Help me decide!!!

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Hello fellow disers!

(Moderator(s) - if this is too OT, please move as necessary... THANKS!)

DH and I are trying to decide where we want to go on vacation this year! (I know - should be a no-brainer, right? WDW, of course!) Anyway, we have two free round-trip tickets from AirTran due to a less than pleasant experience we had with them... They expire on January 15th, 2006.

Now, let me also say that I am currently a little over nine weeks pregnant. We are thinking that we'd like to go on vaca sometime in September (dates are VERY flexible), so I will be about 7 months pregnant at the time. Here is what we are trying to decide between

1) Las Vegas / California (Disneyland is included in this trip) -- neither of us has been to either Las Vegas or California. We are not big gamblers, but it would be a lot of fun to do the sightseeing things in Vegas. We would also drive to California for a couple of days to see Disneyland, probably Laguna Beach, Hollywood, etc. Obviously, we would be "taking it easy" as much as possible, but I know that we'd probably be "on the go," too. Does anyone know what the weather would be like in September? Unbearable for a 7 month pregnant woman?

2) Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort - Bahamas -- again, neither of us have been to the Bahamas and this would probably be the most laid back of all our choices. Have any of you been to this particular Sandals resort? Again, does anyone know what the weather would be like? We'd probably be doing a lot of snorkeling and just laying around on the beach, near the pool, etc. Of course, DH will be drinking enough for the both of us as drinks are included! LOL Another concern is hurricanes... do you think this would be an issue?

3) WALT DISNEY WORLD!!! -- of course, we've both been to WDW many times! If we do choose WDW, which resort would you suggest? (Let's pretend money is not an issue) Also, should we be concerned about hurricanes? I guess our only hesitation with making WDW our destination for this particular trip is that we know for a fact that this baby will be making a trip to the world before he/she turns one year old. It's not very likely that we'll be taking baby with us to Vegas and/or the Bahamas. On the other hand - WDW is FAMILIAR to us, so with me being 7 months pregnant, I would be comfortable knowing where everything is -- you know, bathrooms, restaurants to satisfy my cravings, etc. We also know everything there is available to do, which would absolutely keep us busy while we're there. If we want to be park commandoes, we can. If we want to just hang out at the pool all day, we can do that, too. We're pretty laid back, play it by ear people if we HAVE to be! LOL

Okay - so with that said, what would YOU do?

 

[rcraw45425]

I'll go for the obvious........WDW. Went when I was about 6 1/2 month, stayed offsite. Trip wasn't bad, most rides doable, this was in April, however, weather was pleasant. Of course I wound up on bed rest a month later with pre eclampsia, but that is another story. I'd recommend a deluxe, either monorail one, WL , or EPCOT resort like YC. To me the transportation choices at the deluxes make them worth the difference in $$. Plus, late Sept. is not a bad time, temp. wise, it's also eitehr value or regular season, too.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I am going to say the Las Vegas/Disneyland option. First of all weather comes to mind. September in Florida is hurricane season (ditto for Bahamas) and pretty humid and sticky. Totally no fun if you are pregnant! September in California can be hot but not much humidity and really pleasant evenings. Also, Disneyland is more compact than WDW so it is easier on the pregnant feet! Park hopping and DTD are a breeze and can be done mulitiple times in the same day. It is so easy to go back to your hotel for a midday break. Even if you are offsite there are many nice hotels within WALKING distance to both parks and DTD as well as the three Disney properties. Disneyland currently has been all spruced up, all the rides are open and they have a wonderful 17 minute long fireworks display and a new parade for the 50th. Since you probably won't be travelling much after the baby is born for awhile you might not make it out to Disneyland again in time for the 50th. Las Vegas might also be something more fun to do before you have kids! I notice you live in NY so this would be a big trip that would be tough to do with a little one. Also, since its free airfare you should use it for a more expensive flight! Since you live on the east coast you will probably go to WDW many times in the future but Disneyland probably won't happen much if ever again. Right now WDW Travel as well as Expedia are running "stay 3 nights, get one free" at the Disneyland Resort Hotels after Labor Day which is an awesome deal (so much so I just had to book us a trip!). The Bahamas sound great and it is certainly close to the US but still out of the country and that might be a consideration since you are pregnant. Plus I would hate to be in tropical paradise when I couldn't have some fun cocktails, but that's just me! Good luck with whatever you decide, and let us know! Congratulations on your baby!

 

[studentmom]

We live about 30 minutes from Disneyland. Although I think that July and August are our hottest months, it can still be pretty hot in September. But the evenings are a bit more bearable. Plus Disneyland and California Adventure are not as big, as said by the pp. There are other things to do here as well (especially if you have a rental car), such as the beach or Knott's Berry Farm. Vegas will be a lot hotter than it is here during the summer. I went when I was 'barely' preggos and the second hand smoke did bother me (i also have asthma, though). But other than that it was it was still fun...especially Cirque du Soleil (sp?)

DW sounds great, especially if you can relax while your there. All of these options sound fun.

**just want to add, the later in Sept. you, go (to Cali)- the more it will start to cool down. hth

 

[PamNC]

GO TO WDW! Silly girl! I must save you from yourself.

Okay - you don't like to gamble...don't go to Vegas. CA is beautiful, we just went in May because we were too big for our britches and decided to go someplace else. We did do Disneyland & CA Adventure for 2 days of our trip. It pales in comparison to WDW Florida. Some of the attractions at DL were actually better. For instance, POC is longer, Peter Pan was a bit better. In fact, Fantasyland as a whole has more attractions and is more magical. However, the CMs in Florida are FAR superior! We encountered more un-Disney CMs in CA in 2 days than we have in about 20 trips to WDW FL. The lack of land bugged us...if you're on an attraction that is high up, you can see the "real world" - it's just not an all-immersing magical experience. It's not bad, mind you, but certainly doesn't measure up. We did have a great time at Laguna Beach..I'm glad I got to go there.

But, get this and learn from us. We just got back from this trip 2 weeks ago. It was a business/pleasure trip in that my husband had an audition with Opera Pacific. But that was only 15 minutes, so we decided to stay 6 nights and make this a vacation. But, as we were leaving, we both said "that wasn't our vacation!" We missed Florida and WDW so much. So, we're now booked at the Beach Club 7/2-7/9.

The bahamas sounds nice, but Sandals doesn't appeal to me. Perhaps others who have been will have something more intelligent to say about it. But, if you're 7 months pregnant, you won't feel like hanging out on a beach. I wouldn't think. We actually looked into Sandals and it just felt "cheap" somehow. I could be wrong.

In short - go to WDW. We won't go anyplace else, except beaches in FL and the Outer Banks in NC. We've learned our lesson.

We've been to Europe - but we'd rather go to Disneyworld.

PamNC

 

[Nini]

My initial thought was Bahamas as I have been there before and LOVED it! However, being that you are pg, the heat could be UNBEARABLE and it is definately in the hurricane season down there!!! If you are worried about hurricanes in FLA., you need to be doubly aware that Bahamas have had a very busy hurricane season last year. I know, we tried to vacation there and have leftover plane tickets we are now using for Disney after cancelling Bahamas last year. My brother has a timeshare there and even cancelled their stay! If you do decided on Bahamas, Atlantis Hotel is THE place to stay! Also, keep in mind that the main attractions are water sports, swimming, sunning...all of those are difficult to do when pg just because of the fact that you are pg and the major heat factor.

That said, I would recommend WDW!!! You know the lay of the land and the temps shouldn't be too outrageous. If you are on the East Coast, I personally wouldn't want to make a long flight when 5 mths pg or more. It is just too much to ask of any pg woman. Now, I know there are plenty that DO fly, it just won't ever be ME!!!

As for Las Vegas, which I think is one of your options...I have been there too! There is a ton to see...if you walk and walk and walk. While exercise is recommended when pg...you could find this amount boring, repetitive, and downright trying. After being there once, I have been there, done that and have no desire to go back! SORRY, NO OFFENSE MEANT TO ANYONE!!!!

I would save the Bahamas for a nice family trip when your child is old enough to toddle and explore. I would save the LV trip for when your child is a bit more able to handle a longer flight (if travelling from East Coast). Be kind to your self GIRL!!!! Go to WDW, relax and have some fun before the babe arrives.

Have a great time wherever you decide to go!

 

[LilyStar]

Hello there!

I would question going to anywhere that you would be riding rides. The way doctors are these days, they don't want you to get jouseled around in any way, shape or form when you're pregnant. I have a friend who is about 6.5 months pregnant right now and she has problems manipulating her way out of cars w/ her belly, her ankles get swollen if she walks for more than 30 minutes and she is excessively hot even living in NY. She is a tall and lanky girl with about zero fat on her body. Rides at WDW, even the kiddy type ones, have a pregnancy warnings on them. Just being in Disney World has a fun feeling even if you don't go on rides but 7 months pregnant, you may see the "World" in a different way.

I have been to the Bahamas twice. We stayed down the beach from the Sandals you are referring to. (we stayed at Breezes). My friend that I travel with is a travel agent and she said the Sandals in the Bahamas (even compared to the other Sandals in the carribbean) is absolutely wonderful! It is by far the most posh of all the Sandals resorts. The Manager of the Travel agency she works for will only go there when on vacation. I dont' know if you've ever been to an all inclusive resort before or not, but it is amazing! You don't have to worry about ANYthing while you're there. All food and drinks are included (and alcohol for your hubby). There is an island that is privately owned by Sandals in the Bahamas that you can take a boat out to.

All that being said, it is indeed Hurricane season in Sept. in the Bahamas....but it is in Florida also. It is a hit or miss time but it will definitely be warm in either place. I went to the Bahamas the first time on Labor Day weekend in Sept. and had PERFECT weather. If you want relaxing, I would definitely recommend Sandals in the Bahamas, I have only heard wonderful things about it. Although I love Disney World, I'd have a hard time passing up a worry free and relaxing vacation in the Bahamas while I was pregnant!

Good luck!

 

[Nini]

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. I just know that when I was pg, the last thing I wanted was to be around beautiful bods on a beach! I was too hot to sit in the sun for any length of time. I agree with the other post that you should check w/your dr. because you will be approx. 5-6 mths pg at the time you travel.

I chose WDW as there is more to do there than thrill rides which you wouldn't be allowed on anyway. I believe that Disney posts which rides are acceptable and which are not for pg women.

Not all pg women are huge at 5-6 months. Normally, one would gain the most of their weight at the end of pg when the baby is adding weight. I wasn't big at that time and could still get on and off rides (and did). It really depends on YOU!!

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Thank you all for your input!

I think that we have tentatively decided on Las Vegas/California. Mainly because DH has expressed interest in trying some blackjack at the casinos, we've found some great deals on hotel accomodations at the hotels, we will be able to go to the beaches in California, AND I can still get my Disney fix by going to Disneyland! Whew!

I say that we've tentatively decided because, of course, we have to wait and see how this pregnancy progresses. I don't know if you noticed on my signature, but we lost our son last year when I was 25 weeks, 5 days pregnant. He was stillborn, and I know that when I reach that point in this current pregnancy, it will be hard, emotionally. I'm sure that my doctors will also want to monitor me pretty closely around that time... So... we may end up moving our vacation to late August. Who knows yet?

Again, thank you ALL for your wonderful input. I guess our fears of "running into" a hurricane also had some bearing on our decision. And, because we do live on the East Coast, we are DEFINITELY taking this little one to see Mickey SOON!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Wish Upon A Star: Best of luck with your pregnancy, I hadn't even noticed that on your signature. I think a nice trip for you and DH will be great and then it will be time to come home and wait out those last months before your healthy little baby arrives! Disneyland is really a lot of fun, we never feel like we are getting less of a Disney experience when we go there. Even in late August, the weather in California will still have pleasant evenings, way more pleasant than Florida! Good luck, God bless and enjoy your pregnancy and trip planning!