Taking a 9 month old to WDW

[Jenn Lynn]

DH and I are expecting our first child in August. I am going into major Disney withdrawl not being able to go this year .

I was thinking about booking a trip for next May during the International Flower and Garden Festival and would probably stay at an Epcot Resort (hopefully the Yacht Club.)

DH and I have been several times and no longer feel the need to see and do "everything." We would probably just take our time and do our "must sees" with a lot of down time at the hotel.

Has anyone done WDW with a 9 month old? What were your experiences? Would it be better to wait until the baby is at least 1? The Holiday season would also be an option for next year, as I love this time of year, but it just seems so far away!

Thank you!
Jenn Lynn

 

[Desnik]

I have never been to WDW in May, but my parents and sister have and they say it's a great time to go, short lines and nice weather, both went in the beginning of the month. Dh and I took our DD for her 1st trip when she was 9 months old. We stayed for 2 weeks and went to all 4 parks. We took our time and went according to her schedual, this was in Oct. The crowds were low and the weather was great. She enjoyed so much, I will never regret taking her at that age, and she has been 2 more times since and will be going for her 4th time this Sept. A 9 month old can go on so many attractions! Don't let anyone tell you your child is too young and there's nothing for them, there's so much stuff to see. Our DD loved the characters, the parades, and shows like It's a small world, Lion King Show and rides like Dumbo and Cindy's carousel. If you have any specific questions, just ask I would love to help. To answer your question about waiting till the baby is 1yo, well my opinion would be to go when the baby is 9 months instead, I think it is easier. A 1yo will most likely be starting to walk and might be very fussy in a stroller. Our DD at 9 months old, would sleep anywhere in her stroller or in one of those infant carriers. Let me know if I can help more!!

 

[Jenn]

My daughter was born in August of 1997 and made her first Disney trip in May of 1998 at 9 months old - so I can relate exactly to what you are planning.

First of all - she was great at 9 months old. A bubbly, giggling, smiling baby. She LOVED the characters and we got tons of great pictures of characters giving her kisses and hugs. She wasn't afraid of anything (dark, loud noises, none of that bothered her) so she rode practically everything without a height restriction and saw every show there was to see. We baby swapped to do the thrill rides which is easy and works great.

Bring your own (or buy at the grocery store before hitting WDW) formula, diapers, baby food, etc. because they are pricey at WDW. Bring your own comfortable stroller that reclines and has a sun shade. Our daughter napped easily in hers and we could keep going and hit some of our favorites while she was zonked out. If you are flying, buy the baby a seat and use their car seat. Everyone will be much more comfortable.

May can be hot - we just got back Friday and had low 90's all week and during that 1998 trip it was high 90's to low 100's. I dressed her simply in one piece jumper style outfits - bought a slew of them in different colors/patterns. It was easy and quick. I also kept socks on her simply to avoid getting too much sun on her feet but I usually didn't bother with shoes because she wasn't walking yet anyway.

The baby centers are great if you run out of something and need to purchase (baby food, etc.) or just to cool off and feed the baby. I found the slow, dark rides/shows great for that though and didn't use the baby centers too much. Hall of Presidents, Spaceship Earth, etc. are great. Just enough time for baby to eat and fall asleep.

Disney is addictive and my now almost 4 year old (man did that time fly) has been 7 times. I am pregnant with my second now and plan to keep on going back as much as we can. My daughter lives and breathes Disney - loves everything about it and can't wait to go back.

 

[beaker]

my family went last april. ds was 6 month he had a great time with the characters kept grabbing their noses. we got some great pictures. my mil thought he was to young but now that she has seen the pictures she wants copies of them all!! and says she was wrong he wasn't to young. go enjoy take your time. if you have any question just ask

 

[BrerMom]

DS went with our family when he was 8 months and again at 1 year and 8 months. He had a great time both times, but he was MUCH easier the first time. He slept in his stroller, he nursed and ate baby food, he loved everything. The second trip, we had to take trips back to the room for naps, he was fussy about trying new foods, he was apprehensive of the characters. We still had a great time the second time and have the pictures to prove it. I'm glad we took him, but it was much more work.

 

[Gagebre]

We just returned from our trip on the 30th. I have a 7 month old and she was no problem at all. She enjoyed all the rides and nothing scared her at all. The only problem was the heat!! I also have a 16 year old who started feeling really bad at AK because of it. I live in Florida, but it was so hot in the parks that it was almost unbearable. The late evenings were the best time to be in the parks, but that doesn't give you much time. I would suggest going in one of the cooler months for your baby and yourself!! I know I won't return in May again.

 

[BrerMom]

Jenn Lynn,

Gagebre had a good point. We went in January. The crowds were very low and we didn't have to worry about heat. I also was prepared to use sunscreen, but we didn't need it (and didn't tan, either).

 

[Dr. Happy]

We went when my youngest daughter was 9 months and had no problems at all!

My wife was breast feeding at the time, so the most challenging part was finding a quiet place to feed our daughter without distractions, and do so comfortably.

The Baby Centers at each park were absolutely invaluable for this. Quiet, air conditioned (of course), well stocked with oodles of freebies, comfortable, and private, it made travellling with the youngin' much easier than you would think. These facilities are such a pleasure to use!! When my wife would breastfeed, I would take our older daughter on other rides or get a snack to eat and it worked very well for us.

Also, you'll need to pack the essentials for long days at the park, including a nice reclining stroller with a full sun canopy. Don't forget that your bambino will need to be supplemented with additional fluids to stay safely hydrated.

Of course, being first time parents, you'll have to overcome some of the obsessive/compulsive tendencies new parents create for themselves. Having more than one child will cause you to become more relaxed. But you can achieve this with your first simply by approaching the situation in a relaxed manner...

I can tell you from experience, travelling with a 9 month old is a heck of alot easier than travelling with an 18 month old. So I say go for it!!