We're heading to FL to visit family at the end of next month. We were thinking of going to Disney one of the days we are down there, but we know that, since the girls are small (1.5 &3.5 yrs), that we will be limited on what they will be able to do/enjoy, so we're not keeping any high standards.
What would your key places be for that age range? Any tips for getting the most out of being there for just a few hours? Any other tips?
grapefruit / 4731 posts
Okay so it sounds like you are going to Disney World.
If I only had one day at Disney World... I would go to animal kingdom. It's basically a big zoo but better! If your kids love animals it's definitely a low key easy going park to do and they will have a lot of fun looking at animals.
That might take the whole day at animal kingdom but if you have still some time I would go to Epcot too to do the world showcase. You can get a fun little passport for your kids and they can see the "world" in a few hours. It was a lot of fun for us.
I mean you can just do epcot instead of animal kingdom if your kids don't like animals or not super into them or you go to a zoo a lot. 
I would definitely skip magic kingdom b/c it's just like Disneyland if you ever come to California and can do another time. I would also skip Hollywood studies because that's kind of like other theme parks (IMHO) and feels like it's geared towards older kids and adults.
I'm mostly thinking of this as what is kid friendly. I would definitely book a place to eat through their website if you are looking for a place to sit down and eat but Disney has great food stands all around. My favorite place to eat there is called California Grill but it's in one of the hotels, it has the best bread pudding dessert but also their food is amazing... if you are a foodie.
hostess / wonderful apple seed / 16729 posts
When we went to Disney World last year and went with friends that brought their 2-3 year old daughter, they definitely planned to make a day out of it (family day) to go to Animal Kingdom. Their daughter did a great job from what I heard. They went on some rides but I think most of it was in line to see different characters. They did have lunch (could also do breakfast & dinner if you reserve it early enough) with the characters at Crystal Palace. They usually have 3 characters walking around while you eat. (As adults, DH and I, did this on our own. It was fun!)
Oh, there's a disney app where you can reserve/make restaurant reservation. You can also use the same app to see estimated wait times for certain rides and reserve fast pass ticket. (DEFINITELY do the fastpass reservation!)
We, as adults, found the fast pass reservation to be the best part. If I had a kid with me, I'm sure it would be a life saver, too.
grapefruit / 4988 posts
If I only had one day for Disney, I would do Epcot because it's my favorite, it's low-key, and I enjoy eating my way around the world showcase.
eggplant / 11824 posts
I would skip animal kingdom if you live anywhere near a decent zoo; I was definitely underwhelmed. The safari was all right, but the truck thing they drive is really noisy in a way that was scary for several of the littles on our safari (LO didn’t go on that, but she would have freaked at the noise).
I would do magic kingdom and fast pass meetings with favorite princesses (if applicable). The best rides for my LO were: Ariel ride, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey’s Philharmagic (highly, highly recommend), jungle cruise, Peter Pan, Small World. She liked the start of the Country Bear Jamboree and then was scared, so hit or miss on that one lol
We had breakfast at the Beach Club with Mickey and friends, and lunch at the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Not great food (not bad, just ok - what you would expect from a mass-feeding restaurant), but it's about the experience anyway and you get time with each character as they come to every single table.
grapefruit / 4442 posts
If you're going to disney world. Magic Kingdom is the kid friendly park, your girls will be able to ride almost everything (except roller coasters and splash mountain)
Take advantage of the fast passes and make dining reservations now if you're looking for character dining. When my DD and I went earlier this year we did breakfast at Crystal Palace and she got to meet the Winnie the Pooh. After breakfast we went to meet Rapunzel, Cinderella, Anna and Elsa since she LOVEs the princesses. You can download the disneyworld app and see the wait times for rides and things like that. We mostly stayed in fantasyland.
apricot / 287 posts
My favorite park is definitely EPCOT - the world showcase is awesome to walk around and explore the different countries, and I think they have the best food options. There aren't a ton of rides and the rides they do have are mostly geared towards adults (but there is a Nemo ride at the Living Seas, which also has aquariums and a chance to talk to Crush from Finding Nemo)
If you think your girls would be interested in going on rides - Magic Kingdom would probably be a better option. They could ride pretty much everything in Fantasyland (Dumbo, It's a Small World, etc) and it has more of the classic Disney feeling. Definitely take advantage of the Fastpasses for any must see rides, and if meeting characters is important, I'd do a character meal so you don't have to waste time waiting in line to meet them.
persimmon / 1313 posts
I prefer AK for little ones! MK would be great for your oldest but I think your little one may be overwhelmed. MK also tends to be busier so it's a lot to take in.
grapefruit / 4817 posts
I'd for sure do Magic Kingdom. It's the best park and is the most little-kid friendly. Focus just on Fantasy Land because they'll probably be exhausted by 1pm or so. We still only do half days at the parks because our 3 year old can't make it a whole day without being miserable. Even with a stroller nap. Dining reservations need to be made ASAP!
hostess / wonderful apple seed / 16729 posts
So I asked my Disney obsessed DH which park our friends took their daughter. I was wrong. They took her to magic kingdom not animal kingdom. Whoops. Sorry.
I learned my lesson to ask the DH before I post on anything Disney related.
pomegranate / 3872 posts
Magic Kingdom for sure. Make a list of your 'must-sees' and map it out. You can get a fast pass for special things you don't want to wait for.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
Magic Kindgom 100%. Shows parades rides etc. Just take your time and pick your top 3-5 things you want to do.
Second choice would be Hollywood Stufios for the shows.
Agree that AK wasn't that spectacular. A few good shows but not a great zoo.
nectarine / 2132 posts
100% Magic Kingdom. We've gone the past two years, once with a 20 month old and this past time with a 6 month old and a 2.5 year old. Magic Kingdom was hands down the best!
pomegranate / 3658 posts
I would do Epcot, but it would be really sad to miss Magic Kingdom. I'd try to get there for two days to hit both.
nectarine / 2262 posts
Yeah, I think with 2 that age you have to do Magic Kingdom! There are certainly things at all the parks they would enjoy, but they can go on SO many rides, meet characters, see the AMAZING 3pm parade (don't miss it, it's unbelievable), etc.
Book your fastpasses in advance ASAP (can book 3 per day) - I would book them for the morning (i.e., 9am-10am, 10-11, 11-12). Then if you need to, you can go to an in park kiosk and book more one at a time if you need them.
I would also get there 30 minutes before the park opens - most important thing you can do to minimize waiting time and crowds! Hit Fantasyland first and do all the rides and things, then work your way around to other things they might enjoy.
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
Magic Kingdom, no question about it! That park features a bunch of the beloved characters your LOs may be familiar with and they have lots of rides built for small kids. That park is the most magical of then all IMO.
kiwi / 735 posts
I say magic kingdom, but it's a really hard call. That's where you'll get the most traditional disney experience, in my opionion.
Definately not Epcot for your little ones. It more exhibits and less rides and few characters. It's fun and all, but you only have one day.
I really liked the animal kingdom, so if that's somethjng they are into its worth a try...
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I would do Magic Kingdom, focusing on FantasyLand or Animal Kingdom. My son actually really enjoyed it.
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 1 | 0 |
| Posts | 0 | 1 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
23 comments