I want to plan a Disney trip now but cant

[GeoffM24]

Right now my wife is almost 16 weeks pregnant with our first and we are very excited but are sad we won't be heading to Disney for awhile.

As childless twenty somethings we could see so much very quickly but it always seemed like we were missing something. At this point in our lives bringing a child and seeing through their eyes would be half the fun.

We are thinking about planning a trip when the child turns 2 in Oct 2006. Both my parents and her parents are planning on coming and helping us out.

Now this trip will be as much for us as the child and family but I'm starting to wonder if my desire to go is overpowering whether or not it is worth taking a child so young. In my mind it would be perfect but we have all seen the fighting families and screaming cranky babies etc.

Part of me says they will love it and make the trip even better. Another part of me says I'm kidding myself and it will be to stressful and the kid will have no idea what is going on.

If it makes a big difference we would stay on site and both our parents are great a huge help.

 

[my3princes]

Asolutely go. My youngest will be 20 mths this trip (he has been once already). He recognizes Mickey and loves to look a wdw pictures. He also is already a ride junky so 2 yrs should be a piece of cake. Just make sure he or she will nap. My kids have always been able to fall asleep in the stroller so no problem for us.

 

[Pammy_from_WI]

Our daughter was just 21 months when she made her first trip to WDW. It was a 3 week road trip and she did great. We went other places besides WDW and let me tell you she loved it.

Yes, it's kind of a pain to travel with all that extra stuff, but she was a breeze to take to the parks. She loved all the characters and cried when they had to go away. The pics and videos are priceless!!!

Her next trip was when she was 3 and prior to that trip she still asked about things I had thought she forgot about. So folks think that it doesn't pay to take them so young, but I really think it depends on the child and family. Taking breaks is important and you can't do commando style. However, you can still have a great trip and lots of memories to boot.

We're planning on going two weeks this Dec., since we probably won't be making anymore long journeys to WDW after she starts school. She asks everyday when we can go see Belle again.

As far as the screaming crying babies, that is partly the parents fault. We saw one baby, about 1 year old that was as red as a tomato and was screaming bloody murder. Mom and dad just kept touring. You just need to keep them out of the sun as much as you can, be sure to use a baby sun screen. Take breaks away from the parks and just relax. Be sure he/she gets lots of fluids. We did all these and not once did she cry or complain. We also came with the attitude that we would not see everything and knew we would be back soon.

My3 - My daughter is a ride junkie too! She loves them all. She even likes some of the scary ones, like that HM. She looks at the pics of the bigger rides and asks when does she get to go on those. I keep telling her someday! LOL

Pammy

 

[HeatherC]

My personal recommendation is go even before then!!!! I know that may sound crazy, but by the time the baby turns two, they decide they have a mind of their own!!! And...you may spend most of your time chasing or negotiating.

We took our 3 kids when my youngest was about 10 months old. We had a wonderful time!!! She loved looking at all the sights, was at a "happy stage" and very portable since she wasn't walking yet and we didn't need to chase her. We let her out of the stroller a lot to move around and then we just wheeled her all over the place! We've been back a couple times since then and each time we love it.

I know they don't remember the trip at such a young age, but you will. I think it is also good to keep in mind that you probably will not be able to do many late nights. But...the days are so much fun, it probably won't matter anyway.

Happy planning!
HeatherC

 

[kimwim8]

I agree with the 2 previous posters.

Disney is great for any age. The only difference is a slower pace for the younger ones. Make sure you take breaks or stay out of the sun. I know we had a hard time at Animal Kingdom, but we only spent 1/2 day there, and it went fine. (dd was 13 months on her first trip in 2000 and ds was 8 months on his first trip in 2002)

Both loved it, and talk about it constantly. After we came back from our 2000 trip, dd only wanted to watch Disney videos...especially the sing along songs with the live characters in them. After our 2002 trip, ds was the same way.

Now that we are planning our next trip for October, I am a little more concerned for my now 2 year old ds, because he is at the age where toddlers are afraid of the characters. We have our Disney photo albums out at all times for them to look at & we watch the videos of our previous trips.

Long story short....I am one of those people that think Disney is for all...both big and small!

 

[swilshire]

We planned a quick trip when we were expecting our second. If this is a typical pregnancy with no complications, there is really no reason you can't make a quick trip now.

As for after the blessed event, let me share my experience as the mother of four (now 18, 16, 10, and 5). Babies are much easier to tote around than toddlers. As mentioned above, toddlers have a mind of their own. The worst trip we ever took to Disney was when my oldest son was about 18 months old. My husband SWORE he would never take a child that age back. The lines were terrible and DS hated every minute of it. DH relented and we did take the two youngest back as toddlers, but by then there were four of us bigger people to deal with them.

You can take little babies anywhere. They are generally just as content in the Magic Kingdom as they would be in their own living room. Get a comfy stroller or one of those baby carriers that you can wear and enjoy your vacations.

We had friends that always tiptoed around while their child was napping. Circumstances may require that, but we always kept the noise levels at a normal rate. As a result, my kids sleep through anything. We had other friends who would not go out if their child would get in bed late. We took ours everywhere and the were always pretty flexible on their schedule.

Sheila

 

[ninahbear]

We are in the same boat as GeoffM24 I am about 11 weeks and don't know when we will be able to go again. I am hoping December 2005. Although my DH keeps insisting that it will be like 5 years till we go again I just won't believe that. He thinks taking a child at a young age isn't worth it but I say you get to enjoy and and see their reaction. I don't think I would be able to go while I am pregnant. Not being able to go on TOT, RNRC, Space Mountain and so on would kill me. I love the rides.

 

[GeoffM24]

While we could technically go right now we are saving as much as possible so my wife can stay home as long as she wants.

I don't think we are going to go until the child can enjoy it to since I'm looking forward to that aspect of Disney.

It would be horrible if we go and the child hates it!

 

[Mom2R&D]

One of our favorite trips was when we took our oldest to Disney when he was only 20 months old. Add the fact that I was in my second trimester with our youngest child and you'd think we were asking for a catastrophe but we had a spectacular time! We've been to Disney four times so far and each trip has been so different from the last. It's true that touring with a toddler takes a little more patience (I honestly think mine were easier when they were younger) but it's worth it!

Congratulations and have fun planning your next trip!

 

[onecoolmama]

I took my 3 yo and 1yo last ocotber. the 1yo was a paice of cake, the 3yo..not so easy. This December, they will be 4,2 and the newest 6weeks. I am going to start taking each one as early as possible so that they are more accustomed. Waiting for 3 was too long in my opinion. I will never do that again!

 

[DisFam95]

We took our 17mo old (with grandparents) and it was great. Someone mentioned going earlier before their 'opinions' grow. 17mo was pretty easy but I could see now at 22mo he is much more strong willed. We stayed on property, did not have to go bck for naps, he slept well in the stroller. We went in Jan so weather was cool and crowds were low. I would never take a little one in the heat and crowds...I know people do it but it's not for me!

We watched the planning video daily before the trip and he said 'Disney Castle' as soon as we entered Main Street (with no coaching from us ) He loves looking at the photos still.

So congrats on the little 'pumpkin'!! I would do Fall of 2005..... hey, thats' when we're planning too! It could be a birthday trip.

 

[Mrs. Toaster]

I'll throw my 2 cents in to say, don't rule out the idea of taking a toddler. We are doing an extended family trip this August with our son, who will be 2 1/2 by then. I don't think that we would have gone, if just my husband and I were going with him, but with extended family there to help out (their kids are older), it should be fine. Everyone volunteered up front to help out, stay with him in the hotel for naps, etc.. I think it's also important to properly set your expectations. With a toddler, you will find that you have to do everything in life at their pace!

We took our son to Disneyland with famliy at age 2, and he did great, as long as we gave him time to play, time to rest etc.. Grandma also watched him so Mom and Dad go have some fun, so it worked out for everyone!

 

[minmate]

The first few months after having the baby will be a special kind of magic in itself for you! I wouldn't get too stressed over when to take a child or how it may affect your B.C. days (Before Children) -- As a mother of four ages, 5, 4, 3 and 21 months -- the idea of taking one child -- whatever the age -- sounds like a piece of cake to me... but truly, it's all in your perspective, what kind of personality your child will have and what your circumstances are (financial, opportunity for vacation time, etc.) --

SOOOO many things could change for you -- that a vacation to Disney will just fall into that fold -- think about just merely getting a full night's sleep or having to call a babysitter just to out to dinner or a movie... your life will change, yes, but for the better -- and your trips to Disney will be all the better too!

Best wishes on the new addition!

 

[sarahsmom73]

Oh Go!!!! We took our 2 1/2 year old over Easter and it was SO MAGICAL! I am so glad we did it and would do it again in a second!

 

[F1Julie]

You have a ton of time to decide when to take your child on his/her first trip. Why not wait until after your baby is born to make the decision? Wait and see your child's temperment and personality. If you have an easy-going kid you could go at any age. If you have a more difficult child or one who does not like a lot of stimulation, it would be better to wait until the child is older.

 

[GeoffM24]

Minmate,
You bring up some very good points. Financially I'm in a position where my wife will not need to work but may work 2 days a week so that should allow things to go a little more smoothly.

We also have the benefit of this being the first grandchild on both sides. Both my parents and my wife's live pretty close and are dying to help out. My mother and father are also retired so babysitting will not be an issue for us. Our added bonus is that my mother used to be a 1st grade teacher and wrapped up her career as an elementary principal and my wifes parents are middle school teachers with summers off and lots of vaca.

The whole point is I wanted to get a realistc idea of when a trip to Disney would be fun for my wife and I, our new child and the grandparents.

You guys have been a great help!

 

[minmate]

when you're getting that "itch" to go to Disney, and you have the $$ and vaca time... you can make just about any age the right time then! I'm sure you've seen babies there as young as a month or two old (I have) -- but that will all be up to you... and when you do go... by the time most children are at least 18 months (maybe a bit younger) they will probably be old enough to have expressions that are so priceless and experiences that feel magical to them (even if they can't communicate that) and it will be so fun to see Disney through the eyes of your chid.

 

[bubbasmom99]

How I would love to go to WDW with grandparents to help out!!

Just wanted to add that I used to be one of those childless people who looked at a screaming baby and thought "gosh, what horrible parenting..... the child is cranky and needs some attention, a nap, etc. and the parent is dragging them through the parks..."

Now I am a parent who looks at a screaming child and sometimes thinks "poor Mom/Dad...."

Just because young children are having a meltdown doesn't necessarily mean they aren't having a good time. When you walk by a family in the park, you're looking at a 10 second snapshot in time of their family interaction. The child could be naturally clingy and difficult (like my daughter), and you're watching her right after Mom said "no I'm not carrying you because you weigh 25 lbs and you can sit in the stroller!". I can think of a few instances where we probably appeared to be the worst parents in the world, if you judge by our daughter's crying and our apparent indifference to it.

You will figure out eventually what your child's temperament is, and whether or not it is suitable for an outing to the World. You'll learn what it takes to keep him/her entertained and comfortable, and what will set him/her off. And you will learn to be a GREAT parent, no matter what you decide to do. So don't sweat it too much right now...

 

[barb45]

This is the perfect post for me also. I am a first time grandmother and disney addict. We are planning to take my daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter (who will be 20 months old) in December 2005. It will be their first trip for all of them (they were never interested before so we always went with my son). My big concern was if the baby would enjoy any of this since she won't even be 2 years old yet. The above posts give me hope. Does anyone know which rides she'll be able to go on at that age? Congrats on your new baby and thanks for asking this question.

 

[Bird-Mom]

Start planning! My dd is 2 and she has been to DW 4 times-6 months, 13 months, 23 months and 25 months. She knows all her characters and loves Disney. The first 2 times were the easiest because she wasn't walking and was content to ride around in the sling or stroller. Babies are so portable-especially breastfeeding babies because we didn't need to bring anything extra, just a few toys for the planes. The 3rd trip was the most exciting for her (I don't know why, just her reactions to everything) and the last one was the most challenging-it was really hot and she isn't used to that heat. Having 2 sets of grandparents would be amazing for extra help. Have fun!