On
May 26, 2013
Robin
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
“
Hello! We will be doing our 2nd family trip in Oct. Our sons will be 5 and almost 2. Our 2 year old is very active and does not like to be tied down and still for long! Any tips for Disney World with a 2 yr old?”
Hi, Robin!
My little guy was 2 on our second trip to Walt Disney World, so I know what you mean about wanting to be active.
First, schedule in some hands-on, run-around-a-play area in each park you visit time. If your little prince is up for it, let him spend 1/2 hour or so each morning and afternoon just playing. Animal Kingdom's The Boneyard, Magic Kingdom's Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station (if it's still hot in October), Disney's Hollywood Studios' Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure are great places for climbing, sliding and generally running off some of that toddler energy. There are also interactive play areas at Epcot's Innoventions as well as the Advanced Training Lab at Mission:SPACE. You'll be at Epcot during the International Food & Wine Festival, so there may also be an outdoor play area which is set up specifically to coordinate with the Festival, too.
Many attractions feature interactive activities for those waiting in line; be sure to allow him to have fun and explore these, as it will make it seem as if the playtime was the goal, while you're really just waiting for a great attraction!
Keep a cold drink and snacks on hand, even when in line, too, so that an empty belly or sudden bout of thirst doesn't turn the wait into something difficult. Fruit snacks, crackers, even an occasional Dum-Dum lollipop have brightened our days here and there, so everyone is happy.
Also, keep your little one's sleep habits in mind, too. If he can sleep on the go in a stroller, then let him rest in a shady spot while the other parent takes your older son on an attraction. If he needs to lie down for a nap, head back to your resort for nap time, with the other parent taking your older son to the pool for a swim or the arcade for some games. Having enough sleep will help you keep him happy with the tricks listed above, that's for sure.
Happy planning, Robin! Send more questions as you think of them; we love to help!