Thinking About Taking a 7 Month Old To WDW, Am I Crazy?

[Disneylvr]

This is my first post on the Disney For Families board as the proud new mom of Madelyn Grace born on March 19th.

My DH and I assume our next WDW trip would wait until Madelyn was 2 years old so but then these fantastic deals for rooms/packages started appearing online, in newspapers and on TV. We would like to take advantage of the 7 nights for the price of 4 package in October. We are first time parents and Madelyn will be 7 months old in October. Experienced parents please tell me the pros and cons of taking an infant to WDW and any useful advice. We are thinking of staying at All Star Music if we go. Thanks!

 

[ahutton]

I don't think it is crazy at all. There is so much she'll love to see and do, it will be wonderful!

 

[rlduvall]

Me personally, I could never do it. I am a type A personality with a very selfish side to me when it comes to vacations. Vacations are for spoiling yourself because you work hard all the time. I talk fast, move fast and live fast, lol. I have always said a baby would be too much work at a theme park. That being said, some people love it and would never consider not taking their little baby. Honestly, my husband and I went by ourselves to WDW when our little one was only two and we never regretted not taking him after seeing multiple family meltdowns with little ones. Okay, maybe a little regret when a ride or moment would have been perfect for him, I'm not stone, you know, lol. But, think of the stress to get there, i.e. plane ride, stroller, diapers, etc. Aren't I a horrible mother, lol. Sometimes couples should do things alone for romance. Our son will be 4 this July and we can't wait to take him to WDW. From now on he will be in all of our vacation plans and will be spoiled rotten. I hope I don't get flamed by mothers for my honesty. lol.

 

[viluvsdisney]

Hi Disneylvr - Congrats on your new arrival We just had our second baby this past January. We too are planning to go to WDW this Oct. Our little boy will be 9 months and has a big sister who will be 4.5 when we go. You wondered about taking your little girl so young - and my 2 cents is - GO!! From now on you'll always see things through your daughter's eyes and WDW is one of the greatest places to really enjoy having kids (of any age). Even though she'll be little - the excitement that you and your Husband will have over things that pertain to her are the best!! Disney will be a different place/experience every time you go from now on - because she will grow and change so much between visits. Some rides she obviously can't go on now - but how priceless is a baby's face the first time they go through Small World (and you thought you'd never really WANT to go on it as an adult...lol...) And how fun it will be to remember how small she was the first time you went! As far as having a selfish side to your visit..she's too little to demand certain rides or gifts Some tips for this trip would be to go with both a stroller (for sleeping or snacking in) and a baby carrier (for her very awake times and to have her secure with you on the rides with no height restriction). Bring lots of little snacks and sunscreen. And don't forget the camera!! Treat your selves with a nice break from the everyday and head on down to WDW!! Hope you have a great time!!

 

[susy]

When my son was born, I wanted to be the perfect mommy, always putting him first. We didn't take him anywhere (except to family's homes, the mall, church) and were always home for his naps , never had him around any loud noises, never "inconvenienced him". Well, let me tell you, I created a monster!!!! I criticized a friend who was more "carefree" with her babies (she has 8 kids). Her babies were happy anywhere, where mine was fussy, if out of his element.

Well, we took our son to WDW for the first time when he was 4. Everything went perfectly. We followed the advice on these boards, took breaks, etc., BUT .... I don't have any pictures of my "baby" with Mickey, no first haircut, no nothing! And we only live 3 hours away!!!!!

Please take your baby, take it slow, take breaks, bring a lightweight stroller, don't drag a million things around wth you and you will be fine!!!! I know babies are supposed to "love" routine, but I've seen happier "flexible" babies.

 

[disneysteve]

Our daughter's first trip to WDW was when she was 5-1/2 months old, and to top it off we drove down from New Jersey! She had a terrific time. Babies love the lights, sounds, music, people, etc. In fact, she was so overstimulated it was tough to get her to nap... which led to us exploring some out of the way spots in the parks for some quiet time. Believe it or not, every park has its little nooks and back paths that hardly anyone uses. My wife and I were already park veterans by that time and even we were surprised by some of the pretty little areas we discovered. And there is nothing better than seeing WDW through the eyes of your child.

Our daughter is now 7 and has made 9 visits to WDW. She is not at all afraid of seeing characters and I think that might be partly because she was exposed to them early and often (her 2nd visit was at one year of age).

IMPORTANT TIP: Plan your entire vacation around your infant's schedule. Try to stick as close as possible to your normal home schedule regarding feeding time, naps, bedtime, etc. It will make the trip much more pleasant for everyone. Don't be one of those parents dragging around a half-dead child at 10pm. Your baby doesn't need to see fireworks on this trip.

Have a great time,
Steve

 

[GenePA]

Yes, I think you are crazy! I would never do it because I am too selfish and I know I would not enjoy myself as I would want to. I just don't see what the child would get out of the trip either....just too young. Yes they'll get a lot of various stimulation from sights and sounds but that can be done much more cheaply and simply than taking them to WDW.

Is it a terrible idea......of course not! I'm sure you'd have a great time and would create some great memories. I just find the prospect of taking a child that young to WDW to be more a chore, than a pleasure.

We didn't take our kids until they could both get around on their own pretty well. My daughter was 5 when she first went and she was a trooper. This is just my opinion and you'll need to do what you are comfortable with....I just would not do it!

 

[JVL1018]

Go! We took our daughter at 3 months, 10 months, 13 months, 19 months, and for her 3rd birthday(along with my son-his first trip at 13 mos)
I don't understand why people think it would not be enjoyable-it's so much easier to take care of a baby when you have both parents available and relaxed 14 hours a day. It was FINE. We took our cues from the baby, slowed down, relaxed and had a fabulous time each and every trip. I wouldn't even think twice about bringing a baby.

 

[disneyfanforever]

We took my youngest DS at 7 months old, and it was the best vacation I have ever had. My oldest was 4 during the trip and he was definitely harder to manage than my baby. I don't regret taking him at 7 months at all. He has been twice more since then and he was by far nicer during that first trip. He even crawled for the first time while we were there. It was so memorable. We went during October and the weather and crowds were great. We went to the MNSSHP and had the best time. My DS was dressed as Pooh as a bumblebee and we got to get his picture taken with Pooh that night who was also dressed as a bumblebee. To look at my DS as he and Pooh looked at each other was a moment I will never forget. It was one of the best moments I have ever had at Disney. Take you baby and have a great time. There is nothing like seeing Disney through your baby's eyes.

 

[disneyfanforever]

I just realized that your little girl has the exact same birthday as my youngest DS, Brady. What a great birthday! She will be at a great age to go during October.

 

[deanna2426]

I don't think you are crazy at all!!!! Our second son was born this past January and we, too, were thinking of waiting. But, with the great rates we just can't wait (we are already suffering from withdrawl, as we haven't been there since Feb., 2002). We'll be there in October, as well!

Our first son will be four in June and this will be his forth trip. I know some people think waiting until they are older is better. But I will never forget the look on his face throughout that first trip. Each trip is special in its own way, but that first one will always be memorable for the look on his eyes when he saw Mickey Mouse for the first time. I just can't wait to experience it with our baby.

Yes, there are less expensive places to stimulate a child, but why not go to a place that you and your spouse love and introduce your baby to the magic at an early age. Just remember, your baby may not remember those times as he gets older, but you sure will!!!! And once you experience the magic it stays in your heart forever!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[BevS97]

If you want to go, then I would go. The baby will be happy whereever his mum and dad are. And if mum and dad are happy at WDW, then what more can you ask??

We will be going in December with a 4 month old. I expect my 6 year old daughter will be harder work, but I wouldn't leave her behind either!

My 5 year old has travelled all over the place, her first trip abroad was at 6 months and was our best and easiest vacation ever. She has travelled approx twice a year since then, and is completely comfortable with flying, airports, hotels, restaurants, I think that makes it much easier to go anywhere and do anything. If you child never leaves the house, then like Suzy says, when you do eventually decide it's time to do something new and different, it will be that much harder.

Have a great trip and think of me on my 10 hour flight with 6 year old and newborn!

bev

 

[dijid]

I'm going to use the copout answer of "it depends." Do you want this to be her first trip to WDW? If so, then maybe you should wait. Do you and your DH really want to go and take advantage of the deals - and it just so happens you'll have a 7mo in tow? Then, I think you should definitely go. My DH and I decided that when we had children, it wouldn't stop us from traveling. It most definitely has changed the way we travel, but we love traveling as a family. We've only ever left them alone overnight when it was for our 5th anniversary. I personally get more stressed thinking about my kids staying with someone else than I get stressed traveling with them.

As others have said, be sure to keep as close to your DD's schedule as possible. This makes a huge difference. I also think you need to go back to the room for naps. Sure, kids can sleep in a stroller or on a ride, but IMO it isn't as good quality sleep. Also remember that your DD will take her cues from you. I've "brainwashed" my kids into believing that the 15 hour drive to WDW is going to be FUN! They are actually excited about spending all that much time in the car together. (And I know based on experience that they'll be okay for the first 9, but after that, well, we'll see...)

 

[Disneylvr]

Thank you everyone for your opinions and advice! We are still undecided but mostly for money reasons. DH and I are both up for our annual reviews and raises so financially a trip to WDW will depend on the outcome.

DH and I have always taken our WDW trips at an easy going pace. We are not park commandos by any means and definately have no problem with planning our touring 100% around Madelyn's schedule and needs.

 

[tink2]

I took my DD and DS when they were 6 months old and trust me, it was much easier than when then DD was 2 1/2. The babies both loved the lights, music, rides, etc. Also, we took our own stroller and they slept when they needed to- with us continuing to walk the parks, watch the parades, etc. We had a fabulous time both trips and don't regret it a bit! The characters just loved them at the character meals we did too!
I say go and have a great time- you will have wonderful family memories!!!

 

[Trinity721]

If you really want to go and want to share the experience with your child, then please don't be discouraged by others telling you you're crazy to consider it. I don't think it's a crazy idea at all. Plenty of people on these boards have taken children who were less than a year old. I, for one, took my 9 month old daughter there just last weekend and she loved it. To DH and I it was not a hassle at all. Of course we had to do the park differently than we would if we were by ourselves, but we do not regret it at all. It was a totally new experience for us and we loved it so much. If you want to take just a "couple's" vacation to Disney then do it if you're not ready to take the baby. But my husband and I could never think of going on a vacation without her, we would worry too much even if she was with the Grandparents. Seeing her face light up when she saw all the new things, and watching her attentively listen to Miyuki make candy art for her was absolutely priceless and magical. That is a pro that totally outweighed any cons for us.

Now for some tips on taking a baby, I already posted some similar tips for another poster Tmarquez. But basically just take it slow and relax. Don't overwhelm your baby by doing the park commando. It also depends on if you're nursing or if you're doing formula. We used those ready-made cans of formula and they were very convenient, didn't worry about coolers or rotten milk. She should be eating baby food, and Gerber makes wonderful travel container baby foods. Make sure she drinks a lot of liquids, and lather her up in sun block. I see that you said you have no problem with going around Madelyn's schedule. DH and I revolved around Trinity's schedule, but it didn't bother us at all either. We still got to do a lot of things we wanted to do.

I got a great stroller tote that attaches to the handle bars of the stroller and it made everything soooo convenient. No squatting down and digging in the stroller basket for what you need. I LOVE that thing. We also took our big stroller b/c it reclined so she could sleep, and she took one or two naps a day when we were at the parks. So a reclining stroller is a must.

If you have any more questions, just ask around these boards. Feel free to PM me, I would love to be helpful.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

If it were me? I'd go.... but I'd have to have the mindset that the trip is going to have to work around the baby. When baby is tired, hungry, etc. As long as you keep that in mind and realize it will NEVER be the same as going without a baby- you'll do fine. But honestly it should be BETTER in so many other ways that you won't mind any inconveniences because of naps/etc. And with 7 days only paying for 4- you can take your time and work things around the baby's schedule. No rushing- don't even think about it. Even with our 2 yr old (and older two children) it was impossible to do the rush commando style vacation. LOL As someone else said- it might even be easier with a 7mo old than a 2yr old. That age should definitely take better to being in a stroller and/or carrier more often.
Don't forget parent swap- you guys can still ride rides that the baby is too small for if you want- you'll just have to ride alone swapping off the baby. IF you want to do that. We did but we had older children to ride with though- so we weren't alone on the rides. But I rode some by myself and went on a solo trip also- so it wouldn't bother me to ride some rides alone swapping off a baby with daddy. Nope, sure wouldn't. LOL

I think since you said you never do commando vacations anyway- you'll do just fine with your baby. congratulations on the new baby by the way!

 

[GlennandAnn]

We took our oldest DS when he was 6 months old and are planning on taking the little one next month- he'll be 7 mos. This is a great age to take them along because they are so portable! They stay happily in a stroller for the most part, there is so much for them to look at and observe. I found it was an easier trip with a 6 m/o than when we took DS at 18 mos. Your baby will enjoy the sights and sounds, and also the pool (just be careful w/sunscreen and stuff, which I know you know already). Have a great time. Look at it this way, it's never too early to make your child into a Disney Nut!

Ann

 

[Bozza]

Bit of a lurker - but have to join in on this one...

I don't think I'm quite a WDW addict as some on this board. That said - I have visited Florida and the World on 5 occasions from UK. On each occasion I have stayed off-site.

I have a 7 month old and am considering a visit in September/October - when my daughter will be 11 months or so. This time, I want to 'do it properly' - stay on-site, dine on-site - basically get fully into the whole experience in a way I haven't before. This thread has been very encouraging - thanks to everyone who has posted.

The only problem now is...how do I deal with my daughter's Aunt who wants to visit WDW desperately, can't afford to this year, and wants her first WDW experience to happen at the same time as my daughters ?!?

 

[Trinity721]

Bozza, how do you feel about your DD's aunt going with you? How is your relationship with her? And could you financially bear to bring her with you on your next trip? If you can't afford it, I wouldn't feel too obligated to bring her with you. I bet airfare alone from the UK is going to cost a pretty penny. IMHO, I would tell you that you don't have to take the aunt with you to WDW though obviously it would be very generous of you if you were able to pay for her trip.

If it were me and this were my mother-in-law, I wouldn't do it. Just because it's my MIL. I think I would go seriously insane if she went with us on a trip to WDW!