Baby's first birthday/Christmas visit

[ryansstitch]

Hi all! My DH and I are planning to take our daughter to celebrate her first birthday the week of dec 12-19. We have been to the parks numerous times, and DD has already been down twice for short trips with my family. However, this will be the first trip that's baby focused. I know about MvMCP, and we opted not to do it as she will likely be asleep most of the night. We plan to tour the resorts known for decorations, maybe get a pic with Santa goofy if we can. Are there any special lessor known activities we should look out for that baby may be able to enjoy? Are there any special holiday themed snacks or special menu items you would recommend? I hope to stop for a snack or drink at most of the resorts while we tour. So far we're only planning for 2 park days, as we need to get to universal and see diagon alley. Thanks in advance!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We took my son the first week of December for his 1st birthday trip in 2012. We also went to the resorts to look at the decorations although that isn't all that amusing to a 1 year old. He did enjoy going to the parks, the parades, he really liked the Osbourne Lights, etc.. We saw Santa Goofy next to the Osbourne Lights. If you are going to Epcot make sure to see Santa and Mrs. Claus by the American pavilion.

I got some peppermint bark in the Grand Floridian gingerbread house store that was delicious.

Have fun!

 

[ryansstitch]

We took my son the first week of December for his 1st birthday trip in 2012. We also went to the resorts to look at the decorations although that isn't all that amusing to a 1 year old. He did enjoy going to the parks, the parades, he really liked the Osbourne Lights, etc.. We saw Santa Goofy next to the Osbourne Lights. If you are going to Epcot make sure to see Santa and Mrs. Claus by the American pavilion. I got some peppermint bark in the Grand Floridian gingerbread house store that was delicious. Have fun!

Thanks! Don't know how I missed your post? I suspect she will enjoy the snacks at the resorts most during those days. Did you have any ADRs? So glad your little one enjoyed the trip!

 

[Jenna319]

You'll have to let me know how your trip went! We are taking our baby girl for her 1st birthday/1st Disney trip next year 10/31 - 11/7. This will be our first trip with a baby so I am clueless as to what to expect. What rides will she like? Will she like fireworks/characters? I know every baby will be different but I'd love to hear how your experience was! Also, did you rent a stroller and car seat or bring your own? I am thinking with a 1-year old, I'd rather bring our own stroller to have at the airport, but may rent a car seat..... hope you have a great time!!!

 

[missbrooke06]

We're planning a trip to WDW next November, shortly before our son's first birthday (just born and already planning).

Our trip will be more centric on the older one but kid has a lot of hair and genetics say he'll keep it so we anticipate doing his first cut on Main Street.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thanks! Don't know how I missed your post? I suspect she will enjoy the snacks at the resorts most during those days. Did you have any ADRs? So glad your little one enjoyed the trip!

We had his birthday breakfast at Cape May Cafe and also went to 'Ohana, Liberty Tree Tavern, and the Crystal Palace. We canceled Coral Reef for lunch one day since he was happily playing at the pool and we only had two hot days over the course of the week (the cancellation fee was only at character meals and signatures at that time).

I brought the G-luxe umbrella stroller which was lightweight, folded easily for the bus and also had a near full recline for napping. It doesn't have a huge basket underneath but it was large enough for the diaper bag and items he needed for the day.

His favorite rides seemed to be Buzz, Jungle Cruise, IASW and Nemo. He also liked Dumbo, the Flying carpets, POTC, Maelstrom, Winnie the Pooh, the Mexican boat ride, really just about anything. The only ride he absolutely did not like was the Haunted Mansion.

He LOVED the parades and so many characters would stop by and say hi to him, it was very cute.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Going on the 1st birthday is such a special thing! When we went for our DS first we did a couple of things:

First haircut package at the barbershop - you get an actual haircut, lots of stickers (they just plaster the kid with stickers!), a certificate of 'first haircut" and actual Mick ears that say "my first haircut" AND they save a bit of the hair and wrap it up in a pretty mesh drawstring bag. SO cute!

Lunch at Crystal Place. Be warned, the first viewing of the characters freaked DS out a little. He liked Piglet - probably because he's small and I wear a pink robe. But the characters are very good, and he did warm up to them. The food isn't half bad, and they even brought him a little cupcake which he promptly stuffed in his face! There is a lot of baby-friendly food that you can mush up. Strangely, he really liked the carved beef!

Rides - He did nearly almost all of them. Loved the dark rides (Peter, HM, PoC, Small World, Dumbo. Oh God, the Dumbo!!!! We could barely get off it. Rides are great for nursing on, especially HM!

Fireworks - He likes fireworks a lot. Still does.

For nursing needs - We did go to the Baby room several times. They are great for nursing. Don't be afraid to take breaks there.

Food - DS was still nursing, although we were introducing food. Babies are free, and he ate off of our plates - we never ordered anything special. He's still a bit of a foodie and will reject chicken nuggets and prefers chicken breasts or even something like salmon. Such a little food snob!

We had brought him to Disney at 6 months, 8 months and so on. So we did have practice. Trust me - the age between 6-1 are the best times. Now he's 2 and it's a lot more difficult.

Enjoy and have tons of fun!!!

 

[Pookasaurus]

I second (third!) the first haircut at Harmony Barber shop if baby has enough hair (or hasn't had a haircut already!). We had my then 8mo 1st haircut there and it really is a neat and special memory (and awesome value). It was probably the only way cutting off his adorable baby mohawk didn't result in tears on my end!

(given date you're already on your trip - hope it was an awesome one!)

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Thanks for sharing your trip!! We are planning to take our little princess next December for her 1st birthday!!!