First time going as parents, so many questions!

[DisneyDre]

Hello everyone, first time posting in this section of the Dis Boards! My husband and I are Disney nerds and have been to WDW over 20 times, but this trip will be different because I recently had a baby boy! He will just be turning 7 months when we go this September 25th. We usually go to WDW in the start of September but this year we pushed it back to the end of the month, but we know how the crowds and temps should be so we have a heads up. Because we have never traveled with a baby before I have so many questions and would love some advice, tips, tricks and feed back!! I Hope my questions don't sound silly, but sometimes I over think, please bare with me!

This trip will be my Husband, myself & baby. My sister does live next to the mouse so when she is not working she may hang with us. We will be staying at AKL, Jambo House for a week. Our flight to WDW gets us to the MCO airport around 10:30 am, so once we get to AKL i think we will take it easy since it will be a lot for all of us since its the lil guys first time flying.

So as usual we will be taking the Magical Express to our resort, AKL, but i cant recall anyone using a car seat? (I know I've never seen them on the other Disney transportation through out the parks).So if We dont need a car seat on the M.E. I don't think we should bring at all right? Just bring our stroller!! I did get a fan and rain shield for stroller. I've heard its a good idea to put something on your stroller to make it recognizable for us since cast members do have to move them. Also any ideas of different things i should put in diaper bag while in the parks?

I wanna say i remember seeing pack n plays in the rooms? Is that what everyone uses for a "crib" while there? I should just bring wipes to clean it( first baby so I am that crazy mom) and I will just bring my own bedding for him.

We did book our fastpasses, hoping to take the lil guy on rides like peter pan and dumbo.( and meet Mickey, I don't wanna overwhelm him, curious what he will think of the Mouse)I did hear there is a rider swap for rides we cant take him on??

Like i had mentioned since my sister lives next to the mouse she usually brings us groceries, so i will have lots of bottled water for his formula. I was thinking of having her bring me diapers just so that's one less thing i have to pack? Any other items I should have her get?

We always do the MNSSHP so this year will be exciting to take the baby! Still working on our costumes!

We know this trip will be like no other, so we plan on taking it slow and enjoying the little things that we haven't in the past. I know we cant run the parks from sun up to sun down, we have to learn to take it slow! I also know he wont remember this trip, but we will! My first trip I was 4 and I do recall a few things! Im thinking to do parks early and then come back to resort and hang and maybe go back at night for a bit? I did get head phones for the baby so we can see our favorite Wishes.( We plan on standing far away from the castle and crowds) Like I said, we have done the parks so many times, so this time we just wanna relax as a new family!

I have so so many more questions but I don't wanna drag on and on, So like I said, I would like to hear some tips, tricks and advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[KerTggr]

First off, Congratulations!! So fun to go to Disney as a family after adult only trips. We have done adult only, extended family with kids, and now have been doing our own family trips for about 3 years now. To answer some of your questions and offer my 2 cents:

Car seat & Stroller:
-Correct, you do not need a car seat of taking ME and Disney transportation the whole time. Be sure to gate check your stroller so you have that as soon as you get off as you know MCO is big. -If planning on being out at night with stroller, buy a battery powered string of lights. Can store the battery pack in the parent console and string the lights over the sides of the handles. Makes it way easier to find tour stroller at night. Just be sure to test folding the stroller with the lights on to bot get them stuck or broken.

Pack n play: Yup, they are in the closet. Some of the resorts have "real" cribs too of you want to call ahead / ask at check in.

Rider Swap: do a search on boards as there are a few threads that explain in detail (better than I could)

Other tips:
-Have one of you get on at prevoarding with all your carry-on stuff and stroller. This person should get everything settled for the flight. The other stay off until the latter boarding. That way you don't have to juggle baby and stuff in Tony aisles. Plus he isn't forced to cut / be held for more that taxi and flight.
-Bring sanitizer steamer bags if he uses a paci. I wash them after the parks, but feel better about them if sanitized since all new germs in FL & @WDW.
-If you have a carrier, bring it. Makes the quick transitions between the fantasyland rides much easier. Also.will break up your day between holding, stroller, carrier. So your arms don't get too tired holding in lines. If looking for a light, travel one check out bity bean.
-If he is a bathing boy, maybe have your sis run to target and get a cheap baby tub?

We are a nap in stroller/carrier family as the trip back & from hotel takes too long. We just plan for some shorter days to get back early and others where we bring pajamas.

Excited for you to experience this with your little man! Have a great time and remember that they are resilient and will adapt with you.

 

[DisneyDre]

First off, Congratulations!! So fun to go to Disney as a family after adult only trips. We have done adult only, extended family with kids, and now have been doing our own family trips for about 3 years now. To answer some of your questions and offer my 2 cents:

Car seat & Stroller:
-Correct, you do not need a car seat of taking ME and Disney transportation the whole time. Be sure to gate check your stroller so you have that as soon as you get off as you know MCO is big. -If planning on being out at night with stroller, buy a battery powered string of lights. Can store the battery pack in the parent console and string the lights over the sides of the handles. Makes it way easier to find tour stroller at night. Just be sure to test folding the stroller with the lights on to bot get them stuck or brok
Pack n play: Yup, they are in the closet. Some of the resorts have "real" cribs too of you want to call ahead / ask at check in.

Rider Swap: do a search on boards as there are a few threads that explain in detail (better than I could)

Other tips:
-Have one of you get on at prevoarding with all your carry-on stuff and stroller. This person should get everything settled for the flight. The other stay off until the latter boarding. That way you don't have to juggle baby and stuff in Tony aisles. Plus he isn't forced to cut / be held for more that taxi and flight.
-Bring sanitizer steamer bags if he uses a paci. I wash them after the parks, but feel better about them if sanitized since all new germs in FL & @WDW.
-If you have a carrier, bring it. Makes the quick transitions between the fantasyland rides much easier. Also.will break up your day between holding, stroller, carrier. So your arms don't get too tired holding in lines. If looking for a light, travel one check out bity bean.
-If he is a bathing boy, maybe have your sis run to target and get a cheap baby tub?

We are a nap in stroller/carrier family as the trip back & from hotel takes too long. We just plan for some shorter days to get back early and others where we bring pajamas.

Excited for you to experience this with your little man! Have a great time and remember that they are resilient and will adapt with you.

Wow thank you so much for all your info, it's very very helpful! So when you say gate check stroller, that means as you board the plane, so when we get off the plane it will be right there?

 

[KerTggr]

Wow thank you so much for all your info, it's very very helpful! So when you say gate check stroller, that means as you board the plane, so when we get off the plane it will be right there?

Yeah. Just go to the counter once someone is there and they'll give you a tag to attach to your stroller and claim ticket. As you get off, it should be waiting right there for you by the plane door. If not just one of you hang out there and it will.be up shortly. Then you can put him in it before you get on the monorail and trek to the ME check in.

 

[NJlauren]

Hi! We traveled with DD when she was 10 months old (trip report link in my signature).

Some quick things and answers to your questions.

We did no car seat didn't need it on DME. DD traveled as a lap infant on the plane.

What stroller are you bringing? We ended up renting a city mini which was much easier to fold on and off the buses then our Uppa Baby which we took on our 2nd trip when DD was a year and a half (link also in singnature).

We got a sign made to put on the stroller for easy identification. I got it from the creative board here and then laminated it.

I also had family close by I had them bring diapers, wipes, bottled water a bottle brush and some soap. If you have intruduced food already have her bring you some food too. If you are holding off food till after the trip then no worries on that.

I also would get a stroller fan to keep him cool, we got a cheap one off amazon and then gifted it to someone when we were leaving.

If you do puffs or some other snack have her bring those as well.

Love the baby carrier was so easy to have DD sleep and go on rides.

I brought in ziplocks in the diaper bag, diapers, wipes, sun screen, snacks, pacifier, 2 changes of clothes for DD, usually a change of top for me. Also brought in a water cup and extra bottles.

DD napped in the stroller really well both trips so I was really lucky! We didn't use rider swap so I have no tips there.

Take it easy follow his lead and have so much fun! Feel free to ask me any additional questions!

 

[DisneyDre]

Yeah. Just go to the counter once someone is there and they'll give you a tag to attach to your stroller and claim ticket. As you get off, it should be waiting right there for you by the plane door. If not just one of you hang out there and it will.be up shortly. Then you can put him in it before you get on the monorail and trek to the ME check in.

one more question about that, i was tempted to get one of those orange bags to put stroller in, i see them at babies r us. just to try and keep stroller a bit clean since i know they throw those things around. have you ever used one?

 

[DisneyDre]

Hi! We traveled with DD when she was 10 months old (trip report link in my signature).

Some quick things and answers to your questions.

We did no car seat didn't need it on DME. DD traveled as a lap infant on the plane.

What stroller are you bringing? We ended up renting a city mini which was much easier to fold on and off the buses then our Uppa Baby which we took on our 2nd trip when DD was a year and a half (link also in singnature).

We got a sign made to put on the stroller for easy identification. I got it from the creative board here and then laminated it.

I also had family close by I had them bring diapers, wipes, bottled water a bottle brush and some soap. If you have intruduced food already have her bring you some food too. If you are holding off food till after the trip then no worries on that.

I also would get a stroller fan to keep him cool, we got a cheap one off amazon and then gifted it to someone when we were leaving.

If you do puffs or some other snack have her bring those as well.

Love the baby carrier was so easy to have DD sleep and go on rides.

I brought in ziplocks in the diaper bag, diapers, wipes, sun screen, snacks, pacifier, 2 changes of clothes for DD, usually a change of top for me. Also brought in a water cup and extra bottles.

DD napped in the stroller really well both trips so I was really lucky! We didn't use rider swap so I have no tips there.

Take it easy follow his lead and have so much fun! Feel free to ask me any additional questions!

Thank you for all your info!! This is all so helpful!!

 

[NJlauren]

To answer the above question about the travel bag we fly about every 3 months and have never used a gate check bag.... But I do know a few people use them... We haven't had issues... But I'm of the mind set its just a stroller.... If it breaks I'll deal.

Feel free to ask me anything honest

 

[DisneyDre]

To answer the above question about the travel bag we fly about every 3 months and have never used a gate check bag.... But I do know a few people use them... We haven't had issues... But I'm of the mind set its just a stroller.... If it breaks I'll deal.

Feel free to ask me anything honest

My stroller was a whole set and was very expensive so i just wanna try and keep it nice. I was thinking of looking for a cheaper one, but would rather use the one i know my baby likes.

Do you have any quiet spots around the park you like to just relax at? I know EPCOT now has a DVC lounge so Im thinking that would be a good spot for feeding and cooling off.

 

[NJlauren]

My stroller was a whole set and was very expensive so i just wanna try and keep it nice. I was thinking of looking for a cheaper one, but would rather use the one i know my baby likes.

Do you have any quiet spots around the park you like to just relax at? I know EPCOT now has a DVC lounge so Im thinking that would be a good spot for feeding and cooling off.

I hear you on the stroller.

We used baby care centers which were real nice, but only used it in Epcot and MK. They both were great, we also found just walking helper her nap which was nice for us.

 

[KerTggr]

My stroller was a whole set and was very expensive so i just wanna try and keep it nice. I was thinking of looking for a cheaper one, but would rather use the one i know my baby likes.

Do you have any quiet spots around the park you like to just relax at? I know EPCOT now has a DVC lounge so Im thinking that would be a good spot for feeding and cooling off.

We did the bag thing for gate check. My hubby just did it a few min before preboarding (again, I send him on with all the stuff while I wait with kids until later in boarding).

The last time we went, we actually use a checked bag for our main stroller as we checked it through. Then have a super cheap (<$20 at BRU) umbrella stroller that we only use while trekking through the airport. That is the one we gate check and really could care less about as is easy enough to replace if needed. Though she was 18 months when we did that. We'll probably do that again and just use the carrier for the baby in the airport.

We too will be checking out that DVC lounge when we go next. Really anywhere in Epcot WS can be relaxing (just check times guide for the shows so you don't get caught). The animal treks are good in AK. HS has changed a lot / has new construction since we went so don't really know now. Down by tower gift shop might still be quiet. Anywhere in MK has hit or miss whenever we go. Resorts are great soif at front of park, boat or monorail is good.

 

[MunchkinSweetPea]

My stroller was a whole set and was very expensive so i just wanna try and keep it nice. I was thinking of looking for a cheaper one, but would rather use the one i know my baby likes.

Do you have any quiet spots around the park you like to just relax at? I know EPCOT now has a DVC lounge so Im thinking that would be a good spot for feeding and cooling off.

We use this gate check bag for our double stroller each year and it has held up amazingly well. One time it even rained as they were unloading but when we opened the bag our stroller was still dry and ready to roll.

http://m.target.com/p/jl-childress-...gclid=CPbDn56ZnM4CFcdZhgodt7gDRg&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[cmph]

Because we learned the hard way... make sure you have 2 sets of back-up clothes for you, your husband, and the baby in your carry-on on the plane. And a big garbage bag. DS got airsick when he was a baby (outgrew that by age 2). Trying to get an infant or toddler to vomit into the plane's airsick bag = impossible. Extra clothes are some times necessary for diaper-related disasters too. Plus you'll have spares if your luggage is MIA for a while.

Neither of my kids liked to nap outside of pack-n-plays or cribs, but my niece basically slept anywhere we went in her stroller. I remember the Seas being a particular favorite of hers. Also the GF lobby; probably all the deluxe lobbies have nice quiet nooks. The Carousel of Progress is also a great napping place... for grown-ups too.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hello everyone, first time posting in this section of the Dis Boards! My husband and I are Disney nerds and have been to WDW over 20 times, but this trip will be different because I recently had a baby boy! He will just be turning 7 months when we go this September 25th. We usually go to WDW in the start of September but this year we pushed it back to the end of the month, but we know how the crowds and temps should be so we have a heads up. Because we have never traveled with a baby before I have so many questions and would love some advice, tips, tricks and feed back!! I Hope my questions don't sound silly, but sometimes I over think, please bare with me!

This trip will be my Husband, myself & baby. My sister does live next to the mouse so when she is not working she may hang with us. We will be staying at AKL, Jambo House for a week. Our flight to WDW gets us to the MCO airport around 10:30 am, so once we get to AKL i think we will take it easy since it will be a lot for all of us since its the lil guys first time flying.

So as usual we will be taking the Magical Express to our resort, AKL, but i cant recall anyone using a car seat? (I know I've never seen them on the other Disney transportation through out the parks).So if We dont need a car seat on the M.E. I don't think we should bring at all right? Just bring our stroller!! I did get a fan and rain shield for stroller. I've heard its a good idea to put something on your stroller to make it recognizable for us since cast members do have to move them. Also any ideas of different things i should put in diaper bag while in the parks?

I wanna say i remember seeing pack n plays in the rooms? Is that what everyone uses for a "crib" while there? I should just bring wipes to clean it( first baby so I am that crazy mom) and I will just bring my own bedding for him.

We did book our fastpasses, hoping to take the lil guy on rides like peter pan and dumbo.( and meet Mickey, I don't wanna overwhelm him, curious what he will think of the Mouse)I did hear there is a rider swap for rides we cant take him on??

Like i had mentioned since my sister lives next to the mouse she usually brings us groceries, so i will have lots of bottled water for his formula. I was thinking of having her bring me diapers just so that's one less thing i have to pack? Any other items I should have her get?

We always do the MNSSHP so this year will be exciting to take the baby! Still working on our costumes!

We know this trip will be like no other, so we plan on taking it slow and enjoying the little things that we haven't in the past. I know we cant run the parks from sun up to sun down, we have to learn to take it slow! I also know he wont remember this trip, but we will! My first trip I was 4 and I do recall a few things! Im thinking to do parks early and then come back to resort and hang and maybe go back at night for a bit? I did get head phones for the baby so we can see our favorite Wishes.( We plan on standing far away from the castle and crowds) Like I said, we have done the parks so many times, so this time we just wanna relax as a new family!

I have so so many more questions but I don't wanna drag on and on, So like I said, I would like to hear some tips, tricks and advice. Thanks in advance!

you did not mention about your flight but one piece of advice I have a complete change clothes for all 3 of you in your carry on not just for your baby. also I would plan on double the diapers you think you will need until your sister can get you your supply

 

[NeverTooOldForWDW]

My stroller was a whole set and was very expensive so i just wanna try and keep it nice. I was thinking of looking for a cheaper one, but would rather use the one i know my baby likes.

Airlines have damaged our stroller twice, including when gate checked in a sturdy bag. Brand new thick bag was completely ripped open. Someone must have tried to throw it. Anyway, airlines no longer cover damaged strollers. After that we traveled with a less expensive stroller and bought a new bag. Most times things were fine, but those two times were baaad. You could buy or borrow a cheaper stroller and try it out in advance.

 

[DisneyDre]

We use this gate check bag for our double stroller each year and it has held up amazingly well. One time it even rained as they were unloading but when we opened the bag our stroller was still dry and ready to roll.

http://m.target.com/p/jl-childress-standard-and-dual-stroller-travel-bag/-/A-546984?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby_Top+Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=1022906&gclid=CPbDn56ZnM4CFcdZhgodt7gDRg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Oh wow I have never seen a bag like that, just the orange thin draw string one from babies r us. I will for sure look into that. And that is ok for gate check?

 

[DisneyDre]

Because we learned the hard way... make sure you have 2 sets of back-up clothes for you, your husband, and the baby in your carry-on on the plane. And a big garbage bag. DS got airsick when he was a baby (outgrew that by age 2). Trying to get an infant or toddler to vomit into the plane's airsick bag = impossible. Extra clothes are some times necessary for diaper-related disasters too. Plus you'll have spares if your luggage is MIA for a while.

Neither of my kids liked to nap outside of pack-n-plays or cribs, but my niece basically slept anywhere we went in her stroller. I remember the Seas being a particular favorite of hers. Also the GF lobby; probably all the deluxe lobbies have nice quiet nooks. The Carousel of Progress is also a great napping place... for grown-ups too.

Change of clothes is a great idea, thank you!

 

[MunchkinSweetPea]

Oh wow I have never seen a bag like that, just the orange thin draw string one from babies r us. I will for sure look into that. And that is ok for gate check?

Yes, it's fine for gate check. We've even gotten compliments on it from many of the gate agents and other parents on our flights.

 

[kayemgi]

This little thing is great for washing bottles in your room: OXO Travel Drying Rack with Bottle Brush

This stroller saddlebag is really handy for keeping a few things easily accessible.

These Baby Buddies are great for keeping toys or bottles attached to the stroller so your kid can't throw them overboard.

We got cheap battery lights to keep our stroller visible at night. Everyone loved it: us, our baby, CMs, and everyone walking by our stroller! We got Christmas colors because we went in December, but these purple ones would be perfect for Halloween!

If you don't already have a baby carrier, we like the Boba Air -- lightweight and perfect for Florida weather, folds up tiny for when you're not using it, easy to get on (with a little practice), and it has a pocket! Minimum weight is 15 pounds, so just make sure your baby meets that.

 

[DisneyDre]

This little thing is great for washing bottles in your room: OXO Travel Drying Rack with Bottle Brush

This stroller saddlebag is really handy for keeping a few things easily accessible.

These Baby Buddies are great for keeping toys or bottles attached to the stroller so your kid can't throw them overboard.

We got cheap battery lights to keep our stroller visible at night. Everyone loved it: us, our baby, CMs, and everyone walking by our stroller! We got Christmas colors because we went in December, but these purple ones would be perfect for Halloween!

If you don't already have a baby carrier, we like the Boba Air -- lightweight and perfect for Florida weather, folds up tiny for when you're not using it, easy to get on (with a little practice), and it has a pocket! Minimum weight is 15 pounds, so just make sure your baby meets that.

Wow thanks so much for all those great links!