We are so grateful that we were able to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and are thankful to Disney and all of the sponsors for this experience.

My son Jesse isn’t 2 yet, but he’s made the trip to Disney twice, most recently for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. If the chance came up, I’d bring him again in a heartbeat. Some people think I’m nuts for bringing my little guy to Disney when it’s not just around the corner and have suggested I should leave him home with family so we can enjoy the time with our older kids. No thanks. Disney magic is for everyone, even those who won’t remember it. Why, you ask?

He’s free

Under the age of 3, kiddos are free. They get free admission to the parks, they don’t need FastPass+ to get on any rides, they stay in your hotel room free of charge, and they do not need a meal plan. My little guy has gotten to enjoy all the perks of the parks, eaten more than his fair share from the buffets, met all the characters his siblings met, and got to take it all in. 

On the cruise portion of our trip, Jesse was able to enjoy all the amenities his older siblings enjoyed, plus he had the added option of the “it’s a small world” nursery (for an additional fee). He swam, he met characters, he saw shows, he ate, and he had a blast.

The characters

We used our FastPass+ to meet some characters, and my little guy was able to see them all. At the parks and on the Disney Cruise Line, the opportunities to meet characters were plentiful. Jesses loved to run up and hug them, pet the softer ones, wave, blow kisses, and generally treat them like his friends. I know he didn’t recognize them, but seeing his face light up when he saw The Mouse couldn’t be beat. I’ll admit that we were very spoiled on this trip with so many character meet and greets, but the joy on his face never got old.

Rides and entertainment

Jesse is a bit of an adrenaline junkie. He likes to play rough, he’s a climber, and he likes going fast. There were endless options for little ones to enjoy rides and attractions. It was so easy for him to sit on our laps to enjoy rides — they were stimulating to his little eyes and brought big smiles to his face. Plus, we were able to take advantage of Rider Switch, so both my husband and I got a chance to ride, and Jesse and our other little ones rode twice!

In addition to rides, there were shows and parades throughout the parks all day long! From live action to seeing animals on safari, there was so much for them to see and do! Jesse took it all in, clapped for everything, and genuinely seemed to enjoy it all.

Food

This kid likes to eat. And we are a family that enjoys trying new foods and restaurants. The opportunities to eat and try new things at Disney were plentiful. My children always try new cultural foods at Disney, and Jesse was no exception to this! Most recently, he took a liking to Moroccan food!

Mickey bar ice cream on Disney Dream

Naps on the go

It can be a bit tough to deal with a schedule when you are trying to see and do everything at the parks. We tried to roll with it as much as possible. Some days we took some down time and went back to the room to nap, but most days naps were on the go. Children are so adaptable, and there are definitely times when it’s worth bending the rules a bit. Bedtime was typically later on our vacation, naps were ad hoc, and the exhaustion at night was real. But seeing the happiness was the biggest payoff!

Think bringing a baby to Disney is silly? I beg to differ!

Morgan Sheena
Morgan came to Boston via New Jersey for college and law school and never left. She married her college sweetheart, Solomon, in October 2007. After years of trying to find themselves, they added three beautiful and energetic children, Aaron (October 2010), Olivia (June 2013), and Jesse (May 2016) to the family. They also have brother and sister miniature schnauzers, Rufio and Gracie. They live in Brookline and love city living.  Morgan is also a travel planner at Whitney World Travel and loves helping her clients find the perfect vacation for them. Loves: Exploring Boston, traveling, trying new restaurants, all things Disney, dive bars, blanco tequila, cooking elaborate meals, black coffee, dry red wine, working out, watching mindless movies (and quoting them) and getting lost in a good book. Can't Stand: when people snap their gum, cigarettes, loud chewing noises, cleaning floors and snakes.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I would absolutely love to bring my 2yo to Disney. I think it’s the reason we had kids!! But she is afraid of those type of characters. Wasn’t yours? Or was it that he was scared at first and then like it? Would be interested to know.

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