Are you going just for the 2.5yo, or are they just along for the ride? Because at that young of an age, I don’t think they will remember much about the trip.
They will remember being very happy and that helps them develop their brain, and the dad will be very happy seeing their baby happy.
But the parents will remember it for the rest of their lives. Which is just as important
Brain dump.
Get a stroller. You'll be leaving it in stroller parking a lot. It's typically safe but I tend to bring a bag that locks and latches to the stroller anyway.
My kids loved small world. I rode it twenty times or so. Meeting the characters was also a hit, but 2.5 might be a bit young. Mine enjoyed the winnie the Pooh breakfast character buffet.
Sunscreen. Often. And stroller naps.
Get a fan for the stroller.
Fan's a good tip. I've not had any problems with anything taken from a stroller and I've been many many times. I wouldn't stress about it, but that's just me. Mine absolutely hated the Pooh characters at the buffet, but was oddly fine with the farmer Mickey, Pluto and chip and Dale at the garden grill.
People move is pretty sedate too. And the naavi river ride. Peter pan. Nemo's ride. Ariel's ride... any of the slow ones are great, but small world really does seem to be the favorite for the really little ones.
It could be cold, hot, rainy or sunny. You won't know until close to the day. Some little ones like the mascots, some really don't. 2 and under kids get in free and eat free at family style / buffet restaurants. Take advantage. The family style restaurants (they just bring food, and they'll keep bringing it until you stop asking) are way easier with a child you have to stay near. Buffets are fine, but logistically a bit more challenging. Some of the restaurants have characters. My kid particularly liked princesses, so akershus has probably been his favorite. You need reservations, and even then you'll wait a bit, but you'll also meet tons of characters, depending on the restaurant. Otherwise you can bring your own food. It's a lot cheaper and takes some of the stress away because everyone will be hungry at the same time you are.
The fireworks are a bit much for a lot of little ones, and the crowd is a lot. If you can time it just right at magic kingdom, it's great to ride the ferry away from the park while the fireworks are going. Much less hassle and noise and it's still pretty spectacular. But there's usually a line for the ferry. It takes some pretty good timing.
If anyone in your party is disabled, absolutely get a das pass.
I like to bring a large baby blanket. It's useful for so many things, but I find it very useful as a sling to carry my little guy when he gets tired.
Don't expect to do too much. You'll all be happier if you plan on taking it slow.
I took a toiletries bag and turned into a quick change pouch. Everything for one complete change plus 2 extra diapers. All mini packings of crème etc. that way a toilet trip has you take a lot less and you have everything with you.
And a proper water bottle for the little one.
Colleague of mine mentioned if she ever takes her kids to Disney she hides/ sows AirTags in the kids clothing and writes a phone number somewhere on them.
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