My wife and I plan to take our daughter to Disney World next May, when she will be 20 months old. We don't plan to make much use of the theme parks -- she'll be too young -- but I know there will be plenty to do at the resorts themselves. The question is, which one? At first, I thought the Grand Floridian, but now I'm thinking that the Beach Club would be better for a toddler. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I'd do something on the main Monorail line and use it as quick entry/exit from MK. At 20 mos., she should love the color and excitement (characters!!!! parades!!! shows!!!) of the MK, even in short doses.

My wife and I plan to take our daughter to Disney World next May, when she will be 20 months old. We don't plan to make much use of the theme parks -- she'll be too young -- but I know there will be plenty to do at the resorts themselves. The question is, which one? At first, I thought the Grand Floridian, but now I'm thinking that the Beach Club would be better for a toddler. Any thoughts? Thanks!

If you are looking at a Deluxe, I would also recommend a monorail hotel. We stayed at the Contemporary when our kids were little. Nice to have the option of the monorail, or even a quick walk from the MK. The only downside is that there could be long waits for the elevators, and the escalators were difficult to manage with a stroller.

First off, welcome to MousePlanet!
I echo what was said about the monorail resorts, especially when it comes to quick access to MK and even Epcot. WL comes in a close second in accessibility to MK and their pool area is real nice.

Even with that said, I think the Boardwalk has one of the neatest pool areas around. Between the wading pool and the play area next to it, it looked very inviting for my then 21 month son.

As for moderates, you loose the quick acess to the parks but their facilites are also real good. POR has a nice wading pool area and a play area as well.

Even at that age, you may be surprised as to what your little one will end up liking. You may end up at the parks more than you anticipate. (Heck, GusJr would ride Buzz Lightyear all day long if he could.)

I agree with Gusman...you may be suprised by your little one's reactions and seeing it thru their eyes, even as young as a few months old is great!

We have taken our dd's from ages 9 months, to 24 months and up thru out the years and we have never regretted one second. We had reservations at first worrying about their nap times and over tiring them, but with careful planning our trips were stress free.

The baby care center in MK is wonderful!!!!

So in saying that, a monorail resort could make it very convenient for you to go back and forth for travel. Even though it only takes you to the MK and Epcot. Going back for naps and a nice dip in the pool is always the way to go!

Happy planning! :fez:

The baby care center in MK is wonderful!!!!
Oh yeah! Never underestimate the awesomeness of the baby care centers! (One at each park.)

also echoing what everyone else is saying I would highly recommend the Poly. the monorail will make it easy for both you and the child as you will be able to roll on and off the system going to both epcot and the MK.

that being said don't underestimate your childs ability to enjoy all the parks (not to mention yours as well). both our girls made their first visits to WDW and Dland before this, and even when they were 14 months they obviously enjoyed themselves. When Cfoxx was 27 months we announced we would be returning for her second trip to WDW in 4 months. She spent the next 4 months asking everytime we got in the car "we go dizzy world?"

there will be things for your child at every park. whether it will be reacting to the characters (you'd be surprised what they will remember, and how excited they will become), or the sensory feeling of petting animals at AK, or seeing the big fish at the living seas your child will almost constantly be stimulated. even shows like fantasmic will be a joy to them. a good sign will be when you see your child starting to watch cartoons on your tv, that same attention will be given to all of WDW as it will be like living in one of their shows.

finally don't give up on your opportunity to enjoy WDW. all the dark rides, and shows will accomodate you and your child. on the rides that have height requirments you can always do a child swap and everyone can have fun.

I'm going to recommend the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is a deluxe (although not on the monorail).

While the monorail is convenient, I still find it a pain (esp. with little kids) to go up and down and up and down.

The AKL also has a zero-entry pool, which is great for toddlers. I know the Contemporary doesn't have one, not sure about the Poly or GF.

We started taking my son when he was 17 months and he loved the parks. There are many rides they can go on, and baby swap is great. My only advice is not to push the character interaction, many kids are scared at that age.

HTH.

My advice (having been in your shoes a couple of times) is to pick the resort based on what you and your wife want. Your little one will literally be along for the ride, and will enjoy whatever experiences you let her share.

That being said, we had a GREAT stay at the Boardwalk with our little girl, very good stays at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Grand Floridian, and a pitiful one at the Polynesian (but that had to do with all-around poor staff attitude). You and your girl will enjoy the theme parks just fine, so don't worry about that, either.

I do believe the poly has a zero entry pool. Maybe get a room at one of the vactation clubs this way you have a kitchen and laundry. saratoga has a zero entry pool.

The Poly and the AKL both have zero entry pools...they are great! I recall the WL pool having steps however.