Disney with a 1 year old.

[teamcabelas]

My wife and I have been to Disney five times without any kids so we know a lot of the normal tips and tricks. However this year we have an addition to the family and we are taking our 1 year old daughter to Disney this fall. Just looking for any tips anyone might have for taking a 1 year old to disney. Whats good what bad ,the more info the better. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Klayfish]

It's a very different trip with young children. Very different. Honestly, I'll say it wasn't as good as when DW and I went alone. Now that our kids are much older, it's even more fun than when it was just the two of us, but when they were babies...not so much. It's still enjoyable, it's WDW after all, but it's just not the same. There are some rides you can bring DD1 on, and take advantage of that. But for other rides, you have to do rider swap. We never did it, because personally, I have almost no interest in going on the rides alone. If I can't go with my wife or one of my kids, I'll probably just skip it. But if you're fine with rider swap, then use it to your advantage.

Be sure you have a stroller that will allow her to nap comfortably. That of course depends on her temperament...some babies are more easy going than others, so you'll have to figure that out. While you don't want to over pack, be sure you have the supplies you'll need. Diapers, wipes, formula, food, change of clothes.

You may find that you spend a lot of time letting DD1 just kind of see all the things going on. Our kids at that age were just fascinated with the lights, the people, etc...because obviously they didn't understand anything around them. We spent a lot of time letting them crawl around on the playground in MK...which is honestly a bit frustrating because we have playgrounds at home. But that's what they liked, and it's OK.

Don't mean to sound negative, you'll have fun. But just don't set the expectations that the trip will be ANYTHING like it was when it was just the two of you. It won't be, for better (it is awesome to bring a child to the park, no matter what age) or worse.

 

[bebec22]

I took both of my kids when they were just shy of their first birthdays (my avatar is each of their first trips - 2 years apart). It's really a great age to experience Disney for the first time. Neither of them were fully walking at that age so they were happy to be pushed around in the stroller all day long. They also both slept in the stroller with no issues. I found that they weren't afraid of anything at that age either. They loved the rides, the characters, parades.

I stayed at the Contemporary both times and it was the best choice I could have made. Walking to MK made things so much easier with the stroller, especially if they were sleeping. No need to try and move them, I'd just roll them into the room and let them continue to sleep in the stroller if it was during nap time.

I've been to WDW 16 times so I really didn't mind missing out on the bigger rides. I know we'll be able to ride them all again soon enough. I think the best thing is to just be open to anything. Things may not go as planned and that's fine. You've been before and you'll be back again.

Another great thing about that age is they can sit in a highchair and feed themselves. Buffets worked out the best for us. I was able to run up and grab a few things for the kids so they didn't have to wait. Once both my kids sit down to eat they want their food immediately! I brought stick on placemats so they could just eat right off the table and then I could just peel the placemat off the table along with the mess!

The baby care centers are awesome! They're not entirely convenient but a great place to take a little break. They're clean and comfortable. I was still nursing my DD on her first trip and the private nursing area in the MK baby care center was a great little spot. Big comfy chairs, AC and dim lighting.

A few things that made my life easier - I used Garden Grocer to order diapers and wipes so I only had to bring a small amount from home, it saved me a ton of space in my suitcase. A stroller fan, rain cover and UV cover all helped for nap time. It kept the stroller cool and dry depending on what the weather was doing. I brought disposable changing pads for diaper changes, lots of disinfecting wipes, a bottle brush, sippy cups, snack containers.

It's definitely not easy but totally worth it IMO. We had to tour the parks at a much slower pace and missed a lot of things but I fully anticipated that and was just happy to be at Disney and introducing my kids to something that is so special to me!

Let me know if you have any questions! I hope you have a great trip!

 

[hammie59]

I would say to mentally prepare for a completely different trip than what you're used to. We first took our kids when they were 5 and 11 mths after having gone a few times before having them. Thankfully dd wasn't walking yet and was pretty content in the stroller. A month later and we would have been in trouble. Anyhow, we just had to take things a lot slower and adjust our park days to how the kids were handling it. We didn't go our usual commando style. The nice thing about Disney is that most rides are for all ages. My daughter took a lot of naps in the stroller so you might want to bring a stroller fan. We didn't go back to the room very often.

 

[Meeko5]

Good comfy stroller with LARGE sunshade - essential for naps!

We brought a baby carrier for lines, and it worked out great too.

Snacks. And more snacks. Familiar, favorite foods.

Pack your diaper bag into plastic ziplocks - I put a diaper and a few wipes (in another baggie) into a quart sized bag so when we needed to change a diaper I didn't have to lug the whole big bag. Just grabbed a diaper "kit" and the changing pad. Spare outfits also went into a separate baggie. Made going through security a breeze and finding things easier. Plus if it rains all your stuff will stay dry.

My little one loved stickers at that age, so we brought $1 sticker books and a small spiral bound notebook for him to play with at restaurants or waiting for shows. A few small new toys and apps for the phone helped too.

 

[MischaOz]

We first took our daughter when she was 2 and it was one of the best decisions we've ever made! There is nothing more magical than seeing Disney through your child's eyes, and when they are young enough that everything is real to them! What worked for us was taking a break every afternoon. We would go to a park for a few hours in the morning, then DD would fall asleep in the car on the ride back to the hotel, then after her nap we'd eat dinner and head back to the park for a few hours. So I guess my advice would be to make sure everyone (mom and dad included!) get enough rest. Even if it means less time in the parks, your time in the parks will be more enjoyable. Have a magical trip!!

 

[linzbear]

It's a lot slower, so you won't get as much done in a day. We grab times guides and try to watch the performers, they're great for little kids because the street shows are short and entertaining. Know where the baby care centers are, you might not need them, but if you need to do a wardrobe change it's the best place. And don't expect table service meals to go smoothly, it's hard being a baby/kid and being unallowed to play.

 

[Disney Princess]

We have taken our kids to Disney starting around 5 months old. Honestly, they were the beginning of the best trips ever. Our first went at 5 months, for his first birthday, at 14 months, at 2.5 (twice), and at 3.5. Our second went at 7 months, 9 months, and at 18 months. Our third is ready for her first trip at 15 months this November.

We had gone PLENTY as a couple, and we'd seen it all. Yes, trips with young children are different, but they are no less fun. If you go with the expectation that you'll move more slowly, you won't be able to weave through crowds as easily, you'll need a diaper/food break when you weren't planning it, etc. you'll be well prepared.

As PPs mentioned, rider swap is your friend for seeing attractions with a height requirement. We, however, have usually skipped these attractions unless we were with extended family. We aren't interested in riding alone, and we've ridden Soarin' dozens of times, so skipping it wasn't a big deal. We made an exception when 7DMT first opened, but that was the only time. The new excitement in our house is that our oldest has FINALLY reached 40 inches. He is so excited for his first trip on Splash, Soarin' 7DMT (38"), etc. He's bringing yet another level of enthusiasm to the trip.

When we had young kids, we did everything without a height requirement. Both loved Small World, Pirates, Pooh, the boat ride in Mexico. Our oldest even loved shows like Beauty and the Beast and Finding Nemo the Musical. The colors and music are very stimulating.

I don't know if you'll still be nursing, but some attractions are great for that - I loved Spaceship Earth, the TTA, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents. If the lines aren't long, I was often allowed to stay on for a second loop if the baby fell asleep or wasn't done eating.

Know your child. That goes a long way in keeping everyone happy. Can he/she sleep in a stroller or do you need the room? Be prepared for that. Does he/she need snacks/meals at a certain time - be prepared for that. Does he/she mind loud noises? Be prepared for that. Like characters or afraid? Be prepared (although we had to test it with each). Need to be in bed at a certain time at night? Be prepared.

Every child and every family are different. Having kids didn't keep me from enjoying life at home, and that is true for Disney World too. I knew what each would need and was ready to do what was best for the kid. And we had a blast!

As long as you are mentally prepared, there won't be unmet expectations. My last piece of advice - take LOTS of pictures and video. We've made a video of almost every trip. It is so fun to look back and see the developmental changes and remember the joy of each trip. The links are in my signature so you can look if you'd like. HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

[MrPTato]

Good comfy stroller with LARGE sunshade - essential for naps!

We brought a baby carrier for lines, and it worked out great too.

Snacks. And more snacks. Familiar, favorite foods.

Pack your diaper bag into plastic ziplocks - I put a diaper and a few wipes (in another baggie) into a quart sized bag so when we needed to change a diaper I didn't have to lug the whole big bag. Just grabbed a diaper "kit" and the changing pad. Spare outfits also went into a separate baggie. Made going through security a breeze and finding things easier. Plus if it rains all your stuff will stay dry.

My little one loved stickers at that age, so we brought $1 sticker books and a small spiral bound notebook for him to play with at restaurants or waiting for shows. A few small new toys and apps for the phone helped too.

This sums it up for us! We took 9m DD a couple years ago, and we had been about 5 prior times in the previous 3 years, just DW and I. It is much different with little children.

I would add that an afternoon break is essential and something we didn't do until DD came along.

Looking forward to bringing out new DD in September when she is 10m.

Just enjoy your trip!!! It's Disney after-all!

 

[sullyfam]

We took our daughter last year for her first birthday. It was an exhausting trip but LOTS of fun!

The thing we found most challenging was keeping her happy on transportation where she needed to sit in someone's lap, in lines, at table service meals and generally in situations where she needed to be held or kept quiet when she really didn't want to! We ended up doing a lot of character meals and buffets just so she had some form of distraction. She wasn't walking yet which was a plus. She generally liked the stroller but also liked to get out and be able to crawl around when she could. So we found spots for her to do that safely. We did rider swap a lot as we have 2 older kids. We took breaks every day. We used a fan for her stroller and a stroller cover for rain. She would fall asleep in the stroller and I would walk around the shops with her and let my husband the older kids do some rides. Keep tons of snacks with you, bring lots of clothes as they get wet and dirty and sweaty easily. She also loved the pool so we made sure to work that into our day each day. The resorts will provide a pack and play so we used that. Bring a stroller that folds up easily and has a storage compartment underneath. Bring lots of extra diapers, swimmies and wipes, we went through way more than we usually do. Bring ziplock bags for storage and bring disposable bibs for meal times. Bring toys, books and other forms of entertainment that she hasn't seen before to keep her attention when you need to.

Most of all, come prepared with lots of PATIENCE and you'll be just fine. Enjoy your trip!

 

[barbliny]

From past experience - if your baby uses a pacifier, bring many, many and even more broken-in pacifiers. When my oldest daughter was 11 months old we brought along half-a-dozen thinking it was plenty. She was constantly dropping and losing them - particularly if she was excited by something - she would bolt upright in the stroller and squeal and out it would go. Tired, hot baby with a lost pacifier = cranky and prone to crying. My husband and I both clearly remember watching the last pacifier we had drop out of her mouth at 9:30 after MK fireworks on the boat to TTC - we watched it slowly bounce off the side of boat and disappear into the lagoon. My husband made sure to tell my now 24 year-old dd this story for the umpteenth time when we were all in WDW a couple of weeks ago.

I would also suggest a high quality umbrella stroller (we had a perego all those years ago) with a good recline, padding, and hood - it is much easier to maneuver around and fold up on transportation than some of the very large strollers I saw families struggling with on the buses a couple of weeks ago.

 

[bebec22]

My husband and I both clearly remember watching the last pacifier we had drop out of her mouth at 9:30 after MK fireworks on the boat to TTC - we watched it slowly bounce off the side of boat and disappear into the lagoon.

My daughter threw hers out the open Monorail door and down it fell!! LOL Thankfully I brought several!

I saw a baby drop one on my last trip and quickly alerted the parents. They were so thankful because it was their last one!

 

[TravelDad]

Another thing that DisneyPrincess and I have done is taken a good comfortable stroller, but parked it in a central location to what we are going to be doing and worn the baby in a carrier to cut down on the parking and gathering of the stroller. This allows us to move more freely for an hour or two when it is not needed. The stroller is a great carrier of our cooler backpack that has water and small treats for the baby as well.

 

[MrPTato]

Another thing that DisneyPrincess and I have done is taken a good comfortable stroller, but parked it in a central location to what we are going to be doing and worn the baby in a carrier to cut down on the parking and gathering of the stroller. This allows us to move more freely for an hour or two when it is not needed. The stroller is a great carrier of our cooler backpack that has water and small treats for the baby as well.

Good point with stroller parking! We will park ours and let it be while we explore an area and then pick it up a couple hours later. Much easier to baby wear than to keep putting them in and out of the stroller. Downfall is that we have had it moved quite a bit, and even around a corner so it may be tricky to locate if it looks like all the others.

 

[TravelDad]

Good point with stroller parking! We will park ours and let it be while we explore an area and then pick it up a couple hours later. Much easier to baby wear than to keep putting them in and out of the stroller. Downfall is that we have had it moved quite a bit, and even around a corner so it may be tricky to locate if it looks like all the others.

Good point. That's why we almost always buy a Mickey balloon on the first day The kid loves it, and it's a stroller identifier!

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

We went pre-kid and many times post-kid. You will hve a blast! Check out the families dis-board for advice,but here are my pearls:

1. We took Dd at 10 months and 20 months. 10 months was flat out awesome. 20 months was a little trickier because she wanted to walk everywhere and not use the stroller.

2. If you fly, you can check your stroller and/or car seat at the gate and it won't count against your luggage allowance. A stroller in the airport is very helpful.

3. Stroller- bring your own or rent from an off site place- you will want to be able to recline it and have a big sunshade. Agree with using a balloon to "mark" it to find it easier

4. Go with the flow. At that age characters can be awesome or fear inducing. Our kid loved the shows. We were surprised at how many rides we could do with her, and baby-swapped the adult must-do's, which weren't many since that wasn't the focus of that trip

5. Not sure how big your little one will be, but we used our baby bjorn too which was awesome- was great for Dd to see things better and we could have our hands free

6. Know the locations of the baby care centers. They are awesome places for a quick rest and/or diaper change. Disney gets it right yet again.

7. Have so much fun!!! You will have a blast discovering all there is to be seen through the eyes of a wee one.

 

[Disney Princess]

Another thing that DisneyPrincess and I have done is taken a good comfortable stroller, but parked it in a central location to what we are going to be doing and worn the baby in a carrier to cut down on the parking and gathering of the stroller. This allows us to move more freely for an hour or two when it is not needed. The stroller is a great carrier of our cooler backpack that has water and small treats for the baby as well.

Don't forget to pull the shade while it sits. If it's a hot/sunny day, the stroller can be roasting when you return. Don't count on parking it in the shade as the CMs do frequently have to move them.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Oh yeah- bring a mister fan too! Nice for the whole family

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

And a water bottle strap that attaches Childs water bottle to the stroller. Can't tell you how helpful that thing was.

 

[momof2mancubs]

We took our DS at 17 months. It was also our first vacation anywhere so we brought lots of comforts of home: his sound machine, lovies, blankets that smelled like home, etc. We used his Britax stroller and he definitely slept in it. The hardest parts were waiting in line (he couldn't handle anything more than 20 minutes, but we went in January, so that wasn't too big of a deal) and the Disney busses. He HATED sitting in our laps, haha. And I certainly wasn't going to let him take up a seat by himself. So we let him watch You Tube videos and that seemed to keep him busy. He didn't like the characters either. So when we had a character meal, we kept him on the inside of the table and an adult on the outside so he had a buffer.

What we LOVED was it caused us to slow down. Honestly, letting him wander around and just following him was so fun. And he fell asleep in Epcot and we just strolled from country to country trying new drinks and just relaxing. And even though he was afraid of characters, he wasn't old enough to be afraid of HM or Pirates. He's 4 now so I know we'll be avoiding those next trip!

Toddlers at Disney is different, but if you try to keep them on somewhat of a schedule, and lower your expectations of doing it all and seeing it all, you'll have a blast!