Disney with a 1 yr old?!?

[WeLoveLilo05]

I am currently 8 months pregnant and I am already thinking about how our touring is going to be different the next time we go to the world. We have gone several time with my daughter who is now 9 since she was about 3.

We were thinking of going in either next May (baby would be about 10 months then) or August (baby would be 13 months) or MAYBE even Oct but IDK if I could wait that long LoL! We have always done August but I am fearing the heat might be too much for a baby and I am overwhelmed with the thought of putting a poncho on a baby multiple times throughout a trip. On the plus side, my parents and sister would be coming with us.

So what are some tips while traveling with a baby that young? I know that she is not going to remember the trip but do you think it is an enjoyable trip for (and with lol) a 1 yr old?

Where to stay? Does it make more sense to stay at YC/BC or Poly bc its easier to get a stroller on and off monorail/boats than it is buses?

Any tips would greatly be appreciated!!!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

We are taking our then-13 month old in Oct. We had some of the same thoughts and concerns before she was here and now!

We are staying at Pop. We specifically picked the City Mini GT stroller knowing it would be used in WDW. It is quick to fold, and not so heavy that I can't get it on the bus. It is also a dream to maneuver. We decided to save our dollars for when she is old enough to appreciate a moderate or deluxe (and we need more space).

We have a fan for the stroller and are planning on purchasing a new mister fan. We are also going to dress her in light clothing (using sunscreen and a the huge sunshade on her stroller to protect her from the sun). We were just talking about keeping bottled water in the cooler on the stroller for her, and we have been practicing drinking out of a regular water bottle.

Our big concern is wondering what her eating habits will be like. Will she be totally off a bottle? Will she need a lot of toddler food, or will she be picking off our plates?

 

[alex881]

We've gone twice now with a 9mo and 4 mo old. We rented a car so we could go buy necessities when we got there (diapers food etc). As for touring, it definitely slows you down but it is still a lot of fun. Actually is somewhat easier the younger they are. Ours didn't sleep well I a stroller so at 1.5 yrs old it was just that much harder to get naps in.

 

[HopperFan]

I've gone with 4 mo old, 11 mo old, 12 mo old, 14 mo old ..... and they are really quite easy to travel with but I say August would be my last pick. Trying to keep them sun proof and hydrated could be stressful. I'd do May or October.

 

[goin' again!]

Our first trip was when my youngest DS was 14 mos. We also had help (my parents were there with us) so we still got to ride the big people rides
My favorite memory of the trip was my son's favorite word at the time "WOW!" He watched the parades and said, 'wow!'. He watched the fireworks and said, 'wow!', and watched the rides and said, 'wow!'. It was the best thing to get to see WDW through the eyes of a one year old.

The only thing he didn't like? Any interaction with any character...Chef Mickey's was interesting

 

[kimmharris]

We go on a two week Disney vacation once per year. My daughter went at 6 months, 18 months, 30 month and her next one will be at 35 months. It was much easier to take her when she was younger. Each trip has been slightly harder. We had a difficult time getting her to sleep in the pack n play the 2nd time so now we rent a wooden crib and have it delivered. That changed things significantly. We usually stay at a two bedroom villa or condo and it works out great for us. That way if our daughter has a bad night, the whole family does not have to be awake for it. Of course there are 5 of us. If you are not traveling with siblings a regular hotel room might work. Don't forget the Baby Care Centers. They are very helpful for feeding and down time.

 

[mummabear]

We have been there for DDs 1st birthday and done several trips between the girls from there, this Sept we will have our 6month old (at that time).
My favourite Disney memory is of Dale playing peek a boo with her while she giggled.

Personally I would choose May because of the heat, unless the rest of your family can only come in August then I would go at the same time as them.
You will achieve "less" with a baby in tow than before stopping to feed, change diapers etc but as PP's have said in a lot of ways a 10 month old can be easier than a 2 year old. Each age has things that you need to work around and thinks that make it so much fun.

 

[norybell]

We took our son last year in May, when he was 7 months, and in September, when he was 11 months. He really wasn't a fan of the heat, so I would definitely nix August if I were you.

Both trips were nice, though obviously a big change from our pre-baby trips, and I have to admit that the 7-month one was significantly better than the 11-month one. Because of that, if I were you I'd try to hold out for October (though I know how hard that is!). The 11-month trip was particularly challenging because he wasn't walking yet, and he wanted to crawl everywhere...he hated being in the stroller for too long. And, really, there just aren't all that many good crawling-friendly spots around the World. I spent much of that trip thinking about how much easier it would be if he had been either (a) walking; or (b) not crawling yet, and thus happier staying in the stroller. As it was, I ended up carrying him (in my arms or a carrier) A LOT, and let me tell you, Epcot has never felt so big to me before! The 7-month trip, when he was pre-mobile, was SO much easier and nicer for me. He was content in a stroller or a carrier, and his naps were a lot more flexible at that age, which helped a lot. It was a lot easier for us to go out to dinner with him, and things like that, than it was when he was just a bit older.

We stayed at BC and loved having the wading area of Stormalong Bay to play in every afternoon (where he could crawl to his heart's content!). I'd probably avoid the Poly because of the construction.

I would also prepare yourself (and your daughter!) for doing a whole lot less than you're used to. Which is not to say you can't still have a wonderful trip -- we did! -- but it's good to be prepared.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

We are taking our then-13 month old in Oct. We had some of the same thoughts and concerns before she was here and now!

We are staying at Pop. We specifically picked the City Mini GT stroller knowing it would be used in WDW. It is quick to fold, and not so heavy that I can't get it on the bus. It is also a dream to maneuver. We decided to save our dollars for when she is old enough to appreciate a moderate or deluxe (and we need more space).

We have a fan for the stroller and are planning on purchasing a new mister fan. We are also going to dress her in light clothing (using sunscreen and a the huge sunshade on her stroller to protect her from the sun). We were just talking about keeping bottled water in the cooler on the stroller for her, and we have been practicing drinking out of a regular water bottle.

Our big concern is wondering what her eating habits will be like. Will she be totally off a bottle? Will she need a lot of toddler food, or will she be picking off our plates?

For now we just have the Chicco key fit carseat and then the cart to snap it into. But I know when the baby gets older I am going to want an actual stroller and that was the one I was looking at! I read a lot of reviews on Amazon and a lot of people were saying how great it was in Disney .

Another concern is I really don't want the baby crawling on the floor at the hotel. I know it sounds very Kate Goselin control freak but it is kind of icky when you think about it. Ideas for that? I know kids are kids but the last thing I want is for the baby to get sick while in Disney.

As far as food goes I was thinking of probably bringing baby food or seeing if garden grocer has it.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

We took our son last year in May, when he was 7 months, and in September, when he was 11 months. He really wasn't a fan of the heat, so I would definitely nix August if I were you.

Both trips were nice, though obviously a big change from our pre-baby trips, and I have to admit that the 7-month one was significantly better than the 11-month one. Because of that, if I were you I'd try to hold out for October (though I know how hard that is!). The 11-month trip was particularly challenging because he wasn't walking yet, and he wanted to crawl everywhere...he hated being in the stroller for too long. And, really, there just aren't all that many good crawling-friendly spots around the World. I spent much of that trip thinking about how much easier it would be if he had been either (a) walking; or (b) not crawling yet, and thus happier staying in the stroller. As it was, I ended up carrying him (in my arms or a carrier) A LOT, and let me tell you, Epcot has never felt so big to me before! The 7-month trip, when he was pre-mobile, was SO much easier and nicer for me. He was content in a stroller or a carrier, and his naps were a lot more flexible at that age, which helped a lot. It was a lot easier for us to go out to dinner with him, and things like that, than it was when he was just a bit older.

We stayed at BC and loved having the wading area of Stormalong Bay to play in every afternoon (where he could crawl to his heart's content!). I'd probably avoid the Poly because of the construction.

I would also prepare yourself (and your daughter!) for doing a whole lot less than you're used to. Which is not to say you can't still have a wonderful trip -- we did! -- but it's good to be prepared.

Thanks! That is a big concern for me, the crawling. Its weird bc my daughter was very late to walk and crawl and even then she loved her stroller. But I know all babies are different and this one may not want to sit pretty in her stroller like my first did (lol I think if I offered her the stroller now she'd go for it! LoL). And a carrier in August must be pretty brutal haha.

I loved the BC because we really are epcot people, my only complaint was their lack of food in the morning. My daughter has food allergies and for her it was really lacking (she can't have any bakery items because of cross contamination and doesn't like eggs). But that was also my first thought, Stormalong bay would probably be good for the baby while my dad, sister, and husband stay with my older one.

 

[SillySallySews]

I felt the same way about babies and hotel carpet. I took a baby walker and it kept my daughter off the floor most of the time. I got it right before the trip so it was new and interesting for her and she actually wanted to be in it.

When we went with a 7 month old we had the most enjoyable time out of all our trips. We wore her in a carrier everywhere. Not having to deal with a stroller or a toddler who wanted to run off was great.

 

[MacClemsons]

Also agree that the younger, the better. We went when DS 6mo, 9mo, 1 year, 18mo, 22mo, and 28mo. As he has gotten older, he's been harder to keep in the stroller (while siblings ride things he can't), be still while waiting in line, heavier to hold, and less patient at meals.

 

[DarcyLongfellow]

I've been with a 3 month old, a 10 month old, and an 18 month old (and older). I think you'll be fine! Cooler and non-mobile is always going to be easier.

I adore my Baby Jogger City Mini -- super easy to fold!

Definitely bring a baby carrier too. At 3 months, my younger daughter spent the whole 2 day trip strapped to me in the Ergo. At 10 months, the Ergo was still indispensable because sometimes she just got tired of the stroller. I also can nurse her while I walk around if she's in it (saves time!).

I'd really recommend having a car so you can go pick up necessities -- or even drive to the parks so you don't have to deal with the bus.

I found food challenging with a 10 month old. She is SO messy. I brought a rubber bib (Tommy Tippee) and a rubbery reusable mat for her to eat on -- I could wipe them with baby wipes after each meal then wash them nightly. I brought lots of baby food pouches and snacks for her, but she didn't want that -- she wanted what everyone else was eating.

I wear a backpack with my wallet and phone plus a mini-diaper bag -- diapers, change mat, wipes. I take that with me whenever we leave the stroller. Then I have a bigger bag that stays with the stroller that has extra diapers and wipes, extra clothes, food, etc.

 

[jennab]

We went when DS was 13mo. Was end of Jan so not too hot. He was pretty easy. Brought out own stroller (Britax B Agile) and he fell asleep during the day so didn't have to go back to the hotel for naps. He also slept in the same room as us at nights which we don't do at home but slept like a rock from being so busy all day! He wasn't doing bottles anymore and pretty much ate whatever we did. Just shared our meals and bought some yogurt, oatmeal, and snacks (applesauce packets, crackers). Worked out well! He was a walker so didn't worry about him crawling on the floor/ground. He also enjoyed the rides we took him on (dumbo, carousel, small world, safari, jungle cruise, and some other kid ones). He did not enjoy the Norway one though as it was dark.

 

[jennab]

Oh and we rode busses. Very easy since our stroller folded in half. Again didn't go back to the hotel for naps though. If you are going to do that may want a car or resort that is walking distance (that's what we are doing this trip at 2.5 since we plan to take breaks)

 

[BlueGiraffe]

When we first took DD she was 17 months, and we went in August. It was a very hot summer, too, but she was fine. We had my mum with us, so there was always one adult to wait with DD while the other two went on a ride. We had the rain cover for the pushchair, but it didn't rain that often while at the parks.

We stayed off site, but still used the monorails and things. How easy it was to get on and off depended on how busy it was (we tended to fold the pushchair up). Even though she doesn't remember it (but loves looking at the photos and videos) she had a great time, especially meeting the characters.

 

[norybell]

For now we just have the Chicco key fit carseat and then the cart to snap it into. But I know when the baby gets older I am going to want an actual stroller and that was the one I was looking at! I read a lot of reviews on Amazon and a lot of people were saying how great it was in Disney .

We rented a City Mini from Kingdom Strollers and it really was great. And renting it was so easy, it was waiting at Bell Services when we arrived and we dropped it off when we left. It's crazy how easy it was to fold up for the buses.

Another concern is I really don't want the baby crawling on the floor at the hotel. I know it sounds very Kate Goselin control freak but it is kind of icky when you think about it. Ideas for that? I know kids are kids but the last thing I want is for the baby to get sick while in Disney.

Yeah, it is kind of icky, but I figured it was a lost cause...especially because it was truly one of the few places the whole trip where he could crawl with relative abandon. And really, ALL of the places he could crawl were kind of icky. Baby Center floors? Ick, gross carpet. Lobby floors? Again, ick, and too crowded. Grass? Clearly extremely chemically treated. Game/play areas at places like Innoventions, Imagination, etc.? Really gross carpet.

Honestly, you don't notice how gross the carpet is at places until you're down there with a crawling baby! Of course, despite the ick factor, I let him crawl at all those spots (except the grass), because he had to crawl somewhere. My favorite spot was probably the aquarium at Living Seas, even though it was a hard floor, at least it was clean, not too crowded, and he loved looking at the fish.

As far as food goes I was thinking of probably bringing baby food or seeing if garden grocer has it.

We ordered baby food and diapers and stuff from Diapers.com, and had them ship it straight to the resort.

Thanks! That is a big concern for me, the crawling. Its weird bc my daughter was very late to walk and crawl and even then she loved her stroller. But I know all babies are different and this one may not want to sit pretty in her stroller like my first did (lol I think if I offered her the stroller now she'd go for it! LoL). And a carrier in August must be pretty brutal haha.

Our boy is a really late walker...first steps at 16 months, and he's really just now getting comfortable at 18 months. And he's usually been OK with the stroller, but that particular moment -- when he'd been crawling for quite a while and was just starting to cruise -- was the one moment (month, probably) when he hated the stroller. Plus, the overall lack of crawling spots probably made it worse, because he wasn't getting the opportunity to wear himself out as much as usual (a crawling baby - the only demographic that gets less exercise at Disney than in normal life!). Hopefully you will get lucky with #2 and he'll love the stroller just like your daughter did.

I loved the BC because we really are epcot people, my only complaint was their lack of food in the morning. My daughter has food allergies and for her it was really lacking (she can't have any bakery items because of cross contamination and doesn't like eggs). But that was also my first thought, Stormalong bay would probably be good for the baby while my dad, sister, and husband stay with my older one.

Yeah, the CS really is a drawback at BC. But SAB was my favorite part of the trip with him at that age, better than anything at the parks (Dumbo and IASW were probably the park highlights). We actually ended up spending much less time at Epcot than we usually do when we stay there, because I wasn't kidding, that walk felt about a million times longer than ever before! I guess because there wasn't really much in WS for him, so we always had to walk all the way into Future World.

 

[claryche]

Our son's first trip was when he was turning 18 months. And it was during a very hot September. We survived, but I would suggest cooler weather if possible. It was a great trip and not once did I think we should have waited on bringing him. Those times are priceless. If you can afford it, I would suggest a monorail resort, to make it easier with a stroller. The only bad time we had was getting on a bus with an asleep 18 month old and there not being a seat. And no one offered us one. So I stood with the backpack and stroller and my husband stood with my son. We made it, but we only did it once though. From that point on, we would wait for a bus with a seat, because it is just too hard and I think actually pretty unsafe. So just something to think about.