Summer Travel, "To Disney or Not to Disney"?

Kids can have fun at Disneyland at a pretty young age, but they really don't remember much about stuff until they are 6-7. Back when I was growing up, Disneyland was more of a rare special occasion trip, these days many families go nearly every year.
With a child as young as 2 there aren't many of the rides that you can really enjoy all together.
Legoland I think skews towards somewhat younger children in the rides and stuff. There is also the Zoo and Wild animal Park in the San Diego area.
Just my 2 cents

I would wait until he is a little older. I started taking my kids when they were 18 months old, but I went because I wanted to go :). My daughter is 4 1/2 and I would say this is the first year that she is really excited about going and I think she will do okay standing in long longs. We went last year, and she was excited to see the princesses and she did ok with the lines, but it was really difficult once nap time hit. She's now to an age where she doesn't really have to have a nap, so I think it will be more pleasant. I swore after last year that I wouldn't take my son until he was atleast 4 because he was such a pain (he was 1 at the time).

Disneyland is a lot of fun for a 2.5 year old. My son just turned 3 and we have had season passes since shortly after his second birthday. He loves it. He has favorite rides and talks about it all the time.

Legoland is also a lot of fun; plus, they just built a new waterpark there, so there is even more to do. BUT, if your son is on the small side, it might not be worth it. If he's under 34" tall, there is only one ride he can go on. If he's under 36", there are a few rides he can do and enough to keep busy for a whole day. Over 36" and you can do almost anything in the park.

Since we live so close to Disneyland, we usually only go for 3-4 hours. It is enough time to do several rides and short enough that my son doesn't get cranky and melt down before the end of the day. Sorry, I don't really know much about the hotels.

K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao - summer sale going on now!

I say no. Go the a national park, go to the beach in central California, go anywhere that you can spend time outdoors.

There is a lot to be said about enjoying the natural world. Disney parks will be around long after our natural wonders are gone.

Between Disneyland and Legoland, I would choose Legoland, since there are more different types of things to do. Legoland has not only rides, but also playgrounds, areas to build with Duplo or Lego blocks, and water play areas. This allows your child to be more active, whereas in Disneyland, most of the activities are passive (going on rides, watching shows), and it is not natural for a young child to be passive all day long. In Legoland, your child can build, actively play, AND go on rides. Adults will enjoy the miniland replicas of major cities made of Legos, and rides. A word about our experience at the San Diego Zoo with young children--it was too big for our little ones, again with no playground or active thing to do.

I have only been to DisneyWORLD multiple times but I am a true disney fan and i say go! it is the most kid friendly place on the planet. don't think 21/2 is too young at all . as long as they are walking, it's fine. we just took our 11 month old and it was tough since she wasn't walking but she still enjoyed all the magic! i totally suggest staying on property. the convenience is worth it. have a great vaca wherever you go . hope this helps. :)

Here is an article on Disneyland which will help you figure out whether you want to take him now or wait. My recommendation would prob. be to wait another year or two.
http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/ourcorner/780

As for hotels, the Disneyland resort hotels aren't more magical (ie - it isn't as if the rooms are done up a certain way, etc). What makes them great is how convenient they are especially with a young child. Here is a review on the Grand Californian.

http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/node/774

Here is a review on Legoland also.
http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/reviews/670

I would wait. Its expensive just for you and your husband (like $70-80 for adults), and your son can't go on too many rides. I don't know about Lego Land, but I would go to the San Diego Zoo, or the aquariums, take advantage of the beaches, they have lakes/rivers with lots of camping, and if you really want the disney feel, go to downtown disney (requires no admission but certain places within it you have to pay to do whatever activity it is). Have fun on your vacation!

Hi,
Many people may recommend for you to go to Disney now. We really considered it last summer when our son was almost 2 1/2 and finally decided to wait until he's a bit older and can ride and enjoy all of the rides in the park. Disneyland is not an inexpensive trip so we wanted to be sure that we could do anything we wanted to do while we were there. We decided to head to the San Diego area instead and we were so glad we did! We spent a day at the San Diego Zoo and had so much fun. It's an amazing place. We also went to Sea World-they were offering a special for all of us to get in at the childs price and we could return a second time on the same ticket. Sea World was awsome! The first time we got there right as they opened and stayed until nap time. We made reservations to have lunch with Shamu and loved that as well. The second time we went, we got there after nap time and stayed until close. I do recommend that you buy your tickets to any park you decide to go to online if it's possible. Legoland is also in the SD area. It may be a bit old for your son at this time. We spoke with several friends who had already visited that park and were told that we should wait another year or two before going. We had the best vacation with the choices we did make. It was also fun to hang out on the beach on our "off park" days to just play and relax. Have a great time!!

My personal idea would be to wait. But if you decide to go, be sure you take lots and lots of pictures and continue to view them with your son after the trip. That will make the trip more meaningful to him. We like to print out copies of pictures and laminate them for the children to have to look at during their play. The pictures go on a shelf in the play area and they love to look at them over and over again. Also sitting at a computer with the pictures on the screen and just talking about all the fun you had is a good way to re-visit the fun of a trip.
As far as the hotels are concerned, I can't give you any answer, because our thinking on that is the hotel or motel is a place to get a good night's rest, and the fun is in the park during the day. So we go the least expensive route on accomodations (as long as it's clean and comfortable of course) and save our money to spend at Disneyland.

I would recommend waiting until they are older. A child doesn't remembering there own childhood until they are old enough to understand the concept of a story from start to end. Then at that point they have the mentel capacity to start remembering things about there own childhood.... so if you go now your child probably wont remember it- and if they decide to through a tantrum all day- it will make the vacation less of a vacation feel. I went to dominican and got married last year when my daughter was a year and a half... I dont think she remembers it and i didnt get to do things we had planned because we refuse to use babysitters. It would be more magical to you and your child if you wait until they are 4-5 because they will remember a lot more!

We are taking our 4 year old daughters this November. I recommend checking out "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2010". It has a lot of great information and can help you plan your schedule. Also has great tricks for families like the "Baby Pass" or riding Dumbo twice without the huge wait. The key to any vacation with little ones is flexibility and schedule breaks. For Disneyland, most kids can do a couple hours in the morning, go to the hotel for afternoon rest or pool time, and then back to the park in the evening. Regardless of where you do, assume that your child will not want to stick to you agenda. They may want to ride the same ride 5 times in a row so go with the flow, relax and enjoy the moment.

We were thinking about Disneyland with our 2 1/2 year old this summer, too. We decided against it after talking to some friends. They both thought 3 1/2 was better for their children. At that age, they can go (more successfully) without a nap for the day, and if they don't like the stroller (which mine does not for long periods of time), they handle walking with you (rather than running away from you) much better. For us, Disneyland is still a bit of a pricey trip, so we think the money will be better spent in another year.

Lego Land is the best fit for 2 1/2 if your going to do something like an amusment park. All have long lines.........but Lego Land has legos to play with while waiting in line. Whoo-Hoo and cheaper to get in the park.

We just got back from our first family trip to Disneyland in April. My kids are 8,8, and 10. I saw parents with younger children and at first I thought we had waited too long to go since only my 8 year old daughter still believed in all the characters and wanted photos with them all. Perhaps we did for that reason but we have decided, for many other reasons, it was the perfect time. We saw families with little ones for whom a day at Disneyland was obviously too much. Those kids were too little for many of the rides so the trip was very limiting for them. The kids were often overstimulated or overtired but, I think with one toddler, that may not happen as these were families with toddlers and another preschool aged child and it looked hard to balance both of their different needs. I think, if I could do it all again, I may go when my kids were 5,5 , and 7 at the youngest or just stick to what we did. We didn't need strollers, the kids could handle walking all day for 5 days (with Disneyland as their motivation anyway, not at home!), they really understood it all, will remember it forever and got to go on anything they wanted to go on (Our favorite was Soaring Over California in CA Adventures and I don't think a 2 year old can go on that but not sure?)

As for the hotels, we thought since this was our one big trip, we should really pay the (lots) extra and stay at the Disneyland Hotel, wow! I do not advise this route. I do not believe the hotel was very kid friendly, it seemed very impersonal, and nothing really so wonderful that was worth the extra money. We were in the Dreams Tower at the Disneyland Hotel, a newer one apparently, and it was dark and formal like a business hotel. They did play Disney music in the lobby and had a cool nightlight type thing on the wall but not worth staying there for, in my opinion. The food is limited, unless you want extremely expensive dine in options at all times and there is no microwave in the rooms or anything to help you if you found a way to bring your own snacks and such (we had packed cereal for breakfast, muffins, drink bottles to refill every morning to bring into the park and lots more which was very helpful) otherwise we would be, even more, flat broke)! I have since heard from friends that the Candy Cane Hotel is a much better option with kids. It is reasonably priced, has a fun atmosphere, includes breakfast, has microwaves and fridges in the rooms and probably a lot more that I don't remember or they didn't tell me. You can walk to the park from there or take their regular shuttle. Even from Disneyland Hotel, we had a long walk and there's really no way out of doing tons of walking no matter what.

One last thing to consider is the crowds. There's a website where you can check the usual attendance rate for the time you want to go (sorry I can't provide a link but you can Google it). We went when it was a really "quiet time" and I would not want to do it any other way. There were still lots of people there and sometimes we waited quite a while in lines but for the most part, we had very short wait times and got to do so much more that way. I think if it is really hot and very crowded, that may impact the enjoyment you and your little guy will have but then, lots of people do it so maybe it's just me.

That's just my observations. I'm sure you would make it fun no matter what and I wish you a very happy holiday!

Hi S.,
We just went to Disneyland with our 3 yr old last month. She had a great time and got to ride a lot of stuff since she's already 40" tall. I couldn't go on some of the things she could go on with her father (Splash Mountain and rollercoasters) because I'm pregnant. But it seems that even if they are smaller than 40" they can still go on quite a lot of rides. We stayed at the Grand Californian (a little pricey and we probably won't stay there again) it was beautiful and located on the California Adventure park. My husband found a 3 day deal online for the 2 parks that made it a little more affordable for tickets and stuff. The one thing I will say that we appreciated was being right on the park. It was super easy to go back for lunch and naps then head back for a few more hours in the evening (it was a 3-5 min. walk to Disney). I did hear there is a Howard Johnson's attached to the Disneyland park and not too expensive per night, we will be looking into that next time we go. Good luck. I'm sure you guys will have a great time!!!

We did Disneyland with our son when he was not quite 2 and he absolutely loved it. It was really one of the most fun family days we have ever had, and there were plenty of age-appropriate things to do & see. But I will add some caveats to that: we went on a weekday in April and got there first thing in the morning, so we were able to run around to every kiddie ride by 2 p.m., at which point he went to my grandma's house to take a nap (she lives 10 min from Disneyland). He was more exhausted than he's ever been in his life! I imagine that if there had been a lot of standing in line, or if it was really hot, it would not have been as much fun. I would advise anyone going to Disneyland to wait and go in the off season. Good luck with your planning!

We have been to Disney once with all five of our children and my in-laws have taken the older four in various groupings and at different ages. My 2 1/2 year old has been 3 or 4 times and loves it every time she goes. We stay true to her nap times and make sure she doesn't miss any meal or snack times. Actually her favorite ride is Pirates of the Carribbean. We enjoyed staying in the Paradise Pier hotel and we've stayed in non-DIsney hotels, Wherever you stay bring a stroller and you can take snacks and other foods into the park with you. We haven't gone to Legoland yet but had thought about going this summer. Our friends who have gone do not have a toddler their child was 5 the first time they went but they did love it. One last thing to remember is that until your son turns 3 he does not pay to get into any of the parks and at the Disney buffet meals he eats for free. We also love the San Diego zoo and Wild Animal park and have thought of doing Sea World sometime but feel it wouldn't be that different from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom which is much closer to home.

When my daughter was 2, we took a weeklong vacation down to southern California. We did Legoland, Disneyland for two days, and the rest of the time in San Diego at the beach and the zoo. We had a BLAST. If you go to Disneyland, I suggest going to the park first thing in the morning, then leave at lunch and go back to the hotel. Nap, relax, swim during the afternoon. Then go back to the park after dark when it's cooled down a bit.
Both Legoland and Disney have a lot of activities and rides for younger children.

We've stayed a hotel down the street from Disney, across the street, and once at the Disneyland Hotel. By and far, the Disneyland Hotel was the best. The pool is awesome, they have a koi pond and waterfall that my daughter loved and it's so conveniant. The hotel down the street was too far, even though it said walking distance. Across the street was conveniant, but I thought the hotel was loud and rundown.

I personally was glad I waited until my kids were a little older. I see too many kids having meltdowns there. There are lots of fun zoos and stuff to do near you, I'm sure.

How does your son do when you go to new exciting places? Does he stay in the stroller? Does he hold your hand and stay right by your side? My son is 27 months and I would never take him to an amusement park! Not only is it very expensive but he gets so excited, will not stay in the stroller and wants to explore by himself. He wont go far but with all those crowds, I would be stressed out constantly if I didn't see him for a second. Plus, then there is the issue of does he adjust well to new routines and sleeping arrangements? My friend took her son (2 1/2) to Disneyworld and an interactive movie scared him so much that he wouldn't go inside after that. Only outside rides. I agree with the posters who suggest zoos and day trips.

I see you have a lot of answers already, but my two cents is to wait for Disney. I am a huge Disney fan and we go often, but it really is not that great for the really little ones. Late July is the busiest time there and the lines are LONG. Trying to be patient when you are hot, tired, over-stimulated, and two is a lot to ask. :)

I live in Soquel (Santa Cruz) and personally, I would come here with a little one. You can be here in about an hour stay in a nice hotel with a pool, go to the beach, the Boardwalk, the many parks and drive down to the Monterey Aquarium for the day. Your little guy will love it and you and hubby will still get a nice break on a budget.

Another good possibility is San Diego. Their zoo is fantastic!

We use Patti at the Capitola AAA office for all of our west coast travel. No charge for AAA members. I know she can book local hotels and such and will know all of the fun things to do in this area, as well as the best beaches for little ones. She's the one that recommended San Diego for us. She really has drivable family vacations nailed. You may want to give her a call. She is also their Disney specialist and can help you decide when would be a good age to introduce your little guy to the wonders waiting for him there! My kids really enjoyed it at about 4 years old.

Have a fantastic summer!

Hi S.,
I would wait until your son is older if I were you. Its going to be so hot in July and the lines will be long and the park will be crowded. And Disneyland is not cheap. Plus, he won't remember any of it. I liked the other mom's suggestions for San Diego, the Monterey Aquarium, Santa Cruz, a national park, Six Flags Vallejo. I haven't been to Legoland, so I can't speak to that one. Good luck whatever you choose!

I was in Disneyland in July, 30 or so years ago, and it was so packed I didn't enjoy it as much as I did when I went in March or April of the same year. I'm sure it's still packed in the summer time and may also be packed year around now. If it were me, I'd go during off season before your son starts school.

My grandchildren at that age where very cranky, whiney, when there was chaos. So your son's disposition would be a consideration.

And if you want him to remember it he will have to be older. Even most 3 year olds don't remember much if anything at all. He'll enjoy it now but not remember it later except thru pictures and the stories you tell. I think 5 is the average age that brains have matured to the point of making long term memories and even then we need the reinforcement of pictures and stories to remember very much. I'm not sure of the age but know that memory making happens later than we think it does.

I don't want to discourage you. If you and your husband will enjoy it and if your son is flexible and you think he'll enjoy it, I say go for it. Just keep in mind that it will be hot and crowded and be prepared to do something different if it turns out to not be much fun.

Gilroy Gardens is nice for a two year old too!

Hi S., My two cents is to wait. 2 1/2 is a young age and it can be quite overwheling. Lines in July are going to long long long. I dont care how exciting the ride looks to the child, waiting in line, in some cases over and hour, is no fun for child or adults. We took my son when he was 5 in November (great time to go by the way as weather is warm and lines that are quite reasonable). We went with friends who had a child same age and I felt we did the right thing by waiting as they were old enough to run around, have someone to do things with, and were a little more patient. He honestly tho does not remember alot from that trip. It's the trip from when he was 8 that he really remembers. I saw so many couples with young kids in which the whole family was just plain old frustrated because the child was miserable, didnt want to do what the parents thought they would want to do, etc etc. I see you live in Daly City. How about a day at 6 flags in Vallejo? Of course you will have lines there in July also but its less expensive and closer to home. You can even make it an overnight trip by spending the night somewhere and on the way home stop at a beach or the water park in Antioch as it is a great place for little ones and very reasonable priced. If you do go to Disneyland dont spend big money on staying at a resort if the reason is so your son has fond memories because he wont remember. I can vouch for the Candy Cane Hotel tho as it is a great place to stay. Believe it or not one of the things I liked best about the Candy Cane Hotel was there was a convienence store right next store and I cant tell you how many times we used it. Even to buy souverniers as they were much cheaper. Hope some of this helps.

We decided to wait on Disney and did San Diego instead. Our son was not quite 3 when we went and he LOVED Sea World!! We found discount tickets online, which saved us quite a bit. The zoo is awesome, but it's quite large and very hilly, especially for a little one, but San Diego also has its Wild Animal Park. I've also heard from more than a few people that Legoland really wasn't worth it :(

Hi S.!
We just got back from Legoland a couple of weeks ago. We decided to take our (just turned) 3 year old for his birthday. It was perfect because he really was a little apprehensive about a lot of the rides and Legoland has a lot of things geared toward younger children. Like someone else mentioned, there are waiting areas for children where they can play instead of wait in line as well. My husband and I are HUGE fans of Disneyland and were really relieved that we decided to wait to take him to Disneyland until he is older and really ready to have to whole magical experience. Good luck and have so much fun wherever you decide to go! :)