Disney with a one year old

[trmcguire]

Hello! I tried to search for threads on this, but the search function was not being very nice to me!

We are taking our son to Disney for his first birthday in December. I am just looking for other peoples experience with this, information on things you think he would enjoy, and any advice. We will stick to his nap schedule, and we probably will not do the ride swap since I will be 30 weeks pregnant and I can't go on the coaster anyways.

We decided to rent a car to make it easier on us, we are staying at Pop, and we are on the dining plan. We will be going with my mother in law and my 19 year old brother. (And my husband!)

We have all been to Disney many times, just never with a toddler, and never pregnant!

Or, if there are threads on this already and someone can help direct me to one, that would be helpful as well.

Thank you everyone!!

[logan&tylersmama]

we took DS when he turned one (and next month we are going back for his 4th b.day)
he LOVED it!! LOVED THE CHARACTERS, THE MONORAIL, THE PARADES, THE MUSIC, THE SHOWS, FIREWORKS, the fountain areas, and the rides. he would sleep in the stroller,
have a great time with him - its so much fun seeing it through their eyes
Jennifer

[Tinker_]

I took DS for his first bday and it was a WONDERFUL trip!! My best advice is to take it easy (which it sounds like you will!) enjoy the "small things" eat amazing food, and take TONS of pictures!! I would also invest in a good stroller that can be reclined... my DS had a hard time sleeping in his volo that year!

Also, I was really worried about loud noises scaring DS, so I bought a pair of noise reducing ear phones (I think that is the correct term! like what hunters use.. but they are sold in infant sizes) and put those on during fireworks, or anything loud. He didn't mess with them, and really enjoyed seeing things- with no scare factor!!!

[trmcguire]

Thanks! Were the fireworks early enough that you got to see them before bedtime? We are going in December, so I would think they would go off around 7pm or so, but I wasn;t sure.

[AudreysMom]

We are planning a trip to the World for my daughter's first birthday next spring. I am hoping for a meal at Chef Mickey's (if she likes characters). The whole family will be staying together in a Grand Villa at Old Key West, and I plan to decorate with Pooh first birthday supplies. I may also decorate her stroller on the big day...hey, I like birthdays!

I'm shopping for a travel stroller now. The Maclarens seem to be highly reviewed. They are pricey, but it sounds like you'd buy one stroller and use it for years vs buying lesser quality strollers over and over.

I went twice while pregnant with DD. Just take it easy and drink lots of water. Have a great time and please let us know how it goes!

[LWatson]

We took our youngest at 14m and he had a blast. He loved the characters. He rode all the rides that didnt have a height requirement that we went on. Now he usually fell asleep on boat rides (Its a Small World, POC, Mexico, etc) for some reason.

[Tinker_]

Originally Posted by AudreysMom

We are planning a trip to the World for my daughter's first birthday next spring. I am hoping for a meal at Chef Mickey's (if she likes characters). The whole family will be staying together in a Grand Villa at Old Key West, and I plan to decorate with Pooh first birthday supplies. I may also decorate her stroller on the big day...hey, I like birthdays!

I'm shopping for a travel stroller now. The Maclarens seem to be highly reviewed. They are pricey, but it sounds like you'd buy one stroller and use it for years vs buying lesser quality strollers over and over.

I went twice while pregnant with DD. Just take it easy and drink lots of water. Have a great time and please let us know how it goes!

You will love the Maclaren! You can get some great deals from a seller on Ebay called babyproductstore I bought my last two Maclarens from her (one for me one for a gift) and all of my accessories through her, she is great. The volo I just bought was only $56 shipped! Of course, you will want something that reclines with a 1 yr old- but still- it is worth every penny!

[alyssa810]

I went twice while pregnant (at about 15 weeks, and then 21 weeks) with my DS, and then we've been 7 times since he's been born (trips 8 & 9 are in the works too). We went also about a week and a half before his 1st birthday and he really enjoyed the music and just soaking in the Disney magic. He seems to enjoy the rides that he's been on too. He was not a fan of the pools until our last trip in May.

Also we have a truimph, which we love, except not for Disney trips because it doesn't fully recline and the basket is really small. We ended up buying a graco literider that we use exclusively for our Disney trips; it reclines fully and has a full size basket. I think I paid about $50 (free shipping) on amazon.com.

As DS gets older, he seems to enjoy the characters more (from a distance though, he's still a little shy when they're up close). I would definitely familiarize yourself with the baby care centers in the parks- they're great spots for diaper changes and cool downs, and just to sit for a bit. You mentioned that you're going in December so it might not be too warm but the centers are great.

We're HUGE advocates of getting a rental car as well. Good for you there- it makes things sooo much easier, IMO.
Have a great time- enjoy your little one's birthday, and congrats on your pregnancy!