Disneyland Paris with a toddler

[Jaffacake007]

Hi!

Considering Disneyland Paris for 2 nights at the end of August. My DD will almost be 2 and a half.

Has anyone else taken a child this young? Any advice on hotels, travel (we're thinking Eurostar), food etc?

Thanks in advance

Too young to be appreciated in my opinion.
Are you going for you or them?
If them wait a few years- 6-8 years old perfect for that "magic".

We were there many years ago with a toddler as part of our group. There were very few rides that she could go on due to the height restrictions. The characters scared her.

@helenabonhamfarter

Too young to be appreciated in my opinion. Are you going for you or them? If them wait a few years- 6-8 years old perfect for that "magic".

Yes we originally thought the same and know she won't remember etc.

We only have 2 nights available for a short break and the costs in the UK are so extortionate, we thought we may as well go abroad

@purplecorkheart

We were there many years ago with a toddler as part of our group. There were very few rides that she could go on due to the height restrictions. The characters scared her.

Thanks for sharing

How abou cbeebies land at Alton Towers and stay at one of their hotels? They have a water park too. I would save the spends and hassle of going to Disneyland with a toddler

No my DS was around 4. You see lots of little ones but I think it's madness and I know this will be unpopular but I think it's overrated by far. I'm glad I did it though mainly to say we have been and I never went as a kid so I was interested myself.. we did 4 nights.

I booked cheap flights to France for something like £70 well inadvance and we stayed outside the park. The shuttle bus service is fantastic they run regularly and are clean.

If you can afford to go again when they’re a bit bigger I’d go for it. If it’s a once in a lifetime trip I’d wait a bit so they can get maximum enjoyment!

I’ve taken my twins at 9 months when my son was 4. My son also went to Disney world at 20 months and Disneyland HK at nearly 3.

They all got something out of it every time. Most of the rides were fine for 9 month old babies so a 2 year old would be easy. The parades and shows seem to fascinate them and the characters made a huge fuss of them.

Complete waste of money at this age....it’s a huge site ....toddler will get overtired....you will see hardly any of it and will come home wondering why you bothered

What about peppa pig world? Its far more managebale and relatable at that age.

Dlp can be hugely overwhelming. If you want to go abroad you could do it cheaper without park tickets and go somewhere with a playground/pool etc or even kids activities if thats your thing. At that age they'd enjoy just going places with you (stay somewhere with a zoo or park nearby for example.)

I would wait to be honest. Peppa Pig world or Thomasland would be better at that age.

@OutlookStalking

What about peppa pig world? Its far more managebale and relatable at that age.

Dlp can be hugely overwhelming. If you want to go abroad you could do it cheaper without park tickets and go somewhere with a playground/pool etc or even kids activities if thats your thing. At that age they'd enjoy just going places with you (stay somewhere with a zoo or park nearby for example.)

I'd agree with this. Peppa Pig World / Paultons park is lovely, I was so impressed at how clean it was. You could stay somewhere nice in the New Forest or Dorset.

I took my 4 year old and it was exhausting. Its a lot of walking, queuing, big crowds for parades. We did enjoy it but I can't imagine it being much fun with a 2 year old.

Sounds like a really silly idea. What is the point in paying so much money to take a two and a half year old somewhere where they’re going to be overtired and not able to enjoy any of the magic? Rethink OP

We did it when the DC were just turned 3 and almost 5. But we did it as a day trip wrapped up in a week long holiday at the nearest Eurocamp (an hour away). That worked brilliantly.

They don't remember it, but that's irrelevant as they both loved it when they were there. The highlight for DC2 was the Disney Live show in the Studios park (we had 1 day 2 parks tickets). There were rides they could both go on.

We wouldn't have paid to stay at Disney though at that age. However, going on a Wednesday in May term time meant we paid about £120 entry for the day (just DH and I as DC were free) and we were happy with that so felt it was decent value.

The Eurocamp we stayed at was this one www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/paris/pa012-la-croix-du-vieux-pont/ataglance.html#&gid=1&pid=1

We drove to Disney, but the parc also offers a coach there once a week.

If you do go, invest in a toddler sling. DC2 had napped in the car on the way there but also had a nap on DHs back after lunch. There's A LOT to take in. And you don't want to be doing with a buggy, it's a faff.

Both of ours were going at that age , eldest first went at 18 months , youngest from a baby , I agree they don’t remember it but we do and we have loads of great photos so worth it IMO .

We took DD when she was 2y 8mt. She had a great time! There is so much for that age. That said, if it's a once only thing I would wait but if you might go again, then go for it!

Are you on Facebook?
There's a group called "Disneyland Paris for brits" it's a wealth of information for all things.

Have a nice time whatever you chose to do ! :)

Definitely not too young. We’re mega fans of Disneyworld, go every 3 years but didn’t think we’d go with a young baby so went to Paris with our 10 month old daughter. She could go on lots and did have a nice time. It didn’t quash our need for Florida though and we ended up there 7 months later when she was 15 months old.

That was 2019 and we’re back again in 2 weeks she’s now 4 yrs and our other daughter will be 4.5 months

There are lots of rides, shows and experiences for them!

I think if the adults are "megafans" and will enjoy it anyway that's a bit different as its a bit like taking a toddler anywhere the adults will enjoy (ie going to galleries or camping or whatever rocks the adults boat.) So in that case its great.

However if its about choosing to do something specifically for the child then its not the best choice !

Seems like mixed reviews, thanks everyone. We originally wanted to take her when she was 5-7 years to feel the 'magic' as lots of you described. Shame that someone referred to it as a silly idea - each to their own and it seems other people enjoyed their family trips regardless of age!

CBeebies land is a great idea but we have plans to go there for her birthday weekend

Think we'll have a short seaside break instead. Or potentially Peppa Pig world as suggested, although she doesn't watch it (yet ).

Thanks all x

Have a lovely time whatever you decide! Im taking a 13 and 10 year old to dlp later this year and they are excited.

At 3ish mine loved peppa pig world. They also loved marwell/longleat and farm parks in general that have kids activities. Its a lovely age 🥰

It will be fab. We went for first time when eldest was almost 2. Then 2 years later when second one was almost 2. Then have done Disney(Paris) and Florida several times since.
Take a buggy; take snacks and it's fab. Loads for kids and adults. Loads of rides little ones can do from small world to log flume etc. loads shows and loads of character experiences. There is lots of buffets for little mouths, and it's so child friendly. Once you have done Disney; English theme parks are a let down in my opinion!

My parents took me to Disney World when I was 2 and said it was the best Disney trip they ever took! (We went a lot as kids!) they said it was tiring, but the memories they made with me at that young age of just wonderment are priceless! Too young to question anything and just saw the magic!

Definitely not too young! I went to Disney World with my 17 month old this year.

Disney Paris isn't too far of course - lots of bright lights/characters and weather to enjoy. Have fun!