DisneyWorld - this February or next?

[dotgirl]

We're trying to decide between Disney World in Feb 05 (when DS is 15 months old) or Feb 06 (when DS is 27 months old), and we're not sure what would be best.

We want to take a family vacation with my husband's parents, brother & sister-in-law, my brother and his wife, and then our two kids (age almost-12/almost-13 DD, and then the DS mentioned above.)

My husband thinks that when he's just over two years old would be best, but I'm thinking the terrible twos might make it horrible. On the other hand, at 15 months, he might also be miserable. Guh! I'm just not sure.

Regardless, we're going to have to take another trip to Disneyland/Disney World when he's old enough to really enjoy it (I don't think he will this trip, no matter when we take it), so maybe I'm just overthinking this whole thing.

Anyway! Any experiences/ideas/opinions to offer?

If you want to take the trip when he is easiest to manage, I think 15 mos. would be the way to go. My DS is 21 months now and for the past month he has been very contrary, not wanting to ride in his stroller or sit in a high chair, making public outings much more difficult than they were a few months ago. But if you want to watch his face light up, I think 27 months would be the best. Even at 21 months DS gets so much more excited now by costumed characters and colorful attractions than he did a short time ago. So there are pros and cons with both!

[MelissaTC]

I have experience with both ages as we took DS this past week and did the same this time last year. He is now 26 1/2 months (I think!). He was definitely more engaged this time, telling us what rides he wanted to do again. He was able to tell us when he was scared, what he wanted to eat, whether or not he was poppie, etc.. He also threw a few tantrums here and there. Last year, he was pretty happy go lucky and did whatever we wanted.

I definitely enjoyed both trips but I must say that this trip was way cooler than last year. He loved coloring a mask at Epcot and collecting all the symbols from the different countries. He also loved collecting autographs from the characters we met and character meals were his favorite. DS also loved riding the monorail and train in the Magic Kingdom. The only potential meltdown we had was when we went into the store in the UK pavillion - and that is because they had a Thomas table and lots of trains to play with! Daddy had the stroller do a 180 super quick and DS screamed outside. Other than that, no problems :)

I say do whatever makes you feel more comfie. :)

[dotgirl]

Hm. So if I accept that fact that we'll be making another Disneyland/Disney World trip when he's age 5 or so (DH works for Disney, so ..) then it sounds like 15 months would be best. Easier to manage/deal with, and since he gets another trip a few years later, I don't have to feel guilty about him missing out on enjoyment.

I wonder if DH will see it that way. ;)

Thank you, both of you!

Gabriel's been 3 times, and he's only 13 mo. I think the key to a Disney trip, at any age, is planning. Disney.com has a section where you can request a Pre-Schooler's planning kit! It's really for older toddlers, but it at least tells you what rides your DS can ride!

We went recently, before his 1 yr b-day, and had a really great time. Most Disney restaurants are gracious to strollers and provide yummy children's selections, even stuff baby can eat, like grilled cheese and veggies.

We visit WDW quite often, and I think that as long as you have your visit well-planned, and everyone has shared their expectations, you'll have a fabulous time! Staying on property is also a "must" in my book. It's so much easier to manage a stroller that way! You know, there's an awesome book I sweat by for planning our trips...it's called "Walt Disney World for Couples" by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter. http://tinyurl.com/3lkkk It has hotel and restaurant reviews, plus lots for great insider info on how to get the most of your time and money. I love that book!


Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img]

We went to Disney/Epcot when DS was 13 months old and not yet walking and we had a great time! We went on a few rides, saw some characters, went swimmming and just walked around a lot (DH was at a conference) and it was very enjoyable. DS was better about eating out then than he is now, 6 months later. And, if you think you'll go back when he's older, then it's definitely enjoyale - especially since your older kids can direct your days' activiites and the little one can just go along...

[mamaturk]

We are going to DisneyWorld this Feb. DD will be 15 months old. We are going on the Disney Cruise and also Disney World!! This is our 2nd Disney Cruise, we went last year (pre-baby) with family and my niece was around 15 months... she was a very good girl!! Hopefully Our DD Reilly will be just as good!!! ;)