I Suppose the Baby Can Come, As Well-A December 2013 PTR Updated 12/13* TR Link Up

[amazingact21]

We took grandson when he was 4 months old and he was great...slept alto. If he is afraid of the dark, get a small flashlight on a string and show him that. It will distract him. Only problem we had all week was one night at dinner when he was fussy. If I was taking an infant again I would not plan a sit down dinner every night. He loved the character meals we did. I think we did cm for dinner and cp for breakfast that year. He is now 5 and this will be his fourth trip so he is a pro now.

I bet 4 months old was a great as far as convience goes. They wouldn't take in as much of their surroundings, but I know Landon didn't wiggle and want to be set down as much at that age. Pretty much along for that ride at that point.

I will definitely have to remember the flashlight on a string trick. That's brilliant.


I am a little worried about our table service meals; however, Landon goes to restaurants at least 2-3 times a month already. He is a pro at it. and his fussy times are at night, so I planned a lot of lunches. Plus, I reserved several buffets so that if he is fussy, we can just swap out who watches him without worrying about anyone's food becoming cold.


I bet your 5 year old grandson is a Disney champ by now! That's fantastic that he's been able to visit 4 times now. Have to begin the Disney love early on....

 

[amazingact21]

Lemme see if I can complete an update before Landon wakes up from his morning nap. Everyone who’s friends with me on facebook knows that this past week has been pretty awful for him. He’s been sick since last Wednesday, and Alex and I had to take him to the ER Friday night. Yesterday, we were told that he had caught salmonella poisoning!


Don’t ask me from where, because I hadn’t cooked chicken recently, and even if I had, I am really over the top with keeping areas clean. We do have woods behind our house, and our best guess is some lizard or snake carried it with them.


Who knows? Either way….it has NOT been a fun week in this household.



Before all that began, though, we had a few fun days around here.


Football season began, so our little guy had to start supporting his dad’s favorite team:





And then for Alex’s birthday, we dressed him up in one of the outfits our former CM friends sent us:




The two of us were really hoping to put him in this while on our trip and do a meet and greet with Woody and Buzz, but Landon’s just way too big!


No meals missed with this boy….



And the last aside before I get to the Disney content….




Does anyone remember my brother and sister-in law from my December day trip?

If not, Alex and I spent a day at Disney with all his siblings, and just yesterday two of them decided to spend a night at Pop and use up the tickets we bought for them.


Eddie was the one who convinced Leslie to do it, but either way….they checked into Pop yesterday afternoon, received their MagicBands, ate some Tie-dye cheesecake (which was in a pudding cup form???) and went to evening EMH at Epcot.


They were sending us photos of various things (the bands, the dessert, some pins) and while Alex and I were extremely jealous, we were also excited to have yet another family member fall in love with Disney.


Eddie’s even said he’s thinking about an Annual Pass.


Alex and I are turning one family member at a time…


2 down….8 to go….



I plan on talking with them later this weekend and seeing how they enjoyed the MagicBands and FP+. Will report back on their pros/cons…




Okay, on to OUR Disney plans.



Day 1/ Arrival Day!



It’s almost too good to think about.


The day we FINALLY return to Disney.



After 350 Disney-less days, Alex and I will be back on WDW property. (Actually, it might be less for Alex, but that’s subject for a later date.)



If there’s one thing I’ve learned with having a kid, it’s that exact times have to go out the window when planning trips.


The days of “we’ll leave at 9” are over and instead our family’s morphed into “we will try to arrive no later than 12.”



Because the minute you become determined to be out the door and in the car at an exact time is the time when the baby spits up over his outfit or you forgot the diaper bag or you left your phone on the charger.


(Speaking from experience here.)



So.




On December 1st, Alex and I plan on leaving his parent’s house around the time Landon goes down for his morning nap. Which, as of right now, is anywhere between 8:30 and 10am.


I want to let him sleep on that 40 minute carride from the Cocoa Beach vicinity to Orlando. That way we aren’t starting off this vacation with a grumpy child.



Our first stop?



The traditional Downtown Disney!









Alex and I can’t begin a trip without visiting DTD first.



Besides, we need to activate our Annual Passes before checking in, and this will give us the opportunity to do so.


My mom will be driving down this day, and therefore our options were…


Wait at the family’s place until it was time to drive over and meet up


OR


Kill time shopping.




Easy decision.




Knowing my husband and I, our first stop will probably be:




The pin store.




Then, we might hit up:





And proceed to take silly photos of each other.









And I’m sure we might venture into some of the toy stores.






The biggest factor on whether or not we go in a lot of these places is whether or not I’m up to wearing Landon. I probably will be, because I use my Ergo all the time here at home.

One thing is for sure, I am certainly not taking a stroller inside some of those places. Could you imagine trying to navigate around all those displays???



If I do lug DS around with me, I will have send Alex back to the car to get our stroller so we could get some lunch. Then again…maybe it’d be better just to skip some of the bigger stores and have the contraption with us the entire time.



I hadn’t even thought of this up until now.



Yet another thing to think about.




Either way….we’ll be grabbing some lunch at:





I’d like to try Wolfgang Puck Express one day, but Alex loves Earl of Sandwich so much; I don’t want to deny him a beloved sandwich since we eat it so rarely.



Besides, I am thinking I’ll be brave and try the Holiday for the first time.






With lunch taken care of, (and Landon changed and fed) the two of us will head out of DTD and towards our resort for check in.






Hopefully by then my mother will have arrived, and we’ll meet up with her.





She will, of course, bypass Hello's and Howareya’s and go straight for her grandson.



Priorities…



And the 3 of us will head inside to begin the check in process.





It’ll be no surprise to anyone that I’ll make Alex go through that ordeal in order to keep him away from the shop.






There will be no wait and our requests will be granted and we will get customized MagicBands with all the kinks worked out and FPs available, of course….



Perhaps in my wildest dreams, right?




More likely, Landon will be straining to get out of the stroller, making a fuss, Alex won’t get the Band he wanted, my mother will be asking me a million questions, the rooms weren’t linked correctly, and they had no availability in the building we wanted.


But!



We will be standing in Pop Century, officially on our first vacation since Landon was born, with a week of fun and food ahead of us.


So let the new technology freeze and the rooms be out of place.



I’m on vacation, I can take it.





Once we get checked in, we will drive over to our building and check out our digs for the following 7 nights. (Unless we move…)









I’ll take a million pictures of the place.






We might rest up for a bit.






Perhaps explore our surroundings.






Before heading out to the TTC to activate my mom’s tickets.



We’ll hop aboard the resort monorail.






And start looking at the resorts’ holiday decorations.


Alex and I did this once before in 2010, and it was actually quite fun. I think my mom will really enjoy seeing all the decorations, and I wanted to pick something very low key for our first night. I kind of want to dip Landon’s toes in the Disney water first.


Throwing him cannonball-style into a park right away would not end well for us. He’s just the type of baby that needs a little time getting acclimated to the new atmosphere.


So, by touring the resorts, I have plenty of spots I can sit with him and let him relax if need be. I can also escape back to the resort quickly if he’s in complete meltdown mode.



We’re starting the tour off with the Grand Floridian.









The Contemporary will follow, and after that I’d really like to take a quick peek inside Wilderness Lodge.






I have never stepped foot inside this resort before, and my mom has fallen in love with it over pictures (her dream deluxe resort). So I think it’d be nice to finally see it in person.



Our last stop will be MY dream resort, the Polynesian.



No trip is complete for me if I don’t explore the resort property at least twice. Unfortunately, this will probably be the one and only visit for me on this occasion.



We have a 6:45pm reservation at Kona Café for dinner this night.






I tried so very hard to get an O’hana’s ADR.


This was going to be the year Alex and I finally skipped Kona in favor of O’hana, but by the time my 180 day window opened, the only time available was 8:00pm.


And, honestly, 6:45pm will be pushing it for Landon, as it.


Originally, we had a 7, but I was able to find the new time about a month later.


I am still on the lookout for a 6 o’clock time, though. I am worried by that late Landon is going to be fussy. I suppose if I keep him fed and occupied until then, we might make it out unscathed, but I’m not holding my breath.


More than likely, this will be one of those meals that one of us eats while the other walks around with the baby.


Honestly, this is the one meal reservation I’m wary about.



After dinner, I’d planned on just heading back to the resort and making it an early night. But, if Landon’s taking a nap in his stroller, and it’s close to fireworks time, maybe we’ll stay to watch.


Most likely not, though.


I figure we will all be exhausted by that point.


Except Alex. He never gets tired at Disney.



True fact.




So far (it’s difficult to say that when I’m only on Day 1) this is the day I see turning out the worst as far as Landon’s mood goes. There won’t be a lot to entertain him, and I feel like he’s going to get sick of sitting in the stroller for so long. If there’s ever going to be a meltdown on his part, it’ll be on this day.


I’m going to try and avoid that at all costs, of course. And I think if all 3 of us adults take turns holding him, he’ll keep his cool.



But, if I’m completely wrong, and he doesn’t, then no big deal, I’ll hang back with him in the room and won’t miss anything major.

 

[afwdwfan]

Sorry about the sickness you've been dealing with. Never fun, but especially scary when it is bad enough you have to visit the ER!

Great first day plans. There's really nothing quite like getting that first taste of Disney magic by checking out the monorail resorts with their Christmas decorations. I have to say that WL is my favorite deluxe, so I hope you all enjoy it. When you walk into the lobby and see that tree it is quite a sight.

I figure we will all be exhausted by that point.


Except Alex. He never gets tired at Disney.



True fact.

I'm the same way! There's no time to be tired at Disney World!!!!

 

[MagicShell]

I really like your Day 1 plan. It sounds nice and relaxing. I was I didn't get tired at WDW then I could get a lot more done.

I hope Landon is feeling better. He sure is growing, he is a cutie.

 

[teekathepony]

Yikes, poor Landon! Sorry to hear he's sick, hope he's feeling 100% soon!

Love the day 1 plans, nice and easy going.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

I love those pictures of Landon! He is just too cute.

But, OMG Salmonella? Pool baby. I really hope he makes full and speedy recovery. There is nothing worse than a sick baby.

I love your plans. Looks like you have settled in on Pop. I still think you would love OKW. Just saying....

Dinner sounds like a winner and I hope that Landon does well adjusting to his first day. I know that babies are smart and sometimes they do get a little out of synch when traveling. Hopefully he will just go with the flow.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

Joining in

I love the pictures of Landon! And he will love the bright colors of Pop!

That looks like a fun trip for your little family!

 

[amazingact21]

Thank you everyone for you well wishes in regards to Landon. He's feeling a lot better now and is making up for all that resting he had to endure by partying through the night. Gotta make up play time somewhere!

Sorry about the sickness you've been dealing with. Never fun, but especially scary when it is bad enough you have to visit the ER!

Great first day plans. There's really nothing quite like getting that first taste of Disney magic by checking out the monorail resorts with their Christmas decorations. I have to say that WL is my favorite deluxe, so I hope you all enjoy it. When you walk into the lobby and see that tree it is quite a sight.


I'm the same way! There's no time to be tired at Disney World!!!!

I always enjoy checking out the monorail resorts, and I think it'll be good to do that on a day everyone's already tired.
I've heard WL during the holidays is unbelievable, so I'm excited to see it finally. Plus, my mother really wants to stay there one day in the future, so I figured it'd be good to scope out the land ahead of time.

I really like your Day 1 plan. It sounds nice and relaxing. I was I didn't get tired at WDW then I could get a lot more done.

I hope Landon is feeling better. He sure is growing, he is a cutie.

I always tell myself I'll have more endurance the next time I visit WDW, but it never happens. If only...

Yikes, poor Landon! Sorry to hear he's sick, hope he's feeling 100% soon!

Love the day 1 plans, nice and easy going.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I'm hoping the first day goes slow and smooth. I don't want everyone to burn out before our first park day!

I love those pictures of Landon! He is just too cute.

But, OMG Salmonella? Pool baby. I really hope he makes full and speedy recovery. There is nothing worse than a sick baby.

I love your plans. Looks like you have settled in on Pop. I still think you would love OKW. Just saying....

Dinner sounds like a winner and I hope that Landon does well adjusting to his first day. I know that babies are smart and sometimes they do get a little out of synch when traveling. Hopefully he will just go with the flow.

Haha, well unfortunately, all the deluxes and moderates are back to being unavailable, so even if we wanted to switch to OKW, it wouldn't work. Apparently, everyone has decided to visit the world the first week of December.


I'm hopeful Landon will adjust to the trip pretty well. We take him out all the time, and he's always visiting my parent's place for a day/weekend. That's about an hour away, so he knows longer carrides and different sleeping locations are all about.
But, we won't know until we get there...

Joining in

I love the pictures of Landon! And he will love the bright colors of Pop!

That looks like a fun trip for your little family!

Hi! Welcome, thanks for joining!

I am hoping Landon will get a kick out of the design of Pop. Alex and I figured out of all the values, Pop or AoA would be the most visually appealing to an infant.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

Hi! Welcome, thanks for joining!

I am hoping Landon will get a kick out of the design of Pop. Alex and I figured out of all the values, Pop or AoA would be the most visually appealing to an infant.

I completely agree! Plus you can walk over to AoA and enjoy the theming tree too. You should take him into the arcade at AoA. Tons of visual and auditory stimulation! My two year old loved it!

 

[amazingact21]

December 2nd (Day 2 Plans):


This will be our first full day at WDW.


That’s such an exciting statement.



Now, mind you, when I actually wake up will be up in the air. Landon’s sleep pattern is very sporadic. About 90% of the time he sleeps through the night, but then there are nights where he’s up every 2 hours.




Based on his personality and the fact that this will be the 2nd week he’s away from home, I don’t anticipate Alex and I getting a lot of sleep on this trip. If anything, we’ll take turns strolling around the grounds in the pre-dawn hours, letting the other catch a few precious hours of sleep.



As usual with Alex and I, our first park will be….









Epcot!


It does seem a little strange to not take Landon to the Magic Kingdom first, but I had my reasons for this.


The main one being that I wanted an easygoing park to begin with. I did not want our first experience with getting a diaper bag packed, the stroller and baby loaded into the car, scarfing a breakfast down to be stressful.


Going to Epcot gives us until at least 8:40am to leave, and if we don’t make it on time, it’s not a big deal, because we’re focusing on Future World that morning.



I think if I chose MK, I’d be freaking out trying to see the Opening Ceremony and get on Dumbo and stopping for those memorable Photopass Pictures in front of the castle.


In my mind, this morning will be our test run. Figure out what we need more of, what we could do without, how much time I need to devote to keeping the drool off Landon’s shirt….




Our 60 day window is officially open now, and I am really hoping Disney extends their testing so we can pick our Faspasses.


Not because I love the idea of choosing what attractions I go on 2 months out, but because if I can, then getting to Epcot on time won’t be a big deal.


My mother’s top 2 favorite rides are in this park, so I have to make sure she gets to go on them; having the Fastpasses booked already would completely cut out the whole rush to FP machines along with 99% of the other guests.


So, I’m going to write this update on the assumption that I will be able to get Fastpasses for the attractions I wanted. Just as a heads up…




The 4 of us will “hopefully” get to Epcot sometime around 9am, and we’ll head immediately for, where else?





The Land.



Since you cannot take a stroller inside the building (I will NOT be one of those parents you see yelling at the poor CM, wasting precious Disney time when they could’ve already parked the thing, unbuckled the kid, and walked inside instead of chewing someone out for doing their job.) I’ll either carry Landon from the car or strap him in one of baby carriers.


Most likely the baby carrier option.


He goes in it pretty frequently at home, so he’ll know the routine and probably assume Mom’s just buying groceries again.






Once inside, so long as the wait isn’t more than 30-40 minutes, my mom and Alex will go on Soarin’ standby.

Again, this is with the assumption that we will have FPs for later. And if we don’t then I’ll pick some up (if I can) while the other 2 ride.






Landon and I will hang out, try not to buy anything from Sunshine Seasons while we wait.


After they have finished their peaceful glide over California, we will hit up some of the attractions Landon can go on.


Living with the Land, Nemo, Journey into Imagination, Spaceship Earth…any of those that he seems up for.





I think he’d do fine with the Land, because he has no problem sitting on someone’s lap and just chilling.





I really think Journey’s going to be a hit with him, due to the fact that he loves plush characters and puppets.





If there’s any attraction that I’m going to cut, it’ll definitely be Spaceship Earth. Landon’s not a big fan of the dark, so I think the only way I could get away with SE would be while he’s napping.




At some point that morning, I plan on going over to Test Track and utilizing rider swap. I’ll ride it once with Alex, while my mom entertains the baby, then I’ll take over babysitting duty while my mom goes on it with Alex.





Alex really wants to do the standby line so he can go into a little more detail with his car design, so we possibly might leave him at the attraction, and my mom and I go get in a character line.



Possibly.


More likely, if that’s the case, my mom and I will get a Starbucks, sit at the Fountain of Nations, and listen to holiday music.









But at least I said we’d try.




I know these plans sound very disorganized and as if there’s no method to my madness, but to be quite honest, I do not want to make strict plans.


There’s too many What Ifs floating around to let me do that.


What if Landon decides that week that he hates his stroller?


What if he’s terrified of all the rides?


What if we can’t get Fastpasses?


What if only Alex and I can get Fastpasses, because my mom can’t link military tickets?


What if I mess up Rider Swap?


What if it’s raining?






I’m bound to be disappointed if I say “We’re going to get this, this, and this done today. We have to!”


And, the number one goal for me is to keep meltdowns to a minimum.



Only Landon’s allowed to cry and throw his hands up and demand a nap!



Besides, this isn’t even close to our only day at Epcot, so whatever we don’t accomplish, we have plenty of time to try again later.






I have a lunch reservation scheduled for 12:55pm at…




Coral Reef!



Originally, the time was 12:15, but I decided to switch to a Candlelight Package, and therefore I had to reserve the only time they had available.


Coral Reef was such a success on our last trip that I’m really looking forward to eating here again.



Mainly because I get to eat this rice again:




Anyone who read my last TR knows that I fell in love with this stuff, and it wasn’t even the dish I ordered. It says a lot about the food that I’m willing to suffer through fish (something I don’t like) in order to get that rice.



Hopefully, by the time lunch rolls around, Landon will have napped and gotten some lunch already, so that he can sit and enjoy the fish while we chow down. He’s an exceptionally good restaurant patron here at home, so as long as he’s not overtired and hot, I believe we’ll be all right. At worst, someone will have to hold him in their lap while they dine.



By the time the 3 of us wade our way through appetizers, entrees, and desserts, we’ll all want to rest up for a short while.


The goal is to head back to Pop and hang out in the rooms for an hour or so. I don’t believe we’ll have too much time to relax, seeing as we most likely won’t leave Coral until after 2.



If Landon doesn’t crash on our way out of the park and on the carride, he might go down for a quick nap, and if that’s the case I’ll try to get some shut eye, as well.






Around 4:15pm, I plan on heading back to Epcot to get in the Package line for the Candlelight Processional.


Our narrator is going to be:





Good ‘ol Neil Patrick Harris.



Alex is really excited to see him, and while I do watch How I Met Your Mother, I’m a little peeved that Harris had to bring chaos to our night at the CP.


Originally, I was just going to do standby for the CP, but once I realized who was going to be there, I knew I’d have no chance of seeing the show unless I bought a package.


And since this is my mother’s first time at Disney during the holidays, I’m trying to show her as much of the events as possible. So skipping the show altogether wasn’t really an option.


But, the issue is settled, and we will have seats for the events and will get to ogle at the insanely long line for standby as we arrive.


I have heard people begin lining up at 1pm.


1 o’clock!


I couldn’t do it.


I just couldn’t.






I’ll try my best to put Landon to sleep while we are waiting in line, then just throw him in my sling so he stays asleep. If he’s awake, I’ll cross my fingers and toes that he stays interested in the changing lights and sounds. He loves listening to music, so for at least 10 minutes I believe he can be entertained.



If not, I’ll step out and watch from the sidewalk.




No biggie.




Once the show’s over, if anyone’s hungry (I doubt I will be) we’ll grab a quick dinner at one of the restaurants in the World Showcase, and I’ll feed Landon.



The rest of the night will probably go either 2 ways.


The first: The four of us hang out in the park for the following couple of hours, giving Landon a chance to play and take in the sights. Then around 8:30pm, he’ll get changed into his PJs and earmuffs and fall asleep in the stroller as we all walk to our IllumiNations viewing spot.











Or,


The second: We enjoy Epcot for a little bit longer, before Landon starts getting fussy. When it looks like he’s had enough and needs some quiet, calm surroundings, we’ll leave Epcot and have an early night back at Pop.




It would be a little disappointing to miss Holiday IllumiNations, especially since that’s what we’re paying for in our package, but I know that it’s much easier to keep a baby happy than try to stick something out with a fussy kid.


This might be the first trip where I miss all the nighttime shows, and they are one of my absolute favorite things in Disney, but the age of Alex and I staying out until the wee hours of the night, riding coasters and seeing fireworks has come to a close.


Now, it’s all about getting up early, and getting the munchkin in bed at a reasonable time.


And while I know there will be moments where I miss our old traditions at Disney, I’m fully aware that this new touring style will take over our vacations for a long time to come.



No matter what direction our night ends up going, all 3 of us adults are going to try hard to get to bed at a reasonable time, because we have an early morning planned the following day.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I can't remember if I've posted on your report or not! Either way, I've read it lol

Poor baby getting sick! I'm glad to read that he is doing better now, that can't be any fun for the poor little guy.

I love Disney during the holidays, your trip is going to be so much fun. You are taking a similar approach to the one we are planning for next year - if I keep toned down expectations, I won't be disappointed if we don't get to do everything

 

[afwdwfan]

We've always had good luck with our kids falling asleep so that we could watch Illuminations and Wishes. Hopefully you'll find the same with Landon.

I think your plan for just having a general outline of what you want to do is best. If you had it planned step by step there is no way you'd possibly be able to do everything you want exactly when you want. I don't think you should worry, because you will be able to get a lot done that week even if the FP thing doesn't work out for you.

And don't over stress yourself about Rider Swap. Seriously. It is extremely simple to use.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

Wow! That is the most realistic, practical, I am doing Disney with a baby for the first time plan I have read! Absolutely brilliant! I love that you are doing an easy day first, and starting with Epcot! It sounds like you have planned just enough, and kept just enough flexibility to be prepared for whatever baby Jonah throws at you!

Also, reading your plan made me think, man traveling with a baby (if you approach it the way you did) is totally doable!!! The 2 year olds probably through more challenges at you, mainly because they have just developed their own bizarre little will, that can easily through a nonsensical wrench in the plan. None the less, I wouldn't trade our Disney days with our 2 year old for anything!! He had a blast!

It will be really exciting to see how your touring style changes as Jonah gets older. It is great to see how pragmatic you are about the whole thing.

 

[MEK]

There are so many "what ifs" when you travel with a baby. Just do your best and go with the flow. There are bound to be bumps, but you will roll with it. Your going to be in your happy place and all will be fine! I do think its smart for you to do your test run in Epcot. It is such a great park.

I had that dish at Coral Reef in June and it was delicious. It was my favorite meal of the trip!

 

[teekathepony]

That sounds like a very practical way of looking at everything! The candlelight processional looks amazing, I so wish it was going on while I'm there!

 

[BOG Obsessed]

Following along on your PTR, love the title!

This will be our family's first trip to Disney during Christmas week, staying at POP.
Where is your favourite spot for watching Illuminations?

 

[MagicShell]

Your plan sounds great. I am going to miss being there this year so much. Your trip report will help me make it through til next year.

 

[Dugette]

Just realized you had this PTR going! Read through the whole thing and enjoying it so far. Some of the things you're thinking about and planning are really helping me with our WDW w/baby planning. We overlap briefly with you too...we arrive the 7th. Landon is a cutie, by the way! I think he will be at a great age when you travel too - portable and agreeable, but also interested in his surroundings and interactive. It's a fun age!

 

[amazingact21]

I can't remember if I've posted on your report or not! Either way, I've read it lol

Poor baby getting sick! I'm glad to read that he is doing better now, that can't be any fun for the poor little guy.

I love Disney during the holidays, your trip is going to be so much fun. You are taking a similar approach to the one we are planning for next year - if I keep toned down expectations, I won't be disappointed if we don't get to do everything

Thanks for reading!

Anyone who goes into a Disney trip with a baby with a really strict schedule is asking for trouble. Babies are unpredictable, and if they aren't happy with what's going on, they'll let you know until you change your plans.

We've always had good luck with our kids falling asleep so that we could watch Illuminations and Wishes. Hopefully you'll find the same with Landon.

I think your plan for just having a general outline of what you want to do is best. If you had it planned step by step there is no way you'd possibly be able to do everything you want exactly when you want. I don't think you should worry, because you will be able to get a lot done that week even if the FP thing doesn't work out for you.

And don't over stress yourself about Rider Swap. Seriously. It is extremely simple to use.

I've heard the Rider Swap is really easy to utilize, so I'm hoping to use it a lot while we're there. For a lot of the coasters, my mom doesn't ride them, so Alex and I don't have to worry too much, but especially in Epcot, all 3 of us will want to take turns on certain attractions.

Wow! That is the most realistic, practical, I am doing Disney with a baby for the first time plan I have read! Absolutely brilliant! I love that you are doing an easy day first, and starting with Epcot! It sounds like you have planned just enough, and kept just enough flexibility to be prepared for whatever baby Landon throws at you!

Also, reading your plan made me think, man traveling with a baby (if you approach it the way you did) is totally doable!!! The 2 year olds probably through more challenges at you, mainly because they have just developed their own bizarre little will, that can easily through a nonsensical wrench in the plan. None the less, I wouldn't trade our Disney days with our 2 year old for anything!! He had a blast!

It will be really exciting to see how your touring style changes as Landon gets older. It is great to see how pragmatic you are about the whole thing.

Thank you. I've read enough trip reports of parents traveling with infants over the years to believe I have a general idea of what works/ doesn't work. Plus, I know my kid and know what he's good at/ not so good at. For instance, I can't do any shows this trip, because my son talks 24/7. It'd be impossible to keep him quiet for so long.

I really wanted to make our first trip while Landon was still too young to crawl or walk, just so that he'd be more portable. I know things can get interesting when they want to start moving on their own and want out of the stroller.
That being said, 2 year olds understand a lot more of what's going on, making it special and fun it its own way. You can point to Mickey, and they actually know who they are. And they have likes/dislikes when it comes to attractions.

I don't know...I think all ages comes with advantages and disadvantages.

There are so many "what ifs" when you travel with a baby. Just do your best and go with the flow. There are bound to be bumps, but you will roll with it. Your going to be in your happy place and all will be fine! I do think its smart for you to do your test run in Epcot. It is such a great park.

I had that dish at Coral Reef in June and it was delicious. It was my favorite meal of the trip!

It's a delicious dish! I'm looking forward to eating there again.


Landon fussy while in Disney beats Landon fussy at home any day of the week.

That sounds like a very practical way of looking at everything! The candlelight processional looks amazing, I so wish it was going on while I'm there!

The Candlelight Processional is a really nice show to catch during the holidays. I feel like it fits in Epcot so well, and I know it really put me in the holiday spirit the last time I was there.

Following along on your PTR, love the title!

This will be our family's first trip to Disney during Christmas week, staying at POP.
Where is your favourite spot for watching Illuminations?

Welcome! Thanks for reading.

I can only imagine how magical Walt Disney World is during Christmas week. I'm sure it's extra magical. It's something I've always said I was going to do one day.
Honestly, I haven't ever watched IllumiNations from the same location before. During the holidays, I tend to watch between France and the U.K. pavilion, because the bonus at the end is best viewed there. However, you can't see the globe that well from there.

Your plan sounds great. I am going to miss being there this year so much. Your trip report will help me make it through til next year.

I know how you feel. I was really sad when our normal trip dates (May) came and went. Just look forward to 2014!

Just realized you had this PTR going! Read through the whole thing and enjoying it so far. Some of the things you're thinking about and planning are really helping me with our WDW w/baby planning. We overlap briefly with you too...we arrive the 7th. Landon is a cutie, by the way! I think he will be at a great age when you travel too - portable and agreeable, but also interested in his surroundings and interactive. It's a fun age!

Thanks for reading! I thought we overlapped, but I wasn't positive.
I would've like to have waited and made a trip out of his first birthday, but at least now he won't be mobile. I'm relieved that I can still strap him in some kind of carrier or sit him on a lap and he's content. Should make life (more specificaly-touring Disney) a whole lot easier.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

I don't know...I think all ages comes with advantages and disadvantages.

I agree. I think that class for multiple trips