Florida next May?

[gregssausageroll]

Thinking about it but not sure. DS will be 2 months shy of 3. Is there much to keep him entertained?

Would go for 2 weeks and hire villa and car.

What are the must see parks with a 3 year old and what can we really miss out on if we run out of time/can't be bothered going out one day?

May is a good time to visit. There will be loads to keep your ds entertained.

Generally we found the disney parks to be best for young children, especially Magic Kingdom. Dining with the characters is lots of fun, but book in advance.

The universal parks are good, but Islands of Adventure has lots of rides for older children, although there are some areas of the park which are good for younger children. Worth a visit if you get timem, but probably not a whole day.

Disney waterparks are good and have areas especially for younger children.

It is tiring so good to have a few days where you don't plan anything, we stayed in a hotel and spent a couple of days by the pool. I would definately get a car.

Lovely. Thanks. If I am honest, I am still not sure about villa or hotel. Both have their pro-s and cons but I doubt we'd be able to afford a suite in a hotel so we can put DS to bed in a separate room. Will continue to look though.

Definitely up for a few days R&R. DS and DH love swimming so I am happy to chill with a book, especially if the weather is nice.

Thanks for responding.

Don't totally discount the suite based hotels like Embassy Suites or Homewood Suites; their rooms rates per night are usually very reasonable and customers can receive free breakfast as well.

Thanks. Will have a look.

May is a fab time to go.

We went when ds was 2.6 - he LOVED it. I agree that the Disney waterparks are excellent; if you get there at opening (usually 9 or 10am) you can grab yourself a seat in the children's section and base yourself there for the day.

My dc loved the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Studios and Epcot in that order when they were that age (Studios now has the Toy Story ride though).

They also loved the restaurants!!

I also agree May will be a lovely time to go. Weather will be fab and it should be much quieter as not peak time.
Villas may not be as expensive as you think. You can rent a 4 bed with private pool from around $120 per night and 3 beds even cheaper. Many have games rooms and rooms themed for the kids, ie Minnie & Mickey bedrooms or Winnie the Pooh etc.

Have a look at www.loyaltyusa.com a company run by an english lady. She manages lots of luxury homes within 4 miles of Disney.

Ref parks, Magic Kingdom is a must. Animal Kingdom also nice for kids but think Epcot might be a bit boring for little ones. Not been to Hollywood studios (formerly MGM) for a few years so can't remember what was there.

We have just come back from 3 weeks there and my youngest 2 DC (4 years and 21 months) lloved Magic Kingdom and also we did Universal and Islands of Adventure. Apart from the Zeuss's landing in I of A there isn't that much for the little ones although the bigger ones loved the new Harry Potter Rides.
Universal probably has more for little ones. DC3 and 4 both loved the Barney show and the play area there in particular.

We went to Aquatica waterpark a few times which had a good kiddies area but have also done the Disney waterparks which also have kids areas.

Seaworld is good for all ages and there is a greally good kids play area, shamus happy harbour which has various rides and a 'wet' play area for little ones.

"Is there much to keep him entertained?"

ROFL

I'll warn you now, he'll be trying to get back there every year.

Just remembered - the Studios also has a Playhouse Disney show and Little Mermaid show which ds loved at that age.