Going for son's 1st birthday

[Jennifoofoo]

DH and I are taking our son who will be one in November to DW for his birthday. DH and I have been to Disney numerous times. This will be our first experience going will our little one. Any advice from others who have taken their one year olds?

 

[robinb]

I've been to WDW 5 times, Disneyland once and Tokyo Disneyland once with my 23 month old daughter.

(1) Bring your own stroller.
(2) Bring your own sippy cups, bottles, etc.
(3) Bring 2 days worth of diapers, wipes, baby food, formula (if used). Buy more at Publix when you get there.
(4) Take it at your baby's pace.
(5) Visit the Child Care Centers in the parks often.
(6) Bring a sling to keep the baby close when you go on rides. It also allows you to have 2 free hands and makes holding the baby while in line easier.
(7) "Baby swap" on the thrill rides so both adults can ride.
(8) Bring your own car seat if you're renting a car.
(9) Make at least one reservation for a character meal. The characters love babies.
(10) Have a great time!

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

I just got back with my 3yo and learned very quickly that you must take it easy. I had already accepted the fact that we would not be able to "do it all", but even at that you need to really make sure you go at a pace your baby can enjoy. Make sure you return for a relaxing mid day break/nap, even if your son doesn't appear tired. If you don't it could be disastrous. (Our DS threw a major tantrum in the middle of DD just because he was exhausted) Also, be aware of possible scare factors. Sometimes things we don't even think of can startle the little ones, as I'm sure you're well aware. My son did not like the parades at all because he was afraid Mickey was going to fall off. Include a couple of character meals in your schedule and make sure you take time to enjoy the smaller things, such as your resort, the monorail, the lagoons, etc. I'm sure your son will have a wonderfully, magical 1st birthday.

 

[CareerMom]

We took our now 5yo when he was 13 mo old and are going back to celebrate our #4 child's first birthday in September. I second the suggestion for a sling. It is a lifesaver! We didn't use a stroller the first time, because my 5yo didn't need one and the baby used the sling the entire time. Last time we went, we took an almost 9yo, almost 5yo, 2yo and 2 1/2-month-old. The baby didn't use the stroller except to sleep in; he was in arms or sling the whole time. This time we are getting a double for him and the almost 3 year old.... but I am sure he will use the sling a lot, too.

Characters do love babies! From our last visit, we have pictures of Chip, Dale, and Goofy holding the baby at the Chef Mickey's breakfast. We also have pictures of Jesse in MGM holding him.

Use the baby swap if necessary...

If you're nursing, don't be afraid to nurse any and every where. We nursed on so many rides! (PoTC, Jungle Cruise, Great Movie Ride, Ariel, Honey I Shrunk the Audience... too many to mention!) And baby slept through many... My older son fell asleep nursing at the Adventures of Lion King attraction in MK and slept through the thunder!

Have a great time... this is a good age; they are often too young to be wary of the characters (as my 2 yo was last time) and will lavish affection upon them. Makes for great pictures!

 

[robinb]

I second the suggestion to nurse in attractions! The baby care center is a great place to nurse, but there is only 1 per park. My daughter loves to nurse in the Carousel of Progress. It's a guarenteed snoozer for her .

 

[honeymom]

I took my 1 year old a few years ago and my DH wasn't with us every day (he was there on business). I found it difficult to carry too much by myself, so while it was expensive - I did buy a lot of supplies in the baby stations so I didn't need to carry too much. They have a big selection of food, formula, diapers. Plus, if I remember correctly, diapers may have been provided for free at their changing table room.