Disneyland for children under 2

[b2bailey]

We are planning our first trip to Disneyland with two small children.
As the Grandma, I'm of the group who says: "Too young, they won't remember."
(I'm not the deciding vote -- we're going.)

I've consulted Disney website regarding "min age/height requirements" and there are many rides for the 3 year old.

I'm trying to imagine what the 15 month old can do. I'm thinking... It's a Small World -- can they ride on lap of adult?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[rickandcindy23]

A 15-month-old can ride all of the Fantasyland rides. Even the Nemo. The train, the boat, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, the carousel, Snow White, Peter Pan. Pooh is fun, too. Pirates is great for little ones, but hold tight when you go down below on the waterfall, Jungle Cruise is great for littles. Haunted Mansion is a little scary. The "elevator" with Jack gets loud.

Roller coasters are out, but so much to do at Disneyland. I watch little ones all day long at Disney, and I love it.

 

[jwalk03]

The kids may not remember- but the parents will. I have very fond memories (and lots of great pictures) of taking my daughter to Disney World when she was little. She's 13 now and doesn't remember her first trip- but it was definitely still worth it.

 

[b2bailey]

A 15-month-old can ride all of the Fantasyland rides. Even the Nemo. The train, the boat, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, the carousel, Snow White, Peter Pan. Pooh is fun, too. Pirates is great for little ones, but hold tight when you go down below on the waterfall, Jungle Cruise is great for littles. Haunted Mansion is a little scary. The "elevator" with Jack gets loud.

Roller coasters are out, but so much to do at Disneyland. I watch little ones all day long at Disney, and I love it.

Thanks Cindy. I was hoping you would respond.

 

[bizaro86]

We took our kids to Disneyland when they were that age and had a blast. Plenty of my co-workers said the kids wouldn't remember it and it was a waste. But my wife and I were the ones who paid for it and we remember it, and our kids had a great time when we were there and like looking at the pictures. I wouldn't have done it if we could only afford to go once during their childhood, but that wasn't the case for us.

I think "which rides can they do" is probably not the best way to look at it. Little kids will enjoy rides with lots to look at and listen to (so Small World is a great one) but there are some things they find scary (my 3 yo didn't like the dark part of the Pooh ride, for example, and didn't want to ride it again). My kids really liked Toy Story Mania when they were little - they couldn't really play the game but liked seeing all the characters on the screen, and Mater's and Luigi's are another slow/fun one with good music for littles, but probably only the 3 yo will be able to do those.

But my kids favorite stuff at those ages was the "other" stuff. The 3 yo will probably like the Redwood challenge trail, and the Disney Jr Dance party is great fun for kids. My kids LOVED meeting the characters. My 1 yo had a Eeyore stuffy that was his favorite, and his eyes lit up when he met the big Eeyore. My older son loved meeting Buzz Lightyear, and both of them really enjoyed seeing Lightning McQueen from Cars. The storytellers are fun for kids, and they often like doing things like seeing the band or parades. The night parade might be a tough one now though, I'd probably try for the daytime cavalcades.

That brings me to my #1 tip for Disney with little ones, which is try and keep their regular sleep schedules. Whenever they nap at home go back to the room and nap then. Disneyland is hugely stimulating, and if they're exhausted they won't have fun, then they'll be upset, and then nobody has fun. I always see people taking miserable kids out, and I think its better to leave and rest before they get to that point. I get its expensive so people want to maximize the fun, but having everyone rested means the fun can come back when you go back to the park later.

 

[Luanne]

I took our older daughter when she was 4. Felt the 2 year old was too young. I don't think my daughter remembers much, if anything. I do remember as we went with my sister and her son. We had a blast. My daughter ended up being scared of Mickey Mouse as he was so big. Just remember to go at the kid's pace or you will be dealing with some very unhappy youngsters. I will say on this trip my sister and I wore out before the kids, but the kids did sleep all the way home.

We went as I was visiting my mom after my dad had passed away. My mom urged my sister and I to go to Disneyland rather than sit around all day with her. Would I have made a special trip just to take my daughter? No.