Thoughts on Taking 18 Month Old to DW?

[HLAuburn]

We are planning my 's 1st trip to Disney early next year - she'll be 18 months old. A few people we have mentioned the trip to think we're crazy, that she "won't appreciate it at that age", and that they would "never take a kid still in diapers" etc etc. (Keep in mind, neither of these people have been with a baby that age, so it's not like they speak from experience).

The way I see it is that:
1) Mommy and Daddy want to go!
2) Even if she doesn't remember the trip, she'll be old enough to enjoy many of the things there.
3) It's not like it's a once in a lifetime trip...we plan on going back a lot!
4) Her grandparents plan on joining us for a few days on the trip (i.e. built-in babysitters)

So any words of encouragment? Are we crazy to take an 18 month old?

Thanks

 

[msmayor]

We were fortunate to be able to 'tag along' on my hubby's business trip years ago when our DD was 3.5 yrs and DS was 10 months old. We had a BLAST!

Just as you do with anything else, realize that your 18-month old will wield a lot of 'control' as to how your days go. Does she sleep well in a stroller? If so, be sure and bring one that reclines so she can be comfy and shaded.

Bring her favorite finger snacks and simple foods; try and keep her eating schedule as close to normal as possible. Kids who are kept on their 'schedule' as close as possible are less apt to get very cranky.

Stay away from any ride that might be scary to her, utilizing 'baby swap' if you and your hubby really want to ride. Again...keeping her happy and content longer means you get to enjoy the parks longer.

Plan for downtime. Give her a chance to just run in the grass, swim in the pool, play at a playground. She may get tired and enjoy just being pushed around in the stroller, allowing you to enjoy the more adult sights at Epcot or MGM.

Beware of character interaction; some of them are so large compared to what they see on videos, and can be very intimidating. My son, at 10 months, was terrified of every single character except Pooh.

I personally wouldn't hesitate to bring an 18 month old. There's no admission fees, and food is cheap. Go...have a good time!

 

[vic32]

My DD was 15 months for her first trip, people said the same thing. She had an absolute blast. We took naps when needed, it is up your childs temperment! I say go for it, and she may not remember it but you will.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Absolutely go!! My DD4 has been 3 times and, by far, the most "magical" was the first time at age 13 mos. The next two times she had developed some fears (loud sounds, large characters, etc.). We had a blast with her. Pack well for the day with extra clothes, snacks, etc., and you'll all do fine. I'm with you - going isn't about remembering the trip, it is about experiencing the trip. Have a fabulous time!!

 

[llij]

My sister came with us on a trip in 2003 when her son was 18 months old. He loved every minute of it especially the characters. In 2004, we went with a group of friends and one of them had an 18 month old. Her 18 mo did great on the trip and ended up being one of the easiest kids in the bunch!

I think it all depends on the temperament of your child if you think they would do well or not. I say, go and enjoy!!

 

[Thediskids]

We have been taking our kids at least once a year, past 2 years twice. My daughter was 8 months old and son 3 1/2 for their first trip, (They are now 6 and 3). We were there when she was 18 months old and she had no trouble, she just took it all in, and would sleep when she needed to. Now she is tougher because she wants to do what she wants to do!!!!

We always get from non disney lovers that we are crazy to keep going back and they think the kids don't appreciate all Disney has to offer. But that is it Disney has so much to offer and when the parents treat it as a fun place and don;t get all stressed out then the kids can enjoy it all! Just go at a slow pace and don't expect to take it all in at once, enjoy it and have fun!

I wish we had taken my son when he was 18 months before the 2nd one was born.

 

[kelmac284]

I agree with everyone. I think it all depends on the actual child and what you plan on doing.

We live in Northern CA and took my daughter to disneyland for the first time when she was 10 months. I have an older stepdaughter who was 9 at the time so if we waited for the little ones to be old enough my sd would be in college LOL.

We basically did the trips for her but took the little ones in tow and now my girls are 4 and 5,have been MANY times and LOVE it.

At 10 months Katy loved looking at everything and we took my mom so hubby, sd and myself went on some things while mom stayed with the baby and we did baby swap. I was also 8 weeks pg so mom was able to go on things that I couldn't so it worked out. Katy did great and I don't remember having ANY problems.

The next time we went was to DW when Katy was 2 1/2 and Shelby had just turned one a few weeks earlier. I agree about the stroller part. The hotels were far enough that we didn't want to leave the parks. It also was shortened hours so if we had long days we might have stopped for a nap break but with the short days the kids just slept in the stroller.

Katy absolutely LOVED it and Shelby enjoyed pretty much everything. Her only problem was the characters but Katy at 2 1/2 LOVED them. So with your daughter you will know by how she reacts. Don't try to force it if she is scared. There is plenty of time later for that.

Surprisingly there is a LOT of stuff they can go on but you have to determine if your daughter can handle it. We took the girls on everything they could ride on. Pirates, peter pan etc. The only things they DIDN'T go on was stuff they were too small for. My girls had no problem with the dark or what have you. Some kids will though so again you will have to play that by ear.

EVEN if she is scared of everything though there is still SO much to see and enjoy I don't think you will have a problem.

Just go into it expecting to not be able to do a whole lot and then you won't be dissapointed. Then if she IS amenable it is a bonus. And definitely use babyswap. It is awesome!!

Have fun!

 

[riggins]

Just wanted to throw in another note of reassurance. We took my oldest at 9 months, 16 months, 28 months, 32 months, and twice when she was 3. My youngest made trips at 6 months, 14 months, and 19 months. They are now 2 and 4 and we've got 2 more trips planned before the end of the year. I always get people who can't believe that I'd take kids who are so young.
But we've thoroughly enjoyed all of our trips. We've taken them a lot of other places in addition to WDW, but we have the most fun on our Disney trips. So, don't worry about what other people say. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

Our DD went first when she was 3 months old and has been every three to six months after that for a total of ten times! She will be 3 in thirteen days!

She still talks about the trip we took when she was 20 months old! She loves to look at all our trip pictures and video! She knows her princesses and songs by heart! Mommy and Daddy are so proud!

We can't think of a better place to go for our vacations, but I'm sure someday she will want to go other places, but until then it's WDW for us!

Enjoy the free babysitting, but more than that enjoy your DD and her first trip to WDW!

Just remember to take things that make her happy and comfortable and all will be well!

 

[nono]

We are planning my 's 1st trip to Disney early next year - she'll be 18 months old. A few people we have mentioned the trip to think we're crazy, that she "won't appreciate it at that age", and that they would "never take a kid still in diapers" etc etc.

I don't get the comment about diapers. It seems to me that the potty training period is the killer time to try to have a trip...

I posted a thread on the families board the other day called "Proof a Little One Remembers" or something to that effect...some nice stories there.

 

[andromedaslove]

Just to give you an idea about how much a child that age can enjoy WDW just take a look at this picture. Granted he may not REALLY remember the trip, but the pictures we got and the look on his face is enough for us to make it more than worth it.

Dana

 

[luv2nascar]

I was torn about taking dd we put it off until she was turning 2. Come on we waited way too long. Our first trip was in 2000. We just went in June 2005 and she turned 2 the day we left to come home. It was a magical trip. She is a great kid which helps. She loved every character and every ride. She was such a trooper. I can't believe I worried how thetrip would turn out. DH, myself, and dd 10 had a blast. We are planning on returning next June. I am bursting at the seams waiting till then. Yeah she might not remember it but we have 500+ digital photos and souviners to help her remember.

I am so glad we didn't wait any longer. She was at the perfect age. She was amazed by it all. She still talks about it everyday. How she met Big Cindy and ate soup and pretzel bread (Biergarten).

 

[java]

Well we just got back with our 4 children- the 2 youngest are 2 and 4 months! My first child went on his first trip at 18 months and I cherish those pictures. He may not remember it but boy did he have a blast there and I sure remember it!!!

 

[Leighannapb]

My son is four and has been sixteen times, the first time he was three months old. Go! Have a great time.

 

[Missus Toad]

Our 15 month old loved it-- so much to see and do! Just slow your pace, follow her lead and forget going commando and you'll all have a fantastic time!

 

[madge]

We are planning my 's 1st trip to Disney early next year - she'll be 18 months old. A few people we have mentioned the trip to think we're crazy, that she "won't appreciate it at that age", and that they would "never take a kid still in diapers" etc etc. (Keep in mind, neither of these people have been with a baby that age, so it's not like they speak from experience).

The way I see it is that:
1) Mommy and Daddy want to go!
2) Even if she doesn't remember the trip, she'll be old enough to enjoy many of the things there.
3) It's not like it's a once in a lifetime trip...we plan on going back a lot!
4) Her grandparents plan on joining us for a few days on the trip (i.e. built-in babysitters)

So any words of encouragment? Are we crazy to take an 18 month old?

Thanks

have fun and takes lots of pictures!

 

[lindsey]

My DS was 18 months on his first trip. We had a wonderful time. Some of my favorite pics are him sitting in stroller waiting for night parade and eating cheetos, he and I riding the carossel (sp?), waving to the characters. We have returned 10 times with him and each trip was special and different. I think he's a little disappointed he's not going in December with us, but he's starting college in August and I need this trip!!! I agree it will be easier in diapers than finding a bathroom during those pottie training days.

 

[southjerseymom]

Another - "Go For It" DD was 5mo 1st trip.. back again at 23 month.. then back again at 2.5 years! Each trip was memorable! We found with our kids (DS now 4.5 and DD 2.5) that we really only did about 4-6 rides a day. Each park was more of a 1/2 day trip. We just relaxed and let the kids show us how much they could do. Going back in Feb 2006 for 3 days in WDW and a 4 day Wonder. Apparently, I have crossed over to a Disney "fanatic" in training. You will love Disney with a little one!! Have a great trip.

May 2003 WL
November 2004 Poly
May 2005 BC
February 2006 FW cabins and Wonder

 

[JABEAR]

We just got back from 10 day vacation with our 18 month old son. We made sure to show him plenty of Disney movies and our old Disney vacation pictures and kind of get him familar with the characters. His favorite was Donald before the trip, we tough him to "quack" when we asked what does Donald say. By the end of our vacation he was "in love" with Minnie. Seriously, he would cry when she left at our Chef Mickey's breakfast.

At first he was timid around the characters but by the end of our trip he was an old pro.

He really loved the rides in Fantasyland especially Small World. He was awestruck the first time through and from then on he did his "Small World Dance". It was a simple bobbing of extended arms along with slight bouncing with some body twists thrown in for good measure. Adorable. Even when we would walk past the ride he would point and make sure to let us know he knew where he was.

We also stayed at Pop Century and he loved the Pop Jets area in the 70's section. If you can find anything like this anywhere else in the parks make sure to plan on doing it and bring the camera. There is also a play area in Animal Kingdom in the Dinosaur area. I think it is called the Boneyard. There is a small waterfall with some tunnels that kids enjoy immensely.

However, on more than a few occasions some people made sure to comment in passing or even come out and tell us directly that it was too bad that he wouldn't remember any of this.

One person in particular walked past in his sleeveless confederate flag t-shirt and said, "That is the perfect age to bring kids, too bad he won't remember any of this."


You will more than likely get these same comments. I say tell them this:

1. We paid nothing for his airplane ticket.
2. We paid nothing for his hotel stay.
3. We paid nothing for his Park admission.
4. We paid next to nothing for his meals. (We had Disney dining)


All of this and even though our child may not remember any of it, he had a great time and all of the pictures, video and memories that his dad, mom and older brother got from him being there are nothing short of priceless!!!!!!!

We have been back for about a month now and when his older brother (6) sings Small World, he still to this day breaks into his "Small World Dance".


Don't even think twice about taking a toddler. Just know that you will be going at their pace and make sure to familiarize yourself with the Baby Stations in each of the parks. The best place to change a diaper or calm a cranky youngster.

Take advantage of their naptime and plan either going back to the hotel in the afternoon or doing some much needed shopping. Shopping is much easier to do when the little ones are asleep plus the A/C is nice.

 

[4disneyfans]

We took our daughter when she was about 14 months old and she had a great time. The look on her face..so many times...is a special memory that my DH and I will always have!! That was worth it alone! So, no she won't likely remember that specific trip but you will have the most wonderful memories and pictures to treasure for the rest of your life. My little piece of advice is to take your time and enjoy.