To all you parents out there,

I am planning a trip with my sister and niece to DL. She is 20 months old, is there a good amount of things for her to enjoy? Or will it all be over her head? Have any suggestions for the itinerary? And how about tickets? You pay for kids only if they are over 3, right?

Thank you for all of the help! :D

I went to MK with an 18 mt old- so somewhat different but one thing that might be valuable is to start in Fantasyland with Its a small world. My son was confused and a little taken aback at the beginning. It was dark, lots of music and moving things- including us. But he "got it" by the end of the ride and enjoyed himself. We then did a couple of the other mild rides in Fantasyland- (I think the Pooh ride is now in DL-and Peter pan's flight was at DL when I was there and those are good choices). By the end of that, he understood the routine and enjoyed many rides. Even some of the scary ones. Basically ramp up and let your niece adjust. Then figure out her level and go with it. Look into the "baby swap" waiting in line option for you and your sister for rides that aren't good for the baby (all wait in line and then one of you holds the baby while the other takes the ride, when you are done, the one holding the baby gets on the ride without waiting while the first rider watches the baby)

We've been taking our kids since they were 1 month old! A 20 month old should have fun! I totally agree with the suggestions about rides, our 4 month old adores Small World, that might be a good one to start out with!

One thing, if you plan on seeing any characters, watch the child to see how she will react before pushing her up to the front. My 4 yo daughter has never had a problem with any character, but *fuzzy characters* (Mickey, Minnie, etc) can be pretty overwhelming to a small child!

Thank you for awnsering my"plee".
I went to Disneyland when I was about 20 months old and the only memory I have is a picture of my father holding me in"Its A Small World". That is my only recollection of that first trip ever. I still wonder what happened! I try to dredge info out of my dad and all he can tell me is that i had a lot of fun. Did I have a lot of fun? I bet I did! Because otherwise I would be talking to you and everyone else on this site!
I hoped this helped in some way.
just take LOTS of pictures!
I only had one.
Your niece should have a bunch!!:D

AWESOME! thanks for all the advice. are there any rides in Fantasyland to avoid that kids find praticularly scary? :D

My 4 year old does not like Snow White or Alice in Wonderland. We can talk him into going on Alice and he ends up liking it - but not Snow White. Not even close with Snow White. (He rides nearly everything else in both parks - that he's tall enough for - except for that one! :eek: )

My son has been going ever since he was a year old.

Definately skip Snow White. The witch is toooo darn scary! (even for me LOL)

Things to go on.. Casey Jr., Small World, Alice in Wonderland, Pooh.

My son didn't like Peter Pan the first few times but now he loves it.

My children were 19-days-old and 17-days-old for their first trips to DLR. :eek:

Personally, I think a 20-month-old can have a ball at DLR and can enrich the vacation for the family that loves him/her.

I wrote an article (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock26.htm) about taking 1-year-olds to the park and much of the information would be helpful for a 20-month-old. Dark rides are going to be the trickiest: Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Peter Pan, Toad, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio. Personally, I think that of that list, Peter Pan and Alice are the least scary. I would start with one of those two rides and see how your neice reacts. If she can handle those rides, then try Toad.

Snow White, Pinocchio, Pirates, and Mansion can all be a lot scarier. Some kids can handle them, some can't. I personally won't force a 20-month-old onto a ride if she's screaming, especially a ride like Pirates. If she doesn't stop screaming, you (and the other people on your boat) will be stuck with a crying baby for a 15-minute ride. Not fun for anyone- not you, not the child, and not anyone else on the boat!

One note: the side bar says that Gadget's Go-Coaster and Matterhorn have a 3-year-age minimum. That's been changed to 36" height minimum.

Adrienne

I don't buy the line "he's too young." My ex tried to tell me that when I took my DD's when my youngest was 3. He said "she won't remember it." Which for the most part, she doesn't but guess what, kids don't remember a lot of things it doesn't mean we don't do them.

So I say go. Have fun. BUT remember that the little one might be more interested in chasing the birds then go on the rides.

Small World is a MUST!!!! My son is 4 and this is still his favorite. We took him for the first time at 8 months old. Be careful of Snow White, Pinocchio and Alice. They all have some loud noises in them that can be scary to a small child. The Mad Tea Party, Casey Jr., Storybook Land Canal Boats and Small World are all pretty tame and a lot of fun for little kids. Hope you have lots of fun!!:)

BTW, 3 and under get in free.

Just wanted to say a big THANKS to everyone, this is all really really helpful. I am SO excited about this trip!!!
:D :D :D
If anyone has more advice, keep it coming!

My husband and I were a bit nervous to bring my 2 1/2 year old and 6 week old to Disneyland last September for 5 days, but we had a blast. My toddler loved all the rides, even Snow White. But, my daughter has been able to recognize the concept of pretend since a very early age.

However, it may be scarier for a 20 month old. The hardest part was when I had to spend so much time at the infant care center breastfeeding my baby while everyone else went on all the rides. But, we had a great time overall. Just remember about the baby care center. It's a great place if the kids need a break, to run around and eat in a high chair for a minute. It's like a small slice of home and familiarity. And, the best part about bringing a stroller is that you can bring in lots of cold water in the basket below, saving lots of money!

It was amazing to me to see Disneyland through a childs eyes as she was so excited by every last, little thing! It is definetely new take on the happiest place on earth.

Originally posted by DivaPrincess
However, it may be scarier for a 20 month old. The hardest part was when I had to spend so much time at the infant care center breastfeeding my baby while everyone else went on all the rides.

You know, I am not a mom nor do I play one on TV but unless it's for your own comfort and preference there is no need to limit your feeding times to the baby care center :)

Wow! I appreciate your support of breastfeeding in public. (a lot of people don't feel that way. Even though I am extremely discreet and modest, I'd still get a few dirty looks, but that's another topic.) And, I didn't always go to the baby care center (I fed my daughter in line for Peter Pan at one point) but it was easier there because I didn't have to cover up, and it got a little hot outside on a few of the days. Breastfeeding does require sacrifices, but they are worth it.

Yeah DivaPrincess (as a been there done that mom myself- I must say yeah!).

I also enjoyed the 30 min breaks I had with my 18th old sleeping on the benches in the shade while I watched the people go by. I'm more familar with WDW- but does anyone have any spots at DL to recommend - quiet places picked out for decompressing parent and child and a little lay down on a blanket in the shade (while wonderful Uncle/brother goes for those mickey shaped ice cream bars :D )

Wow! I really can't think of any place in Disneyland where you could actually put out a blanket and relax. If anyone knows of one, please tell!

I do have to share a funny story about nursing my daughter in the park. We had just gotten there on Sunday morning, and there where characters everywhere in the big open area just past the tunnels. (Is that what you all call the hub?) Anyway, there is a little porch area over behind the Mad Hatter store with shade and benches, so I headed over there to feed my hungry 6 week old while my husband took my other daughter to get some pictures with characters. When I sat down, it was peaceful and quiet, but no sooner had my daughter latched on, discreetly under a blanket, but it was still pretty obvious what I was doing, did some of the characters head over to make thier exit. I was right by the backstage door they used. Anyway, I ended up in probably dozens of pictures, quietly nursing my baby. One of the character escorts noticed my embarrassment and gave me a great big smile and shrugged his shoulders.

Be grateful you weren't surrounded by the shark pin traders that was one of their "pits" once upon a time..

As for spreading a blanket on the grass, I can't think of any place to do that.. but naps in the stroller in the shade while someone sits in the shade on a lovely bench people watching... there are several nice locations.. NoS fountain area, over near the Matterhorn....which is a little quieter because it's not near one of the train stations and it's far enough away from the meet/greet area.....Adventureland doesn't offer any really 'nice' spots to rest unless you are waiting for someone on Indy and can go down the exit to one or two of the benches there. There are some benches and shade near Big Thunder RailRoad... but one of the tricks we did when we took my surrogate nieces 18 month old.. was the mark twain.... a nice 20 minute shaded gentle motion fairly quiet area with a light breeze from the motion of the boat.. he loved it..

speaking of breastfeeding... we are taking my 12 week old to d-land the first week of june. does anyone have any tips for breastfeeding at d-land? i will probably take him to the babycare center a few times a day to give him a break from the noise, but i don't want to do it all the time. i am very nervous about feeding him in public and would appreciate any tips on where and how to do it without attracting attention. isn't it a shame that we live in a society where this is even a concern.

~<:) tracilicious

I nursed my daughters for 17 months each and I think I have nursed just about everywhere except at a Disney park! But, as far as nursing in public goes, most people won't even know you are doing it (unless you totally take off your top, that is!). Some moms swear by nursing tops (see sites like motherhood.com). I have some nursing dresses, but never really cared for the tops. I just used a light receiving type blanket to gently drape over my shoulder and the baby's head. With a really young one like you have, they are usually very content under there. Once they reach a year or so, they like to tear the blanket away! I found that once I got my girls latched on and just looked relaxed, no one would give me a second glance. I never once got a comment or even a look, and believe me I was looking for them. I know some mom's have run into rude people, but I never did. I have even had people come up to see the baby assuming she was just sleeping. Imagine their surprise once they got up close!

I would suggest nursing in public somewhere like the mall or a library to help you get used to it. It does take some practice, but it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You are doing the best thing for your baby and should be proud of it. I always hoped that if a mother saw me nursing in public it might give her the courage to do it herself.

I wrote this article (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/ak010921.htm) which briefly addresses nursing at Disneyland.

As I said in the article, I was always comfortable nursing my babies in public, but I think Ellester's suggestion about going out in public before your trip is an excellent idea.

I mention shady bench locations throughout Disneyland in my article. With my first son, I always had a blanket with me and would "drape" the blanket over the baby and myself when I was nursing. Maybe this would help you feel more comfortable? It will be warm during your trip but you could even just drape the baby and below him, without putting the blanket over your shoulder. My mom crocheted blankets for my boys- they were "holey"-er than a receiving blanket so they let air flow through a little.

I nursed my sons each for 13 months and during those 2+ years we took several trips to Disneyland. I never, ever had anyone say anything to me about nursing my children in public- and I often didn't use a blanket to cover us at all. (It just got to be inconvenient after awhile.)

I think I mention nursing on dark rides on my article. Pirates is a nice long ride- 15 minutes-- a great place to nurse! You can also nurse on a ride on the Mark Twain. Are you comfortable sitting on the floor? The Mark Twain has chairs but I would just sit up against a railing on the ground to nurse if I had to.

I don't know if any of these tips are helpful at all, but I really hope that you find a way to comfortably nurse besides the Baby Care Center. I think it sends an important message to future parents ;)

Adrienne

thanks. i read the article and it was great. i refuse to go to the babycare center every time he is hungry. so i guess i will probably get over it pretty quickly. i'm not actually nervous about the nursing part. it's the getting him latched on that itimidates me. that and lately he has been doing this "i want to pop off and chat" thing. lol. thanks for the tips.

~<:) traci

Look at it this way: kids minds develop best when they're stimulated, right? What better place to take them?

I have been taking my kids with us to Disneyland since my oldest was 6 months. She loved it then and loves it now. My children have been socialized by Disney, LOL.

I have never avoided any ride unless my child couldn't ride it. I took them always to all the rides and even if they didn't know what was going to happen I was right there with them and they felt secure. They have no fears of the rides except they don't really like the drop in the Pirates, but we still go and I hold them on my lap if they are particularly frightened.

I think you and your 20 month old are going to have a blast. Try to see the parades and stage shows, small children particularly love them for the music and colors, they are facinating. Don't overlook the fun of just letting them explore and know he/she will take pleasure in the little things in the moment. The truth is YOU will have the most fun and the memories for life and the pictures. I'm so glad you are going to go.

If I were you I'd pack plenty of healthy snacks/water, for good food for toddlers is hard to come by in the parks.

I've found that the blanket over the shoulder actually makes it more obvious that you are nursing. Just go ahead and do it, most people won't even notice. Simply lifting my top works well. The baby will cover you, and people will probably think you are holding a sleepy baby. Wearing a twin set makes it especiallly discrete. A friend of mine wears a tank top underneath her tops. You can practice in front of a mirror.

I've nursed on It's a Small World, Pooh, Pirates, Mark Twain, the train (back row) and Mr Lincoln. Nursing also helps calm down babies who become scared (a possibility on the dark rides.)

i feel the same way about blankets. although, i have found that putting a blanket under him and just slightly above his head makes a nice sheild. it is just so hot in the summer though, i don't want to suffocate him. i got a sling, but i still need more practice nursing with it. thanks for all the suggestions. this time tomorrow i'll be there!

~<:) traci