Going with a 12/13 month old

[PiperPizzaz]

I just had some questions for those of you who have gone without, and then with small children. Dh and I have always been the 'big kids' who love all the thrill rides and run through the parks without stopping. We have a son now and I have NO clue as to how doing the parks works with a baby. I am thinking of going this Sept. or maybe Dec. Ds will be 1 in Sept. So my questions are:

How do you all time everything? We will be on DP and so will want to do a TS meal (almost) every night. Do you go out first thing, then go back to hotel for a nap and rest after lunch and then head back out for dinner? Maybe fireworks/show after that??? How much of the park can you actually do that way. I know most things he won't be able to go on. Is there baby swap on a lot of stuff. (We will prob. go with friends so that would work I don't like to ride alone )

How many days do you think we would need? We usually spend 1.5-2 days at MK 1 day at MGM and then usually go to Universal for a 1-3 days, but maybe that wouldn't be the best baby place. We would like to give Epcot (not our fav.) another shot and we have never been to AK and would like to go (is it a whole day thing? I heard just half day)

One more question if he isn't going to ride something can you take the stroller (umbrella type) through the line? I think it would be a pain to keep taking him out for no reason.

OH and we will be staying on site maybe at POP or CSR. And any other thoughts/suggestions will be appreciated.

TIA

 

[ChristusG]

Dh and I have always been the Go Go Go type. When we had our DD (just turned 2) we just incorporated her into that lifestyle. She has adapted wonderfully!! We never really "scheduled" her since she was a baby. We just went with the flow. This has worked well, especailly when we have gone on vacations. I went to Disney many times before she was born, and in the past two years since her birth, we have gone to Orlando area parks about 4 times. Once when she was 6 months (to MK), again at 13 months (to Universal and Busch Gardens), again at 19 months (to MK again), and then at 21 months (to AK, Sea World, and Universal). At the end of this month she will be 25 months and we will be going to MGM, Universal, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and the MK. Whew!!! LOL!!!

We just do what we would normally do. DD has gotten used to the routine....if she is tired, she sleeps. She has falled asleep in the middle of amusement parks and slept soundly for like 2 hours. No need to head back to the room for a nap for us.

As for rides, you will be surprised how much your son can ride on at the Magic Kingdom. There are tons of things. Our DD rode lots of stuff when she was 6 months old. Actually, she rides about the same rides now as when she was a small baby. There is a baby swap on most rides that you cannot bring your son on.

I agree that Universal is probably not the most baby friendly place. Especailly IOA. When we went to Universal, DD actually fell asleep during Twister!! It was so loud in there! If your son can sit alone, he can ride ET. My daughter went on that and I just pulled her close to me, but they are not allowed to sit on your lap. My DD loved Fievel's Playland, and Curious George land. And seeing Dora was the highlight of her trip!! And the Barney show is awesome too.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Thanks! That is so encouraging. Of course we love IOA lol but we will see what happens. Your daughter is adorable! I love that pic with mickey.

 

[Fish2girls]

I'm with ChristusG!! We just got back from our DV at POR with our DD4 and DD13 months last week and were not sure how our 13mo. would be her first time at WDW. We did not do afternoon naps, she didn't want to take them, so then we decided to just "wing" it!!! She slept whenever she needed to and it worked out fine! She rode on a few rides but mostly slept in the stroller It's never a timely schedule when your on vacation
Good luck and have a wonderful time, it's a great feeling when you see your child's eyes light up at WDW!!!!!!!!!

 

[liamandcaili]

We took DS when he was 13 months, and even though he was used to regular nap schedules, we didn't take him back to the hotel. He just slept in the stroller, often at times much earlier than usual. He also slept during dark rides. We did keep him on his normal eating schedule, and we didn't do evening activities because he was used to being in bed by 7.