I'm lucky enough to live 20 minutes from Disney and have family passes for the year.
My daughter has been going before she could walk, and sadly enough, a week doesn't pass when I am not in at least one of the parks. Due to this, I guess I'm qualified to comment. Here are some observations
1. Many kids get scared the first time they meet Mickey and friends as they are much bigger than the tv they are used to. NEVER force the kids to meet them, let them go at their pace if they even want to go.
2. The parks can be overwhelming. Takke them in samll doses, a few hours at a time, then go back to the hotel for a nap or a swim in the pool.
3. Avoid the busiest holiday and vacation times if possible as well as June-Sept, as this time is unbearably hot.
4. Bring frozen bottles of water in a backpack. They'll start to thaw slowly and give you cold drinks all day without the $3 a bottle you pay in the parks. Healthy snacks are good as well.
5. You don't need to stand in lines for hours to meet the characters. The parks all have greeting areas, look at the guide map or ask a cast member.
6. Don't rush to be there at opening. Families with small kids start tiring out and leaving by the early afternoon and miss the parades and fireworks more often than not.
Yes, Disney is GREAT with toddlers with a little planning.
The memories will be cherished for a lifetime... even if your single friends laught at you
