26 Month Old to Toy Story 3D?

You can take him to the 2D version... that is what we do. The glasses are always a trainwreck for us. I think my daughter was about 2 1/2 when we took her to her first movie. She talked quite a bit and we kept having to tell her over and over to be quiet. Otherwise, she did just fine. Just one warning... we went to see it last weekend. Don't want to spoil anything for you, but there is a scene towards the end where the whole gang is at the landfill heading towards a fiery incinerator. Basically the idea is that they're all going to "die" together. This scene scared the living daylights out of my 4 year old. Since then, she has been very concerned about the garbage and where it is going and if it's going to go through fire. This might not be a big deal for a a two-year-old though.

You can take him to see the 2D version. Less money and if you have to leave it is no big deal.

I have also stood with one of my boys when they got restless in the theater.

This brings back fond recollections of taking my then-2-year-old to see E.T. Seven times! Once the lights went down, he was transfixed! 3D wasn't an option, though....is there a non 3D Toy Story? I'd like to go myself, but don't want to wear the glasses on top of the bifocals! Go for it & have fun!

I can answer a few of your questions:

1) I'm told you need the glasses on for the entire movie. However, at the theaters around here, you can choose to see the movie in 3D or not. I took my 3yr & 4yr old to see the non-3D version and am very glad I did. There is no way my 3yr old would have been confortable in the glasses for almost 2 hours. (He can only wear his sunglasses for about 5 min before ripping them off!)

2) It's a LONG time in the theater!! Don't forget that the first half of the credits in Pixar movies usually have extra material to see -- and it's pretty good this time. But when you add in the previews, and the Pixar "short" shown before the movie starts, we were seated for over 2 hours. My son could only sit for about 1.25 hours. Fortunately, it was loud enough and empty enough in the theater that him getting up and down from his seat didn't bother anyone.

3) This is definitely the scariest (and most suspenseful) of the 3 Toy Story movies. I prepped my kids ahead of time and explained what was going to happen to the toys -- and my 4 year old still ended-up sitting in my lap for the (lengthy) scary part. It's at the end of the movie and I don't think my 3yr old was paying any attention.

Good luck!

My little boy is 24 months and he loves toy story too. We went last Saturday and he sat through the whole thing even better than he sit through a movie at home. I don't think the 3D is worth the extra money and my son would never keep those glasses on. Just a prepared if he doesn't want to sit through the whole movie. Good luck! I hope you enjoy it. It was a great movie! :)

It's showing regularly, not just 3d. I took my children to the 2D version yesterday - I don't like 3D for the most part and I really dislike the extra charge. So the glasses can be a non-issue. It was a little over 2 hours from start to finish...all the movie previews, the pixar short film and we stayed to watch the credits. It is a little darker themed than the other films, maybe a little scarier. My son is a HUGE fan and he ran to sit on my lap and his little heart was racing for part of it. He was very concerned about his pals. Of course it has a happy ending! I took a four year old and a one year old (and a friend to help me watch kiddos). My four year old loved it, when he had to potty we literally ran the whole way, because he didn't want to miss good parts. My one year old needed a walk half way through and then she was fine for the rest of it and I was very concerned about her (she was the reason I brought the friend), she doesn't really like tv yet, much less a movie marathon. I brought plenty of snacks for her. BTW...the theater I went to told me they did not charge for under 3, so ask before you buy his ticket. And if you have a drive in....that's a GREAT way to bring a kid to the movies. I don't know where Kendalia is, but we hit up the Grandbury drive in all the time. :)

Took my daughter to see it in 3 D yesterday. Don't waste your money on the 3 D aspect. I hardly noticed it during the movie. There were no eye-popping scenes that you miss out on without them. It would have definitely been just as good for the $3 less per person.

I agree with Martha... try a matinee. We went at 4:45 (in a small town) and there were about 10 people in the theater with us. Total.

I don't have any super helpful advice for you other than to let you know that my daughter (who is almost 22 yrs old), just saw this movie and said she would have MUCH rather seen it in 2D. She said the 3D wasn't very good. Plus, I think that the glasses would be very distracting to him :)

You can give the movie going experience a shot and see how it goes - you won't get your money back if you have to leave, but you will know if he can sit through a movie at a theatre. Plus, we have ALL had to leave a movie early for one reason or another with kids :)

Good luck!

This summer at Northwoods Regal Cinema at 1604 and 281 they have free movie family fun if you can make it. They are showing older movies, but on the big screen. Its all free, except for the snacks. It runs Tuesday through Thursday at 10:30 am. Maybe try one of these movies first to see if he will sit through it. If he won't then you don't have to worry about money that you lost because you had to leave. You can take your own snacks also. They never say anything to me or my friend.

Try a theatre near you to see. If not, then just let them know that its your child's first movie and maybe they will do a refund.

We brought our son (21m) to see it in 2D. He sat in his stroller beside us and I think partly because he was strapped in and because we were sitting the whole time he didn't try to get up. He didn't say if he liked it or not though. :)

I wouldn't do it. The screen looks bad if you don't have your glasses on and if he's not going to sit through it and not gonig to keep the glasses on, it will be a total waste of money. Rememebr you have to pay extra for 3D. I'd wait for it on video. He won't know the difference between 3d and regular movies anyways since he's so young.

We took our son to his first movie, Finding Nemo when he was 13 months old. He sat on the arm in between my husband and I. He did great, sat still, ate snacks, drank from cup, etc. I think part of his good behavior was being so mesmerized by the HUGE screen.

Just be sure to bring a few small, quiet, hand toys for him to play with, along with the snacks. Also, sit toward the back on the aisle in case you have to make a quick get away. Maybe you could bring a small blanket or towel for him to sit on at the back of the theater in the "foyer" area of the room. That way if he gets wiggly, you could take him back there, sit him on the floor to play, then you could stand there beside him or even sit if seat nearby and watch the rest of the movie yourself.

Oh, one other thing we did in recognition of his first movie theater experience, we bought the Finding Nemo Hallmark Christmas ornament that year. Actually, I had to get it off Ebay because it was already sold out at the stores in our area. I love every year getting that ornament out and reminiscing.

We have a 3 1/2, they show TS3 in a regular format so u dont need the glasses (besides 3D cost more), some theaters have early matinee prices, I know Cinema Mark has a Mon deal early matinee only $5.oo..this way your not out alot if he doesn't like it. They have really cool booster seats tht fit in the chairs, so the younger children can sit up and it even holds their snacks & drink. I think you may be surprised as to how well they are as there is alot of highlights b4 the movie starts that keeps them occupied. Yes you may have to hold them some but we've found our son loves the booster chair. Hope this helps you out.
jim in katy

My daughters' first movies were The Lion King and Pocahontas, respectively. And I think they were younger than your son. I haven't seen TS3, but have heard RAVE reviews about it. If they're anything like TS1 & 2, then I'm sure it'll be GREAT! I'd skip 3D if possible, because the images won't be clear.

My advice would be to sit near an isle. That way, if he gets bored, antsy, or uninterested, you can slip out relatively quickly. Also, don't sit too close to the front. The images get distorted from that angle and may frighten him.

Also, speak with the theater when you buy the tickets. I was really worried with my youngest at Pocahontas. They said they'd refund my tickets if I had to leave. I'm sure they'd rather loose the price of a couple of tickets to remove a restless toddler, then suffer the wrath of a dozen angry customers.

I'm SURE he'll LOVE it - epsecially if he enjoyed the first two. (Maybe he moves around during the first two because he already knows what's going to happen. Remember, he will be seeing Buzz and Woody like NEVER BEFORE when he sees this one!)

...But from what I've heard from other parents - take Kleenexes. **YOU'RE** going to need them! (... or maybe that emotion doesn't come into play until your son outgrows his toys and moves to college...)

GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!!!

I think you should try it, but go see a matinee and the 2D version. 3D is WAY too much for a little kid. They have to wear the glasses and it's a little too intense. Make it a special experience, buy him some popcorn and a drink and some snacks. Try to go to a really early matinee (like the first showing) there's usually less people. Also, it will be in the theaters for awhile, so you might want to wait a week or two till all the hype dies down. On another note, his ticket will most likely be free since he's so young. If you have to leave, you'll only be out the price of admission for yourself.

I took my 23 mo. old last night, he sat through the entire thing. I've chosen not to do any of the 3D movies until he's 3 or 4. T3 was a little more adult than the other two. It has a few characters that are a little scary even for mom, lol. My advice is to take him right after nap time or very early evening and don't get there too early. He did get a little antsy during the previews, but that may have been because we took him to the 7:25 showing, it was too close to bedtime. However, once T3 was on the screen, he didn't budge not once, stayed focused the entire time. I didn't even know about the extra charge for a toddler and we only paid for the adults. Good luck and it's all about the planning.

Um yah, that's too young.
A child that age cannot/will not sit through it all.
I wouldn't even take my 3.5 year old to that.. I KNOW he will not sit through it all... even if he enjoys it. It is too much to expect this age to just sit there, still and not talk or not move around or get restless.

I know you have already made a decision but just have to add my 2 cents here. Why are people obsessed with eating in a theatre? In other countries they wouldn't think of doing that. So IF I were a fan of taking 2 yr olds to the theatre, which I am not, I would certainly not start him off thinking that movie=popcorn and drink. It is a bad habit and the calories are all empty.
I saw the Wizard of Oz in a theatre at 6 and spent more than half of the movie under the seat. So, all depends on the kid.

Updated

I know you have already made a decision but just have to add my 2 cents here. Why are people obsessed with eating in a theatre? In other countries they wouldn't think of doing that. So IF I were a fan of taking 2 yr olds to the theatre, which I am not, I would certainly not start him off thinking that movie=popcorn and drink. It is a bad habit and the calories are all empty.
I saw the Wizard of Oz in a theatre at 6 and spent more than half of the movie under the seat. So, all depends on the kid.

There are always the Crybaby showings at the Angelika downtown. It is where a movie is shown specifically for moms with young kids. There are lots of babies there, they even have a changing table and the lights are only dimmed, not turned off completely. It is a pretty lively crowd as there are all kinds of moms & babies/toddlers there. Here's the link:

http://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/ANGELIKA_EVENT_CALENDAR...

Good luck & have fun! Oh, they also validate parking for the underground parking.

See it in 2D and leave if he can't make it.

It won't be the end of the world (or the last time you should leave someplace when you child needs to- it is something every parent should be willing to do, money back or not!) You won't know if your son can keep from talking until you get there either, and it may cost you the price of a ticket to find out if he is a good movie goer.

Try a matinee, it might be cheaper and less of a loss if you have to go.

M.

I don't know about where you live, but in Chicago they are showing it in BOTH 3D and not 3D (whatever that is called - regular movie????) AND also in IMAX (which is only in IMAX 3D). They are 3 different prices even, so I would look for that. It costs less and you don't have to worry about the glasses. But yes, if you take your glasses off in a 3D movie it will be blurry.

Also - the Kerasotes movie theaters (which I think was just bought by Regal Cinemas, but they may still do this) has Tuesday matinees which are "kid-friendly" so they don't turn the lights down fully (just enough to be dusk-like), the sound is not as loud and everyone knows there might be kids who are loud or up out of their seats.

You might see if any of the theaters have that type of arrangement and see if he will sit through the movie then.

its cool to take the family to the Westwind Drive Ins movies. park the car, bring chairs and a cooler. (in phoenix i mean)

If he already likes Toy Story you may not have a problem. I took my son to see Polar Express in 3D and had the same concerns but once the movie started he didn't move and didn't take his glasses off. I think Polar Express was 2 hours or 2 and 1/2 hours. Even if your son does get restless with it being a kid's movie I don't think it will bother too many people. Now it might upset you but you can always try a few tricks. One sit close to the end of an aisle in case you have to get up. Definitely lots of snacks,maybe even his own kid's meal from the theatre and you can also let him bring a Buzz or Woody Doll with him and tell him they want to watch the movie with him. You may not have a problem at all but not bad to be prepared. Good Luck

The 3D part started before the movie. I don't remember the length of the movie, but it's 3D the whole way, and it's funky for the eyes if you're not wearing the glasses. It does get good fairly quickly, though.

Well I can solve your glasses issue i went and saw the movie in 3D and it's not worth the extra money cause it doesn't really have any big 3d effects so you won't lose any of the experience if you just see it in 2D...Good luck and enjoy your movie...if you do see it in 3D ask for the childs glasses...my daughter wouldn't keep the glasses on until they started offering the children's glasses...she is 3 1/2 yrs and we hae taken her to 3 or 4 3D movies.

I tried taking my daughter before she was 3 and it wasn't worth the trouble! Save yourself the stress and wait til it comes out at Redbox.

Just by personal experience I would wait until he's about 4 to go to the theatre. Also, you don't have to see the movie in 3D, the 3D would probably be to much for him.

I'd wait til it comes out on video but if you do take him just make sure you sit on the end so if he does need to get up he won't disturb others.

Good luck,
DH

I agree this movie does not need 3D. Also in the theater they have booster seats. your son may like sitting on it, you can even double stack them if needed.
Here in Austin, they actually have Toy Story 3 showings for really young kids. This way if you need to get up and walk around or he talks it will not bother anyone, they even keep lights on low.. ..

We saw it yesterday in 2D and it was fantastic! I didn't feel like it was missing anything in 2D instead of 3D. It was a great movie. We always go to 2D because my daughter feels dizzy at 3D movies and won't keep the glasses on. Once you take them off, everything is blurry. There was a little girl and her mom sitting by us. She was two and they just sat on the isle so they could sneek out once and a while. No biggie! If he loved the other Toy story movies, he'll love this one!

Any chance your theatre offers movies before a certain time or on a certain day where children are welcome? In Austin we have a theatre that allows children to be at any movie before 2pm. Kids are usually somewhat loud and running around and that's O.K.! Good luck.

I saw the movie this weekend and we went to an early show and the whole audience was families with kids of every age. Some kids did get up and walk around and nobody minded at all. Around here, they are showing the movie in 2-D also, so call your theaters to see if it is being shown in 2-D. I bet your son would love it. There were lots of people at the theater with kids your son's age and younger. Have fun!

We took our 3 year old to see Toy Story 3 on Friday. She just turned 3. We saw the 2D version and our daughter sat through the whole movie very well. We went to the 7 pm showing and had snacks and popcorn. It was her first time going to the movie theater. She is potty trained and I made sure she had gone potty beforehand and we had all snacks before the movie started. She really enjoyed it!

Hi! I know you already went but I wanted to add something here that I didn't see right away. I think it totally depends on your child...sounds like yours did fine. However we went this week (my kids are a bit older--6 and 9) and we were next to a little girl who was probably about 2-2 1/2. She talked nearly the whole time...sat in her seat just fine but kept asking over and over "what happening? who that? what doing?" I mean the whole movie! It was distracting at first but afterall it is a kids movie! But I wondered if this mom (she was the only child with her) just wanted to take her and really hadn't thought much about if she would be able to follow the story line. Personally, we waited until my son was 3 1/2-4 to take him to a movie and he was up halfway through bored. (granted the movie turned out to be a bit slower moving than I had expected). Hope this helps!