S.

IMO there really is not much there for 2 1/2 year olds.
Just spent a week there and most children that age are
afraid of characters, loud noises etc. Keep in mmind
they will not remember anything. It is nice walking around
Magic Kingdom but it is a lot of money. Actually, I think
when the youngest child in a family is 7, that is when
Disney can be enjoyed by all. Don't mean to be a downer,
just being honest.