Hi Bridget!
I wouldn't worry too much. Walt Disney World is the crown jewel of the theme park industry and most guests will have a great time even without any planning. Planning just helps you do a little bit more, spend a little bit less, etc. However, with a 2.5 year old, I would recommend slowing down and enjoying quality time with her in the parks as opposed to running from attraction to attraction as if you were both teenagers!
With a 2.5 year old child, you should be able to enjoy most of the
attractions in the four Walt Disney World theme parks. I know that
sounds strange if you've been to other amusement parks before, but never
to Walt Disney World. However, it's true. Walt Disney World has been
designed with the family in mind. For example, in the Magic Kingdom,
your daughter should be be
able to do
almost every attraction except:
-
Space Mountain
-
Splash Mountain
-
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
-
Stitch's Great Escape
Be sure to check out this
page
for information on traveling with very young guests! There's a link on
that page to the height restrictions for the various attractions in the
various parks. If there's no height restriction, then your 2.5 year old can ride!
That said, I will say that some children that young will be afraid of
the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom; that's as much due to the name
of the attraction as the ride itself. In fact, the Haunted Mansion is
not really scary!
The Magic Kingdom is obviously a "must see". Most 2.5 year olds also enjoy Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. I can't tell you which one she might like better as every child is different. I can tell you that both of my kids had fun in all of the parks at that age!
Good luck!