Tips for taking toddlers to theme parks?

Gretchen&Peter

If you've taken your kids to a theme park I'd love to hear some tips, tricks and what worked/didn't work for you.

We're planning on taking the boys to Disneyland in April. They will be 18 months when we go. I think we are just going to rent a double stroller when we get there and not fuss with ours. Also they take a 2 hour nap in the afternoon so we were thinking maybe DH and I can have lunch while they nap in the stroller.

Any other suggestions for how to make this an enjoyable trip for them?

jooliagoolia2

Do your babies really sleep in a stroller? ?Our stopped doing that at 10 months! ?That would be awesome!

?

Hate to say it, but harnesses? ?They'll definitely hate being confined to a stroller all day.?

lutzcowgirlie

Last time we took an 18 month old, it was only one kiddo, but we had a great time. It is such a great age for being really excited about things.

 

My frame of reference is Disney World - we are in FL. I'm guessing that the parks are somewhat similar. I'd definitely rent vs. bring a stroller. A tip I've heard is to attach a balloon or something to it so that it is easy to spot in the stroller parking areas. I'd bring lots of snacks and water for the kids so that you don't have to stop or wait in line if someone gets hungry. At DW, there are two areas that are really geared for that age group - Fantasyland (with carousel, Small World, Peter Pan, etc.) and Mickey's Toontown (Mickey and Minnie's houses, water play area, character photos, etc.).

 

If you want to do photos with characters, I'd do that first - while everyone is fresh. Take time to let them explore - Disney is great about making even the sidewalks/bushes interesting If yours will nap in the stroller that will be a great time for you guys to have lunch/downtime. Oh - and find the baby care station. I know yours are older, but they have a full kitchen so you can do bottles/clean-up or whatever, a small area with some toys and comfy chairs to rest, and great changing tables. So nice.

 

Have fun!

Gretchen&Peter

Thanks ladies! I didn't know about the baby care rooms. What a great idea! 

Thankfully my boys actually do still nap in the stroller. We've taken them to the zoo a few times in the past month and they've fallen asleep in the stroller each time so I'm hoping it will be the same at Disneyland. 

It's good to know that theme parks can be done at this age!