Did your 8-9 month old enjoy Disney World?

[mhanback]

What all did they seem to really like and dislike at each park? Did the loud shows bother them? Any tips would be great regarding bottles, feeding, sleeping, etc.
Thanks!!!!!

 

[molly2004]

We took our twins when they were 11 1/2 months old. Did they enjoy it? Not sure. I know that they didn't NOT enjoy it.

One of my guys could have cared less what what going on. He used it as an opportunity to take a catnap (definitely mama's boy!) But he loved the fireworks at Epcot. My other one hated the dark rides. He clung to me big time. I don't like to introduce the sense of fear into the kids. I didn't say things like, "it's going to be dark, don't be afraid." That would just make it worse. I just went on the rides with them and pointed at the pretty colors, the funny dog on Pirates, etc. It helped to do that because he would let up as the ride went on. They both hated the loud shows.

For bottles, take powdered formula if you use it, already premeasured in the bottle you're going to use. Then just dump in water as needed. Take premeasured amounts for refills. Wash bottles as soon as they're done and refill with water for hydration between "meals." Buy those premoistened dishtowels, or make your own using a regular wet paper towel, add a little dish detergent, keep in a snack sized zip lock bag.

Also, a baby carrier would be imperative since you can't wait in line with a stroller. I used a playtex hip hammock. When we went on rides, I left DS in the carrier and just loosened the strap (he was clinging to me anyway). Worked out well.

 

[akrake]

Our 4th was 4 months when we went and he didn't have an opinion either way!!
Seriously, we've taken a 6 week old, a 4 month old, an 15 month old, 3 year old, etc....the younger, the easier (except when they get cranky for naps....if they sleep easily in the stroller, you'll be fine. I'd take them!!

 

[Desnik]

DD's first trip was when she was 9mo and DS's first trip was when he was 8mo. They both loved it and had a great time! They both slept through alot of the attractions that I thought they would be scared of. Like Fantasmic, Tough to be a bug, Little Mermaid, Muppets. At that age they both loved the break from the stroller and being in the Baby Bjorn faced out so they could see everything! They loved the characters, and parades. Anything with lights thrilled them. Also they both loved pool time. Both slept well in the hotel and took naps with no problem in their stroller which I bought from home. I also traveled with powdered formula and just aded water to the bottle when it was time to feed them. Before we went on our trips I got them use to bottles at room temperature. I really feel that age was the easiest. Now at 8(DD) and 3(DS) our trips are alittle more chaotic!

 

[Desnik]

Forgot to add that we loved the baby care centers at the parks. They were so great, and clean and a nice break from the heat and crowds. They have changing tables, high chairs, family bathrooms, tables, chairs, tv, coloring pages for older kids. A micro, stove and fridge, and all baby essentials for sale. Private rooms for breastfeeding with rockers. Make sure you take advantage of them!

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

We took our DD when she was 8 months old. I have to say it made for a nice relaxing vacation. You can't just go, go, go with an infant so it really slowed us down. It was a nice change.

We brought our stroller from home that would recline flat. She took all her naps in that. We also strapped a stroller bar toy onto it and she enjoyed playing with that. During the parade a few characters came up and started playing with her stroller toy which thrilled her.

We also brought along a soft over the shoulder carrier so that we could carry her that way while waiting in line. It was much easier to use that than holding her in line. It was also helpful while getting on and off moving rides.

She really enjoyed all the rides, unless she was sleeping of course. She probably enjoyed small world the best of all the rides. We took her on every ride that she was able to go on. None seemed to bother her. Anything with lots of lights and/or music would make her excited.

She really enjoyed the characters too. We have picture after picture of her ear to ear toothless grin while the characters are holding her.

We brought Similac singles and then would just ask a fast food counter for some hot water and ice. (to cool it down to bottle temp) That worked out really well for us. I carried a baggy with dish soap and a sponge in my diaper bag so that I could wash the bottle in-between feedings. I also was able to wash the spoon. We just carried Gerber jar with us for her food.

Have fun!!

 

[luvmesometigger]

I am going in 10 days with my 9 month old so I can let you know when we come back!

I am taking her full size stroller so she can nap. My Dh and I have also alreay talked about taking a break early afternoon to get her out of the sun for a few hours and to let my DS go swimming with his father!

A lot of people on this board have told me there are baby care stations throughout the parks. I imagine they have stuff there to help make bottles and such. I can't help you much there since I strictly nurse my daughter. But it is supposed to be a nice AC place to hang out for a few minutes too!

 

[las3888]

We took my DS last fall when he was 8.5 mos. He did okay on the rides...some were a bit much for him (the non-kiddie stuff more like Great Movie Ride and Imagination). The rides are alot louder than I ever noticed, plus it is dark. He didn't full out cry, but there was some whimpering going on. I would stick to more of the kid-geared rides mostly in MK.

He slept okay - we were at a 1 BR at BWV so the kitchen, laundry was a huge necessity! We didn't bring/buy enough formula so ended up buying some in the care centers and the stuff there is very small and very expensive. Make sure you plan accordingly!

His naps in the hotel were okay but minimal. DS was not much of a stroller napper so we were headed back to the room TWO times a day, as opposed to once, since he took an AM nap and a PM nap at that time. That was our biggest drag I would say, but it was worth it to make sure he wasn't overtired and cranky.

DS seemed to have a good time. He really blossomed. He started crawling there as well as waving. He seemed to enjoy the characters at the character meals. He loved sitting in his stroller and just watching all the people around him. He did well in the restaurants too. We brought some babyfood and fed him some tablefood as well. We did mostly powder and water for his bottles (until we ran out).

We took him again this spring when he was 14 mos and he had an even better time I would say.

Good luck and have a good time!

 

[froggi]

My 9 month old loved it! We did a lot of character dinings and they were very interactive with him. Goofy fed him his jar food and pluto gave him his ears to pay with. Anyone who had a nose sticking out had it go in my son's mouth.

 

[Nanu57v]

We took DD when she was 8.5 months. We took the trip for us, but still enjoyed seeing DD enjoy stuff.

Her favorites were Playhouse Disney live on stage, and the Lion King stage show. We took her on all the rides at Disney we were allowed to, and baby swapped the ones we couldn't. She was never scared. She also liked the parades. I'd recommend bringing your own stroller (we have graco quattro tour), and DD just laid back and went to sleep when she was tired. (At home, she would get rocked to sleep.) There was no need for us to go back to the room for naps, or early in the evening. She'd sleep through everything, even fireworks.

The baby stations were great, and we were nursing, so I can't really help with formula experience, although I'd recommend powder and bottled water so you can mix when you want. You could also ask for a cup of hot water at restaurants to heat up bottles and food (we did this). Just don't let the food get too hot.

We did a grocery stop with a towncar service and bought diapers, bottled water, baby food, and wipes, so we wouldn't have to lug it on the plane, but some places will just deliver the food (for a fee).

Make sure you either suncreen or cover her feet. So many people forget baby's feet and they get burned. Oh, also get a rain cover for the stroller to put over it when your in shows in case it rains when your inside.

 

[mhanback]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I think we are going to go in November. DS will be 8 months and it seems like this will be a good time. We are used to going with just DH and myself, so it will be different going at a slower pace, but I have waited to have child for so long that I can't wait any longer to take him to our favorite place in the World!!!
Thank you!!

 

[las3888]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I think we are going to go in November. DS will be 8 months and it seems like this will be a good time. We are used to going with just DH and myself, so it will be different going at a slower pace, but I have waited to have child for so long that I can't wait any longer to take him to our favorite place in the World!!!
Thank you!!

I was exactly like you...we LOVE Disney and while there are certainly some trials and tribulations to bringing such a young one, it was either go and enjoy as best as we can or stay home! We are currently planning our 3rd trip with DS and he will be about 18 months at the time. Honestly, I said to DH this past trip (13 mos), being at Disney with a child so small is no problem really, it's great. It's getting there (i.e. flights, etc.) that's the hassle.

Go for it!!!!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Have a fabulous time! DH and i took our then 9month old DD to WDW last year and this yr our DS will be 9months when we go!!! she had fun people watching from her stroller and playing in the baby pools at the resort adn then playing in the POP jets at Epcot and MK!! she rode all allowable rides with us, but LOVED IASW!!

STAY away from Ellens Universe of Energy (something like that) at Epcot, TOOOOO LOUD!! we didn't know as we had never tried it before, but it was NOT good for her.

We used ENfamil for DD and bought a few boxes fo the premeasured packets (4oz servings) so all we had to do was toss a few packets and a bottle of water int he stroller and all set! (Similac makes these too). We used regular powdered and liquid formula in our room so as not to waste the packets.

We went to the resort at our halfway point every day, she didn't always nap as she loved the resort, but the down time was fabulous!! our fave bottles were the playtex nurser ones (they have the liners) all you need is a box of liners (no having to wash a bottle or carry a dirty bottle around!!!)

 

[kimpossible]

Just came back with a 9 mth old. He loved the characters, the playgrounds at all of the parks and hotels. He loved the pool, and the aquarium at Epcot. I am sure he would have loved the rides too, but since it was only a short visit, other DS(5) dictated where we went mostly.

Pick buffetts and noiser resteraunts to ease your stress level. He really enjoyed Rainforest Cafe at AK.

He also napped in the stroller whenever he was tired.

It worked out fairly well. We shall see in Nov when he is 14 mths. This is the one I fear since he now walks.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I agree with the yonger, the easier!!! I don't use bottles, but definitely need a sippy cup for water and they always just nap in the stroller. Not WDW, but all three of my kids have loved DL from early on. They enjoy all the sights and sounds, and we do everything they can. (Pirates, Haunted Mansion) The only thing they were never really big on and still aren't are the 3-D shows. Have fun!!!

Andrea

 

[zookeeper]

DS was 9 months when we went last Sept. and he slept through most of our vacation. I've never seen him nap so much. Luckily, we had my mom and dad with us so we all took turns sitting with him while everyone else went on rides. When he was awake we took him on the rides and into the shows. he didn't fuss, even in the dark 3-D shows.I agree with others who said the baby care centres are great, especially if you're nursing like I was. One thing I would suggest is to make sure you have a baby sling/carrier with you, especially if you'll be using Disney transportation. We found that trying to carry the baby, fold up the stroller, load ourselves on and off the bus could get tricky. Good luck and have a great trip!