| Posted By |
Message |
TwoPeas
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 1165 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
I'm sure this topic has been beat to death on here, so I apologize ahead of time if it's redundant. We are planning a trip to Disney for the first time this fall. My DS is going to be 2 in April and LOVES Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, Cars (esp Mater), etc....So we figured before we had a 2nd we would do something extra special with just him.
SO my question is....Where should we stay? Any pointers or things we should know ahead of time (things we should book early, places we should avoid, etc...)
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! :)
TIA
|
Posted 3/12/13 7:05 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
cantbelieveit
Love these kids!
Member since 10/05 4708 total posts
Name:
Tammy
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
I have only been there once, last year, since I was a kid so I don't have much advice.
We stayed at Animal Kingdom. Awesome but $$$$. We knew we wouldn't be the type to go every year or even 2 for that matter so we splurged. If you are going to want to do any character dining, you have to book that super early. Actually, any dining should be booked ahead. We went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. I am thinking for a 2 year old, Magic Kingdom will be the best. We loved Hollywood studios but had a 5 yr old and 15 yr old.
|
| Posted 3/12/13 7:45 PM |
| |
|
KiTTeN0819
LIF Infant
Member since 8/08 104 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
Do you have a budget in mind? The new art of animation resort looks amazing. I havent seen it myself yet but its built around the disney toons. Most dining you need to book like 6 months in advance now. The new Be Our Guest restaurant just opened in the new part of Fantasy Land, if you can get in there.
For a two year old pack lots of snacks and go during a cooler time of year to avoid cranky heat tantrums. Also rent or pack a stroller, its a lottt of walking. I recommend visiting the disboard forum for trip planning. Tons of good advice there. Have Fun.. Im a disNut!
|
| Posted 3/12/13 9:57 PM |
| |
|
TwoPeas
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 1165 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by KiTTeN0819
Do you have a budget in mind? The new art of animation resort looks amazing. I havent seen it myself yet but its built around the disney toons. Most dining you need to book like 6 months in advance now. The new Be Our Guest restaurant just opened in the new part of Fantasy Land, if you can get in there.
For a two year old pack lots of snacks and go during a cooler time of year to avoid cranky heat tantrums. Also rent or pack a stroller, its a lottt of walking. I recommend visiting the disboard forum for trip planning. Tons of good advice there. Have Fun.. Im a disNut!
Thank you so much! I have to be honest....I'm so overwhelmed planning ths trip. I have no idea where to begin and we decided to go on a whim (in a sense). My cousin just did the painting details on the buildings at the Art of Animation and said it's amazing. Is is really far from the park?
I know everyone says to stay at the Polynesian because of the convenience but I heard it isn't the nicest hotel.
|
| Posted 3/12/13 10:04 PM |
| |
|
specrn
LIF Infant
Member since 6/10 133 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
If you plan on staying at a Disney Resort, the convenience of their transportation system can't be beat. But, depending on budget, the resorts that were only served by buses were our least favorite with our son when he was that age. It was MUCH easier to stay at Boardwalk Resort, Beach Club (boats) or Contemporary or Polynesian (Monorail). Have an awesome time!
|
| Posted 3/12/13 10:27 PM |
| |
|
2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
We are staying at the Marriott Grande Vista for the space a villa offers, but if we weren't, I would be ALL over the Animation Hotel.
|
| Posted 3/12/13 10:30 PM |
| |
|
Camroy
LIF Infant
Member since 7/10 129 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
We stayed at port Orleans riverside. You can skip Epcot. We did one day at animal kingdom. We spent a couple of days at Hollywood studios and the rest at magic kingdom. DS was just turning two. We had a great time. Brought our own stroller and DS napped in the park. We took turns on rides using the rider swap.
|
| Posted 3/12/13 10:32 PM |
| |
|
KiTTeN0819
LIF Infant
Member since 8/08 104 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by TwoPeas
Posted by KiTTeN0819
Do you have a budget in mind? The new art of animation resort looks amazing. I havent seen it myself yet but its built around the disney toons. Most dining you need to book like 6 months in advance now. The new Be Our Guest restaurant just opened in the new part of Fantasy Land, if you can get in there.
For a two year old pack lots of snacks and go during a cooler time of year to avoid cranky heat tantrums. Also rent or pack a stroller, its a lottt of walking. I recommend visiting the disboard forum for trip planning. Tons of good advice there. Have Fun.. Im a disNut!
Thank you so much! I have to be honest....I'm so overwhelmed planning ths trip. I have no idea where to begin and we decided to go on a whim (in a sense). My cousin just did the painting details on the buildings at the Art of Animation and said it's amazing. Is is really far from the park?
I know everyone says to stay at the Polynesian because of the convenience but I heard it isn't the nicest hotel.
The "Monorail resorts" are the most convenient with a child in a stroller but they come with a hefty price tag. The buses arent so bad if you bring a light umbrella stroller. I love the Graco IPO i have (i think they still make them LOL) It reclines and has a decent size basket but its light weight and folds quick.
|
| Posted 3/13/13 12:30 AM |
| |
|
Tina1117
LIF Adult
Member since 11/07 1447 total posts
Name:
Tina
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
We took our 2 DSs (3yrs & almost 2yrs) and stayed at the All Star Movie - Toy Story Building. They loved it!!! Yes it is far from the parks but honestly it never phased me once. In the entire week we were there we only have to wait 1x for longer than 15mins for a bus to arrive. And only 1x did DH have to stand. The boys loved riding on the bus too. I would do it again.
|
| Posted 3/13/13 8:22 AM |
| |
|
wo0shply
LIF Adult
Member since 11/08 2702 total posts
Name:
Tass
|
Disney Recommendations
Art of Animation just opened and they have a cars themed room!
|
| Posted 3/13/13 10:36 AM |
| |
|
Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
I'm glad to hear so many people that took their young (2 year olds) to Disney!! I want to go next year when my girls will be 4 and 2 and sooooo many people tell me that I am crazy for thinking of going with those ages 
|
| Posted 3/13/13 10:57 AM |
| |
|
Jenn627
Laaaaaaaambert!
Member since 5/08 9818 total posts
Name:
Jenn
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
For a first timer your best bet might be to consult a Disney travel agent - they can take care of everything for you...
I just booked a trip with Kerri of Mickey's Dream Vacations... It was 13 people and I just didn't want the hassle of doing it myself.
She was super helpful.
I believe that JenniferEver on here is a Disney agent as well.
|
| Posted 3/13/13 11:00 AM |
| |
|
DSLaff
Team One of Each
Member since 10/09 2150 total posts
Name:
Dana
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by Aries14
I'm glad to hear so many people that took their young (2 year olds) to Disney!! I want to go next year when my girls will be 4 and 2 and sooooo many people tell me that I am crazy for thinking of going with those ages
i just returned from a short 2 day trip to Disney and it was sooo worth it ! Ds face when he saw his fav characters and danced with Pirate Jake was something I will never forget def go !!!
|
| Posted 3/13/13 12:21 PM |
| |
|
Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by DSLaff
Posted by Aries14
I'm glad to hear so many people that took their young (2 year olds) to Disney!! I want to go next year when my girls will be 4 and 2 and sooooo many people tell me that I am crazy for thinking of going with those ages
i just returned from a short 2 day trip to Disney and it was sooo worth it ! Ds face when he saw his fav characters and danced with Pirate Jake was something I will never forget def go !!!
Thanks for writing this. You have no idea how bad I want to take them and how many people keep trying to talk me out of it  And of course its people that have never gone with young kids..
|
| Posted 3/13/13 2:34 PM |
| |
|
Noem1881
LIF Infant
Member since 11/10 90 total posts
Name:
Noemi
|
Disney Recommendations
We went last year with my 1 and 3 year olds. Had a blast and stayed at the Swan which has boat service to Hollywood studios and Epcot. I could have done without Animal Kingdom but we went to every park and my kids enjoyed it. We did go for 7 days which made it less stressful to fit everything in. Have a great time!!!
|
| Posted 3/13/13 2:48 PM |
| |
|
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by Aries14
Posted by DSLaff
Posted by Aries14
I'm glad to hear so many people that took their young (2 year olds) to Disney!! I want to go next year when my girls will be 4 and 2 and sooooo many people tell me that I am crazy for thinking of going with those ages
i just returned from a short 2 day trip to Disney and it was sooo worth it ! Ds face when he saw his fav characters and danced with Pirate Jake was something I will never forget def go !!!
Thanks for writing this. You have no idea how bad I want to take them and how many people keep trying to talk me out of it And of course its people that have never gone with young kids..
I hear this all the time about certain kids are too young. No child is ever too young for Disney. A. they are free under 3, and B. YOU will remember it, and have pictures to relive it with your child. I think most people that say this can't afford a trip to Disney or don't like it, and like to be a debbie downer on others.
By the naysayers logic, why do we have birthday parties or do anything with our kids if they aren't going to remember it? 
|
| Posted 3/13/13 2:55 PM |
| |
|
TwoPeas
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 1165 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
Can anyone recommend a really good Disney travel agent? We are finally ready to book!!
|
| Posted 3/28/13 4:21 PM |
| |
|
ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
Definitely go to Hollywood Studios - they have a lifesize Lightning McQueen and Mater. My son's face was priceless.
We ate breakfast there with Disney Jr characters so got a quick fast pass to the Toy Story Mania ride and went straight to see the Cars characters. I wasn't expecting DS to enjoy it as much but, he loved HS.
|
| Posted 3/28/13 4:30 PM |
| |
|
alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
|
Re: Disney Recommendations
Posted by Aries14
Posted by DSLaff
Posted by Aries14
I'm glad to hear so many people that took their young (2 year olds) to Disney!! I want to go next year when my girls will be 4 and 2 and sooooo many people tell me that I am crazy for thinking of going with those ages
i just returned from a short 2 day trip to Disney and it was sooo worth it ! Ds face when he saw his fav characters and danced with Pirate Jake was something I will never forget def go !!!
Thanks for writing this. You have no idea how bad I want to take them and how many people keep trying to talk me out of it And of course its people that have never gone with young kids..
I took my DS when he was 11m. So worth the look on his face!!!!
As for where to stay. Go on the travel board and ask Jen about the resorts. She is a wealth of info. I always stay off site so I am zero help.
|
| Posted 3/28/13 5:04 PM |
| |
|
TwoPeas
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 1165 total posts
Name:
|
Disney Recommendations
Thanks girls! I'll head over to the travel board to get this all moving. So glad you mentioned where the Mater is....he is my son's favorite and will love to see him!
|
| Posted 3/28/13 6:15 PM |
| |
|
