Going to Disney

It will be Ok if you just do a little every day, just the Toons section in Disney and flying in Dumbo is enough for small kids, the parade is something they will enjoy too. I will reccomend also a visit to Sea World.
Just understand that it is not How many atractions do you ride but how do you enjoy the day.
The first time I took my 2 years old we went slow and didn't rush to see everything!!! You will be back plenty of times.
Have a nice trip!!!

I have taken my son to disney three times already. He will be three at the end of February. The first time we went, he was only one, and he enjoyed it then. The second time was in October, so he was 4 months shy of three, and that was so an amazing experience. He loved it so much, and for weeks he woke up and immediately asked me if we were going to disney. I think 2 1/2 is a perfect age and I hope you have a wonderful time.

Definitely not to young. We went just a couple of weeks ago. My son is 26 months and he had a ball. he was a little uncertain about some of the characters, but he did great. This is a great age because they are old enough to recognize the characters and react to the things around them

We've been taking our 4-yr-old for her birthday every year since she turned one, and we can't wait to do her next birthday soon! As a former Disney cast member, though, I can tell you that there's one thing to keep in mind for every family that visits the parks: "Wherever you go, there YOU are!" Many times, the families that come out miserable from these trips are the ones who imagine that the moment they pass through those gates, they will be the perfect family, having the perfect day with the perfect kids, surrounded by perfect strangers who magically know that this is all for making their perfect wishes come true. These families always come out screaming at each other. You know better, and you will enjoy a very happy trip because of it.

YOU know your child best, you know how much quiet time vs. excitement your daughter can usually handle. Some of our best birthday trips have been those where we kept coming back to the same quiet shady spot again and again (hint: from the central hub, cross the Liberty bridge and turn immediately left. There's a little courtyard behind the shops that's usually very peaceful!)

How patient is your daughter? Be sure to bring little baggies of cheerios or goldfish (not candy--the sugar roller coaster is NOT on your itinerary for this day!) and use them wisely. Grab those Winnie the Pooh fastpasses first thing, and plan not to be upset if your angel falls asleep just before you climb aboard. Dumbo's always a longer wait than it seems (no fastpasses), but slightly better at parade time; otherwise, Aladdin's Magic Carpets are practically the same ride, shorter wait. If you can handle doing meals at slightly off-times, too, it might help you get around. You'd be amazed at how many people are dead-set on having lunch at 12:00, dinner at 7:00. Let them. You'll have an easier time at the rides AND the restaurants! (Our favorite strategy: grab just enough of a bagel or something from home to get you started, go straight to Adventureland first thing in the morning, then have your Pooh brunch reservations for around 10:00--it'll tide you over till mid-afternoon!) Our favorite mid-afternoon lunch hideaway: Columbia Harbor House, 2nd floor (PERFECT calm, and they have some good healthy fast food, too). Of course, this trick is SO good that it often backfires--the place is so quiet, they decide to rope it off half the time!

Sorry to Grandma, but her first visit might not get to include some classics, such as Haunted Mansion, Snow White, or Pirates of the Caribbean. Then again, my daughter actually got more sensitive to spooky stuff when she was 4, so maybe this is your chance--again, you know the child best; and if you remember the rides well enough yourself, you might be good at distracting her at strategic moments!

Your daughter will get more exciting animal time with Small World and Jungle Cruise than she will at Animal Kingdom at this age. Also, don't overlook the Country Bears! That's a show that doesn't get nearly the crowds it deserves. Great breaktime, too! Another easy break--Tomorrowland Transit Authority. No line, ever, and you get to sit and enjoy the breeze while Princess watches the world go by. Same goes for the MK steam trains most of the time.

As for character time--aside from the Pooh brunch (and they do make it around to you, just be patient!)--if you can succeed with those Liberty-bridge naps, keep your pace relaxed, and make it till the end of the day, you'll often find that Mickey's Toontown Fair is pretty peaceful close to closing time. Mickey is in the Judge's Tent; and if you go through the shop next to Minnie's house, you'll usually find a good assortment of characters waiting inside (ask a cast member). The best situation is if you're lucky enough to choose a day when the park just happens to be open an extra hour or so past the parade/fireworks time. As soon as those "grand finales" are done, everyone battles each other to leave the park right away. In that one extra hour, those 50.000 people (and 8,000 strollers) MIGHT make it to the monorail station. In that same amount of time, you and your contented, well-rested child will have all of Toontown and Fantasyland to yourselves, give Mickey a good-night kiss on the nose, and enjoy a leisurely trip back to the car. Check the park schedules carefully, though--sometimes they'll close empty spots of the park a little early.

Lastly, remember that although the shops in the various lands shut their doors at closing time, the Main Street shops usually stay open till you have a chance to spend every last buck you have. No need to lug your loot around all day! And do keep those baby care centers in mind--even if you have to keep walking back across the park, the comfort and cleanliness of the changing area (or, if she's out of diapers--the kid-sized toilets!) will spare your sanity again and again. AND--if your daughter has any pockets that day, write out a little card with your name and cel phone # on it in case she somehow wanders off!

There! To sum it up--Go! Take her! And have a great time no matter what!!!

my daughter went at 2 and it was more fun for us than her, atleast we got some great photos, shes 8 and has no idea shes ever been, lol. have fun!

Depending upon the child, 2 1/2 is definitely not too young. My 3 1/2 yr old son has a close friend who is terrified of characters and has real trouble at Chuck E Cheese (and won't think about going to Disney), on the other hand, our son has been going to Disney and loving it since he was just over 1 and now his younger brother is following in his footsteps and enjoys Animal Kingdom even more than his older brother (who prefers Magic Kingdom) does.

Take the chance. From our experiences, most of our friends who have young children have had nothing but good experiences to report.

Do yourself a favor and book at one of the real Disney resorts. You'll be able to take breaks during the day, shuttle back to your room for naps and then shuttle back to the parks.

-Scott (Husband to S.)

I brought my daughter when she was only 1 1/2 and she loved it! We went back when she was 26 months and it was the best experience for all of us. Go! You won't be sorry.

HAVE FUN!!!

I first took my daughter when she was 1 1/2 and we have been back three times since then. For her second birthday she was in ahhh. she loves it and can't wiat to go again. My only suggestion is go early so that you can go back to your hotel for her nap and then return to the park when she is refreshed again. Make sure to either bring or rent a stroller and have try to stay in it when walking around the park. She may not want to take picture with cearatures and don't force her she will go at her on pace. Don't be nervous you will love it, Take it from me if I could I would go all of the time.

We took our son there for his first time when he was 18 months, we were at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, he LOVED Magic Kingdom, there were alot of rides he could go on, and he liked flirting with all the Princesses. Never been to Animal Kingdom though. I would definately say to take her! She'll have a blast!

We just took my 3 year old...it was a bit overwhelming for him. He cried alot. I would, if possible, wait until she is 5. She will probaly enjoy it alot more. I know I won't take my son again until he is older.

C.

As a former Cast Member I can say Disney is GREAT for 2 year olds. I would skip Animal Kingdom and spend the day at the Magic Kingdom. There is much more to do there and the Magic Kingdom doesn't close early like Animal Kingdom does (usually around 4,5,6pm.) Plus, she can see stage shows, parades, princesses, the fab 5 characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto) and of course there are a lot of meet/greet opportunities. I'd also suggest a character meal with Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore and Piglet at the Crystal Palace. Of course, there are a lot of rides geared especially for little ones like her. Have fun and be sure to ask for the Fl resident rates.

I don't believe that 2 is too young for you to want to take your daughter to Disney. My daughter was 2 when we took our first trip although she does not remember it now. Looking back on the cute pictures we took is always an experience.

And we both like Animal Kingdom the most, just because of the great shows they put on.

Hello, G.
I took my 2 1/2 year old baby girl, and we had a lot of fun, we even had breakfast with Pooh, she did great, somethings were little bit scary, but not a big deal. I hope you get to go.
Ivanys

We took our daughter to Disney on her 2nd birthday and she absolutly loved it. We went to Animal kingdom first and her love of animals really made the experience even better. then off to magic kingdom and she loved it there too. She was a little scared of the characters that were not human (animals from cartoons) but that was it. I recommend going every year as that is a tradition we have for her now.

Go!! We took my daughter to Disney for the 1st time on her 2nd birthday. She had so much fun. My daughter is not afraid of the dark or "scary" things...so she did very well on all of the darker rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White, Peter Pan.....My nephew was scared of these rides at 3 years old...so it really depends on your child.

We love Animal Kingdom, but there are not many rides for a 2 year old...the safari is great as well as the walking trails...and they do have a "dumbo" type ride for the little ones. I would say go with Magic Kingdom...maybe plan a meal with the Characters at Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern.

WoW YoU SuRe gOt a LoT oF AnSwErS!!!

My OnLy PoInT WoUlD Be SaFeTy!!!! sAfEtY!!!! SAFETY!!!!!

I hate to be negative, but am trying to be the voice of concern and reason. You almost have to have 2 adults to take even one child to Disney. Not to alarm you but to inform you...There ARE predators at the parks. My mom told me a story she heard from a client of hers long ago. Her little one was taken right out of the stroller while they were window shopping on Main Street, that's the street you go down heading toward the castle. Obviously there are always lots of people and noise and it only takes a sec. of turning your head for something to happen. The woman ran to the nearest employee and was escorted underground where they have a network of cameras that cover the park. She was instructed to look only for her daughter's face and not hair or clothing. They caught the individual and followed them to a van where there were other children already inside. The child's hair had been cut and her clothes changed in a matter of minutes and they would have had her had the mother not acted so quickly to get help. So please be very vigilant as you enjoy all the wonderful attractions!

We have taken our kids about every 3 years because we like to get the annual passes and go all year until we are tired of it for a while again. It is so much fun for them at all ages. Just keep your guard up and you will have a great time!

Now that my youngest is 2, i am planning the trip as well. My daughters know all the disney characters and love them, so i think it's a perfect time. Just be sure and plan a nap accordingly!! I'm also considering taking my sitter along. I think it will help us alot.
We took our 2 daughters to Seaworld when my youngest was 15 months, and i think she had a great time. Go have fun!!She will love disney!

We recently went to the Magic Kingdom. We had three kids in our group ages 2,1,and 10 months. All of us were able to ride some rides with the kids (Small World, Winnie the Pooh, etc...)The kids loved it. We even watched the parade. Just take a stroller that reclines so your daughter can nap. Have fun...K.

My 3 1/2 has been to Disney twice already. The first time she was 1 1/2 and LOVED it. The second time she just turned 3 and loved it just the same if not more. My little one was only 8 months old when she went. She did well but didn't quite get the full experience. Just take lots of pictures and/or videos so they can always remember the experience.

Absolutely not!My husband and took our daughter when she was 18 months old, and not only did she have fun, but so did we! Her favorite thing was the tram ride and the Disney buses in between parks,but it was still worth it. Besides,they are free until age 3! We made sure we were prepared for the whole day, and if you are going to Magic Kingdom, a great place is toontown. They have a small playground that the kids can play on, and my daughter had a blast. The only thing I would suggest is that don't expect too much. My daughter fell asleep in the stroller, and my husband and I were able to just sit and people watch for awhile,which was great. Have fun!

I am a single mom of a 3 year old girl. Both me and my mom both have an annual pass for Disney. I've been taking my little girl since she was 2 months old. She absolutely loves it there. She loves Small World, the Carousel, the characters. There is so much color and fun that she has never been scared. And for her 3rd birthday, I bought her an annual pass of her very own! Keep me posted if you take her and what her reaction was.

Enjoy it!

Disney is family oriented and for kids. She might be too young for some rides, but not too young to go to Disney World.
She might not remember her trip, but maybe when she gets older you can take her again.

My son was two the last time we went and he had a blast! There are plenty of rides that little people can go on, and there's also lots for them to see! We've tried Animal Kingdom a couple of times and found that it was more interesting for the adults than the kids.

Yes, to young.... I know it sounds like a great idea, your child will not remember the experience.

I just took my 2 year old to Disney last month. She loved it! There is lots of fun and activities and play areas, and they can go on most of the rides, especially over in Fantasy Land where they have all the cartoon characters. It was a great time, and your 2 year old will have a blast as well.

We took my son this past summer and he was just 22 mos old. Both my husband and I 'knew' that we were going for us and that the kids were too young. But let me tell you, my son will still say to me whenever we get into the car. "Are we going to Mickey's house?" or "I wanna go see goofy, again." I am amazed at all that he remembers.
I mean, don't expect to ride all the rides and even some of the rides he could ride SCARED him.
I plan on waiting a year or so and having him and I pit togetehr a disney world scrapbook. Whatever he doesn't remember he'll at least remember putting together his pictures. (my mother did the same thing with me and I don't rem the trip, but I do rem the art project)

G.,
to answer your question, i don't think 2 yrs. old is too young. to be honest, my son is 2 also & we are taking a trip to disney this summer. i think as long as your daughter is mobile already & active, she will have a GREAT time. we just took our son to the south FL fair this week & he had a blast @ the petting zoo, playing games & just being out in the crowd. i know they may not remember so much of it, but if they are having fun soaking it all in, that is good therapy for growth enough. there are plenty of places to go there with out the rides. animal kindom would be fun for her if she has already been to the zoo & enjoyed it. the parades & water parks also. there is just so much to do, you almost need a few days for it all. i read that children are like sponges, esspecially in the 1st 3 yrs of life. any postive things to stimulate their mind and spirit through so many different ways is great for them. take plenty of pictures for memories. those are always fun to look back on & laugh.

I definately dont think she is to young. My son was born Dec. 10. He just turned 2 last month. And for the past two years for his 1st and 2nd birthday, I have taken him to Disney for the Mickeys Very Merry Christmas. He loved it, even at 1 yrs old. He was amazed at all the lights and characters. He loved it even more this year since he is older and can appreciate it more. All he wanted for 2 weeks after was Mickey Mouse. So I think your daughter will like it also. There are rides geared for her age. And your mother-in-law will like it as well. Have a great time!!

I have lived in Central FL most of my life and am a firm believer that you are never too young or too old to go to Disney! We have taken our son 3 times so far (a family member works there): once when he was 3 months to the character breakfast to meet Mickey, once when he was about 1 year, and just before he turned 2. Every time, it gets more fun. The most recent, he really enjoyed the characters, Playhouse Disney show, and Honey I shrunk the kids playground at MGM. Other big hits have been the carousel, train, and Pooh's ride at Magic Kingdom, and Living Seas with Nemo ride at Epcot. The most important thing to remember when taking a toddler is to not overbook the day. Try to stick to 1 park (2 at the most!) and don't plan on going on every ride. Some kids are terrified of characters- others can't get enough of them. It can be almost sensory overload if you try to pack too much activity into the day, so follow your little one's lead. Disney has baby care centers at each park with changing tables, high chairs, and nursing rooms where you can also buy food, formula and diapers. Take advantage of fast pass for the rides you do want to go on. And be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your 2 year old. The cast members are wonderful, so if you need a quiet place for some downtime, or a play area to run around, they can always direct you. Most importantly, take lots of pictures and enjoy it! You'll never forget your child's first look of wonder upon entering Disney!

It's not too young. Magic kingdom is probably one of the best parks for the little ones. Just make sure you have someone to stay with the baby if you want to ride something yourself. take lots of water, refreshments, watever. Take a stroller with room for your stuff. If she is not afraid of fireworks and you can stand to stay out that late stay for the final show. It is beautifull!

I think its a great idea! My only advice is to take your time and bring her back to the hotel room for a nap.If you can try to stay at one of the hotels in the park so you only have to jump on the monorail so you don't have to wait for a bus. There are in each park a building for you to give child care if need be too. My son is five months old and we've been there twice, going for the third time next week (we live like an hour away) The child care building is great they even have a room for nursing mothers! Well I hope you enjoy your trip, and just remember, TAKE YOUR TIME...

We took our son at 18 months and he loved it! He had a great time. She is definitely not too young, she'll love it!

I KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL RESPOND TO YOU. I REALLY HOPE THAT YOU GET THE CHANCE TO READ THIS. I WENT TO MAGIC KINGDOM LAST WEEK WITH MY 27 MONTH OLD. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE!!! LET ME EXPLAIN....

1. YOU WILL NEED TO STAND IN LINES FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES WITH NO STROLLER.
2. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY ATTRACTIONS OR PLAY AREAS FOR A 2 YEAR OLD.
3. MY SON WAS NAPPING EVERY TIME THERE WAS A SHOW OR A PARADE THAT HE WOULD HAVE ENJOYED.
4. HE WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT BEING IN THE STROLLER ALL DAY, I COULD NOT LET HIM OUT BECAUSE HE WOULD GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
5. HE WAS NOT TALL ENOUGH FOR SOME OF THE RIDES THAT I KNOW HE WOULD HAVE ENJOYED.

IT WAS ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. I MADE A PROMISE TO MYSELF THAT I WOULD NOT DO THAT TO HIM AGAIN. I WILL WAIT FOR WHEN HE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE CAR RIDE IS LONG AND WHEN HE DOES NOT NEED TO NAP DURING THE DAY. GOOD LUCK, M.

My daughter was five months old the first time we went to Disney. Of course that was way too young for her to enjoy but by the time she was one and a half, she loved it! She's four years old now and knows her way around the parks better than me and my husband.
Animal kingdom may be a little boring for your daughter. In my opinion, there isn't much for children under the age of six to do there. Magic Kingdom is the best choice for toddlers and preschoolers. I promise you, she'll love it!

Hello!

I started to take my son (single mom too!) when he was 1 1/2..I thought that would be too young but boy was I was wrong! We were never there less than 8 hours, we went to all the parks. Not once did he cry, freak out or want to leave! He must have gotten this from me, I can do Disney all day every day. since then it is a "mom and me ritual", we go to every park every year. I will tell you every year they see it in a different way and it is awesome! we stay at animal kingdom lodge withis GREAT for kids! Have fun!

The first time we went when she was about 2, in mid summer, it was awful.. the teenagers we were with did not even wantt o wait in line for rides.. my daughter had a horrible time getting down for a nap in the stroller, we went on Its a small world and she really like it (which i will always remember) but aside from that the day was H E double hockey sticks.. We were there for about 2 hours. So i didnt give it much of a chance but i was fed up with the weather and stuff and she NEEDED her naps then.
We just went to Sea World a month ago, she really liked it. But aside from the pics, they will be your memories not hers. The next day i mentioned how she saw Shamu and it was eyes big for about 5 seconds, then on her way.

Last year I took my then 4 year old son to Disney, I really thought he would love it. We rode a few rides and then he started complaining it was to hot, he asked several times could we just please go home. I finally gave in and we went home. In retrospect I think he was still not old enough to enjoy the park, and going in the summer isnt a good idea for the smaller ones. I know I wouldnt yet consider taking my 3 year old twins or my almost two year old. Animal Kingdom might work but for the cost I think a two year old will get bored fast? Hope it works out for you!