My daughter turned 2 in February and is almost diaper free (still wearing them at night). She and her older 2 sisters all "potty trained" the same way and around the same time. Started showing interest before two, were "trained" by 3 when started pre-school (with some accidents of course)
I take a more laid back approach (no rewards or huge deals made out of it) since my toddlers all wanted to be "nakey" a lot I was tolerant of this at home and found the naked time really facilitates potty training. I put a potty chair in the room where they were playing and reminded them if they sat on it there wouldn't be a mess. There were some puddles to clean up, granted but they figured it out pretty quick. Having the potty nearby helps, and as they get the hang of it you can move it to the bathroom. It has only been a month or two and my 26 month old daughter now consistently uses her potty at home all the time. No diapers at home at all. No messes on the floor. I am pretty stoked.
I have still been putting diapers on my daughter when we go out for errands sometimes when I haven't felt like dealing with it and she will actually tell me she needs to pee and not want to pee in her diaper. She has peed in "big potties" at various stores now, of her own idea. We do praise her for going in her potty etc. but not any more than we would praise her for any other achievement.
We are working on the ability to pull up and down her own pants and panties. She still needs some help with that, depending on the outfit. It is useful to stick with things that are easy on and off at this age (ditch the overalls!)
I agree pull ups can be too much like a diaper, in the past I have used old fashioned cloth training pants but haven't been able to find any locally.
I think if they are given some "pants-less" time at home they will soon connect that going to the potty is a good idea without other incentives!
Of course this method isn't for everyone but it's worked well for me and my three girls. Good luck!