Is This A Crazy Idea????

[scanne]

I was thinking of doing something that I think might be viewed as crazy. First of all, I'm pregnant and due in August.

Here's my idea:

My DH and I have been horribly missing WDW and not a day goes by where we say we wish we were at WDW. Now of course $$$ is going to be tight with a new baby, but I want to surprise my DH with a long weekend to WDW over Halloween for MNSSHP. We already have plane tickets from last year that we didn't use due to 9/11. (I was too freaked out). Now we wouldn't have AP's, so I'd either buy park hoppers with my DC discount or get a package. I was thinking of staying at Caribbean Beach or even an All Star (even though I don't like the All Stars that much), but since $$$ might be an issue, and the whole point is to just be in WDW, then I thought the All Stars might just be ok. Will Pop Century be opening anytime soon?

Now here's my question........is it crazy to bring a 2 month old to WDW??? I have heard that infants are easy because all they do is eat and sleep, but is it safe??? I guess I just want to make my DH happy and nothing would make him happier than WDW at Halloween. It's his favorite place and favorite holiday.

I don't know, what do you all think? And which resort would you recommend? Caribbean Beach?? All Stars??? Port Orleans, even???

Thanks for the input!

 

[zulaya]

Never having taken my children as new infants to Disney, you might want to take this with a grain of salt, but it might not be as easy as it sounds. Infants are "easy" in they can't walk yet so keeping him in a stroller will make it "easy" in that you don't have to worry whether he's walking around in the crowd. Yes, they do sleep, eat and poop. It's the eating and changing that will make your day a little choppy so to speak with having to stop for feedings and changings. So if you don't mind that you might not get to everything you want and just want to soak up a little WDW vibes, then you might be fine.

Not having used them, and not knowing if you plan to breast feed or bottle feed, I have heard that WDW has the most wonderful baby changing and nursing areas you could imagine at the parks.

The only thing too to ask your doctor about is flying. I never flew with infants so I don't know how well a 2 month old will adjust to the pressures of flight and the doctor will probably have more info.

Only you can decide if it will work for you. Maybe wait for codes to comeout for Halloween and see what can work for you in terms of resorts. You never know, with a code you might be able to swing a better resort than the All Stars

 

[sharoncity]

If you really want to try it, I think I would spring for at least a moderate. Baby probably won't be sleeping thru the night yet. They say the noise from surronding rooms is a consideration in the value resorts. Also you will probably spend more time at your resort than normal, so the extra amenities and space would be welcome. Of course if you could somehow swing deluxe, a monorail resort would be PERFECT with a little one. Plus a balcony to sit on while baby is sleeping/napping.
You just need to go with a very laid back approach. No, you are not going to see and do a lot. But yes, you can certainly soak up the Disney atmosphere. The changing rooms are lovely and very relaxing. We took our DS when he was 8 mos. He was pretty much along for the ride, although he truly enjoyed interacting with the characters. How about waiting a couple more months? It would certainly be easier to travel with an infant who has a schedule and is past the first 6 months. (Those are definitely the toughest!) But if you really want to go for Halloween, only you can decide if it is "doable"! Have fun and happy planning!

 

[CarolMN]

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family.

I also think you should discuss this with your family doctor - for his/her opinion on both pros/cons for both of you (Mom and baby). Remember, it can take 6 - 8 weeks for YOU to recover - regain your energy and stamina. Your baby may not be sleeping through the night by then, either. Have you thought about how you will handle all the "extra" things your little one will need - recliner stroller with shade, car seat, etc.?

October can still be hot, so you will need to plan carefully. You may be spending more time in your room than you think. Will you be content to just relax around the resort? Can you swing a 1 bedroom in one of the DVC resorts?

My advice is to postpone the decision (if you can) until after the baby arrives. Is there a way to make plans for your trip without really commiting $$$ until after your child is born? Maybe by then you will have a better idea if you'll be able to (or even want to) do it. (Not sure I'd want to do it for just a long weekend).

I also think babies are easier than toddlers, but they are still a lot of work and this trip will be very different from your previous trips.

Best wishes & good luck with your decision.

 

[bethie]

Now my daughter was 9 months old for her first trip. It was "easy" to travel with her. We drove from Virginia-no problem. She was a bottle baby. I brought her formula from home and kept in a fridge at the hotel. I just packed formula and juice, some cheerios, whatever, and off we went. Disney's restrooms were great for changing. Caroline rode alot of rides with us. She was no trouble whatsoever. Also, the characters always fawned over her. Like the above poster, ask your doc about the child and a trip. Get their opinion on it.

 

[LKS]

I went with my youngest son when he was 2 months old. I have two older children and we traveled with my mother and mother-in-law. Husband had to work, but I was on maternity leave. It was a breeze. I was nursing, plus had plenty of experience by then. I don't know if I could have managed it with the first that soon, because getting started nursing was tough, I was much more sore from the delivery and just more nervous about hauling him around. I can remember just getting to church on Sunday seemed like a big deal. Now that seems laughable, but at the time, I'd get him all dressed then he'd spit up as we backed down the driveway and we'd all go back in to clean up and start over.

So, it's not crazy, but it would be better if you could leave your options open until you see how you're doing.

 

[jmkst58]

I, too, agree that it will depend on a lot of factors and how you both are doing still so soon after the birth. I, myself, remember those first 2 months as a blur and had a hard time finding time to shower...let alone visit ANYONE OR ANYWHERE, but that is not everyone's experience and I TOTALLY agree that only you can make that decision. There's a chance that it could be REALLY rough going though.


CONGRATS!!!!! Talking about it is getting me anxious to have another little one.

 

[zulaya]

Another reason to postpone until after he's born...and really not trying to scare you or anything...but sometimes labor and delivery and everything just isn't smooth sailing. If you or your baby have any difficulty and need prolonged recovery from the birth, It would be such a shame to have you make plans and commit $ and have to cancel.

 

[Praise2Him]

We took our 2 DS's when they were 3yrs. and 3 mos. I agree with most that the 3 mo. old was very easy! I breastfed him which made it simple to feed him. We stayed at the CBR which was very nice, but we've stayed at the AS since then and liked them too. However, some people brought up some good points that I hadn't thought of. Our baby was sleeping throught the night then, but if yours isn't, it might make it more difficult. Also, it was our 2nd child, so we were more experienced with babies, but if it had been the 1st one, it might have been more challenging, just because everything's so new. However, I know how you feel - we are already planning to go in December, but I just called this week to make ressies for Oct. and the MNSSHP! I guess the sensible advice would be to wait and see how you feel after the baby's born, but if it was me, I'd probably do it! Good Luck with your decision!

 

[allykat]

I have not taken one of mine to WDW at that age but did want to comment on flying with an infant. I did it when my daughter was nearly 3 months old and she did okay. She cried a bit at take-off, but giving her a bottle or pacifier helped with that. All in all, she did really well. Actually, she probably did better than I think my 3 year old would do right now! LOL!

 

[musicfan]

I don't want to sound opinionated, but this is experience rather than opinion. I could NEVER have taken my DS anywhere at 2 months. He cried nearly constantly and didn't sleep through the night -- he could barely make it four hours. I was nursing, but that wasn't much help at that point. I was completely and utterly exhausted and can barely remember anything from that time frame. I would highly recommend that you wait until after your baby is born and is at least a month old before you start making financial plans you aren't happy to cancel.

It turned out great, though, so I don't want to bum you out! He's 15 now and a complete dream of a son -- so sweet tempered and thoughful, well behaved and responsible. We got our difficulties up front!

 

[princess angel]

Hi Anne!
I knew you couldnt wait 2 1/2 yrs to go back!!!
now, I dont have the experince with children in WDW, but I think that if you can financially swing it, then by all means go for it!

whether or not it is easy with a 2 month old, well, that is each ones personal opinion, but as far as safe... I cant see how it wouldnt be safe!
you and your dh love WDW so much, that I cant think of a better way to celebrate the birth of Princess Julia!!!

I think you should do it!
and, if you can go for the moderate, I would think that it would make for a better time, especially w/the baby! my choice would be caribbean beach, riverside in the mansions.

Laura

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by princess angel
whether or not it is easy with a 2 month old, well, that is each ones personal opinion, but as far as safe... I cant see how it wouldnt be safe!
you and your dh love WDW so much, that I cant think of a better way to celebrate the birth of Princess Julia!!!

Laura, didn't you see? It's gonna be a PRINCE not a princess!!!

Anne, if you and your DH really want to go to WDW, then do it! I'm sure you'd have a great trip! I'd go for either CBR or POFQ!

 

[DisneyLisa]

Just my personal opinion, but as a mother of 3, I wouldn't do it. It could be OK or it could be horrible & I wouldn't risk it.

I'm not trying to sound pessimistic, but WDW with a 2 month old collicky baby would be a nightmare. I'd rather stay home & adjust to my new baby and routine and plan a trip at a later date (JMHO). You may want to wait & see how everything is going: what type of delivery you have (easy or complicated), what type of mother you are (nervous or relaxed) and what "type" of baby you have (I was lucky but I had friends with collicky babies who cried for months & I can't imagine being anywhere but at home with one).

Whatever you decide, congratulations and all the best to you on the birth of your little one...enjoy every moment - they grow up much too fast.

Lisa

 

[amw5g]

Sun and heat! Wee 'uns can cook faster than red hots in the Floridian sun, even in October. Much less tasty too, and ths smell! Hoooweeee....
-Andrew

 

[eeyore0062]

I have heard that small babies are easier, but just hope if they cry in the middle of the night, it isn't keeping other guests in the resort awake. We didn't take our DD until she was 6, but we went ourselves, leaving her when she was 4, with my parents at the beach house.

As for choice of resort, I would bite the bullet pay a little extra and stay at CBR. No sense not liking where you are staying.

At least in October, the weather isn't as hot, and if you keep a light sheet over junior, the hood up on the carriage and a hat on His/her head, not to mention tour in early morning, and later afternoon, you should be fine. Go with the baby's schedule. The baby stations are great, too!

Since you can cancel up to 5 days prior at the resorts, then you will have a chance to see if your baby is up to this. If he/she is croupy or has reflux, though, it may not be the best of ideas. You don't want the baby to be miserable. Unfortunately, babies are unpredictable creatures, so it is kind of iffy to be making these plans before he/she is even born.

Good luck, and I hope you will be able to go!

 

[scanne]

Wow! I never thought I'd get so many replies. Thanks to everyone for the advice, stories, comments and opinions. I actually mentioned the idea to DH and although he'd LOVE to do it, he thinks 2 months is a bit young. BUT, he said we could plan a trip for October 2003. The baby will be 1 year and 2 months. We both (DH and I) are sooooooooooooooooooo anxious to get back to WDW. BUT, we're even MORE anxious for our baby to arrive. And a lot of you brought up points I wouldn't have thought of; collicky babies, not sleeping through the night, feeding times (I plan to breastfeed), etc. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO with everyone's input and advice, I think I will hold off until October 2003, but you never know.......we might end up in WDW before then. But I'll wait a while to get to know my baby and his temperment!

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[amw5g]

How does hubby feel about you whippin' your goods out in public for meal times? Personally, I'd dissuade the missus from doing that (yes it's natural, yes it's a beautiful thing but doesn't mean I feel it should be shared with Joe Six-pack). Perhaps you can make treks back to your hotel or casually hide it (stuff the bugger into a giant Mad-Hatter hat or something), but I do feel it's a bit controversial for public display. Just another issue to consider for your final decision.....

 

[jel0511]

We took our DS to WDW fir the first time when he was 4 months old. He was GREAT!!!! I wouldn't have taken him before that though, I wanted him sleeping through the night before we went. We made the ressies about 2 months before, when he started sleeping through the night. I know how much you want to go... We're leaving VERY soon and I'm getting depressed because we're not planning going back until Dec 2003!!! I think 2 months is too young and you're best to wait. I say this because with my daughter, I had a c-section and there would have been NO WAY I culd have gone on vacation 2 months after that!!!! Trust me, once the baby arrives, you won't mind waiting, you'll be enjoying the new prince too much!!!!!!

 

[Bichon Barb]

My husband and I took our 2 month old -- although it was only for two days. We were visiting my in laws in southwestern FL and wanted to sneak away.

Flight went well. Only problem was that they couldn't seat me with my DH and Son No. 1. I was so worried I was going to get stuck between two men in those cramped seats. (I was nursing.) I told them about my dilemma and was seated with woman. (Whew!) Pacifiers are great for air trips too.

Only problem was at the dinner show at O'Hana's (?) at the Pol.
Little one had just fallen asleep when the drums started
. Needless to say, he freaked out. Had to bring him to the ladies room and feed him.

Now my biggest fear would be bring toddler. Exhausting!

May you be blessed with an angelic little one. And good luck.