Hi all - in September, I'll be taking our 2 (nearly 3) year old and 16 month old to WDW for THEIR first trip. (I've been before)

We're coming from the west coast and staying 9 days.

What are some things those of you who've been with children before wish you had known before you went?

I read someone's trip report and they said they wished they had brought a change of clothes for the baby on the plane.

Other tips? Ways to make the flight easier? Rides not to bother with? Ways to adjust to the time change? Hidden gems the toddlers love? The best changing facilities?

I absolutely cannot wait!

I have gone to the DLR with children but not toddlers. I'm still going to spout off advice, given from the perspective of a mom of teens, okay?

Go at your children's pace.

There. How simple is that?

I have gone to the DLR with children but not toddlers. I'm still going to spout off advice, given from the perspective of a mom of teens, okay?

Go at your children's pace.

There. How simple is that?


Oh, absolutely, 3894. We've taken them to DL twice now - and I see it as our vacation, but really their trip. (Tho not letting them know that...). What I mean is, we've been there, done that. They haven't. I want them to enjoy their time and that means if they're not in to everything we are, that's fine. If one day they want to spend the day feeding the ducks at the WL and riding pony's at FW, that's how it should be!

Of course, they don't get to call the whole vacation, either. We are still in charge (alas, poor son, you cannot have ice cream for every meal...).

My dad had a great philosophy - it was a family vacation and only as fun as each member of the family was having. So, if someone wasn't having fun, well, then, the trip wasn't really fun, right? He made sure we had plenty of park time and plenty of down time. I am looking forward to mid-morning swims and wandering the beaches at WL with my two little ones.

At this age, every day is an adventure and brings new and exciting things!

When my eldest was about 22 months old, he experienced a febrile seizure. (The baby, since then, has had two or three, I've lost count.) It was the end of a day at DLR.

Based on the ages of your children here's mine: I always take children's tylenol and ibuprofen with me everywhere I go now. Both. At the first sign of any elevated temp, I start treating. Nothing will put a kink in a vacation faster than an illness, much less a trip to the ER. Kids get sick unexpectedly and usually inconveniently.

You should probably talk with your pediatrician to get his/her approval. With my kids, I'll give one pain reliever and follow up 2-3 hours later with the other. With kids between 1 and 3 around, I don't go anywhere without both pain relievers on hand.

Adrienne

Well, you already have the right attitude...so I am sure you are 80% of the way to a great time!!

I am just spouting off what I have heard from others, but with respect to the time difference, I have read that keeping on a "west coast" time schedule works well, if you are OK with later bedtimes and later waking times. (Later meals means missing the "typical" rush, etc.) Makes it easier to come home too. Seems to make sense to me, and would be the way I would try to do it when I make the trip out there. :)

That, and I tend to bring anything I might need (tylenol, favorite blankie, teething tablets, thermometer...)

I can't remember if you're staying on property or off. If you're on property and you need a doctor for one of your children (or you or DH), the front desk can arrange for a housecall by a doctor. If you're off property (or if you'd rather call directly), the number for CentraCare is 407-934-2273. They have multiple locations, at least on on US 192 and one just off-property near Downtown Disney, and they make housecalls for a fee.

We've made several trips there for everything from an ear infection (child) to a badly-sprained ankle (me), and friends of ours have used them for a housecall for a sick child. The wait can be fairly long for non-emergency cases at times, but they're very good.

Odds are that you won't need that information, but it's good to have just in case.

Also, if possible (depending on how much stuff your kids need) have enough stuff in your carry-ons to get you to the next morning, just in case your luggage goes missing. Of course, you can always buy what you're missing, but it gets very expensive at WDW.

Bring disposable bibs, toddler sized silverware, childrens tylenol and cold medicine, and enough diapers and wipes for the week. You can also have diapers,snacks,etc. delivered by gardengrocer.com or wegoshop.com and then you don't have to drag them along with you taking up precious space. Diapers will cost you dearly in WDW if you need to buy them there. The baby centers in each park are great and airconditioned.

We packed one suitcase with only diapers, wipes, baby snacks, etc. It was great because we used it all there and then had an empty suitcase to fill with all the stuff we got from WDW.

We recently went to WDW (this past April) with out 4 boys (ages 5, 4, 4 and 18 months). I went aand bought a ton of gallon sized ziplock bags. In each bag I put one set of clothes (underware, socks, shirt and pants) and put the boy's name on it. Then every morning each boy just grabbed a bag with his name. Made getting ready in the morning much faster.

We also took a pool break at the hotel almost every afternoon. It cooled them off and got some ants out of their pants.

My boys really liked making the mask and getting the charms at the World Showcase walk in Epcot. I bet the older one would really like that.

Hi all - in September, I'll be taking our 2 (nearly 3) year old and 16 month old to WDW for THEIR first trip. (I've been before)

We're coming from the west coast and staying 9 days.

What are some things those of you who've been with children before wish you had known before you went?

I read someone's trip report and they said they wished they had brought a change of clothes for the baby on the plane.

Other tips? Ways to make the flight easier? Rides not to bother with? Ways to adjust to the time change? Hidden gems the toddlers love? The best changing facilities?

I absolutely cannot wait!

I second Mark's advice to bring a change of clothes for everyone in carry-on luggage. The main reason is in case of lost luggage, but there is another reason why it's good to have a change of clothes, for both the baby and the adult. You are not required to buy a seat for your baby on the plane, but, even if you do, the baby will probably be on your lap most or all of the time. There is a possibility of air sickness, and if baby gets sick, it will, likely also be all over the parent holding the child. This happened to my poor husband on a very long flight, and he was so glad to have a fresh shirt with him, and we had a ziplock bag for the rinsed out shirt. You will definitely want to go at your children's pace, but we have found that usually means not more than 4-5 hours in a park at one time. We normally go to one park in the morning, but by lunchtime or shortly thereafter, the kids (and often us) have had enough of the heat and stimulation. We go back to the hotel to rest and swim, then go out for an early dinner and more park activities. Also be aware of your child's ride tolerance, not just for speed, but also darkness and noise. And also don't be surprised if they don't respond to characters the way you expect, especially non-human characters. At 2, my younger daughter was really freaked out by most of the characters when they approached her. A princess was OK, but even the Pooh charcters were very intimidating to her when they are so big.

There is a possibility of air sickness, and if baby gets sick, it will, likely also be all over the parent holding the child. This happened to my poor husband on a very long flight, and he was so glad to have a fresh shirt with him, and we had a ziplock bag for the rinsed out shirt.

This is good advice for your trip in general. Even when your on the ground visiting the parks, etc. Always have a change of clothes with you so that you can get to them quickly if your child gets sick.

I can't remember if you're staying on property or off. If you're on property and you need a doctor for one of your children (or you or DH), the front desk can arrange for a housecall by a doctor. If you're off property (or if you'd rather call directly), the number for CentraCare is 407-934-2273. They have multiple locations, at least on on US 192 and one just off-property near Downtown Disney, and they make housecalls for a fee.

We've made several trips there for everything from an ear infection (child) to a badly-sprained ankle (me), and friends of ours have used them for a housecall for a sick child. The wait can be fairly long for non-emergency cases at times, but they're very good.


The OP seems like a responsible parent but I'll throw this out there for others.

If your child gets sick please acknowledge it. I work for Disneyland and I once had to convince a mother to take her child to the emergency room. How I got elected amongst all the people involved I don't know (maybe I sound motherly or something). Anyhow, she didn't want to go because it would interrupt their vacation.:rolleyes:

don't about WDW, but the Baby Care Centers at Disneyland/DCA are awesome for their toddler potties and other respites.

If i had only known about that our first few visits with my toddler, it would have made things much easier.

There is a possibility of air sickness, and if baby gets sick, it will, likely also be all over the parent holding the child. This happened to my poor husband on a very long flight, and he was so glad to have a fresh shirt with him, and we had a ziplock bag for the rinsed out shirt.
I had successfully blocked that out of my mind until just now. :(

Also, if your older child uses the potty, bring a few post-it notes or easily-removable stickers. Place them over the electric eye on the toilets in the parks so that they won't auto-flush if your child moves out of range while still sitting there. More than one child has been traumatized by that surprise. Then you can remove the post-it/sticker when they're done.

I love the post it note idea for when Gus Jr. starts potty training.

Here is another thought. The First aid centers are awesome! We had a situation where Gus daughter started breaking out in a rash after breakfast but felt fine. By mid morning the rash started to itch so we stopped by the friendly first aid center and the staff there was so helpful! They helped us figure out it was a food allergy, put anti itch cream on Gus daughter and we were on our way with out any more problems. (anti itch cream or benydryl is also a great thing to keep on hand for unknown allergies.)

They will also take temps and administer tylenol or ibuprofen. They gave us an enriched drink (similar to gatorade) for Gus Jr. when he was running a fever to keep him from dehydrating. We had juice but they said that the enriched water was better for him. This was all free of charge. I felt better knowing that he was checked out by professional medical personnel and not just me guessing!

Have a great trip!!! If you are traveling with powder formula, make sure you put the can in a plastic ziplock in case it gets crushed and spills out all over your new dress! (it happened to us!) Say hi to Mickey & Minnie for Me.:D

This is awesome, everyone!! I love the tips - I'm going to print out this thread for when we start packing!

To answer a few questions:

We're staying at Wilderness Lodge (LOVE IT!) for 9 days. We'll have 5 adults and the two kids. Grandma and the uncles are traveling with us. We plan on bringing two umbrella strollers so we can split up, if necessary.

Older child (son) is just starting potty training, but still in pull-up pants. The post-it notes will definitely come with us. Heck, those darn auto flushers have scared me plenty of times, too!!!

We've started playing music from the rides to get him used to hearing the music. So far, only one that has scared him is Indy - and that's at Disneyland. He wouldn't be old enough or tall enough for that, anyhow!!!

Question - I know that you get measure two, three times at every ride. Is there somewhere we can go before the rides to see how tall WDW thinks he is? LOL!! Like, can we take him into City Hall and have him measured so we know what rides to definitely avoid? I have already begun preparing him by telling him that there may be some rides he is not old enough or tall enough to go on. He's pretty adventurous, though, and wants to do what his uncles do. There are also some rides Mommy does not think a nearly 3 year old is ready for....

Oh, and no worries on the sickness thing. We had that issue pop up at our Christmas trip to DL. When it became apparent at 9:30 a.m. that son was not going to get over being sick (we thought he might be better with something to eat, but no...), we took him back to the hotel where he slept until the next morning and was fine. It just makes no sense to drag a sick and miserable kid all over Disney! And the baby care center was GREAT! Took his temp and gave us some advice on how to treat him - and they were right. He was just fine after we followed their advice.

Thanks, again, everyone!

Is there somewhere we can go before the rides to see how tall WDW thinks he is? LOL!! Like, can we take him into City Hall and have him measured so we know what rides to definitely avoid?just do this at home with the shoes and socks he'll be wearing on the trip. it'll be just as accurate as the various height monitrs around the park. and if he's close to a certain category, it may encourage him to eat his veggies.

NAPS in the room are my biggest recommendation. As is bags of cereal for snacking throughout the day. Nothing like putting fruit loops on the tray of the stroller for them to munch on. Have been numerous times to WDW with kids aged 5 weeks to 4 years. Also, if you don't have any, get kids kaopectate (sure that is spelled wrong). The food down the first few days always tends to tear up my stomach and my son's. Not sure if it is the richness of it or what. But we learned that the hard way on his first trip - age 21 months, had to hit the first aid center for some and all they had was adult's version. I make sure I have a bottle with me every trip in the diaper bag.

Other than that, just go at their pace. We have found that all of us take naps daily, even the adults, it just helps. Also, I make sure we are back in the room at the latest by 8:30. I go there with the knowledge of when they are older they can experience all the fireworks and stuff when meltdowns will not happen. Right now, I try to keep them in their same schedules to ensure everyone has a good time.

Yes, I realize that the more we keep to a regular schedule, the happier everyone will be. There will be other trips - we plan on going every four years, at the very least. So, next trip, we'll do more and more. Not worried about seeing it all and doing it all.

We do have two later evenings planned - a fireworks cruise for grandma's birthday and MNSSHP one night. However, the fireworks cruise is going from the dock at our hotel and will arrive back at 9:30 - only 30 minutes past their normal bed time. I figure more down time in the afternoon of that day.

For MNSSHP, we will probably take a huge chunk of the afternoon off, to return to our dinner at the Castle before the party. I figure we won't stay very long for the party, but it will be fun to do some of it.

We also want to try and do Fantasmic one evening. I thought we would do it on our down day, when we have spent the morning relaxing at the pool or at Typhoon or something.

Of course, we'll play a lot of it by ear. My son did great on his first trip to DL - he could go all day in the parks and then we'd just go home for his nap about 5, and that would be it for the parks for the day. Funny, actually, this is the same schedule we did with grandma on our last trip to WDW! LOL!!

Actually, measuring him at home doesn't always work if he's really close to one of the heights. One of my twins finally reached 40". He's definately 40" (measured at home and the dr office) but certain height bars for the rides are wrong. He'll be tall enough at one but not the next. So check each height bar and have one of the ride staff check it if he's close.

Last time my son was measured, he was, I believe 39 inches - but that was in May. So, I think he will be over 40 inches by September.

I don't know how often this will come up, though. I mean, he's still very little and he may not (or we may not!) want to go on the 40 inch rides. I think maybe Gadet's coaster... but, who knows? We went on Pirates in December and I was surprised that both he and his sister LOVED it.

So, we'll try some here, try some there, and see what they incline towards.

I think maybe Gadet's coaster... but, who knows?
Note: In WDW, it's the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wise Acre Farm.

Note: In WDW, it's the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wise Acre Farm.


Yeah, I grew up going to DL - didn't make my first WDW trip until I was in my 20s. I have a hard time remembering the names of the WDW attractions when they are differently named from DL. We still, not matter how many times I read the sign, call it The Peoplemover. (Sigh) Of course, we're just sad that we no longer have one...

I had successfully blocked that out of my mind until just now. :( Every time I see "What Not to Wear," and Stacey London tries to push a cashmere sweater or "dry clean only" outfit on a mother of a young child, I envision her in my place the day at the playground when I was holding my younger daughter, and she had a sudden "Colon Blow Out" all over both of us. I called out to my older daughter that we had to go home right away, because her sister just exploded. The kid wasn't even sick. Parenthood is not for the squeamish.

We still, not matter how many times I read the sign, call it The Peoplemover. (Sigh) Of course, we're just sad that we no longer have one...
Yeah, I often call it the PeopleMover, too. Of course, WDW's used to be called the "WEDway PeopleMover."