Well, I'm a believer. We went to DL in Sept. with our 2 year old.
He loved Sea World and he loved DL.

Now we are planning a trip with him to go to Disney World at the end of Feb.

My questions is: What parks are appropriate for a 2 1/2 year old child? Just Magic Kingdom and Sea World? What about Epcot, MGM, and Animal Kingdom?

Daniel was pretty bored at the San Diego Zoo...but thought Sea World was amazing. He loved the DL, where we basically stayed in Fantasyland.

We only have 3 full days and 1 half day (which we probably won't go to the park b/c it is so expensive).

Also, I feel like this trip is going to be a lot more $$$ than DL...why so expensive here on the east coast? Maybe b/c I need to rent a car too?

I am watching this post as I too am thinking of taking a 7 yr old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 1/2 year old to Disneyworld this summer and need advice on which parks are the best. I too with have 3 full days there. I was thinking Epcot one day, MK one day and MGM one day. Opinions? Advice?

And what is everyone's opinion about car rental vs. shuttle when traveling with kids?

Great post, I wish someone would respond soon:( Thanks

OK - I'll post. We took a five year old to Disney World in May. Her mother was convinced that Marlie would absolutely love Magic Kingdom and hate Epcot. As it turned out, the only thing Marlie liked at Magic Kingdom was the parade. She did go back and do Dumbo and Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride later. But she absolutely loved Epcot and doing the mask and the passport around the countries.

Don't pass up at least a short visit to Animal Kingdom with the kids. Marlie was thrilled with the Flights of Wonder bird show. After the show, kids are invited to come up towards the stage, talk to the trainers, and see some birds very up close and personal. Marlie was literally face to face with an owl. And we had to almost drag her out of the Boneyard play area. Triceratops Spin was also a huge hit with her.

In hindsight, Marlie's mom said that next time, we'd only do one day at Magic Kingdom and spend most of the rest of the time at Epcot.

But Marlie's favorite memory (and that of our son and Marlie's mom) wasn't even in a park. It was her $3 pony ride at Fort Wilderness. She talks about Cricket all the time now. I learned that with kids, it doesn't always have to be bigger, better, and faster.

Oh - regarding using a shuttle bus versus renting a car. I'd go with the car, especially if you are using a stroller. Trying to fold up a stroller and dealing with kids at the same time while everyone behind you is trying to get on the bus can really be a hassle at the end of a long day. Plus, having your own car means you can take a grocery trip if you need to.

I've gone with younger and older than those ages. I think MK is great in general- although each kid is different. But I would definately head straight through the castle, go fantasyland and then toon town. Gauge the temperment (i.e. think about taking a break- back to the hotel if you are close- or a long lunch with characters can work also).

My kids didn't get into Epcot very much except at night. Then the lights and night time parade were a real hit. The dancing fountain in the lights of nighttime is great also. So I might recommend hitting Epcot first for dinner and evening and see how your kid does.

We loved AK, but definately hit the sand pit- dinosaur area. The animal tours are probably less fun for a kid who doesn't like zoos a lot. The shows were a must for us- Lion King was great. If your child isn't too jumpy (you can sit in the back to help) the music and acrobats etc. were fun.

I think the one park, if I had to skip one with young kids would be MGM- although we had fun there as well, but I found a little less to do with less than 3 yr olds (Muppet 3D is cool an not scarry- but hard to get less than 3 yr olds to either keep the glasses on, or not get freaked out).

I also might recommend thinking about doing less more often. i.e. young kids sometimes like to experience things more than once to really get it. So even though the song still haunts me- Its a small world 3 times! And for my 7 yr old Haunted Mansion 3 times. I think they enjoyed that more than they would have if we had done different rides instead.

About two years ago we went with my 2 1/2 year old DS. He didn't stop smiling the whole time.

We rented a car which we used to go to AK, MGM and Typhoon lagoon. We were lucky enough to stay at the Poly (mostly because I was 5 months pregnant), so we could use the monorail for MK and Epcot, but if we stayed elsewhere we probably still would have used our rental car to get there as well.

I have to catch a train, but I'll sign on at home and let you know what my then 2 1/2 year old enjoyed.

Later

I'm back!

As for what to do with a 2 1/2 year old:

Epcot: My kid (who was pretty spunky at 2 1/2, so may be more daring that others) really liked Ellen's Energy Adventure (the dinosaurs! Very life like, could be frightening to others), the driving similators at the end of Test Track (where he was waiting for his Daddy), the playground after the Imagination ride, and the Living Seas. In the World Showcase, he loved Maelstrom (5X) and the ride in the Mexican Pavillion (3X), but happily sat through the movies at China and France. Loved the parade and the fireworks.

MGM: I don't think he was enamored of this park, although he enjoyed Fantasmic. The Little Mermaid show, Beauty and the Beast, Muppets 4D and Playhouse Disney would be good for a youngster.

AK: Other than the safari, a 2 1/2 year old would like the Lion King Show, and probably Tarzan if he likes the movie. Also, Conservation Station was nice for a toddler. Its a nice train ride, and they have a petting zoo, and some other nice exhibits.

MK: Other than FL, Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin was a big hit (5X!!). Also, if it is a particurly hot day, Tom Sawyers island is a nice diversion. Lots of shade, and the fort is neat.

Feel free to ask any questions, I lurk around these boards from time to time and would be happy to help you out.

Whoops, forgot to mention two things. If you have the time and opportunity, my DS adored Typhoon Lagoon. They have a great kid area, but I couldn't get him and his Dad out of the wave pool! They will rent you a kid size floatation jacket there (it was like ten dollars and a drivers licence, we got the drivers licence back).

Also, restaurant recommendation: The Garden Grill in the Land at Epcot. The food was great, for both kids and parents, and it was a character meal, with great interaction with Mickey, Chip and Dale, and Pluto.

The water park might be a good idea for the half day. If you get Parkhopperplus tickets (like for 3 days), as I understand it, you don't have to use the plus part (i.e. water parks) on the same days as the park. So you could go the the parks 3 days and then use the plus for the forth day. There is more exact info on this on mousesavers.com (http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwtixadvice.html#php)