Going to Disney with a baby

[AmyinPA]

Hi everyone,

I am new to posting on this board but have been reading the posts daily every since I found it as a link from the disney zone website. I received alot of useful information on this board.

My question is, we have ressies for the Contemporary next May through by brother who got us a great discount with his miltary code. It was originally going to be my husband, me, my 4 year old son, and my parents in one room and my brother & sister-in-law in an adjoining room. Well, we just found out last week that I am pregnant! While this is GREAT news we figure I will be due in March, so that means the baby will be around 2months old. We really want to keep our plans to go, first because of the great rate, second because we don't know when we'll get to go again, and third because we all can't wait to go especially my 4 year old!

I posted at other boards to get their opinion and everyone basically gave me the same thumbs up answer. They had said how Disney is very baby friendly and with all the people going with us we would have no problem enjoying the park. I know that is true, but my concerns are these. 1) How is the weather in May, will it be too hot for an infant? 2) I have read how big the Contemporary rooms are compared to the other resorts, will we have no problem with a crib(and how do you rent one and how much?) fitting in the room. 3) Will there be an extra charge for the baby in the room, I think I read under 3 is free even for the parks? 4) We will be driving from PA, thats a two day trip. Has anyone traveled that long with an infant?

I'm sure I am just overreacting and everything will be fine.

Any responses will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Amy

 

[Mamatipo]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Here are some thoughts...

First, regarding the drive down, since the baby will be so small and sleeping so many hours each day anyway, I would think that the ride wouldn't be too bad. I'd think it would be harder on your 4 year old. Just expect to be stopping more than you normally would.

I was there last May and it can be very hot -- nothing like the unbearable heat of the summer -- but still hot (mid to high 80s and humid). Your best bet to enjoying the parks would be to go as early as possible, and then take a midday swim/nap break back at the hotel. You can go back to the parks in the late afternoon into the evening. Whatever you do, don't push it, and look for cues from your baby that he/she is getting really uncomfortable and then get into air condition. And dress the baby really lightly. (I've seen people carrying around their babies in 90 degree heat wearing footed sleepers. eek!)

There should be no problem getting a crib. Just call before you go and have it put on your reservation. There's no charge for that or for getting the baby into the parks. They're free until they turn 3. (I've never stayed at the Contemporary, but at other Deluxes they have pack n plays in every room's closet.)

You might also want to post your questions on the Disney for Families board. You'll probably get a lot of good suggestions for bringing the baby!

Good luck and congratulations again!

 

[shelly3girls]

I am sure many people have said the same things, but here I go. The cribs are free, just request it on your reservation. We traveled May of '01 and the heat was quite manageable. My youngest was 2.5 months. We made sure to go to the parks early then take a mid-day break in the afternoon. My daughter slept in her stroller, but I still thought that a break was good. Plan on spending some time in indoor rides that are air conditioned. Most restaurants allowed us to bring the stroller to our table so we could eat while the baby stayed in the stroller. Use the parent swap on any rides not suitable for the baby, although you will find that the baby can go on many. You will be amazed how easy it really is to travel, actually easier than when the baby is a little older. Each hotel has a store that has some baby supplies. Although they are expensive, they are great in a bind. Every park has a baby center which also sells supplies. I am sure there is more that I am missing, but really just relax. Have a wonderful vacation, just take it a little slower than you would without the baby. Good luck!

 

[Gretchen]

Congratulations! If everything goes well with your delivery, etc. You should have no problem taking Jr. along where ever you decide to go. However, do keep in mind that there is the possibility that things won't go smooth! That happened to me. I had an unplanned c-section, an allergic (that I didn't know I had) reaction to pain med., my poor son had pooping problems (and I breast fed him) he was colicy and then to top it off he got walking pnuemonia! It took awhile (3mos) to figure out what was bothering him. He has reflux and a milk protein allergy. He's great now, and we are planning a Dec. trip. I was so sleep deprived from the whole ordeal, I couldn't get off the couch let alone walk around WDW. And I would get off my death bed to walk around WDW!! LOL. I had no problems with my daughter's delivery (shes 5). I was out digging up flower beds and moving furniture at 2 mos pp. But ya never know, so I would keep planning, and hope for the best. It's good that you're driving, no plane tickets to buy! Oh one other thing, my pediatricians say to keep the baby away from crowds till they are over 2 mos old.
Good luck with your pregnancy
Gret

 

[merryweather's twin]

Go and have a great time! If you have to cancel you will be able to before the 5day out mark so don't worry. I took our youngest last Oct. in the first part of the month and she was born Aug 31 with an Emer. C-Cection! I think you will be ok! CR is a great place for a mom and baby.... We used the walk way so we did not fight the masses at close or opening. And there pool is open 24-7 so if your older one wants to play and baby is sleeping DH can take her for a Daddy my guy swim.... I was breast feeding and they have a great club sandwitch in the snack shop for the late night munches. As far as space you will be great!! Be sure to bring a good double stroller from home for the kiddies. I would break in a good pair of shoes yourself now before your feet begian to swell. That way next year you will have a reg size pair and bigger ones in case your feet swell from walking.As for the drive down... The baby will do great. Our then 6yo and 4yo helped by holding the bottle for the baby and giving her toys so we did not stop as much. They all have a very strong bond and I think it is becouse the got to help so much. Good luck!!

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

I would suggest two separate strollers for your kids. That way, if you need to take the baby somewhere to nurse, or to change his/her diaper, or just to get out of the heat, you can do that while your Dh takes your older child somewhere else. When my younger son was little, I would let him nap in the stroller while I looked in some gift shops, while my Dh took our older son on a bunch of rides. If you want a nice, air-conditioned place to feed the baby, or just relax with him/her, the nursing room at MK is really great. It is small, but it has nice rocking chairs and is tastefully decorated. It was a pleasant place to relax and feed the baby (though he was over 1 when we went, so he didn't have to nurse that often). I don't know anything about baby facilities at the other parks as we only did MK when our kids were babies. Hope you have a good time!

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

Congratulations on your pending beby. Go and have a good time, alot of people going with you so as far as watching the baby that will be a piece of cake.as far as the weather, if it is hot take a hotel noon break and rest yourself. I have gone in April it was nice, I have gone it June and it was hot so I am assuming you will get nice weather temp wise.if I could go right now I would take triplets just to get to Disney. LOL Your 4 yr old is going to love it.

 

[AmyinPA]

I would just like to thank all of you for the positive replies! I have also received the same replies on the Disney with Families message board. My son already said he would help take care of the baby, I guess he REALLY wants to go!

Thanks again!
Amy

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi Amy,
I think you'll be fine and certainly a trip to WDW may help you recover from childbirth faster!!

However, I'm not sure if I read this correctly. Did you say your parents were going to be in the same room as you, DS, DH and the new baby? That may be a tight fit. The CR rooms are bigger, but there not suite sized. You may want to consider having your parents get their own room. It'll help having extra space and an extra bathroom. Just a thought.

Good luck with your pregnancy!