Am I actually saving $$?

[frannn]

I have a dd who is 2 months old. DH and I want to make her 1st WDW trip a special one. DH and I have been to DW at least once a year since our honeymoon in '99, and have to decide now when DH will take vacation in 2003. He doesn't think we should go to DW in 2003.

I think we should take dd to DW this Oct because 1) no airfare cost for her, 2) we have about 200. airfare credit that will expire if we don't book by June, 3) no WDW ticket costs for dd, 4) minimal WDW food cost for dd, 5) DC will end 12/03, & we could get disc on AP's, car, and souvies. DH thinks that all of these savings do not add up to a good time for dd's 1st trip because she will be too young to enjoy, thus wasting the $, and having the trip be just for us. (He obviously doesn't love WDW as much as me!) He doesn't think she'll be able to go on many rides and won't comprehend the shows, fireworks, parades, etc.

I don't want to spend $ on a trip she won't understand either, but this won't be the only time she'll be going. I'm wondering if the savings justify us going when she's just over a year, and how much of a good time she'll actually have. I wanted to have a special cake at Chef Mickey's for her b'day. Any advice?

 

[Tiffanie]

We took our son when he was 16 months old, for all the reasons you list, like no ticket cost and airline cost for him, and I believe he did enjoy the trip, although not as much as he did when he was 3. The trip was enjoyable for us, as he had fun with all the characters, and he was able to ride most of the rides with us, except for the coasters which we did the baby swap on. I say go for it - you will save money on your daughter, and if you have been every year since your honeymoon, why not go again with her. She will enjoy the trip, you will not be disappointed.

 

[kcbean]

We took our second son when he was 15 months old and it was very difficult. The only time he was happy was when he was in his stroller. Waiting in lines was especailly difficult because all he wanted to do was get down and go. Turned out we ended up taking turns riding with son #1 while the person waited with him and the stroller.

Before we planned our trip someone warned me to go before he was walking. Turned out they were right but the timing was off for us. We are going in May with son #3 who will be 10 months old and I am hoping that works better.

Personally, I think three is a great age for Disney. My kids really seemed to get it then. And it made it much more fun. But, go for you and hubby! You will have fun and that is just as important to her well being as her having fun. Enjoy!!!

 

[patsal]

We did 10 days when DD was 15 months. She appeared to be having a great time. Every morning, once she was dressed she would grab her shoes and go sit in the stroller! She really enjoyed her next two trips more because she could comprehend more, but it was fun, and she didn't really cost anything so to us it was not a waste. We also knew we would be going back so since it was not a once in a lifetime thing it was well worth it for our family.

 

[disneysteve]

My DD's first trip was at 5-1/2 months. Her second trip was on her 1st birthday. We just got back from her 9th trip (she was 7 at the end of September). The trip at 5-1/2 months was a joy for us watching her take in all the sights and sounds of Disney. She was so stimulated it was tough to get her to nap, but it gave us the opportunity to seek out the quiet spots in each park (yes, there are quiet spots). We got to enjoy the side routes, gardens, etc., which we had never done. I know she doesn't remember that trip, but I'm sure she enjoyed it at the time.

By the 1year old trip, she was walking so she got to enjoy toddling all through the place. Again, seeing the place through a child's eyes is a whole different experience no matter how many times you've been there and I fully encourage you and your DH to do so since it sounds like the cost isn't a big deal for you.

As for the rides, she can do all but the thrill rides. Children at that age really don't have any fear reaction, so dark rides like Snow White, Peter Pan, etc. aren't a problem. They like the colors and sounds. She'll be old enough to recognize characters so shows and parades are great.

I say go for it and have a great time. BUT you MUST go at her pace, not yours. Try to keep as close as possible to her usual schedule at home. Wake up same time, eat same time, nap same time, go to bed same time. It makes a big difference in everyone's enjoyment of the trip.

Steve

 

[Grand Canyon]

We took DS 1& 2 when they were 3 months old. We had a great time. We made a point to get their pics with all the Characters. The CM made us feel very special. We had no problems. Used the baby swap all the time. The baby care centers are wonderful. This summers trip will be the first with out our double stroler :-( .
Go have fun!!!

 

[Lucky4me]

By all means take the baby. But realize the trip will be for you, not her. She doesn't care where she is as long as she's fed, dry, and with her Mommy and Daddy!

We took dd when she was 2. She loves looking at her picture with all the characters even if she doesn't remember the trip itself. We've been several times since, the last being two years ago when she was 6. We are both going through Disney withdrawals....

 

[travelitis]

With dh's reasoning, any trip you take will be just for the 2 of you. It wouldn't matter if it were to WDW or not. You took trips for the 2 of you before your child's birth. Why would it be wrong to take them now? As parents of a small child, you need the trip for you more than ever. Having children is rewarding but you have to nurture the marriage. Taking a trip that is just for you 2 isn't a waste but rather a wise investment in your family. The marriage is the foundation of your family. Take the trip! It's an investment in your family, and while your dd won't remember this particular trip, she will remember her loving home and taking family vacations. This is the beginning of a new tradition for your young family.

The youngest child I've taken was 18 mos, and I've never regretted it. He had a wonderful time, and I loved seeing WDW with him and his 4yo brother. I now have kids 11, 8, and 4, and I still think they're at the perfect ages for a Disney trip. Today's my big 4-0, and that's a darn good age for Disney too!

 

[tinaluis]

Absolutely -- go for it. We took our oldest DD (now 6) when she was just about 8 weeks old and we had a blast. The trip was for us, of course, but she had a good time too. We were able to get away from the cold here in Chicago and we were just at the end of a Parental Leave at my DH's job which meant he had to use up all of his vacation time and sick days in order to be home with us and he wouldn't have any vacation time for at least a year. We went a had a blast. It was a bonus for us that we didn't have to pay for her theme park admission or anything. Go and enjoy.

 

[freecia]

I'm voting for go with it. Get a sitter for a night if you are willing to. Have a nice meal with a view of the castle. Pretend it's couple time. Remind your husband about the things you saw on your honeymoon. Having a kid is difficult and you should reward yourself and your child!