Hi any tips for taking my 2 1/2 year old grandson on his 1st trip to meet Mickey. I sure it will be the best trip no matter what just being with him will be wonderful.

Here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=92647) is another thread with good info.

Basics: don't try to do too much, take lots of breaks, think IN ADVANCE about what you will do to keep him occupied in lines, take a change of clothes, jic, be sensitive to things that might scare him that you wouldn't have thought of, and find safe ways/places for him to run around and get out some of that toddler boy energy!

I hope you are staying on property and have a hopper. It makes it much easier to go in and out of the parks for nap time or if he should get fussy. Take your time. There is a lot to see and do at Walt Disney World and a 2 1/2 year old can get overloaded quickly. Another suggestion I would have is to rent a stroller or bring your own. Tired feet can make Grandma cranky;)

I hope this helps!!!:D


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Chris M
Helping you make your dream come true one vacation at a time!

The stroller rental fees have really gone up. I suggest you bring a lightweight stroller from home. Kids that age can really get overstimulated and the excitement can be very tiring to them. When my kids were small, they would really start to "hit the wall" after about 4 hours in a park. Go early in the day, when he's fresh, and take a mid-day break. Even if he won't nap at the hotel, some quiet time, and maybe a swim, is good for everyone. If he will nap, it's a bonus. Plan meals around his "stomach clock." The few times we tried to extend a stay at the park until mid-afternoon, without a break, or planned dinner later than 6 or 6:30, we risked a meltdown. If you pace yourselves, he will have a wonderful time. There are lots of little fun things for a child to do, like the pressed penny machines, and coloring at the Kidcot tables at Epcot.

If he is an early riser (my son is) take advantage of that and get to the parks early (at opening even).

If you are staying on property, head back to the room for naps (my 2 year old would flame out after a couple days at WDW with no naps).

Biggest thing is try not to push to hard, even if you don't feel you are getting all the "stuff" done. He is going to simply love being there with his grandma and grandpa. He isn't going to care if he misses something here and there...

My 2 1/2 year old daughter really enjoyed the Playhouse Live Show at Hollywood Studios. She knows all the characters and it was just the right noise/light level. She really enjoyed the character meals...mom and dad did too. We said you have to stay in your high chair for Mickey to come see you. She stayed in her high chair and ate better than she ever has in her life. She also liked the petting station at Rafiki's Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom. Have fun! Don't try to push yourself too much. Oh yeah, she really enjoyed playing with the ducks in Epcot near the Land Pavillon and the birds in Mexico that she shared her tortilla with. :)

If I were going with just a 2 1/2 y/o, I would consider just getting a ticket for Magic Kingdom - there is so much to see and do just in MK alone. Like another poster said, he will not know what he is missing and I suspect this will only be his first (and not his last) trip to WDW ;) I would definitely schedule one or two character meals (breakfast is probably best) - these in themselves are enough for a 2 1/2 y/o - sure beats trying to get him to stand still and patiently in line at a "character meet and greet" area.

Also, second vote for definitely bringing a stroller, even if he won't stay in it in the early part of the day. Trust me, you will both be glad whenever you decide to leave the park that you brought it. I also agree that if you can get to MK at opening, that is your best bet - he will be refreshed and there will be little or no wait on all of the rides/attractions in Fantasyland, where you will spend most of your time anyway. Have fun and enjoy!

I also wanted to add that the Baby Care Centers are great to take a little break in for everybody...AIR CONDITIONING and QUIET! Two great things that little ones need during a WDW trip. My 2 1/2 year old loved the one in Epcot. She didn't want to leave the play room.