Hubby is deployed but I really want to take our little one to
Disneyland during the holiday season. She is so alert and loves to look around at things, loves different sights and sounds that I think she'd enjoy it - though not remember it in the long run of course. She will be 3 months on Wednesday and I was thinking of going the first weekend in December. How have your trips with infants been? I know it would be a very different trip being just baby and me but how did you handle having a baby with you at Disney? I'm aware of the Baby Centers and we would be staying at the Grand Californian for easier access to the parks. Just looking for tips, tricks, ideas....encouragement.
First off, from all of us I'm sure, thank your husband for his service, and thank you for holding down the fort. If you're staying at the Grand Californian, you couldn't have easier access to the parks.
I had to take my daughter to Disneyland alone a couple of times. The most important trick is to take a nap in the middle of the day, if you possibly can. She may not need it, but you will. Also, don't try to hit more than one buffet (with the characters), because it's very hard to juggle a tray and a baby. I'd recommend Storyteller's Cafe for a character breakfast, because you can order off the menu and have your food delivered by a waiter. Avoid fast food places. Go for the table service places. You'll want to go later in the morning, after you've hit any early-morning rides or attractions you want to see, but the Rainforest Cafe has a very nice (and not very expensive, by Disney standards) table service breakfast. Ask for a seat by the aquarium--babies love the aquarium, and sometimes the scuba diver is cleaning the tank.
It's a good idea to get a VONS delivery to your room with lunch food--it's nice to get out of the chaos and have a little "quiet time" in the afternoon. It's not just the money you save--it's time and hassle. It's also good to have diapers, formula, etc. delivered to your room, and not have to schlep it on the plane.
Since you're at the Grand Californian, there is one fast-food place that tends to be quieter, more pleasant and less crowded, and that's White Water Snacks. It doesn't help with the "juggling problem", but I've noticed in the smaller venues, a lot of times a cast member can take the time to help you get your food to your table.
Mimi's is across the street on Harbor, a short walk away, but they are very pleasant and a nice place to have lunch or dinner. They're also less expensive than the Downtown Disney places.
If you're there on the 8th, and see a teenage girl wearing a "Just Graduated" pin, her father (my husband), and myself and a friend in mobility scooters (we sort of stand out), say hi!
