Originally Posted By mrkthompsn It's been more than 8 years since I have last been to a WDW park (since the 2000 New Year Celebration), but after the past 4 years with "Tomorrow's Child" and "Tomorrow's Child II", we're finally coming back to Disney World. The 2-year-old will most certainly be strapped and mounted to a stroller for her and your own safety. If she is loose, she might get trampled by the Spring Breakers. Also, she may bite your knees. So if you're going to be at the Magic Kingdom on April 7, please sport a pair of shin gaurds and watch out for the Thompson stroller. You have been warned.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn The 4-1/2 year old boy is excited. He only knows WDW as "The Super Secret Special Place". He has no idea of what it really is. It will be kept a secret until the moment he enters the gate.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo That is sooooo cool. I cannot wait to hear your trip report. Seeing how the little ones enjoy it makes it even more special. If you want or need any tips for going with little ones, let us know.
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys No stroller alerts needed. It would be far worse if every parent of a toddler had their child walking around the parks. That would really slow things up. Keep those strollers coming!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 There's nothing like the shocked/thrilled look on a child's face when they realize they're at a Disney park. Enjoy!!!
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn My grandmother said in 1977, I pushed my own stroller around the Magic Kingdom. If anybody wants to see the Thompson's we'll be there throughout the week. Actually, we'll be at the Universal parks for most of the week (It's more affordable - sorry Disney)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It surprises me you are going to Universal with kids the age of yours. we skipped USO entirely last time as there are so few inclusive attractions.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn At Islands, we're going to let them spend repeated time at Suess Landing and some exploring areas around Jurassic Park. Plus, my son likes to just stand there are watch the rollercoasters whoosh by. He thinks that's more fun than riding them. At the studios, they'll get to see E.T., Woody Woodpecker's coaster, Animal Actors and a few other areas. The 2-year-old is much into Dora the Explorer. We'll look around for her. (Anybody know if the Simpsons Ride is ready yet?) We don't plan to spend all day at either of these parks. Nap time is still relevant. The pool will be at least 1/3 of the vacation.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< The 4-1/2 year old boy is excited. He only knows WDW as "The Super Secret Special Place". He has no idea of what it really is. It will be kept a secret until the moment he enters the gate. >>> What, you're going to let him in on WDW's Best Kept Secret? Isn't he a little young to understand the economics of timeshares?
Originally Posted By TheRedhead You know, I have a question about strollers. Being on the other end of one this last vacation gave me a whole new perspective. Have there always been those stroller "parking lots?" I've always remembered SEAS of strollers haphazardly crammed outside of the Fantasyland rides, clogging pathways. But when I was there, the paths were downright pleasant, even during the insanity of spring break. Was it always like this? Am I confusing WDW with Disneyland?
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn I think there have been some stroller parking lots in the past, just not arranged as efficiently as today. Also don't worry. We're bringing the collapsible umbrella stroller - not the SUV version.
Originally Posted By dshyates Yeah, your going back to the secret, special place. So this is your first time as the Dad. I grew up going to WDW but the first time I took my family to a Disney park we drove to Disneyland just after DCA opened. I felt like Clark Griswold. It was for my daughters 5th birthday, and we did the Mary Poppins tea. We also had a 9 month old in a stroller. When you have little ones like that you have to take luggage (dispar bags, bottles, soft side coolers, bags for sunscreen and such, and the kitchen sink) with you everyhere you go. But I can tell you that watching your 4.5yr old son discover it all including Uni. is an experience only a parent can understand. Its sort of what life's really all about. That kind of joy is what our kids give back to us. And remember, the Unofficial Guide says, that when polled, the kids favorite part of the WDW vacation was the hotel pool.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Great advise. We're staying at my brother's house too with his pool. The boy likes to swim with the dogs.
Originally Posted By dshyates "The boy likes to swim with the dogs." Well, who doesn't? Seriously, it sounds like it will be a great trip.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "...the kids favorite part of the WDW vacation was the hotel pool." I know a family that went with a 4.5ish son, and his favorite thing was a tie between the parking lot tram and the Monorail. I have to say that both of those left a surprising impact on my life as a kid, so it's definately about the little random things in life! : )
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Yes, my kid is ~definitely~ excited about the monorail (he does know about the monorail) He's also excited to just see Mickey Mouse himself. He asked me "Does Mickey live at the Super Special Secret Place like Chucky lives at Chucky Cheese?" I said "yes"
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Here's a conversation we had last night (I pulled out a map of MK)... Daddy: "First we'll ride the monorail to here" Boy: "Yaay!" Daddy: "The we'll get out here, and look at the train, then go here and see the BIG BIG castle where Cinda-reli lives" Boy: "Yaaaaay!" Daddy: "Then we'll go here and buy you and your sister some Mickey Mouse ears to wear with your names on it" Boy: "Yaay! But I want mine with only MY name on it" Daddy: "Then we'll get on this choo-choo-train, and ride to the first station where people get on and people get off. Then we'll ride to the next station where we'll get off". Boy: "Yaaay! (clap, clap)" Daddy: "Then you and I will ride this ROLLERCOASTER!" Boy: "YAAAAAY! (clap, clap, clap)" Daddy: "Then you and mommy will ride the rollercoaster!" Boy: "YAAAAY! (clap, clap, clap, clap)" Daddy: "Then we'll go here to see Mickey's House and see where he lives and meet MICKEY!" Boy: "YAAAAAAY! (clap, clap, clap)" Daddy: "Then Mickey will take you here to this room where you'll get to STACK NEWSPAPERS FOR THE REST OF THE DAY while mommy and daddy get to ride all the other rides! " Boy: "YAAAaah. Er-- uh, wait. I don't wanna stack newspapers all day. I want to ride the rides too". Daddy: "OK, YOU CAN RIDE THE RIDES WITH US!! " Boy: "YAAAAAAAY! (claps)"
Originally Posted By beamerdog ^^^LOL, I remember those years with my kids. On his first visit, my 6 year old's favorite thing were the little lizards on the walls of the Poly.
