Tips for Disney with a 1 year old--no wet blankets please!

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I would not go on vacation without my child. Just that going to WDW in August was not the best place to go. You can go to a number of different places on a vacation with a young child,its just that Disney would not be my first choice.

but I just have to ask, so JPN4265 where would you find it acceptable to take a baby on vacation? Just curious.

Based on various advice threads on the Dis: its cruel to take babies anywhere in the heat (so anyone living in the south, children are not allowed outdoors at all I guess), no children under the age of 6 are worth taking to Disney b/c they wont' remember, yet you can't take any children out of school but must avoid the heat, you can't dare go to WDW without your children, you can't fly there for illness reasons and if you are more than a few hours away its mean to keep your kids in the car for that long.

So if I have this right and you live within 6 hours or so driving distance that leaves Fall, Christmas, and Spring break (maybe presidents week) to bring your children only above the age of 6 to Disney. Boy I bet Disney is glad that no one takes any of the "advice" here on the Dis, they would be broke.


Sorry OP I apologize but i just had to ask and take the baby you will have a great trip we took our neice this year 3 weeks before her 1st bday and she had a blast. The pictures of her w/ charecters alone were worth the price of admisssion for the week. My tip for you would be to get the photopass CD, they caught a ton of magical moments non posed that we missed b/c we were either posing with her or trying to get her to look at the camera and didn't have ours out and ready.

 

[domesticking]

Based on various advice threads on the Dis: its cruel to take babies anywhere in the heat (so anyone living in the south, children are not allowed outdoors at all I guess), no children under the age of 6 are worth taking to Disney b/c they wont' remember, yet you can't take any children out of school but must avoid the heat, you can't dare go to WDW without your children, you can't fly there for illness reasons and if you are more than a few hours away its mean to keep your kids in the car for that long.

So if I have this right and you live within 6 hours or so driving distance that leaves Fall, Christmas, and Spring break (maybe presidents week) to bring your children only above the age of 6 to Disney.

But you forgot that it would be stupid to go to Disney at such busy times.

I actually fall into the "don't take a baby to disney" camp, but you made a really good point above. No matter what you do, someone is going to have a problem with it.

Having raised a kid, I would not take them until they're older BUT it's your call as long as you're not putting platform shoes on the baby to try to get him or her on Soarin'!

 

[harleyquinn]

I'd consider the option of doing more "brunch" TS places and scaling back to CS for most dinners. Late breakfast at CP around 10:30 or around the end time of her typical AM nap? It might mesh better with the kiddo's natural schedule. Dinners sound like a challenge after a long day in the parks, unless you schedule it right after nap time and eat on the early side.

And you can always switch out ADRs once you're down there. Program Disney Dining into your phone and if, after day 1, it becomes clear that dinners aren't an option, make some other plans based on what's available and cancel your previous plans. (Or (she writes while putting on her flame proof suit) you could over book and schedule both brunch and dinner and cancel on the fly while down there. Not recommending, just pointing out the option. ))

Well we plan on taking a nice long break every afternoon. So she should be rested and cooled off for the dinners. We made the mistake of being out in the afternoon at EP during our last trip--that won't happen again.

I was thinking of early dinners.

So based on her current schedule (HA!) and what I've learned about my own tolerence of the heat/crowds in August, we'll get to the parks at opening and go until about noon or 1, then head back to the resort. We probably won't go back out until 5ish for dinner and then play the evening by ear. I'm figuring we'll end up skipping a lot of the fireworks and such, but we'll see.

I'm definitely going to book CP for 8am before the park opens. I'm hoping to get her first haircut at MK and if the timing works out, we could be ready for the barbershop to open...or not...I AM flexible! lol

 

[ShannonMB]

I think babies are wonderful travel companions! As long as they have everything they need, they are much easier to navigate around with than toddlers are, and much less opinionated!

My only thought is, and please don't take this as wet-blankety, is there any way you could move your trip back a couple months and say, go in November? It is just SO hot in the summer, so, so uncomfortably hot! One of our previous trips was at the beginning of October, and even then it was so hot! I saw babies just sweaty and beet red, really looking kinda miserable. I used to live in Florida, and while I remember how hot it was in the summer, I know I don't even truly remember how HOT it actually can be, especially touring a blacktop covered park. Even in the morning and evening, and even with a sun shade and mister fan.

It sounds like you already have your trip planned, and I'm sure you'll have a good time. I just know that we had a much better time with temps in the mid-80s and low humidity in November than we could ever have in the heat of summer. Why not take the chance to go during lower crowds and temps while she's little, before she starts school? Just a suggestion.

 

[MommaMouse411]

ive answered several of these questions because I've been taking my son since he was in my belly..but then again when he was 8months...(I am currently pregnant and still have taken him)...is it tough? yes! but here's what I did...and I did this alone (except for the last two trips I had babydaddy help me)

ok so during the summer we were at disney for 4 days (he was a little over 1years old)...and we stayed off site...so I packed cooler with snacks, water, milk, food to eat. I also packed a bag with diapers, wipes, butt cream, extra clothing for him and myself. I brought a beach towel. I brought my big ole travel stroller...

now the hardest part was gettingo n the tram..but you will have help...once you are in the theme park...

find the baby centers!!!!
MK babycenter is by the Crystal Palace Restaurant...its at the end of main street and right before the Hub area, make a left...its a great place for all to cool off..if you are nursing they have private rooms so you can relax..there's changing tables, hi chairs, microwaves, water cooler. and they also sell items tha you might have forgotten formula, babyfood, wipes, diapers..etc.

AK babycenter is closer to Africa...passed the Pizzafari...that one is pretty big too.same things as MK.

Epcot babycenter is in the Odyssey center? I thnk I hope I'm not making that name up..but its closer to MEXICO...lol...


DHS babycenter is what is is..its very small but there's a microwave, couple changing tables, a toddler bathroom, and private nursing rooms. if you need to buy anything I believe you have to ask guest services.


My son and I got on all the rides/attractions except of coufrse rollercoasters and height requirement rides..but we fast passed all the rides! Dumbo we never got on because I was not going to wait 30minutes or more for a ride...

I learned my lesson trying to stand in line for more than that!

(i know you said you;ve been to WDW without kids but not sure if you are into character pictures..my son and I had the most fun visting all the characters)

Character Pictures: I say if you go to EPCOT do the character pictures there...you can see the Fab 5 all in one building and it goes faster..but before you go find a line that is short like a Stitch line at whatever park you are at first and see if your child will not freak out!! my son loved the characters so we never had a problem...stitch & daisy are normally by the entrance of the park. short lines if you get there early. Chip and Dale are outside behing the Fab 5 character building..and I heard Marie sometimes makes an appearance. Senor Donald is in Mexico..Snow White in Germany..>Belle & Beast in France...Aladdin & Jazmine in Morocco...POOH & Friends in UK (horrible location for pictures in my opinion). Marie might be in france too. (not much rides for 1year old to do except the NEMO ride)

if you go to AK: Winne the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore are the shortest lines..if you try other places they might be too long..I think I maybe waited 10minutes everytime we've went. Rafiki, Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket are at Rafikis planet..they are rarely a long wait...before you enter the park theres some characters maybe Baloo or Bre'r bear/rabbit.

DHS: we did the UP characters but it was a long line...mistake #1...Increcibles arre very short lines...and Wizard Mickey depends...all in Animation Building..but definately do Playhouse Disney (Handy Manny, Lil Einsteins, Jojo/Goliath will be outside..short lines as well)...but the show is great for kids...Not much for a one year old to see at DHS.


Character dining!! Definately try at least one!!!! maybe do Pooh one at MK (Crystal Palace)...or Tuskar House at AK...both great breakfasts!!! its a little more expensive but its really cool...my son loves them! He actually thinks everytime we go to a restaurant is a party or some characters are coming...we even did Akershus Princess Breakfast at Ecpot...he loved it...


Its going to be hot...and at one poing I had my son in sandals and diaper...we were sweating so much...but like I said I started to bring extra clothing so I can change him (and I) mid-day...

I caked the SPF50 on him...I kept the stroller cover over his head..and if he seemed too hot we will go inside a store or make our way to baby center...

the only thing that sucked for me is everytime we were in a line for ride or character..i had to park the stroller...so I would leave the cooler in stroller and bring my bookbag and hold my son...but you will be there with hubby so you and him can exchange times holding the baby..


but its so doable..and if the baby gets cranky go to the baby center...Relax some of them having movies playing and I've seen daddy's sleeping on the floor!!! Just don't get too worried about what other people are thinking and how packed the park is and how hot it is...just enjoy it!!

and hopefully by then Donalds Boat and Ariels Grotto will have better splash pad...epcot has a nice splash pad too...I don't htink AK/DHS has one.

If you are staying at a WDW resort...the trip will be much better!!! then you can at least go back to resort mid day and really rest up...

my son loves being outsdie..but I did the same thing you are planning to do...I mean by the time he got his first shots we were OUTSIDE..at the zoo, at the aquarium or a festival...I'm a single mommy so that was just a way to get me out of the house but it really helped my son too...but I believe it got him acclimated to seeing a lot of people, being outside...etc etc...

Its so much fun when you see their eyes light up when they see Mickey or the fireworks..and they clap at things and they are so excited...ah man you'll have fun!

 

[harleyquinn]

I think babies are wonderful travel companions! As long as they have everything they need, they are much easier to navigate around with than toddlers are, and much less opinionated!

My only thought is, and please don't take this as wet-blankety, is there any way you could move your trip back a couple months and say, go in November? It is just SO hot in the summer, so, so uncomfortably hot! One of our previous trips was at the beginning of October, and even then it was so hot! I saw babies just sweaty and beet red, really looking kinda miserable. I used to live in Florida, and while I remember how hot it was in the summer, I know I don't even truly remember how HOT it actually can be, especially touring a blacktop covered park. Even in the morning and evening, and even with a sun shade and mister fan.

It sounds like you already have your trip planned, and I'm sure you'll have a good time. I just know that we had a much better time with temps in the mid-80s and low humidity in November than we could ever have in the heat of summer. Why not take the chance to go during lower crowds and temps while she's little, before she starts school? Just a suggestion.

My husband is a teacher. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go ANY other time, but we can't. I really, truely will do everything in my power to make sure my dd is not one of those little beat red babies. We have the experience of 4 August trips under our belts. I am VERY sensitive to the sun and heat, so trust me I know every cool, quiet place at WDW.

 

[harleyquinn]

Wow! Thanks MommaMouse!!

 

[Kurby]

the first time we took dd to wdw she was 7 months old. we drove, a 21 hour drive over 2 days.

well actually 3 but we planned a stop in Daytona Beach for a day otherwise it would have been 2 days.

if you are driving i strongly suggest lots of stops. we stopped about every 2 hours or so (unless dd was sleeping) for stretching and fresh air (and diaper change)

dd is a wonderful traveller and we played music and brough the treehouse shows she liked (backyardagins)

it was pretty hot so while at the park we took lots of breaks and brought a case of water to make sure dd (and us) were hydrated.


my only advice for the parks are to take it easy - enjoy but relax. no need to rush through things. having a baby makes you move much slower through the parks

have fun

 

[AMB1]

You said you usually do 2 TS meals a day. If that is what you like, I'd schedule them.

We actually found TS dining easier than CS with our DD. Grabbing something at the resort and eating in our room was fine, but dealing with the crowds at the CS locations at the park was not fun. We ended up adding extra TS meals to our schedule. With TS you can relax in the air conditioning. The baby will have a high chair. You don't have to fight the crowds to get a seat. You don't have to stand in line to get food.

While I think afternoon naps in the room are the best strategy, there was one day at HS that we didn't take a break because we were trying to catch various shows for my older daughter. We had lunch at the Sci Fi Dine-in and it was a great break for everybody -- particularly the baby! It was dark and quiet. There was a hush over the entire restaurant as people whispered and watched the movies. The baby slept in her stroller (full recline) next to our table. Everybody came out very refreshed.

 

[Mom2Elliot]

I went to WDW last August with my kids, one of whom was 15 months. We had a blast! We were there at rope drop, had our main TS meal at lunch and then went back for nap time in the afternoon. Then we played in the kid's water area and went back to the parks later in the day. We got back by his regular bedtime each night so he wasn't overly exhausted the next day. He wasn't "beet red" in the face at anytime of our trip. We did take those little spray fans and he had a blast with them. As long as you plan on a relaxing trip, you will have a lot of fun! The baby sure won't remember it, but you will remember it forever!

 

[harleyquinn]

the first time we took dd to wdw she was 7 months old. we drove, a 21 hour drive over 2 days.

well actually 3 but we planned a stop in Daytona Beach for a day otherwise it would have been 2 days.

if you are driving i strongly suggest lots of stops. we stopped about every 2 hours or so (unless dd was sleeping) for stretching and fresh air (and diaper change)

dd is a wonderful traveller and we played music and brough the treehouse shows she liked (backyardagins)

it was pretty hot so while at the park we took lots of breaks and brought a case of water to make sure dd (and us) were hydrated.


my only advice for the parks are to take it easy - enjoy but relax. no need to rush through things. having a baby makes you move much slower through the parks

have fun

Thank you for the driving tips!! Someone (they posted earlier in this thread--the link's in their signature)has a thread on the transportation board for stops along I-95 that will come in handy.

You said you usually do 2 TS meals a day. If that is what you like, I'd schedule them.

We actually found TS dining easier than CS with our DD. Grabbing something at the resort and eating in our room was fine, but dealing with the crowds at the CS locations at the park was not fun. We ended up adding extra TS meals to our schedule. With TS you can relax in the air conditioning. The baby will have a high chair. You don't have to fight the crowds to get a seat. You don't have to stand in line to get food.

While I think afternoon naps in the room are the best strategy, there was one day at HS that we didn't take a break because we were trying to catch various shows for my older daughter. We had lunch at the Sci Fi Dine-in and it was a great break for everybody -- particularly the baby! It was dark and quiet. There was a hush over the entire restaurant as people whispered and watched the movies. The baby slept in her stroller (full recline) next to our table. Everybody came out very refreshed.

Did I say 2? I must be confusing myself!! We'll only do one TS. And Sci fi is a great place for lunch!! It is definitely one of the quietest Disney restaurants! Thanks!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I think I'll reserve a bunch of various times and see what works best for her. I wouldn't do that normally, but I know how impossible it is to get in without an ADR. Even when we were there when free dining was not available to the general public, people were turned away so many times for places I would never think would be a problem.

Seriously? are you trying to get this thread closed. You are giong to reserve mulitple ADR's to fit your infants schedule (during possibly free dining time). I'm sorry but now you are kinda asking for it on that one. Good Luck

 

[harleyquinn]

Seriously? are you trying to get this thread closed. You are giong to reserve mulitple ADR's to fit your infants schedule (during possibly free dining time). I'm sorry but now you are kinda asking for it on that one. Good Luck

No, I'm not. I take it back. You're right. Sorry. Seriously. I think it would be too complicated for me to keep track of anyway. Especially since if we are having issues, I should be able to book lunches without too much trouble.

I promise to only book 1 TS per day.

 

[EeyoreEma]

We took ds when he was 17 months, and it was a great experience. When he got tired, he was fine taking a nap in the stroller. He loved everything we did. My only suggestion is to take it at a pace that feels right at the time - it will be wonderful memories for you and your dh, and your little one will love the pictures eventually!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Hi there,
I know theres been some drama, but I havent read the whole thread, just the OPs post.

I took our oldest (now 3) at 15 months...
It was fun, but a different kind of trip than the ones we did as a couple.
We bought a DVC through resale (TSS) and booked a villa at Old Key West (with a kitchen)
We found having some nice open space to walk around was well appreciated. Baths everyday to help her relax and get fresh were great.
Pool time.
Being flexible- we cancelled alot of ADRs I had booked if she seemed too tired or cranky to go. Table service meals were a challenge. I brought my Mother with us (she was supposed to help, but I think she just got in our way) DH and I would take turns, one would take her out of the restaurant when she got too wiggly while the other sat and enjoyed dessert and paid the bill.
Keep little things for the child to hold and look at handy- I bought a plastic crystal mickey head bracelet (on elastic cording) from a vendor at MGM and its still a hit today. small books, etc. She like flash cards at that age too.

I kept food back in the kitchen for her too- they need healthier options than chicken nuggest and mac n cheese. Pick up fruit cups, baby yogurt, etc.
I also would suggest a lunch size cold sack to put an ice pack in and keep milk in.
ALWAYS carry an extra bottle/sippy cup in case one gets left at a restaurant/bus seat/back at the room.

I like a fanny pack or back pack, I would pack all my essentials and when I got back to the room, immediately repack it and REFUSE to take anything out of it, that way its all there when you are headed out later/next day.

We kept a balloon at the room, bought on our first day- that was one of her favorites.

Tie bright ribbon to your personal stroller, to make it easily identifiable. Write a label with your name and address under the seat pad and tape with clear shipping tape.

Rent a car if you can (DO NOT DRIVE!!!!!) Kids can not move around, or even shift position at that age. This is my opinion, so it may not be yours, but I have family who live in OH and drive to Cape Cod (about 17-19 hours) and when the kids were little, they flew, as they got bigger, they drove- but that was before car seats, the kids (all 5) are now in their 20s.
It will also add so much more to your drive- for every bottle, diaper, cranky-fed-up-with-sitting still, you will have to find an exit and pull over. I found my little ones to have a tough time after 3-4 hours. When I did an 8 hour drive (with breaks) She was crying non stop for the last hour. I have heard of kids being real troopers, but considering where you are going, you want your child to be fresh for WDW. You will being doing your child a great favor by flying. Flying with a head cold is not the same as flying as a healthy person.

Our little one's favorite places on her first trip were the playground areas, Poohs playground near Toontown enterance was THE favorite.
Perhaps select a resort like Beach Club or Boardwalk so that you can get on ferry boats, don't have to break down the stroller and get on a tram for 2 out of 4 parks.
Travel early. Be prepared to possibly miss fireworks.

Book a babysitter for one afternoon of your stay. We loved Fairy Godmothers, this gave us a chance to go to all the parks and do the coasters, and we didn't bother with baby swapping.

I think monitoring the situation and being flexible is the biggest key. The DVC resorts have children's pool areas, spend some time there. At 15 months our DD likes the shallow areas at Typhoon Lagoon too.
We took her at 15m and then again at 2 and half- (hot, humid in early Oct '07) and then in May, we found, she personally did better with less humidity in May.
We are debating when we will go back now, we have an 8 month old and I will not skip WDW to wait til she is 2yr! We just enjoy it at a different pace, depending on where the kids are at.

I hope you have a great time.

 

[AuroraRose]

It's nice to get all these helpful tips! My niece will be 8 months when we go, but we have an insane amount of people to help out. My parents are coming, and they will probably want to take breaks, so that should be helpful as well. She was good with Santa when she went to get her picture taken, so I am thinking she'll be okay with characters and such. We'll be heading to FL in May, but living in Vegas, we're used to the heat. It's the humidity that takes some getting used to.

 

[taximomfor4]

Thanks Beth!!! Do you have any driving with little ones tips?

We got free dining, so we will be scheduling TS, but I'm fully prepared to dump any and all plans to follow her lead. She is usually a total angel at restuarants, but I know all bets are off on vacation.

I think I'll go ahead and do the 2 breakfasts.

Yep...drove all around with them at young ages. I say, as long as she is content and quiet, keep driving. If she is fussing, or needs a diaper change, obviously stop at the next rest stop. We made it all the way to Eastern Connecticut with only 2 stops (10 hour drive), but on the way home had to stop every 1-2 hours!! (Took us 13 hours!)

I also recommend, during her alert/awake hours, that someone sit next to her. You can get her a drink, snack, different toy, etc. If you are taking turns driving, the other can take a turn sitting next to her! During her sleepier times, then you both can sit up front for a while. We've never stopped halfway, we've always driven straight through and lots of driving gets done at night-- they sleep more soundly. This is JUST if one of you can stay awake and drive at night, not everyone can (my dh, for example).

A little OT, I don't remember where your dh teaches but is their calendar out yet, for when school starts up again in the fall? Neither my dh's district nor my kids' district have it out there yet.

 

[JPN4265]

Thanks Beth!!! Do you have any driving with little ones tips?

We got free dining, so we will be scheduling TS, but I'm fully prepared to dump any and all plans to follow her lead. She is usually a total angel at restuarants, but I know all bets are off on vacation.

I think I'll go ahead and do the 2 breakfasts.

Now you want to take up valuable dining reservations, that you may or may not use, depending on how your child is acting....... Did you really say this? Talk about asking for trouble. You want an honest opinion? I would reconsider this.

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

Now you want to take up valuable dining reservations, that you may or may not use, depending on how your child is acting....... Did you really say this? Talk about asking for trouble. You want an honest opinion? I would reconsider this.

I'm pretty sure the OP is not stating that she intends to take up reservations she has no intention of using. OP, is that correct?

I think lots of people tour like this. I make dining plans at one park or hotel, but if we're having a good time elsewhere, or need a nap, I'll call and cancel them. I really can't say that I'd bring my cranky child to the restaurant simply because 3 months earlier I thought it was a good idea. I'm not going in *assuming* that I'll dump my ressies, but I sure as heck not going to put fellow diners through my toddler's meltdown if I see it coming. You're welcome!

Bringing this back to the topic at hand:

Re: Driving

Having someone sit next to a kid during the waking hours is a great idea. We had good luck having some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse/Yo Gabba Gabba episodes on an ipod and some earphones....not to actually put on the childs ear, but to hold near them so that they can hear but not so loud it takes over the whole car. When the kid gets cranky and all other options (food, drink, toys, books, songs) are duds, the ipod worked great and often put kiddo to sleep.

 

[taximomfor4]

I'm not going in *assuming* that I'll dump my ressies, but I sure as heck not going to put fellow diners through my toddler's meltdown if I see it coming. You're welcome!

.

You are my hero!!!!!!!!!!!