Duration of trip for 12 month old (or is 7 days to long of a stay?)

[HeatherPage]

Some of you may think I'm crazy but I'm already planning on our trip to Disney next October when my baby will be about 12 mos. old (yes that means he's not here yet, he's due 10/24) But we own at DVC BW and know we'll want to be going anyway...I plan on doing mainly MK and the pools (not sure if staying at BWV or WLV yet-the latter probably because closer to the MK) Enough of my babbling...my actual question is I know a lot of you ask advice about what to do on specific days while there with a 12 month old, I guess what I would like to know is what is your experience with duration of trips and a one year old. I would like to go for 7 days. Does anyone think that would be to much of a departure from their normal routine to be gone from home for 7 days or more? As I said we don't plan on doing any late nights or commando park hopping, just taking it easy for a week with me, husband and baby (maybe grandparents if they are there though not in same room). Any thoughts or comments? Thanks in advance!

 

[Cameo]

Actually, we are going for 9 days with 4-y-o DD and 19-m-o DS and I was wondering too if we planned too long of a trip. But, from past experience when my DD was 20-m-o and we went, it took her a few days to settle into a new routine. Once she got used to the new routine, things went pretty smoothly. I would suggest nap and meal times be sacred. Keep those as close to what you do at home as possible.

Personally, I want my kids to be more flexible in life than I am, so I think changing the schedule once in a while will only help them out in the long run. Plus, I'm trying to remember that kids are pretty resiliant - more than adults usually.

Good luck. Have fun!

 

[ABCMom]

My DS#2 turned 1 year on his first trip to WDW. We were there for 7 nights and he did just fine. We took the daily afternoon naps and didn't push to do too much in a day.

 

[Kermit]

I think that's a good amount of time for a young child. It will make it so much easier to not push things and to get a good schedule.

 

[melk]

I agree with the others...first couple of days just take it slow, let him get used to new surroundings. Then try to keep him on the same nap, eating, bedtime schedule as you have at home as best you can and you'll be fine. As someone posted, children are very resilient. We found that even when we got home it only took about a day, maybe two to just get right back in the swing of things. Have a great trip and congratulations!!!

 

[Ricola]

I guess we are a lot more laid back than some other parents. I figure our kids will be happy and comfortable as long as we're happy. I wouldn't think twice about a week at WDW!

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[HeatherPage]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[Jennifoofoo]

My DH and I are taking our DS for his 1st birthday in November. I wanted to go for longer, but I figured that 7 nights was just about right for a first vacation away from home. We've been to the grandparents' house and friends for almost a week and he adjusted great! Just try to keep the naptime and bedtime routines the same. I'll post after we return to let you know how we made out. We were there last year when I was 7.5 months pregnant. So, technically, my little one's been to Disney already!! Congrats on your little bundle on the way!

 

[ilisa]

We took our daughter when she was 19 months old for 9 days. We didn't find it to be long at all. The benefit of having a longer stay is that you can go at a more leisurely pace. We didn't worry about cramming everything into just a few days. You will find that children can be very adaptable and will adjust easily. Just make sure you build in plenty of nap/rest time.