Hi, Melissa! Welcome to planDisney.
Planning your first Walt Disney World Resort trip is such an exciting adventure, especially with the added bonus of celebrating your little one's 2nd birthday at the parks! Whether it's seeing a toddler's eyes light up at that first glimpse of
Cinderella Castle or spotting a tower of giraffes on
Kilamanjaro Safaris, there are so many moments of magic that await. With so much to see and do, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but a bit of planning goes a long way to make it smooth and fun for the whole family.
You'll be pleased to know that your 2-year-old does not need a ticket! Children under 3 are considered "Guests of Mickey" and get in free to all Walt Disney World theme parks. So you won't need to buy an admission pass for the birthday star! You'll just need to plan around height requirements for rides and consider some gentle experiences tailored to toddlers.
As for choosing between Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park, it really depends on your own personal preference.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is amazing for little animal lovers, with wild animals, walking trails, and fun shows.
Magic Kingdom Park, on the other hand, is classic Disney—fairytale parades, Disney Princess meet-and-greets, and tons of rides perfect for Mouseketeers. If this is your first visit and you want that "Disney bucket list" experience, Magic Kingdom Park usually wins for parents and toddlers alike. Having said that, Disney's Animal Kingdom is less busy and can be a more relaxed first-day experience. There's less to do, which can mean it's less overwhelming. Bottom line: You can't go wrong!
I hope that's helpful, Melissa! If you have any more questions, you've got a friend in me.
Mike