Going on Friday with a toddler...

[Jassy Mharie]

My hubby and I are going to Disneyland with our friend and her nearly 2 year old. It'll be her first time and we are all excited. I would like to know from experienced parents or Aunts and Uncles some tips to make the trip easier. Oh and what kind of crowds to expect on Friday when we go. Soo... any tips??

[bloodnswash]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

Fridays, imo, tend to be pretty crowded. At least from our experience. We usually end up leaving DLR on Friday morning...and it is because by afternoon the park seems to get full of many trouble maker teenagers.

This Friday, November 16, is the official first day of all the Xmas goodies at DL, I would think that the park could very well be very very busy. It's the official beginning of Xmas at DL for 2007.

The only parenting tips I might have for you is to make sure the child is well rested and well fed. I hope you guys have a wonderful time! Take lots of pictures...especially since your party includes some first timers to the park. Enjoy all the holiday decorations!

Ya might want to make sure that you check out the Xmas Fantasy Parade. I'm sure your little one will just love it! Especially the ending (Santa). There is one at 3:30 and 6:30.

[bloodnswash]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

At 9:25 that night there is also the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular ya might be interested in.

[sir clinksalot]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

Just off of Main Street (to the left of the photo shop) is the baby-care center. It gives you a nice clean place to change diapers, heat up bottles/breast-feed and even mini-potties for potty training. The CM's in there are AWESOME (at least they were last time we used them around 6 years ago). But I'm sure they still are.

As for the rides, all kids LOVE Dumbo, Casey Jr and Storybook land, but get there early. Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Small World and Pirates were always favorites of the kids. And of course Pooh. I would avoid Snow White, it can be scary. Go meet Mickey and Minnie (they will be in their christmas outfits) and do the grand-circle tour on the train.

Just take it slow and easy. You'll have a great time.

[BFJen]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

I would suggest getting to DL first thing in the morning - and going straight to Fantasyland. Since those are the rides your child will most enjoy - also, do Peter Pan as your first dark ride. I had a cousin go with her 3 year old and took him on pirates of the caribbean first - he wouldn't go into a dark ride after that because it scared him pretty bad, and he thought all the rides you go into would be like that.

[MollyTrolly]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

As everyone has said, get there early and go straight to fantasyland and do dumbo first IMO (normally I always say Peter Pan first but for a 2 year old, Dumbo is a prefect first ride). I have a 2 and 4 year old both of which are Disneyland experts (especially the 4 year old who can pretty much tell you the heigh requirements of every ride).

The biggest thing is to plan ahead which things are really important and just try to do those at a very slow pace. It's all very overwhelming for a 2 year old (my son still gets overwhelmed and he has been to the park several times). Don't rush to rides, if you plan on seeing a parade, go get spots early, get a snack and hang out. A slow comfortable pace will make things easier.

If the child still naps (I assume so at 2 years) and is willing to nap in the stroller, we usually take a walk through Downtown Disney where its a straight line walk and smooth eough to fall asleep, somethings there is too much going on inside to get kids to nap. We then go to Uva or ESPN Zone for a snack which they are sleeping.

Also, I highly recommend Heimlichs Chew Chew in Fliks Fun Fair at DCA, its a really short ride (with a really short line) and it so cute. They also have big family bathrooms in this area for diaper changes etc. This area is well themed too and has a couple other rides that are fun for little ones. Aside from Fliks and Monsters Inc, there isnt going to be a lot to do at DCA. If the child watched playhouse Disney, that show is also really cute.

Thats all I can think of now that hasnt already been mentioned...Oh....Pizza Port in Tomorrowland sells Milk in small cartons. I am sure there are other areas that do this too...but in case you need it I know they have it there!

[Garthilk]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

I look forward to hearing a trip report. I have a little one near the same age and will be attending the week after Thanksgiving.

[Lynn, Renaissance Woman]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

And remember it's not all about the rides. My niece loved the parades, but also looking at all the decorations and waterfalls. Try taking a 'break' at DCA. Find a quiet place for the kid to decompress. Take it at their pace.
And watch the wonder of your child experiencing Disneyland for the first time.

[The Mad Hatter]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

I don't know about the child your going with. But my 22 month old will not stay still for very long, which all but eliminates any table service or long lines for us. So we often take our time and let him walk along side us holding hands and going at his pace. He's not scared of any of the rides he can go on or characters, but some kids are so be prepared to miss some things if need be.

I guess what I'm saying is that when you go with a child that young you tend to kind of let them dictate the pace of the day. Because if the kid is freaking out, no one is having fun. IMO most importantly make sure they eat well (we had a protien spill last trip after the kid ate some fried food he's not used to), get plenty of fluids, and take breaks for naps etc.

Just take your time and you'll have a blast. Some of my son's favorite rides are Small World and the Tiki Room. Toontown is also good because there are many things for them to touch and explore. Flik's Fun Fair at DCA has some nice mellow rides for this age also.

[DisneylandorBust]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

Oh how fun!!! One thing I found was that you have to take it slow with kids. You won't be able to ride every ride in one day! Take LOTS of snacks for your toddler! We took naps in stroller while we were there. (We just picked a quiet spot and sat still) That one thing made staying until the fireworks a possibilty!! Have a good time!

[snorkeld]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

Bring a HUGE stroller so you can go ankle hunting :evil:

[Jassy Mharie]

Re: Going on Friday with a toddler...

Thanks for all the great tips and advice. I am super excited about this trip. She is a lil firecracker with oodles of energy so we will see how it goes. I am not worried too much about pace mostly because the hubby and I are regulars and we aren't in any hurry to get on everything.... besides we may go on our own on Sunday to absorb all the Christmasy goodness.