Infant in Park

[RachelEllen]

I apologize if this is a common topic. I don't read this subforum very often.

My husband is flying in today to meet me at a conference. He's bringing our 5 month old. I have one free day, and we're planning to go to a park. (Haven't decided Epcot or Magic Kingdom yet)

Any tips for rides with an infant that small? We are planning to use a carrier, as our only stroller is kind of yuppie upscale (insert embarressed ironic smiley) and I don't want to leave it unattended.

I know about baby swap. Do we just get into lines and tell the CM at the end. Can I safely assume that anything you are belted in for can do a baby swap? Is the opposite true? Will we be allowed to ride with baby on anything that does not use a belt? (E.g. POTC, although my husband dislikes what he calls 'glamorization of the pirate,' but I can't think of another)

Any other general tips. I'm a champ discreet breastfeeder and its not that hot out. We have the sunhat. Anything else?

 

[Disneymommmyof2]

Your stroller will be fine unattended, just take valuables. Your child can be on your lap for rides that dont require a certain height, Pooh Bear take them on, carry them on.POTV,Dumbo,Small World. I used a pouch/sling for my DD and it was the best thing I could have done.

Baby swap till CM and they give you a pass like fast pass.

 

[bekkiz]

Yes, you can take the baby on anything that does not have a hight restriction, so really there's lots to do.

I think the carrier is a great idea, just make sure you take turns so your back doesn't get too sore!

Also, don't forget about the Baby Care centers. The MK on is on main street, the Epcot one is near the Oddessy building (between Test Track and Mexico). Nice quiet places to rest, change and feed your little one.

 

[Kacey467]

I too am the owner of many "yuppie" stroller. We have taken the Orbit, the Bugaboo Cameleon and the Bugaboo Bee. Never any problems! (and if you are wondering why I have so many strollers, I own a store that sells them )

I have found the Baby Bjorn gets soooo hot and uncomfortable for you and the baby. Plus, when they pass out, you want to be able to put them down and enjoy yourself.

Baby swaps can be obtained at the front of the fastpass or standby lines. Just go up the CM at the entrance for a babyswap.

Epcot vs MK. Do whatever you are in the mood to do. There are more rides you could take your child on at MK. But Epcot is a nice place for adults to get a drink and stroll.

Enjoy!!! But definitely rethink the stroller. You will want it! What stroller do you have. I might have some better suggestions for managing it, as they are all different.

Have fun!

 

[tartemis]

I second taking a stroller -- even a "yuppie" one. I, too, was worried at first about my very expensive stroller being left unattended, but I never had a problem and soon relaxed. Babies sleep better in strollers than in a carrier and the stroller will also provided much better shade than the carrier.

My only other warning is that I found that some of the rides were way too loud for my daughter (who was 5 months old at the time). Actually, in general, I think Disney needs to take everything down a few decibels. I had to cover my daughter's ears on a few rides.

Finally, whatever you do, even if a CM tells you that there is no problem with it (which is what I was told when I inquired), do NOT take your baby on Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life and I felt like the worst mother in the entire world. Contrary to my expectation, it wasn't just a glorified moving TV ride, but had incredibly loud noises and scary dinosaurs. My poor daughter was screaming the entire time (I even resorted to nursing her during the ride to try and calm her down) and I felt so mortified for (1) her and (2) all of the guests whose experiences I ruined. A year later, she seems to have no lasting effects, so I have decided to forgive myself but I was literally scared for weeks later that I had scarred her for life.

 

[pinkbubbles]

we own a yuppie stroller too (bugaboo cameleon) and one of those cheap mesh maclarens. we were just going to bring our maclaren but it doesn't recline and it doesn't have a very good sunshade on it. we are taking our baby who will be 6months old. but i am worried about leaving our bugaboo unattended.

 

[brockash]

I apologize if this is a common topic. I don't read this subforum very often.

My husband is flying in today to meet me at a conference. He's bringing our 5 month old. I have one free day, and we're planning to go to a park. (Haven't decided Epcot or Magic Kingdom yet)

Any tips for rides with an infant that small? We are planning to use a carrier, as our only stroller is kind of yuppie upscale (insert embarressed ironic smiley) and I don't want to leave it unattended.

I know about baby swap. Do we just get into lines and tell the CM at the end. Can I safely assume that anything you are belted in for can do a baby swap? Is the opposite true? Will we be allowed to ride with baby on anything that does not use a belt? (E.g. POTC, although my husband dislikes what he calls 'glamorization of the pirate,' but I can't think of another)

Any other general tips. I'm a champ discreet breastfeeder and its not that hot out. We have the sunhat. Anything else?

Honestly, your stroller will probably be fine unattended, just take out any valubles. There's not nearly as many rides that the baby can do at Epcot as MK. Basically the baby can go on anything that doesn't have a hght. restriction. We took my DD when she was 4 months and had a great time. I'll try to list the things I can think of that the baby can go on in each park.

MK

railroad
buzz lightyear
COP
people mover
snow white
pooh
peter pan
dumbo
it's a small world
haunte mansion
pirates
magic carpets
riverboat

Epcot

nemo
living land boat ride
figment
space ship earth
the 2 "boat rides" at world showcase

Babyswap- You need to tell the CM at the begining of the ride.

 

[alyssa810]

I would say MK would be better for just one day. Our son's 2nd trip was just before he was 5 months, and he really enjoyed the music and lights on the rides. We have a less yuppy graco that we had no problems with leaving unattended; on his 1st trip we used our DS's infant carrier, but left it for subsequent trips. He was much better in the larger stroller as it reclined all the way for his naps.
I am also a HUGE fan of the Baby care centers- and to know them is to love them! They are great for changing diapers; the nursing rooms at MK & Epcot are open rooms (in DHS and AK it's a private room) with rockers...and there are high chairs and comfortable feeding spots in both.

 

[bearlyanne]

I'm actually inclined to say go to the Park that YOU want to see the most. The baby is so young that (s)he and all will enjoy all the sights and sounds of Disney no matter which one you tour. You on the otherhand will be 'required' to tour the MK for the next few years!!

(unless this is a once in a lifetime trip and then I'd say MK all the way!)

 

[defc22]

Honestly, your stroller will probably be fine unattended, just take out any valubles. There's not nearly as many rides that the baby can do at Epcot as MK. Basically the baby can go on anything that doesn't have a hght. restriction. We took my DD when she was 4 months and had a great time. I'll try to list the things I can think of that the baby can go on in each park.

MK

railroad
buzz lightyear
COP
people mover
snow white
pooh
peter pan
dumbo
it's a small world
haunte mansion
pirates
magic carpets
riverboat

Epcot

nemo
living land boat ride
figment
space ship earth
the 2 "boat rides" at world showcase

Babyswap- You need to tell the CM at the begining of the ride.

I was sure if Disney said all ages they knew what they were talking about, but read in a book that a mother realized her one year old could fall out of her grasp in Peter Pan. Did some internet searches and saw the "boats" on Peter Pan. Would I be able to safely hold my one year old Ds? He is out of the carrier so that is not an option. I thought on my lap he would be ok. I grow concerned if he decides he does not want to sit for the duration of the ride. Do you think its doable? Thanks for the help

 

[nemofans]

I would avoid POTC. We took our DS on it at 6 mos old & he screamed thru the whole SLOW ride b/c it was dark w/thunder sounds. I kept apologizing to everyone on the boat.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I was sure if Disney said all ages they knew what they were talking about, but read in a book that a mother realized her one year old could fall out of her grasp in Peter Pan. Did some internet searches and saw the "boats" on Peter Pan. Would I be able to safely hold my one year old Ds? He is out of the carrier so that is not an option. I thought on my lap he would be ok. I grow concerned if he decides he does not want to sit for the duration of the ride. Do you think its doable? Thanks for the help

We took my daughter on Peter Pan when she was 11 months old with no problem. I have done it with my husband or mom and we just sandwiched her between us and I have done it by myself. the boat is open so they can see without obstruction so they don't have to lean over the edge.

 

[defc22]

Thank you both for your input, good to know. I was thinking he would fit between us, but we do have a DD, 4 who will also be with us. The boats looked little for four across. Like I had written, I would assume if it was an issue for most people Disney would not allow all ages on the ride.

 

[mushumadness]

Im glad I read this thread we go next week and our son will be 7 months old then, its nice to know he can ride some things

plus these are the only rides I can do aswell lol as Im pregnant