Mexican Riviera Cruise with WONDERful Souvenir in the Works! 6/7 PTR Link!

[Pinkocto]

Like everybody is saying, both times are great. Ive been both time frames and the crowds are low. Seeing all the Christmas decorations is so magical I'd almost recommend that more than January, but you can always go back

Yep, all your mom needs to do is tell her primary care physician about her anxiety, and he/she will prescribe something. There's no need for her to feel any kind of stress over this.

 

[Leshaface]

Don't forget, Bell Services will move your stuff and keep it refrigerated/frozen, whatever. They just won't keep your sodas in the fridge, just perishables. Don't let that deter you, but the packing up to move is understandable.

Both are great times to travel, they might be cold, they might be great weather, but the crowds should be low, unless that's the Marathon time in January.

Valium! It will work wonders! You will have such a good time. Hopefully you can also have a date night while Mom stays in with the baby!

I didn't know this acutally(bolded). So lets say for some reason we did want to do a split stay, whenever we decide to switch resorts, do we pack all the food that we had unpacked in the fridge, pantry, etc, into the original bags they were brought in and they will deliver them to our new resort?

When we went in January during Marathon time, we didn't notice much of a crowd difference. Then again, after running 26 miles, I doubt people would want to spend the rest of the day in the parks.

Wonderful suggestion! I will tell my mom about this. Does this knock you out or does it more relax you and you're still awake for everything?

Like everybody is saying, both times are great. Ive been both time frames and the crowds are low. Seeing all the Christmas decorations is so magical I'd almost recommend that more than January, but you can always go back

Yep, all your mom needs to do is tell her primary care physician about her anxiety, and he/she will prescribe something. There's no need for her to feel any kind of stress over this.

I'm hoping it's during Christmas too! That would be amazing.

 

[Leshaface]

Everyone, I updated my blog. Here's the link since it's been a while

http://buildingacrowsnest.blogspot.com/

 

[bangzoom6877]

Sounds like a perfect first family vacation!! There are plenty of tips on the Family Boards here on the DIS, regarding travel with babies and children. I know mine were a little bigger on our first trip than yours will be (mine were 1 and 3), but I found a lot of the information extremely helpful. And a DVC villa is perfect because you will have storage room for bottles, and plenty of space to have some time to yourselves also while the baby is sleeping. This is a MUST on vacation with kids, at least that's how DH and I feel.

And kudos to your mom for conquering her fear and getting on a plane! I'm almost caught up to her...for me, it's been 12 years since I got on a plane. I think the next time will either be California in a few years (unless we do a cross-country road trip), or Europe in about 10 years when the boys are in high school. And I will be sure to speak with my doctor about giving me something to keep me calm. I also get very nervous on planes, and sometimes I freak out, especially if there is a little turbulence. I'm not a fun person to fly with. I always tell people that if they're not afraid of flying, they would be if they flew with me!

And you are so cute, you can't wait to close so you can explore the DVC website...I was the exact same way! It was another toy to play around with, to fantasize about our next Disney trip, something a lot of people don't understand completely. I mean, sure DH gets excited about going, but he's not neurotic about it like I am!

 

[franandaj]

I didn't know this acutally(bolded). So lets say for some reason we did want to do a split stay, whenever we decide to switch resorts, do we pack all the food that we had unpacked in the fridge, pantry, etc, into the original bags they were brought in and they will deliver them to our new resort?

Wonderful suggestion! I will tell my mom about this. Does this knock you out or does it more relax you and you're still awake for everything?

Bell services will bring you bags the morning of your checkout, maybe the night before. You pack all the refrigerated stuff up, the frozen stuff. When they take your bags you can give them a group of bags and say these need to be refrigerated, this group is frozen, these are fine in regular storage. They will tag them all together and store them. The only time they are not actually in refrigerated storage is during transport.

WHen the stuff gets to the new resort, they put it in the appropriate temperature control until you arrive and send for your bags.

There are a number of anxiety meds, Valium is what I was given for Vertigo, there is also Ativan which Fran takes for nausea. It calms your system and soothes the nausea. With the Valium I just felt really relaxed, totally "whatever" and "just go with the flow". Which is not like me! I didn't feel drunk or messed up just a little "not in control", but relaxed enough that I didn't need to be!

 

[Leshaface]

Sounds like a perfect first family vacation!! There are plenty of tips on the Family Boards here on the DIS, regarding travel with babies and children. I know mine were a little bigger on our first trip than yours will be (mine were 1 and 3), but I found a lot of the information extremely helpful. And a DVC villa is perfect because you will have storage room for bottles, and plenty of space to have some time to yourselves also while the baby is sleeping. This is a MUST on vacation with kids, at least that's how DH and I feel.

And kudos to your mom for conquering her fear and getting on a plane! I'm almost caught up to her...for me, it's been 12 years since I got on a plane. I think the next time will either be California in a few years (unless we do a cross-country road trip), or Europe in about 10 years when the boys are in high school. And I will be sure to speak with my doctor about giving me something to keep me calm. I also get very nervous on planes, and sometimes I freak out, especially if there is a little turbulence. I'm not a fun person to fly with. I always tell people that if they're not afraid of flying, they would be if they flew with me!

And you are so cute, you can't wait to close so you can explore the DVC website...I was the exact same way! It was another toy to play around with, to fantasize about our next Disney trip, something a lot of people don't understand completely. I mean, sure DH gets excited about going, but he's not neurotic about it like I am!

I've just started going through the Family boards now (especially now that the search engine is up and running now) so i'm getting information on what strollers are good, etc.

Oh wow, it has been a while for you since you've flown. The thing is, my mom is also scared of flying over water, so I have no idea how she went to Hawaii twice

Bell services will bring you bags the morning of your checkout, maybe the night before. You pack all the refrigerated stuff up, the frozen stuff. When they take your bags you can give them a group of bags and say these need to be refrigerated, this group is frozen, these are fine in regular storage. They will tag them all together and store them. The only time they are not actually in refrigerated storage is during transport.

WHen the stuff gets to the new resort, they put it in the appropriate temperature control until you arrive and send for your bags.

There are a number of anxiety meds, Valium is what I was given for Vertigo, there is also Ativan which Fran takes for nausea. It calms your system and soothes the nausea. With the Valium I just felt really relaxed, totally "whatever" and "just go with the flow". Which is not like me! I didn't feel drunk or messed up just a little "not in control", but relaxed enough that I didn't need to be!

That is so neat. I didn't know they could/were allowed to do this. This gives me options to mess around with now. However, I have a feeling that we'll probably only be able to get at AKV, especially since the contract hasn't closed and we don't know for sure when we're going.

I know my mom takes or used to take a few different anxiety pills, but that's good to know about Valium.

 

[katds10]

Can you point me towards where to go for a presentation on DVC? I think they did it on our last cruise but we missed it (we were on the same MR cruise as you!). I guess we can always go sign up for it on our next cruise (this September). I'd be happy to list you as the referral but I think California residents aren't eligible for referral bonuses - is this still true?

 

[Dream426]

YAY for a new trip and baby's first trip to WDW!!!! We can't wait to take dd. We are thinking of going in March with her for the first time taking my mom, and possibly MIL, of course they can experience her first WDW trip as well and also so we are able to go on our usual rides as well...haha

 

[Leshaface]

Can you point me towards where to go for a presentation on DVC? I think they did it on our last cruise but we missed it (we were on the same MR cruise as you!). I guess we can always go sign up for it on our next cruise (this September). I'd be happy to list you as the referral but I think California residents aren't eligible for referral bonuses - is this still true?

Yes I believe each ship has a DVC desk! On the Wonder it was on Deck 4, so you should definitely check it out on your next cruise. You know, i'm not sure if we're eligible or not??

YAY for a new trip and baby's first trip to WDW!!!! We can't wait to take dd. We are thinking of going in March with her for the first time taking my mom, and possibly MIL, of course they can experience her first WDW trip as well and also so we are able to go on our usual rides as well...haha

Oh yeah! I hope you guys will be able to go in March! That would be fun. I'm excited working out some of the plans, although can't do too much considering i'm not exactly sure of the dates yet, but i'm still excited!

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

I am sure you have read all the good reports on the family board, but I just wanted to chime in

We took my daughter to WDW when she was 10 months old and we had an amazing time! I was so worried about it and we even contemplated leaving her at home but decided at the last minute to bring her. I am SOOO glad we did! My mom came to help me out too. (My husband was actually working... he teaches HS band and we brought the band to WDW... so he wasn't always with us to help out.)

Anyway, everything went smoothly through the airport and WDW is perfect for little ones... The only thing I might say is that you may want to consider getting a room at BLT if you're doing a split stay. You will really appreciate using the monorail and not having to fold up your stroller on the way back to your room!

 

[Leshaface]

I am sure you have read all the good reports on the family board, but I just wanted to chime in

We took my daughter to WDW when she was 10 months old and we had an amazing time! I was so worried about it and we even contemplated leaving her at home but decided at the last minute to bring her. I am SOOO glad we did! My mom came to help me out too. (My husband was actually working... he teaches HS band and we brought the band to WDW... so he wasn't always with us to help out.)

Anyway, everything went smoothly through the airport and WDW is perfect for little ones... The only thing I might say is that you may want to consider getting a room at BLT if you're doing a split stay. You will really appreciate using the monorail and not having to fold up your stroller on the way back to your room!

This is exactly what DH wants to do but I seriously doubt we'll be able to secure a spot at BLT this late in the game. BLT or any Epcot resort would be great too.

What I think i'm mostly over-thinking about is the flight itself. I'm embarrassed to say, that i've always been that person rolling her eyes when a baby has a tantrum. Now i'm freaking out that i'm possibly going to be that person. And not too long ago that family had to get off the plane because their child was throwing a fit...i'm scared to fly with a baby now!

Plus, how do I 'check' a stroller or car seat? Is that considered luggage?!? Agghh i'm already freaking out!

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

That's awesome! Are you doing a TR for Aulani?

I've never done a TR, it seems like it would be tough, is it?!?!?! How do you get all your photos uploaded?

 

[franandaj]

This is exactly what DH wants to do but I seriously doubt we'll be able to secure a spot at BLT this late in the game. BLT or any Epcot resort would be great too.

You aren't even at 7 months yet! You couldn't book BLT if you wanted for either trip, but don't say never! I got a room at BLT three months out and for my upcoming trip I got a MK view at 7 months. The hardest to get are Standard and MK views. Most of the rooms are classified as Lake view. If you get a room on the outside of the 'C', many of those have partial MK view.

I can't help you with the screaming kid issues!

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

This is exactly what DH wants to do but I seriously doubt we'll be able to secure a spot at BLT this late in the game. BLT or any Epcot resort would be great too.

What I think i'm mostly over-thinking about is the flight itself. I'm embarrassed to say, that i've always been that person rolling her eyes when a baby has a tantrum. Now i'm freaking out that i'm possibly going to be that person. And not too long ago that family had to get off the plane because their child was throwing a fit...i'm scared to fly with a baby now!

Plus, how do I 'check' a stroller or car seat? Is that considered luggage?!? Agghh i'm already freaking out!

Don't freak out! It's so much easier than it seems. I have traveled so many times with young children now and being from WA state, almost EVERYWHERE is a loooooooonnnnggg flight.

My biggest tips are

1. Stroller - bring your regular stroller and gate check it. This means that you bring it right up to the plane, fold it up right before you board, then it's waiting for you when you get off. Easy easy easy!

2. Car seat - don't bring one. If you rent a car, usually the rental company will have car seats for you to use. If you use Disney transportation, you won't need a car seat at all. If you do bring one for some reason, the airline has to check it for free, but I'd get a bag for it.

3. Do's: bring a baby carrier (my favorite is the moby), feed or nurse on take off & landing.

4. Don't: worry! or let people bother you. Most people have been in your boat

Honestly, my kids just fell asleep at that age. You'll do fine!

 

[disneydreaminA115]

I've read all your TR's, but never really commented - but I loved this one! And it made me smile because your questions are so sweet, I remember when I had all of them! (2 year old twins ago )

What I think i'm mostly over-thinking about is the flight itself. I'm embarrassed to say, that i've always been that person rolling her eyes when a baby has a tantrum. Now i'm freaking out that i'm possibly going to be that person. And not too long ago that family had to get off the plane because their child was throwing a fit...i'm scared to fly with a baby now!

Plus, how do I 'check' a stroller or car seat? Is that considered luggage?!? Agghh i'm already freaking out!

You might be that person, but honest to God, infants are MUCH easier to travel with than toddlers. I don't know what kind of parenting style you're using, so my advice is two pronged. If you're more of an "attachment parent" you might want to consider wearing your baby in a wrap on the plane like a Moby (http://www.mobywrap.com/). It saves on buying another seat, and chances are good the baby will be easier to soothe since they're next to your skin, like they're being held.

Or if not, just make sure your baby is used to/comfortable in their car seat and really it shouldn't be a problem. Like I said, toddlerdom is MUCH more challenging lol.

As for checking - you bring your stroller/car seat to the gate, and if you're not planning on using the car seat you ask them to check it. They'll give you a tag and you'll leave the stroller/car seat at the door of the plane, the crew will put it beneath with the cargo, and you'll get it when you get off the plane when you land. It's super easy!

 

[Leshaface]

I've never done a TR, it seems like it would be tough, is it?!?!?! How do you get all your photos uploaded?

I really love doing TR's because i'm able to relive my trip and hopefully help others plan their upcoming trip.

I use photobucket for my pictures. It's really very simple, promise:

1) Make an account through Photobucket
2) Selet the 'Upload' button and choose the pictures you wish to upload to your photobucket account
3) After your pictures have successfully uploaded, save and continue
4) Hover your mouse over the photo you want to post on the DIS (or click on the photo to bring all the different links or codes of that photo up - I prefer hovering, it's way faster)
5) You'll see four links (codes) for that photo: email, direct link, HTML, or IMG. On the DIS, we use the IMG code.
6) Copy the IMG code and paste the code into a new post or reply.

Once you do it a few times, it's the easiest thing in the world. If you need any additional help or have questions, please feel free to ask!

You aren't even at 7 months yet! You couldn't book BLT if you wanted for either trip, but don't say never! I got a room at BLT three months out and for my upcoming trip I got a MK view at 7 months. The hardest to get are Standard and MK views. Most of the rooms are classified as Lake view. If you get a room on the outside of the 'C', many of those have partial MK view.

I can't help you with the screaming kid issues!

That's right, only 3 months out for you when you got BLT. I think you lucked out though. I'm seriously not going to get my hopes up on getting BLT because once it's in my mind and I find out I can't get it, i'll be sad and jealous.

Don't freak out! It's so much easier than it seems. I have traveled so many times with young children now and being from WA state, almost EVERYWHERE is a loooooooonnnnggg flight.

My biggest tips are

1. Stroller - bring your regular stroller and gate check it. This means that you bring it right up to the plane, fold it up right before you board, then it's waiting for you when you get off. Easy easy easy!

2. Car seat - don't bring one. If you rent a car, usually the rental company will have car seats for you to use. If you use Disney transportation, you won't need a car seat at all. If you do bring one for some reason, the airline has to check it for free, but I'd get a bag for it.

3. Do's: bring a baby carrier (my favorite is the moby), feed or nurse on take off & landing.

4. Don't: worry! or let people bother you. Most people have been in your boat

Honestly, my kids just fell asleep at that age. You'll do fine!

Thank you very much for these tips! When you say, bag for the car seat, do you mean like a cover-up bag for the car seat itself?

I've read all your TR's, but never really commented - but I loved this one! And it made me smile because your questions are so sweet, I remember when I had all of them! (2 year old twins ago )

What I think i'm mostly over-thinking about is the flight itself. I'm embarrassed to say, that i've always been that person rolling her eyes when a baby has a tantrum. Now i'm freaking out that i'm possibly going to be that person. And not too long ago that family had to get off the plane because their child was throwing a fit...i'm scared to fly with a baby now!

Plus, how do I 'check' a stroller or car seat? Is that considered luggage?!? Agghh i'm already freaking out!

You might be that person, but honest to God, infants are MUCH easier to travel with than toddlers. I don't know what kind of parenting style you're using, so my advice is two pronged. If you're more of an "attachment parent" you might want to consider wearing your baby in a wrap on the plane like a Moby (http://www.mobywrap.com/). It saves on buying another seat, and chances are good the baby will be easier to soothe since they're next to your skin, like they're being held.

Or if not, just make sure your baby is used to/comfortable in their car seat and really it shouldn't be a problem. Like I said, toddlerdom is MUCH more challenging lol.

As for checking - you bring your stroller/car seat to the gate, and if you're not planning on using the car seat you ask them to check it. They'll give you a tag and you'll leave the stroller/car seat at the door of the plane, the crew will put it beneath with the cargo, and you'll get it when you get off the plane when you land. It's super easy!

Hello there and thanks for commenting!

I'm kind of 'hoping' to be an attachment type parent (only so I can have my hands free to multitask) so I hope this will be the case, and I can use a wrap of some sort. Everyone recommends the moby wrap so i've bookmarked it under 'baby gear' as a must get item.

I've been hearing a lot of things about infants being way easier than toddlers also! Now i'm scared for my infant to become a toddler for trips like these I'm sure i'll figure it out eventually, I just like advanced planning, and apparently, planning is not a word when someone has an infant or toddler

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

Thank you very much for these tips! When you say, bag for the car seat, do you mean like a cover-up bag for the car seat itself?
:

If you go to Babies R Us or a similar store, you can find a fabric bag that zips around the car seat in with the other stroller/car seat accessories. Like this one:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3091046

Some airlines will give you a heavy duty plastic bag when you check your car seat but they don't always have them... and one time I saw someone's car seat come out with a giant gash in the fabric and they make you sign a waiver so they aren't liable... Anyway, I thought the $20 was worth the piece of mind. We've taken our car seat with us on about 6 plane trips so I figure that's less than $4 a trip.

 

[sica1799]

HI!! Its been a while, but I just caught up!

I thought the SAME thing! Honestly, once we do it, i'm pretty sure i'm going to regret not doing it sooner. Especially if you're able to afford it, why the heck not?! We thought it was going to be like $650-$750 a month at first, which is why we never were interested in signing right away. Then when I realized our payment was going to be under $300 a month, I was like . We could have done this a while ago. That's including the maintenance fees, so after the 10 years are up, we'll only have to be paying like $75 a month, which is fantastic! I'm really excited to get this going. And hey! If you do decide to sign put me as a referral!

We took a random trip that had a timeshare presentation and OMG they are borderline evil. We knew we would not buy, but wanted to cash in on a discounted trip and incentive (this was our first time trying this) and they tried to ridicule us! She was 5 minutes away from getting an earful! Anyhow we knew if we are ever buying, it would be DVC and now from what you are saying, oh we are sooo doing this! The costs are reasonable!

Don't freak out! It's so much easier than it seems. I have traveled so many times with young children now and being from WA state, almost EVERYWHERE is a loooooooonnnnggg flight.

My biggest tips are

1. Stroller - bring your regular stroller and gate check it. This means that you bring it right up to the plane, fold it up right before you board, then it's waiting for you when you get off. Easy easy easy!

2. Car seat - don't bring one. If you rent a car, usually the rental company will have car seats for you to use. If you use Disney transportation, you won't need a car seat at all. If you do bring one for some reason, the airline has to check it for free, but I'd get a bag for it.

3. Do's: bring a baby carrier (my favorite is the moby), feed or nurse on take off & landing.

4. Don't: worry! or let people bother you. Most people have been in your boat

Honestly, my kids just fell asleep at that age. You'll do fine!

^^Shes got it all down! My only additional tidbit of info is during takeoff and landing nurse your baby (if you are breastfeeding) or give the baby the pacifier or the bottle. The sucking helps with their ears adjusting to the pressure.

Like the other poster said, infants are a breeze, toddlers....

We are flying in October to our MR cruise...needless to say, I am TERRIFIED.

 

[Leshaface]

If you go to Babies R Us or a similar store, you can find a fabric bag that zips around the car seat in with the other stroller/car seat accessories. Like this one:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3091046

Some airlines will give you a heavy duty plastic bag when you check your car seat but they don't always have them... and one time I saw someone's car seat come out with a giant gash in the fabric and they make you sign a waiver so they aren't liable... Anyway, I thought the $20 was worth the piece of mind. We've taken our car seat with us on about 6 plane trips so I figure that's less than $4 a trip.

What a great idea. Not just for travel too, but for storage after we're done using it. Thanks for that! My goodness 6 plane trips with your car seat? This gives me hope that i'll be able to travel that much with a little one in tow.

HI!! Its been a while, but I just caught up!


We took a random trip that had a timeshare presentation and OMG they are borderline evil. We knew we would not buy, but wanted to cash in on a discounted trip and incentive (this was our first time trying this) and they tried to ridicule us! She was 5 minutes away from getting an earful! Anyhow we knew if we are ever buying, it would be DVC and now from what you are saying, oh we are sooo doing this! The costs are reasonable!


^^Shes got it all down! My only additional tidbit of info is during takeoff and landing nurse your baby (if you are breastfeeding) or give the baby the pacifier or the bottle. The sucking helps with their ears adjusting to the pressure.

Like the other poster said, infants are a breeze, toddlers....

We are flying in October to our MR cruise...needless to say, I am TERRIFIED.

From your experience, that's why i'll NEVER do a Timeshare Presentation. I don't think i'd be able to control my temper with someone ridiculing me and bating me. Well whenever you do the DVC tour, you're going to wish every timeshare presentation was like this.

Great idea on the nursing! I forgot about the ear popping thing. My ears don't generally pop (only in cars when the windows suddenly go up strange I know). I'll definitely be breastfeeding (or at least trying - have heard of women that try to breastfeed and have failed).

Are you flying out of SF for your trip down? It's only a 1 1/2 hour plane ride down right?

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

I really love doing TR's because i'm able to relive my trip and hopefully help others plan their upcoming trip.

I use photobucket for my pictures. It's really very simple, promise:

1) Make an account through Photobucket
2) Selet the 'Upload' button and choose the pictures you wish to upload to your photobucket account
3) After your pictures have successfully uploaded, save and continue
4) Hover your mouse over the photo you want to post on the DIS (or click on the photo to bring all the different links or codes of that photo up - I prefer hovering, it's way faster)
5) You'll see four links (codes) for that photo: email, direct link, HTML, or IMG. On the DIS, we use the IMG code.
6) Copy the IMG code and paste the code into a new post or reply.

Once you do it a few times, it's the easiest thing in the world. If you need any additional help or have questions, please feel free to ask!

Thank you for the lesson. I might have to give a whirl.....might, no promises, it seems very daunting!