Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Jan 1, 2015
    Jessica from NY Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi - Any ideas on what to do when we arrive in Disney around 1 :00? We have a 2 year old and I don't quite want to go into a park, although I have thought about doing animal kingdom. Is downtown Disney not appropriate to bring the toddler from around 1-7?

    Hi Jessica!

    Arriving at Walt Disney World Resort early in the day is something we do often! You'll find there is plenty to do if you don't want to go into a park just yet.

    Hanging out at the Downtown Disney Area is a great way to kick off your magical vacation. Transportation to Downtown Disney is provided from all Disney Resort hotels and you could easily spend hours walking around, shopping, eating at one of the many wonderful restaurants, or my personal favorite, snacking on ice cream from Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop! The atmosphere during the day is definitely child-friendly and we always have a terrific time.

    Another option is to spend the afternoon at your Disney Resort hotel for a meal or for a splash in the pool. Most Disney Resort hotels also show outdoor movies in the evenings. When you arrive, just ask a Cast Member for a list of activities during your stay.

    Of course, if your 2-year old is like mine was, meeting Mickey Mouse is high on the priority list. Character Dining is an exciting way to spend your first evening at Walt Disney World Resort and you can do it without even entering a park! Chef Mickey's in Disney's Contemporary Resort is a great choice for fun character meal. It doesn't get much better than the Mouse himself!

    Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel. If you have any other questions as you plan, please feel free to ask. Enjoy your vacation!

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Meet the Panelist: Andrea, North Carolina

Born and raised in Florida, I have been a fan of Walt Disney World Resort for my entire life. My husband and I love watching our preschool and kindergarten-age sons experience new attractions as they grow with each visit. In my house, we believe you’re never too old or too young to have a fantastic time at the Walt Disney World Resort! Learn More About Andrea

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