Just back with 20 month old - nursing around the world, favorites, and more!

[GEM]

We are just back from an awesome 10 day trip with my little guy. It was his second trip to Disney and it was just as fabulous as the first. It was me, Paul, and my mom (Paul's Nana).

I don't have time now for a full report, so I'll just hit some highlights. Feel free to ask any questions.

First, Paul is still nursing. Yes, I nursed him in many places around Disney World - benches, restaurants, curbs, rides, shows, etc. I never used the baby centers because we were never near one when he wanted to nurse. It seemed like the modes of transportation are what really did him in. I think I nursed on every boat, bus, and monorail we set foot on. I did not cover up with a blanket (never do) but I can promise you that you couldn't see anything at all except the back of Paul's head. In fact I had several people comment on the cute sleeping baby, when he was really nursing. So, I certainly wasn't flashing the world or anything. I never had any negative looks or comments and I would encourage any mother who is breastfeeding her baby or toddler to do so when and where she needs to. I did notice lots of other nursing moms (only because I was looking for them) and I never felt the least bit odd or anything.

I also want to put in a good word for the villas. We split our stay between a two-bedroom villa at the Boardwalk and a two-bedroom villa at the Wilderness Lodge. It was WONDEFUL!! We rented points from a DVC member, so it wasn't any more expensive than a regular room at a deluxe resort. We had a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and TONS of room. We usually went out in the morning, came back in the afternoon for lunch in the villa and a nap and swim, and then went back out in the evening. We loved it so much that my husband and I are going to take the DVC tour on our next trip. Especially with kids, villas are the way to go!

Paul's Absolute Favorites:

-Illuminations: We had a great spot right on the railing and he LOVED this show! He bounced and clapped and said "WOW" like a million times. I thought his head would explode. Most of the people around us spent more time watching him than they did the show itself. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited. He also loved Fantasmic and Wishes, but not quite as much as Illuminations.

-Birds: He was so crazy about all the birds. He especially loved the white ones at the Magic Kingdom near the fry cart in Frontierland. We probably spent an hour total each day just watching the different birds all around the world. Whenever we found some, we just stopped and watched for a while. It was a true highlight of the trip for him.

-Elevators: Any elevator! He just really got excited any time we got on (or near) one.

-The Pooh Characters: He liked all the characters and wasn't the least bit scared of any of them, but meeting Pooh and pals was a real highlight since he recognized them and knew their names. He gave Eeyore a huge kiss on the nose the first time we met him. We did breakfast at the Crystal Palace and he was in heaven!

-The Living Seas: He always gets really excited about fish. He just loved watching them in the tanks.

-The bridge over the stream in the Wilderness Lodge lobby: He loved walking back and forth over the little bridge. Something about that just gave him the biggest thrill!

-Festival of the Lion King: He really enjoyed this one. Lots of clapping and seat dancing. I don't think he took his eyes off the show the entire time.

-The Tiki Room and the Country Bears: Both of these were great fun for him. He especially loved the Tiki Room, given his fascination with birds.

-The Christmas Parade and the snow falling during the He just loved the parade and got the hugest kick out of the fake snow.


Well, that's about all for now I guess. He really just loved every minute of the trip and wasn't the least bit scared or nervous about anything. We never had any big breakdowns or anything, but he is generally a pretty easy going kid. The only time he got really upset and cried was when he got something in his eye at the Christmas party, but as soon as we got it out he was fine. He honestly never fussed or complanined much at all. There was just too much neat stuff to look at and too many new peole to charm. If you have any questions or anything, just let me know. We can't wait to take him back!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Welcome back!

Glad your trip was wonderful.


Jordan's mom

 

[Desnik]

We took our then 20 month old DS in Nov for his 2nd trip too! We also did a split stay at BWV and a regular room at WL. DS also loved walking over that bridge in the lobby of the WL!!!! DH would follow him while DD and I sat on the rockers watching him! He was happy just doing that!! We are now DVC members, we bought on this past trip. The villas are really perfect for families, especially families like us who go evey year!!LOL
Glad you had a great time!

 

[alicenwonder99]

Glad you had a great time!!

How did you work out naps? Did you go back to your villa, or just let him nap in the stroller? When my children were younger, we always had the best of intentions to go back to the room for naps, but they always fell asleep in the strollers. So, instead of waking them up moving them, we would just let them nap in the stroller.

Next time you're at WDW, check out the nursing rooms at AK. They are really nice!

Mary

 

[karensi]

I am also curious about the naps, stroller or back to the room? We will be going in Feb with DGS who will turn 1 while at DW. He is a good sleeper and I'm thinking that he might just fall asleep in the stroller at nap time. I know alot of people say to go back to the room for naps but if they sleep/nap in the stroller do you think this works just as well? What do most people do?

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Sounds like a fun trip!!! And you're right---nothing is better than the 2BR DVC villas for families. We are now members ourselves.

karensi---I think it depends on the child. I'm sure many people go all day and let the little ones nap in the stroller. But we have always opted for returning to the room. The kids sleep better in a real bed, and we all appreciated the break.

But if your GS is used to napping in his stroller (and it is one that fully reclines), he may sleep just as well "on the go".

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[GEM]

We did some of both - stroller naps and going back to the room. Paul has always napped really well in his stroller and he often dozed off for a quick nap while we walked around. We did, though, go back to our room every afternoon for bit. Sometimes we swam, sometimes we played with his toys and read stories, sometimes we napped. Honestly, it was my mom who needed that break more than Paul, I think. He's never been on a real schedule as far as his naps and things go, so we're usually pretty flexible.