A Year of Disney- question for those with children

[chica622]

Hello!

I have enjoyed reading and learned so much from other's trip reports, that I would love to share our plans for our upcoming trips.

My name is Dana and I am addicted to traveling. I have been lucky enough to travel many times to Europe and around the USA. Growing up I got to go to WDW 5 times. Two years ago my DH and I took a trip to Disney World and were hooked. We bought an Annual Pass and went twice in 2011: Spring Break and Food and Wine! Although I couldn't participate in the wine part since I was pregnant for that trip!

This past February our adorable baby boy was born, Anthony. Here is he is at 8 months!

Now on to the plans for this trip... and a couple more.
We were very lucky this year and we have purchased an Annual Pass and between this trip and next fall we have 4 trips to the World planned Renting points and using the Southwest Visa Points have really helped make these trips affordable.

Links to our plans!!

Trip 1: Dec. 4-10, 2012
Baby's First Trip and 30th Anniversary Celebration Trip for my parents.
We will be staying in a Lake View Studio at Bay Lake Tower. My parents are staying at Saratoga Springs. Renting points for both studios.
Links for this trip:
Our Plan as of Nov. 10

Trip 2: March 25-28, 2013
"I don't want my Southwest credits to go to waste... and I want to see the Flower and Garden Festival!
Kidani Savannah-View Studio Renting points

Trip 3: August 16-26, 2013
Our little family's first cruise!
6 nights renting points at Boardwalk Villas and 3 nights on the Dream

Trip 4: Food and Wine!
Dates TBD, will be on the lookout for a good AP discount and low airfares.

 

[chica622]

Anthony will be 9-months-old for this trip. This is our first time taking a long vacation with him, so anyone who has been there, done that with a baby, please share your experiences!

We love TS meals and I love character meals!

Here are our plans so far. I am thinking about changing a few things. Thursday I have 3 big meals planned. The only way I think it would work out okay is if the baby gets up real early and we head to O'Hana for 7 am. I am also undecided about EMH at DHS with the little one. That day I was able to get a Le Cellier lunch ressie at 2 pm. I just wonder if my 9-month-old will handle that long of a day.

Tues. 12/4-- Flight lands at MCO at 8:30 pm. Check-in at BLT. Grab a QS meal at Contempo Cafe, unpack and get a good night's rest!

Weds. 12/5
Morning Be at MK by 8:30, pick up TiW and AP and photopass+ Brunch at 1900 Park Fare 11am
Afternoon nap/pool/ MK if we're up for it
Evening Epcot 5:45 La Hacienda

Thursday 12/6
Morning 8:05 O'Hana, Epcot
Afternoon 11:30 Via Napoli Nap/pool after lunch
Evening Candlelight Processional Les Chefs 5:20 CP 8:15 (date night for us, my parents will be watching the baby!)

Friday 12/7
Morning 8:20 Tusker House, AK morning/early afternoon
Afternoon Nap/Pool
Evening 4:55 Mama Melrose and Osborne Lights

Saturday 12/8
Morning DHS EMH 8am OR Chef Mickey's breakfast and easy morning
Afternoon Le Cellier 2pm
Evening ?

Sunday 12/9
Morning 9 am Anthony's 1st haircut at Harmony Barbershop, MK day
11am Be Our Guest Lunch (QS-- mom and I will split something small)
Afternoon 2:10 Garden View Tea Room my mom and me
Evening 6:30pm Whispering Canyon (The boys will be hungry for dinner, so hopefully mom and I can just order an appetizer, because I imagine we will be full from the tea)

Monday 12/10
Morning 8:05 Crystal Palace, return to BLT and check out and go to Epcot
Afternoon 2 pm Tutto Italia leave at 3:30
Evening 7:40pm Flight home

 

[chica622]

I am hoping this agenda isn't too overwhelming for my 9-month-old. Any thoughts?

 

[shalom]

I am hoping this agenda isn't too overwhelming for my 9-month-old. Any thoughts?

Could go either way, I think. Some kids that age will just drink in the sights and snooze out when they get overwhelmed. Others will think it's way too much and get pretty wound up about it. And some will be child one the day they turn nine months, and child two three weeks later! One way or another, he's going to really need his naps. Schedule a couple "must dos" early in the day and then play it by ear, is my advice.

I would also recommend that you let him decide when he's ready to deal with the characters -- he'll likely be fine with them if you're holding him, but some kids even that young don't like them, at least at first. Just be aware that your excitement may make him more tentative about things -- he may pick up your high energy, but not know if you're excited that something good is going to happen, or just scared! Getting rushed into things will make him think, "scary," so the more you can let him set the pace, the smoother things will go.

Good luck!