We are preparing to head to the Happiest Place on Earth…Disney World!
In the summer.
With a toddler.
I know what you’re thinking – we’re nuts, right? Well, we very well may be. But thankfully, we’re the best kind: mixed nuts! Yes, the whole family – both sets of grandparents, both brothers, fiancée, and even our great-aunt are all coming along to our trip to Disney World.
And the fun doesn’t stop at the Magic Kingdom. We’re also hopping on the Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral for a cruise to the Bahamas.
Jiminy Cricket, this should be a fun time! (Let’s make drinking game out of how many Disney references I can drum up in this post, eh?)
I’m pretty excited about the vacation. Would be crazy not to be.
But I must confess: I am also preparing for the worst.
I am praying that my temperament is more that of Snow White and less of the Evil Queen [drink!] throughout the duration of this trip. But something tells me that between the sticky humidity of Florida, coupled with a large group that has never traveled together and a 2-year old making his maiden voyage on an aircraft AND cruise ship (and not to mention, seems to still be petrified by adult-size furry characters), the Cruella DeVille in me is bound to arise [drink again!]
Here’s to hoping that mom a la mode keeps her cool in Florida!
So to keep Cruella at bay, here’s what I’m doing: I’m under-packing and over-preparing.
Gone are the days of “options” and a suitcase just for shoes and accessories. I will likely be wearing the same stately navy v-neck shirt and coral shorts for the length of the trip. Between all of the diapers, gear, toys, etc. that Roc requires, I’m praying that I don’t have to pay overage fees for baggage.
In terms of over-preparing, I’m speaking to anyone that will give me the time of day who has:
a. traveled with a “spirited” 2 year old on a plane and/or cruise ship
b. been to Disney [in the summer] and came back alive
I am scouring the blogosphere, am on a first name basis with the Disney Cruise desk agent and have IPad apps, a working spreadsheet of tips, and handwritten lists up the wazoo.
I’m hoping this will help keep things organized, ensuring we can have the hap- hap- happiest vacation in the land where dreams come true.
And now here’s where you come in – please, please for the love of Winnie the Pooh [drink once more!], if you can provide any advice on traveling, sleeping, dining, etc. with a 2-year old, it is greatly appreciated. Also welcome are any product recommendations, apps, or tips on navigating Disney, Castaway Cay or Nassau with a 2 year old. Seriously, I’m all ears [ok, one last drink…really!] ….
To say thanks, I’ll bring back a souvenir for one randomly-drawn lucky contributor….you can post your thoughts and comments in any one of these ways to be “entered to win” before July 1st :
-Add your comment to this blog, below
or
-“Like” and Comment via my Facebook page
or
-“Follow” and Tweet me @momalamode using #DisneyTips to tag your comment
And you get extra points for following this blog via email sign up and/or through following my Twitter handle @momalamode 🙂
oxox
-mom a la mode
Also, bring lots of snacks for the plane-more tha you think he’ll need. One of my favorite travel tricks are the disposable huggie diaper pads–especially great for airport changing. Family restrooms at the airport will be your best friend–so seek them out! Also, use the clock radio in the room as a sound machine and don’t worry to much about bedtime, but try to stick to your an schedule! Sorry, I don’t have any Disney tips, but we’ve done a lot of air travel if you have more questions!!
Thanks to all who provided thoughtful advice and contributions! You’ve all been entered to win a souvenir from Disney — will be in touch with who the lucky winner is on return from our trip!
We always enjoyed eating at the Brown Derby outstanding service, nice Hollywood atmosphere and great piano music. My daughters loved the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. Characters visiting your table for photos with the family and a spectacular view as it’s all glass. Enjoy your trip! Lelo and Stich (Andy & Coleen)
I don’t have any tips for you, but i’ll be reading the comments so that I can get some tips,too! Both of my girls (ages 9 and 4.5 years old) have NOT been to the Happiest Place on Earth…yet — I know *Egads!*, I’m just putting off the inevitable….GOOD LUCK LIS!
As far as toddler specific tips… Try and grab character dining experiences vs standing in line for characters in the park. You’ll get more time with the characters and you will avoid the lines and heat.
Save rides like Small World, Peter Pan, Pooh and other indoor rides for the middle of the day. Hit the outdoor stuff right at open or towards the end of the day so you are minimizing the heat exposure.
Work in mid-day trips back to the room for naps and pool time– always makes things easier.
Unless you’re an early riser AVOID the morning extra magic hours– those crowds will be more crowded throughout the day.
On the ship– they will LOVE the Small World Nursery, which is a great opportunity for them to get some kid time and you to get some adult time. Do not be afraid to break up at dinner time– its the kids vacation too, they may rather have a quick bite from Flo’s vs sitting down to a 1.5 hour dining experience.
If you need more tips/thoughts feel free to e-mail me Jenn@CreateMemoriesTravel.com
I just got done doing Disney in the summer while 7 months preggo with a 5yo (massive energy) and 18 month old. Not too difficult as long as you (1) pack plenty of patience and (2) work in rest periods– do not be a park commando.
I have some more tips over on my blog:
http://creatememoriestravel.com/2012/05/disney-parks-surviving-in-the-summer/
Where are you staying at WDW? The food court at Dixie Landings/Riverside (or whatever they are calling it now is our favorite. The Seafood Buffet at the Beach or Yacht club is a character event, a little pricy but very good. You must have reservations, try it for breakfast also… it’s not a seafood buffet then 🙂 You can walk into Epcot from the walkway behind the Beach club. Wolfgang Puck has 2 places at Downtown Disney, one is a sit down one more of a fast food place, also at Downtown Disney is the Earl of Sandwich and Ghirardelli ice cream . Yum (Don’t let your Dad know I told you about that.
Don’t try to do too much each day.
Keeping track of adults can be tricky. We went in December (our first time in Dec. a much better time to go) and my 32 year old son was the only “kid” with 10 adults. He was trying to keep track of us. Not always successfully.
Pack patience! Have Fun.
Jane M.
Absolutely perfect advice about the bottle during takeoff AND the descent (which can actually be worse)! At the Magic Kingdom, be prepared for INTENSE heat and LONG waits in line for rides! I would definitely have his favorite snacks/drinks handy! The cruise ought be interesting (never did it with my kids), but since he can run for long distances on the ship, he may be in heaven!
Bring a bottle filled with his favorite liquid and reserve this for take off. The sucking on the bottle will help to regulate the pressure build up in his ears and he hopefully won’t even notice it. 🙂
Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They have the Disney Junior characters there! Downtown Disney also good for two year olds as there are a lot of toy stories I mean stores.