Grand Floridian on New Year's Eve with a Toddler (20 month old)

[poppop]

We will be staying at the Grand Floriadian on New Year's Eve. Our 20 month old daughter will be with us. Is there some way to have a special evening either at the GF or somewhere else in the World without getting a baby sitter. Any suggestions?

Has anyone traveled this time of year with a toddler?

 

[ahutton]

There are many special things you could share with a child that age. Ours has loved many aspects of the trip. First though, take into account how late yours can stay awake and interested in anything. A 2 year old may or may not make it to midnight, regardless of nap plans or how exciting a time you plan. We have had the best times keeping a plan loose and letting her guide us around. I don't recommend going into a park in the evening, or to PI, just too many people. Kids can't see anything except for other people's behinds unless they are willing to sit on shoulders, and ours usually won't. The Electrical Water Pageant is great fun, and can be seen well from the Grand Floridian beaches and the Poly beaches. Depending on park hours there may be early and late fireworks, which can also be viewed from a resort without having the little one scared by the noises or stressed from crowds. That also gives the flexibility of when the small one nods off you can go to the room, and enjoy a grown up New Year's on the balcony. Have a great time!!

 

[mom2mermaids]

We just returned from the GF with a 3 & 4 year old. Narcosses restaurant is located on the water at the GF. The food was wonderful and it is kid friendly. The restaurant has a view of the castle and you can see the fireworks.

California Grille is also a wonderful restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary and easy to get to from the GF via monorail.

Also, the boat dock at the GF is a wonderful place to watch the sun set or view the fireworks.

 

[poppop]

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[skiptomypooh]

Hi Poppop,

Not sure about your grandchild's tendencies, but mine was really excited to go to 'Pooh's House'. We had dinner with our then 19mo DS at the character meal in the GF. He loved it. Since it's a buffet, we found plenty of things for a toddler to pick at. He just loved watching all the characters come around.

Actually, this was his first real exposure to the characters, so I think it let him get used to them before they approached. He didn't really know any of the other characters, outside of Pooh's group, so this worked well for us: no pressure, his familiar characters, and enough distractions to get the grown ups through dinner.

Even if you don't take him for that night, it's worth a visit while you're there.

Enjoy

 

[poppop]

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