I need expert advice...please help!!

[emmasmom]

Ok- for all those experts who have many children and have visited "the World".....My family was planning on going back to Disney this November. However, our plans must change as I just found out that I am pregnant and due around Christmas. We would be traveling with my parents, DD -3 and DS-1. Should we try and go in September when I'm 7 months pregnant or wait it out until next year and go with a 4 year old, 2 year old and 10 month old? Which is worse?? Please give me any advice...it is much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[5fordisney]

I'm definately not an expert, but I never mind giving an opinion! I have 3 children and we went 2 years ago when they were 4, 2, and 18 months (9 months between the youngest 2). We stayed with my parents off-site. My 18 month was the WORST age ever to have at the parks. We ended up leaving him back with my parents all days but one when we all went to Epcot. It wasn't bad as there were 4 adults but we were all tired by 5:00. My vote would be for traveling at 7 months pregnant in Sept., plus as a bonus, get the free dining. You'll be able to take breaks and rest, as your kids will need rests anyway. The days we only had the 4 and 2 year olds at the parks were fine, no problems at all, but all 3 at Epcot was exhausting. Good luck with whatever you decide. And congratulations on child number 3! What a blessing!

 

[nicolem]

Congratulations Emmasmom! I too am due around Christmas - Dec 23, to be exact.

I've never traveled with 3 kids or been to WDW while pregnant, but I have been to DL when 7 months pregnant, in April 2004. I didn't have any problems getting around the parks, but then, I wasn't chasing two preschoolers at the time! I don't know that you could go wrong with either choice, but if I were you, I'd probably stick with the current plan and go this September (but that's just me - if I had it in my head that I were going to WDW, I couldn't stand the thought of canceling it!). You'll have plenty of hands to help you out, plus, as the other poster mentioned, the free dining.

Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[KathyRN137]

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and Best Wishes!

I have made 3 trips to WDW with kids, and my knee-jerk reaction is to advise you to go in Sept. That said, It is still VERY hot and humid in Fla. at that time and I remember being REALLY wiped out by the heat when I was pregnant. You may have to take extra precautions to stay well-hydrated and get adequate rest. Having your parents there to help you and DH with the kids will be a big help.

I've seen LOTS of families at WDW with infants. I, personally, would rather go when pregnant that with an infant, but of course the only thing that matters is what you feel more comfortable doing.

Good Luck!

 

[Bird-Mom]

I would go in September. I went when I was 34 weeks pregnant (it was April/May) with my younger dd. I had a 2 year old at the time, and we had a great trip. Since your parents are coming, you will have plently of extra hands. My older dd has been to WDW at 6 months, 13 months, 23 months and 25 months, and I would say that it was not difficult when she was younger...there are just different things to deal with. It will be hot and humid, so drink, drink, drink your water and spend lots of time in the pool. The free dining is an awesome bonus too.

 

[dmaz]

Congratulations!
We went in January, when I was 5 mos pregnant, with DD4 1/2 and DS 1 1/2. It was wonderful. Just have to take it slow.
We also went when my son was 8 mos. And we are going again w/ DD6 DS2 1/2 and DS10 mos.
It's the only place we can think of that has so much for the whole family to enjoy. You can take the babies on so many things. There are more rides that my 10 mo old can go on in Disney then there are at our local six flags for my 6 yr old.
Either way as long as you don't go commando and really let the kids schedules lead your vacation you should have a wonderful time.

 

[Nicolepa]

Well, I've done it both ways and either was great. The problem I see with September is that it is HOT HOT HOT. I think I would rather go later with an infant than be very pregnant in the heat.

When I went pregnant is was Christmas so it was very cool, very doable. I've been with an infant at Christmas & in September. September was certainly harder because it was so hot and hard to keep them hydrated, especially the baby (he was only 5 months so no table foods/drinks etc). I have since learned a few tricks and it is much easier to keep cool in the hot months.

 

[gris gris]

Congrats on the pregnancy!!! I'm almost 35 weeks right now and couldn't imagine walking around WDW all day. I guess it depends on how much you can handle when you're pregnant. I'm not a happy pregnant person Anyhow we took DD when she was 4 months old and it was great. So, I'd vote for going after you have the baby.