I need honest opinions please!

[WDWorBUST]

I am a complete nut when it comes to Disney...it's probably a good thing I can't afford to go more than I do. I went for the first time at age 25 in May of 1999 with my mom, 2 sisters, 2 nephews and my husband - I was hooked. My husband and I returned in September of 2000. Then I took a girls trip in October of 2001. Then my husband and I went in December of 2001 & 2002. The trip in 2001 was supposed to be our last trip for a while. We were ready to start trying to have a family - well let's just say we had some problems so the 2002 was my "consolation" trip. Well we are now expecting our first little peanut in November. We aren't planning on taking him/her until October of 2006 right before he/she turns 3. So I'm looking at 3 1/2 years before I get to go back - it was going to be 2 1/2 and we were going to go for our 10 year anniversary. But now we don't want to take a baby under 2 and I really don't think I will be able to leave him/her at home. I am devastated to think it will be that long. I know there will be some good things. There should be some new attractions and it being my little one's first trip it will be super special. BUT how will I survive. Anyway....with the arrival of the $20.03 Courtyard by Marriott rate I am seriously considering a short September trip. Four days in the parks max. We could do it under $1500 easily. The trick is I will be 30 weeks pregnant by then. I know that will limit the things I can do - but just the feeling of being there can't be beat. Would it be worth spending the money for no more than I will be able to get out of it between not being able to do some rides/attractions and the fact that I will tire much more easily? What do you guys think - I have the desire....I'm just not sure about spending that much money right now under the circumstances. Thanks for any insight.

 

[awatt]

Being 30 weeks pregnant at the time,you certainly can plan to go. But know beforehand that at the last minute either you may not feel up to it or your doctor may advise against it should unepected issues arise.

I went on a cruise at 29weeks,but my doctor would not clear me until the day before we left. That said,we had an awesome time,although at a slower pace because my legs were quite swolleb already.

I would not rule out a trip to WDW with a 1 or 2 year old. We went with a 2 1/2 and an 11 month old and it was so memeorable. The girls had a lot of fun in their own baby way. We just did the trip differently with the little ones,at a much slower pace. We would only got to the parks for the morning,go home and rest and then not come back until evening,if at all,for a character meal or a parade.

Good luck with your pregnancy and your plans!

 

[erinch]

I wouldn't wait till the little one was 3 either. We took our DD when she was 18 months and had a wonderful time. her favorite activity was standing in line and making friends with people. She would make eye contact with someone and shake hands every time we got to them again in the zigzag queues. since she still slept alot we had great slow meals around her naps. it was much more difficult when she was 3.

 

[Michelemouse]

I agree with erinch. We took our DD for the first time when she was 22 months and it was a terrific trip. DS made his first trip at 21 months (DD was then 4 1/2) and it was an equally fantastic trip. Every trip since has been great and each age has its pros and cons but I'm glad we took them at a young age...for my benefit. I always tell people that if they think they will only be going once then wait until the kids are old enough to enjoy it. It sounds like you are more like me though...that you'll be making frequent trips to the "world" over the years. In that case go early and go as often as you can! Each trip will offer its own unique memories.

Just another opinion.

 

[house_of_princesses]

Back to whether or not you should go in Sept... Go for it! As someone already mentioned, however, know you may not have a medical blessing. So, don't make any deposits you can't get refunded. Your trip may be slower, but all the more sweeter! A quick trip to a favorite spot just before you life changes forever! Can't think of a better way to spend a week, and at a great rate, too!

 

[RescueRanger]

I also do not think it is neccessary to wait til your child is 3. We took my oldest DD when she was 6months. We have a picture of her sucking on Mickey's nose. It was priceless to see her expressions. We went when my youngest child was 18 months and she too loved it. Chip and Dale played with her at the Garden Grill restaurant. I would wait until after you have your child and then go when you can really enjoy it. I just wouldn't wait til he/she turned 3. Hope you have fun no matter what you choose.

 

[mkutch]

I am in full agreement with everyone else. I went to Disney 29 weeks pregnant-It was great!! We celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary at the time. No--I couldn't do all the crazy rides but there was still plenty to ride. Heck- I just love being in the parks--I didn't care! Just remember to drink plenty of water. My other piece of advice is to get the travel insurance. Just in case something happens it is a piece of mind to know you can get your money back.
As to taking a little one. Don't wait! I took our DS on the Disney Cruise when he was 6 1/2 months and to WDW at 1. It was great!! Yes, the pace is much slower but all the same it's worth it. Our DS got his first haircut down there -something else to think about. He also took his first steps there. My husband and I could never have waited that long to get back to WDW!. People may say to you your child won't remember but he/shewill love to look at the pictures and video of him/herselves when he/she is older. Plus, you will love to experience it with your child at every age milestone.
JUST DO IT!!!!!

 

[tink2]

We too- like the posts above- took our children at young ages. Both went at 6 months old and my daughter was 2 1/2 last time. Our son will be 2 1/2 this trip. Both of our previous trips were fantastic and very memorable! We wouldn't change them for anything in the world! Good luck making your decision!

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

I went at 30 weeks in Sept. I'm kind of a go-getter and I had to keep reminding myself to pace it slowly. Honestly, I needed a mood booster at that point in my preg. I did fine, enjoyed the exercise, but the long drive home about put me over the edge. That baby must have grown while I was there because I could NOT get comfortable.
EVERY ride operator asked me if I was going to go into labor while on the ride.
I rode a lot of rides, too. I even rode Astro Orbiter but I wouldn't recommend doing that. Anything that spins around is not a great idea. Pool time was GREAT!
I would say, if your Dr. and finances allow, go take a very slow paced trip and enjoy yourself.
You will want to go back before your daughter is 3, I bet.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I totally agree with the others. We took DDs 3 1/2 and 6 months last year. We did end up getting a sitter for 6 month old for a couple of days, but it was worth it. I did do one trip when oldest was 2, but DH decided that he didn't want to bring oldest on that trip. I have kicked myself ever since for not "making" him bring her. On the flip side, oldest DD was horribly afraid for characters, and some rides when she was 3 1/2.

IMHO, take DD as soon as you feel comfortable travelling with her! You will never regret it!

We go back in Aug when oldest is almost 5 (she promises not to be afraid of everything this time! ) and youngest is 22 months. Youngest is serious adventurer who will probably be a major handful this year, but I can't wait!

Good luck in Sep, and take your baby ASAP!!!

 

[eeyore0062]

This is the 3rd year running that the CYM has had it's late summer property promotion... so why not wait until next summer when you will likely get the rate of $20.04 per night and take your "little peanut" with you? Babies are really easy at that age at WDW... and you will have a blast. Not only that, you won't have to worry about having to cancel at the last minute, not feeling up to it, or having complications.

Not to worry you, but my doctor cleared me to travel up to 36 weeks, but my little one decided to make her arrival prematurely at 31 1/2 weeks. Maybe I am being overly cautious, but if you had trouble with conceiving and this baby is as wanted as it sounds, no trip to WDW is worth it at 30 weeks. You can wait a year and all enjoy it together!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I am also the Mom of a premee. I went into labor at 28 weeks and delivered at 29 and 1/2 weeks. I would not want to plan a trip so close and risk being so far from hospitals and Docs that I trust. On the other side I took my DD to Disneyland at 6 months, and the World at 1, 2, 2 1/2. There is no reason to wait at all! They really enjoy so much of the parks, even when they are very young.

 

[Wampy2]

We took our DD when she was 22 months also and had a great time. Great memories of Pooh character meals and watching parades! I was only 4 months pregnant with our 2nd so I can't tell you about being 30 weeks, but definately plan to go sooner than 3 1/2 if you know you'll have future trips. We're going back next Jan when our 2nd DD will be 20 months and our other will be almost 4. It's good to get them familiar with Disney stuff as early as possible (llike the Disneyland sing-a-long video).

Good Luck!!

 

[funhouse8]

Why do you think you have to wait till your child is three. I took my kids to Disney when they were babies ( it proably was more for me) and we always had a great time. Where else can they be and see grown-ups wearing silly hats and acting like kids? OH AND BEFORE THREE, THEY ARE FREE!

 

[WDWorBUST]

Thanks to all those words of wisdom. I will probably skip this year it being so late in the pregnancy.....aand it is HOT in Florida in September. But I do think I will try to talk DH into an earlier trip once the peanut is here. I am heartbroken we aren't going to make our Christmas trip this year.....but I don't want to take a 1 month old baby. Maybe next September, October, or December. Anyway....thanks again!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Here's hoping you'll change your mind and go in September. It IS hot, but the prices can't be beat, and neither can the lines.

My wife and I have also had problems with pregnancy, and finally scored! She will be six months pregnant in June, and we're going. Like you, we don't see returning for a while, for numerous reasons. The pregancy has sort of cemented the trip. I've compiled a list of what she can and can't do, but we've been assured by doctors, friends who've done it, and my friends here that it's just no big deal. Stay away from rides with pregnancy warnings, wear good shoes, and sit when you need to. Personally, as someone who likes to just sit in the parks and take it all in, I'm looking forward to one trip where my wife isn't walking towards the next attraction while we're still on Test Track, you know? Slow is good!

Pat

 

[WDWorBUST]

This is SO tough. I was actually looking forward to a trip where we weren't go, go, go the whole time. My dh's worry - and I do understand it - is that by then I won't feel like it and then what....granted with the $20.03 rate we are only out $112 but still. And having never been pregnant before I have no idea what to expect. I have a friend who is 5 1/2 months along and doesn't even really feel pregnant.I mean I'll be a little farther along than that but how do you really know? Oh well....I guess we will figure it all out. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Far be it for me to say, so I'll just quote what my wife said when I brought the same concerns to her (sic): "Even if I feel like absolute dirt, I'll feel more like dirt sitting by a pool in Orlando than by a computer terminal in Pennsylvania."

Here's hoping you make the decision that's best for you. Good luck!

 

[erinch]

I had the pregnancies from Hell--threw up 35 times a day from the moment i conceived until one hour before delivery. I was a DW much earlier in the pregnancy than you'll be--but I survived by the "pregnant moms" perk at the first aid stations. Pregnant women are welcome to come in and lie down for awhile on one of their beds. They give you a pillow and blankie, turn down the lights and let you catch a little nap. It was a life saver.

If you decide to go, another tip you might try is renting one of the "disability electric carts." This would let you get around without the walking.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by erinch
but I survived by the "pregnant moms" perk at the first aid stations. Pregnant women are welcome to come in and lie down for awhile on one of their beds. They give you a pillow and blankie, turn down the lights and let you catch a little nap. It was a life saver.

enrich,

This is stunning information! My wife is "tough" and isn't having a terrible time of it. But she's been thin her whole life (unlike my fat self), and the new and strange weight seems to already be getting to her. I've worred about the heat combining with this to make a situation where getting her back to the hotel may not happen quick enough. We'd even considered extended monorail trips just to get gentle motion combined with AC.

Can you tell me more, or better yet is there some online documentation on this so I can figure out ahead of time where they are, etc?

Thanks for this million dollar tip!

Pat