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

[DisGirl819]

We took DD to Disneyland when she was 8 months old. She had a blast, we took it slow and she did great! She napped in her stroller or in the carrier (Ergo is awesome!) and we went back to our hotel early for her bedtime. We're going to WDW in a month and she will be almost 16 months old. She just started walking so I'm anticipating this trip to be tougher since she is so much more mobile, but she is so much more fun! I think she'll have a blast in things like the interactive water fountains, kids play areas and the hotel pool of course! I would re-think the drive though. DD is great in the car 90% of the time but we moved (a 5 day drive with a 2 day break midway) when she was 12 months and it was HORRIBLE after a full day of driving. She could handle one 6-8 hour day in the car and then would just fall apart. There are only so many distractions you can give a one year old in the car. We're planning on lots of character meals...she's REALLY into Mickey right now (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) so that should be fun! We're also planning on going back to our hotel for her naps/pool time/lunch time/down time out of the parks. Since midday is the busiest time anyhow. We're going in August...I'll find this thread when we get back and let you know how it goes! And congrats on your little girl's arrival...baby girls are a blast! (and she's totally daddy's little girl!)

 

[harleyquinn]

We leave next week for our trip and I have scoured the boards for every possible tip and read through every trip report I could find where people took toddlers.

We will be driving from NJ with our 1 year old (her birthday was yesterday!). I plan on bringing a picnic blanket for when we take breaks at rest stops. Many of the rest stops along the way on 95 have picninc areas (http://www.i95exitguide.com/restareas/index.php) and instead of making our daughter sit at a fast food place (which I think she would find just as confining as her carseat) we plan on eating our meals on the picnic blanket that way she can roam around a bit and stretch her legs.

We also just purchased a Protect-a-Bub stroller shade. My daughter is fair skinned and we have to gob on sunscreen very often to avoid sunburn and unfortunately her skin is soooo sensitive that we can't just buy Banana Boat or other brands of baby sunscreen, we have to buy the uber expensive kind for super sensitive skin (at $20 for 3oz!!!). The stroller shade attaches to any stroller and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

I am bringing some of her favorite foods from home. Although my daughter could easily eat the foods at the buffets, I don't want her eating too many unfamiliar foods (we don't eat out a lot) so that she doesn't have many tummy problems. Think how you feel when you eat on vacation, you usually indulge a bit and the food is prepared with more salt and fat than you do at home, so just as it may cause you some stomach discomfort it will make your baby uncomfortable as well. Something as simple as a pancake or french toast could easily have 2x the amount of fat than the same item you prepare at home. So for some of our meals, our daughter will have oatmeal with a banana or pastina, things that can easily be prepared with just a cup of hot water that waiters don't mind bringing us.

People think we're nuts and we are wasting our money, but we don't plan on being in any park between 12 and 6. We scheduled our in-park breakfasts (all character breakfasts) on non EMH mornings at 8:05 or 8:15 so that we can (a) be in the parks near rope-drop time, (b) take advantage of her happiest/non-cranky time of the day, (c) have a good 2-3 hours before she gets tired (she's a non-stroller sleeper) and (d) before it gets crazy hot (we're going in July becuase I am a teacher and it is the only time I can go). We will nap and then play in the pool and hotel for awhile, eat dinner and then head back to the parks from about 6-8 at night so DD can be in bed by 9. That is stretching her bedtime a little, but we won't be doing that every night. We also plan on picking up fast passes for a few rides while we are there in the morning and then using the FPs when we return to the park at night. We think we only need to see Spectromagic/fireworks just once while we are there. It is something I would like to see on multiple nights, but it just won't work for DD's schedule so it is one of my sacrifices for the trip, but I don't mind too much.

I hope you have a great time with your little one!

Thanks so much! Where are you staying? I'd love a report when you get back!

 

[vettechick99]

Hey harley!

I know my DD was a bit older, but we took her at 18m (and later at 23m) which I thought was the perfect age. She was able to run around and loved doing the little playgrounds and being on the rides. We stayed to her schedule which included a daily nap every afternoon. Sometimes her nap was 4 hours long and went into early evening. You'll just have to get over that baby's schedule comes first and if you miss stuff, you miss it. You'll be back.

The issue you might have is she is going to want to be out of her stroller either crawling, standing or walking (whatever stage she is at). So take into account that you may do a whole lot of sitting around.

But if it was me, I would not take her at that age. Besides August being soooo hot, and I mean walk outside and you are immediately wet with sweat hot, 1YO is a lot of work. I would wait until later that year - Nov or Dec when the weather is cooler and she can really enjoy running around. JMO!

BTW, we are going next week and not doing any parks because of the heat. Just too much to handle. We are doing water parks and resort stuff only. I'm serious about that heat - and this is coming from a S. Georgia chick! It's 100 degrees here everyday!

BTW2, we are staying at Bonnet Creek for the second time and we're so excited. I have stayed at every level of WDW resort, including the GF honeymoom suite, and BC is perfect for families. On our trip when she was 18m we stayed at CS and one room was not enough. When baby takes a nap for 4 hours in the room, what do you do? We sat outside and drank booze. But when we went at 23m and had a 2bedroom suite, we had a lot more options since she was fast asleep in her own room. And didn't have to bother neighbors with our drunken carrying-ons.

Look into BC - it's next to CBR so it's "on property", but you won't get the WDW perks. Have fun whatever you decide!

ETA my review of BC - loved it!

 

[harleyquinn]

Hey harley!

I know my DD was a bit older, but we took her at 18m (and later at 23m) which I thought was the perfect age. She was able to run around and loved doing the little playgrounds and being on the rides. We stayed to her schedule which included a daily nap every afternoon. Sometimes her nap was 4 hours long and went into early evening. You'll just have to get over that baby's schedule comes first and if you miss stuff, you miss it. You'll be back.

The issue you might have is she is going to want to be out of her stroller either crawling, standing or walking (whatever stage she is at). So take into account that you may do a whole lot of sitting around.

But if it was me, I would not take her at that age. Besides August being soooo hot, and I mean walk outside and you are immediately wet with sweat hot, 1YO is a lot of work. I would wait until later that year - Nov or Dec when the weather is cooler and she can really enjoy running around. JMO!

BTW, we are going next week and not doing any parks because of the heat. Just too much to handle. We are doing water parks and resort stuff only. I'm serious about that heat - and this is coming from a S. Georgia chick! It's 100 degrees here everyday!

BTW2, we are staying at Bonnet Creek for the second time and we're so excited. I have stayed at every level of WDW resort, including the GF honeymoom suite, and BC is perfect for families. On our trip when she was 18m we stayed at CS and one room was not enough. When baby takes a nap for 4 hours in the room, what do you do? We sat outside and drank booze. But when we went at 23m and had a 2bedroom suite, we had a lot more options since she was fast asleep in her own room. And didn't have to bother neighbors with our drunken carrying-ons.

Look into BC - it's next to CBR so it's "on property", but you won't get the WDW perks. Have fun whatever you decide!

ETA my review of BC - loved it!

Thanks!! I've read all your trip reports!

I really wish we could go in November or December, but DH only has a couple of days off for Thanksgiving--not the the full week...and I can't deal with the Christmas crowds.

Our choice is either to go in August or don't go at all. I don't see how its going to be any less work with her until she's 5 or 6 and I really don't want to wait that long!

 

[lillykat]

I had to chime back in since I saw several people say that it was too young. DD was 15 month - and she LOVED it. Yes it was work - but it was FUN work. DD was walking by 10.5 months - and by the time we went she was running everywhere and didn't like to hold hands. We just adjusted ourselves to her schedule and that worked best - the only thing that was scheduled was one sit down meal (we were on the meal plan) a day and which park we would go to. Otherwise it was very easy going and we went on DD's schedule. You will have to see what your DC is like and plan that - and you will need to be flexible -i.e. if you schedule character meals - be willing to cancel them if your DC decides that they don't like the characters. You might want to hold off on any character meals until later in the week - to give your child time to warm up to them. DD is very outgoing - but she LOVED the characters as long as they were 3 feet or more away when we first arrived but scared if they came closer -on the 3rd day (of an 8 day trip) she was running after them hugging them and kissing them. So be prepared that somethings might not go the way you hope.

DD was waking early -so we were always at the parks when they opened. This way we could do a TON of rides before the crowds with little to no waits. If something had a long line we avoided it or waited until DD was fed, rested, and in a good mood to hit anything with a line. We also brought small items that we could pull out at meals or lines to entertain DD.

We hit the interactive fountains, playgrounds etc as often as we felt DD needed a distraction. That helped a lot and gave her an outlet to move around and not be carried.

We never stayed in any of the parks after lunch - we would arrive when the park opened and leave by 12 or 1 right after lunch. We were at the poly which was fabulous b.c if we were at EPCOT or MK (the two parks we spend most of our time at) we could wheel her onto the monorail without taking her out of the stroller which was great if she was napping. DD actually preferred to nap in the stroller for the trip rather than in the room - so we went with that. We took a daily swim every day during the afternoon and DD LOVED that and the fountains at the poly.

We planned early dinners (5 or 6pm) and we headed to the restaurant (mostly at EPCOT) only in time to go to dinner. We would after dinner hit a few rides and when DD looked tired we would head back to the room immediately. DD LOVED EPCOT btw - she loved the fountains, living with the sea, spaceship earth, and the boat in Mexico.

We had such a great time we are taking DD#2 for her 1st birthday in May.

As far as meals go - DD was a very small eater - but we still ordered her meals off of the children's menu. They were very accommodating if we needed something for her. They were quick to bring her meals out too. I would recommend not planning anything that takes too long and maybe try some buffets that you can eat and run if your DC doesn't like to sit - likes ours does. (My DD#1 is very friendly but is high spirited).

Think about what parks you want to go to - for us- HS was NOT a hit with our DC - she LOVES playhouse disney - but couldn't understand why she couldn't run around or go up to the stage (there are NO seats you sit on the floor something to keep in mind). She loved the muppets movie - but wouldn't wear the glasses (in fact she liked several of those type movies - the one at AK and Mickey's at MK we didn't take her to the one at EPCOT) Otherwise honestly there wasn't much for her at HS. So you will need to see what your child's temperment is when you get closer to your trip and gauge if they will sit for a show or movie or not.

As far as rides go - that will also depend on your child's temperment. For us - DD went on every ride that didn't have a height restriction and LOVED them all. At MK her favorites were POTC, HM, IASW, Dumbo, Buzz lightyear, Country bears (which unfortunately went to rehab the day after we arrived).

AK she loved the animals - but other than the triceratop spin and safari ride there are only shows and animals for that age group. We didn't get to do everything we wanted at AK b.c DD crashed after lunch so we felt it was better to go back to the hotel rather than push her.

As I said you will work on the trip but it is FUN work not trying. The best part of the trip was watching my DD's eyes light up when she saw her favorite characters, when she danced and clapped and sang on IASW and POTC. It will definitely be a different trip from the adult trips you are used to but in some ways it was more fun watching DD than it was going as just an adult trip.

 

[brandylouwho]

Sure, WDW is different with little ones, but it can be fantastic. The first time we took our eldest she was 2, the youngest went at 4 months & 19 months and is going again in August at 27 months. It is work with a toddler, but isn't anything you do with a toddler work? So, I am in the no minimum age for Disney group.

As you already know, August is hot...so lots of water, breaks in AC buildings and/or pools and comfy clothes is a good idea-for everyone, but especially the baby.

If he/she is walking by then, you might consider a kid leash or plan down time in the playground areas. When a kid first learns to walk they want to do it, a lot. Our puppy backpack/leash was super helpful with the 19 month old.

You won't really know how baby will react to characters until you get there...and even then he/she may be scared at first and then warm up...or may like face charactes, but not full costumes, etc. There is no way to really know. It is such a different experience you can't really even practice anywhere else.

I am not one to carry everything I may possibly need even once to the parks every day. It just gets to be too much. So, I'd figure out what I really want/need and plan to buy anything else that comes up. For instance, our DD's diaper leaked--she got a new little outfit. Heck if I was going to carry extra clothes every day for 12 days--when I only needed it once. We took 2 bottles and rinsed/reused throughout the day. One always had water in it, the other had milk, formula, whatever. I actually liked it better when she was 4 mos and BF, her milk to go was easy to carry around . I am not coordianted enough to discreetly to it anywhere, but I found it easy enough to do in the back row of dark shows, at the baby centers, etc.

Baby wearing was incredibly hot in Sept. At 4 months we had a bjorn air. It was more breathable than the regular bjorn. In Dec I borught my old ring sling, but at 18 months I barely used it...walking on a leash or riding in the stroller worked fine. Remember riding in the stroller an get hot for baby too...air flow tends to be pretty bad in most strollers.

Everyone tackles their "touring plan" differently, I really liked doing mornings in the parks and afternoons swimming/napping, etc. and then maybe heading back out for a while in the eve. The 19 mo. old took a long nap every afternoon. My kids are early risers...so it wasn't like we forced them up early.

Anyway, I guess that is my two cents worth...I hope you have a lovely time.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

Thanks so much! Where are you staying? I'd love a report when you get back!

We are actually staying off property but it was free, so we couldn't complain (well, maybe just a tiny bit!). My mom and stepdad are paying for a 3 bedroom condo at Westgate Town Center which is less than 10 minutes from TTC. I'm hoping to write a TR, becuase know there were so few written about people traveling with toddlers and we will have 3 on this trip (DD 1, and nephews 10 months and 2 years).

Just a few days to go and we found out this weekend DD is allergic to eggs

Wish us luck!

 

[harleyquinn]

As I said you will work on the trip but it is FUN work not trying. The best part of the trip was watching my DD's eyes light up when she saw her favorite characters, when she danced and clapped and sang on IASW and POTC. It will definitely be a different trip from the adult trips you are used to but in some ways it was more fun watching DD than it was going as just an adult trip.

Thanks so much for all of that!! I really appreciate you taking the time!

Sure, WDW is different with little ones, but it can be fantastic. The first time we took our eldest she was 2, the youngest went at 4 months & 19 months and is going again in August at 27 months. It is work with a toddler, but isn't anything you do with a toddler work? So, I am in the no minimum age for Disney group.
Anyway, I guess that is my two cents worth...I hope you have a lovely time.

So you survived in August? Do you have any heat with a little one tips? I've seen the stroller cover thing that people recommend to help keep her cool. I would love to babywear, but I fear that will be too uncomfortable for both of us.

We've learned the ONLY way to survive in August is to get to the parks near opening, leave in the afternoon and return in the evening basically just for the evening entertainment. And I totally wouldn't mind skipping the shows if she can't handle it...

I was starting to feel cruel and unusual for even considering it, but trust me, this trip would be all about DH and I enjoying HER. Yes, she won't remember it, but we'll remember. So if we spend most of the trip playing in the fountains or cooling off in the million places to cool off, we really, truly won't mind. We've been on 6 WDW trips together in 6 years, and we've done every ride...I'm not worried about missing out on anything.

We are actually staying off property but it was free, so we couldn't complain (well, maybe just a tiny bit!). My mom and stepdad are paying for a 3 bedroom condo at Westgate Town Center which is less than 10 minutes from TTC. I'm hoping to write a TR, becuase know there were so few written about people traveling with toddlers and we will have 3 on this trip (DD 1, and nephews 10 months and 2 years).

Just a few days to go and we found out this weekend DD is allergic to eggs

Wish us luck!

Oh that is a headache! Wishing you the best trip possible and I can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[jaleaton]

Ok, so we're due the same date. We're being even crazier than you...we're taking Isabelle at about 2 - 3 months old, depending on when she plans to make her arrival. We've heard it's really easy with one so little, despite the fact that most people think we are absolutely insane. Here's what's even more shocking...we really DON'T plan on using a stroller at all. DH and I plan on wearing her, and taking it easy, and going back to the resort if needed. We're DVC members, so we're not worried about missing out on anything in the parks, knowing we'll keep going back to WDW.

Just like you've said, this isn't a trip for her as I know she won't remember it, but for us, and I understand the teacher schedule thing since I'm tied to certain vacation periods as well for the same reason.

I've def. heard to take advantage of the baby centers. The other piece of advice I've heard that I would have never considered: don't take the baby on Ellen's Universe of Energy. Seems weird, but this is about the only attraction that you simply cannot leave once you are on, and in 45 minutes, a lot can happen. I wouldn't want to ruin someone elses experience due to a fussy / smelly / hungry baby that I couldn't necessarily tend to.

 

[harleyquinn]

Ok, so we're due the same date. We're being even crazier than you...we're taking Isabelle at about 2 - 3 months old, depending on when she plans to make her arrival. We've heard it's really easy with one so little, despite the fact that most people think we are absolutely insane. Here's what's even more shocking...we really DON'T plan on using a stroller at all. DH and I plan on wearing her, and taking it easy, and going back to the resort if needed. We're DVC members, so we're not worried about missing out on anything in the parks, knowing we'll keep going back to WDW.

Just like you've said, this isn't a trip for her as I know she won't remember it, but for us, and I understand the teacher schedule thing since I'm tied to certain vacation periods as well for the same reason.

I've def. heard to take advantage of the baby centers. The other piece of advice I've heard that I would have never considered: don't take the baby on Ellen's Universe of Energy. Seems weird, but this is about the only attraction that you simply cannot leave once you are on, and in 45 minutes, a lot can happen. I wouldn't want to ruin someone elses experience due to a fussy / smelly / hungry baby that I couldn't necessarily tend to.

That's great advice!
I love the UoE, but I definitely wouldn't take a baby or a young child on it. When I was there in December (8 weeks preggers), we got on the actual ride and all of the sudden when we moved I really had to go...it was one of the worst experiences!

 

[harleyquinn]

Anyone else?

 

[cjlemoine]

This is a great thread, we took our 7 month old and had a great time. One of the things I did not see mentioned is the Snugli backpack. We loved it, i would put him on my back and roll with it. I knew when he would fall asleep, b/c the weight would shift to one side. It makes standing in lines for rides so much easier. I know he will never remember the trip, but I know he had a great time. Click on the link for a picture of the Snugli in action.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1611609&l=c7f5c31d64&id=607761373

 

[Pangela]

I don't have any advice as our LO is not here yet either. But I want to say thank you for posting this post. We have started discussing our trip (over a year away) and have been looking for some good tips.

We will be going next December for her first trip. She will be 13 months at the time. Is it crazy that we are going with a baby so young, yes. But it isn't for her. It is more for DH and I to see her there. He expressions and how she reacts to everything. It is more for a memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives.

I have been to Disney many times, and so has DH. We don't care about missing out on thrill rides. They have been there and will be there when we return. Besides we have already planned that DH will do his favorite thrill rides when the baby is hungry. I will feed her and he will go and hit the ride or rides. We are going the first week of December so low crowds will be a plus. I am all for missing some of there rides. It's part of being a mom.

We already cut a few parks out of our touring plan with her. We don't care for AK to begin with so instead of going to that park we will make it a resort day. Same with our normal water park day. Don't plan on hitting the water parks in December. We also plan on using Kid's Nite Out one night so she can relax in the resort and we can enjoy a meal just us.

We plan on bringing our own stroller. She will already be sleeping in a strange bed and I think she will be more comfortable in her own stroller. I like the tips for having diapers and stuff delivered to the resort. Would make packing easier. Considering were coming from Buffalo in December.

Good luck on you're trip and congratulations on your LO!

 

[harleyquinn]

This is a great thread, we took our 7 month old and had a great time. One of the things I did not see mentioned is the Snugli backpack. We loved it, i would put him on my back and roll with it. I knew when he would fall asleep, b/c the weight would shift to one side. It makes standing in lines for rides so much easier. I know he will never remember the trip, but I know he had a great time. Click on the link for a picture of the Snugli in action.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1611609&l=c7f5c31d64&id=607761373

Thanks! What time of the year did you go? I'm worried about carrying her in August.

I don't have any advice as our LO is not here yet either. But I want to say thank you for posting this post. We have started discussing our trip (over a year away) and have been looking for some good tips.

We will be going next December for her first trip. She will be 13 months at the time. Is it crazy that we are going with a baby so young, yes. But it isn't for her. It is more for DH and I to see her there. He expressions and how she reacts to everything. It is more for a memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives.

I have been to Disney many times, and so has DH. We don't care about missing out on thrill rides. They have been there and will be there when we return. Besides we have already planned that DH will do his favorite thrill rides when the baby is hungry. I will feed her and he will go and hit the ride or rides. We are going the first week of December so low crowds will be a plus. I am all for missing some of there rides. It's part of being a mom.

We already cut a few parks out of our touring plan with her. We don't care for AK to begin with so instead of going to that park we will make it a resort day. Same with our normal water park day. Don't plan on hitting the water parks in December. We also plan on using Kid's Nite Out one night so she can relax in the resort and we can enjoy a meal just us.

We plan on bringing our own stroller. She will already be sleeping in a strange bed and I think she will be more comfortable in her own stroller. I like the tips for having diapers and stuff delivered to the resort. Would make packing easier. Considering were coming from Buffalo in December.

Good luck on you're trip and congratulations on your LO!

Congrats to you too!! I'm so jealous that you're going in december! I went in December with my mom last year and the weather was truly the best part of the trip!

I really don't think its crazy at all to take the little ones, you just have to have the right expectations! And I think we both do!

 

[deedeew80]

I too am planning a trip with a 1 yr old (who isn't here yet!). I am due Jan. 16 2010, so we are planning a trip for 2011. I really want to go in late Nov. early Dec. We went there in 2006, the Tues following Thanksgiving and came back early Dec. It was great at that time. Weather was nice, crowds were low. But I do hear that it can get quite cold at that time too. So, I'm a little worried about it being too cold for our LO. We usually go in August, but I myself hate going in the summer anymore! So, we don't know when we will exactly be going yet, but we are going!!

 

[cjlemoine]

Thanks! What time of the year did you go? I'm worried about carrying her in August.


We went in mid-february, which this year was Mardi Gras for us. It wasn't hot at all, actually we put long sleeves on in the morning. That would be the only concern, is that the Snugli would get hot for them during the day.

Good Luck

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks! What time of the year did you go? I'm worried about carrying her in August.


We went in mid-february, which this year was Mardi Gras for us. It wasn't hot at all, actually we put long sleeves on in the morning. That would be the only concern, is that the Snugli would get hot for them during the day.

Good Luck

Thanks! I think we'll try a Maya wrap, but she probably won't be in it a lot--maybe just for standing in line for something like Nemo at AK...

DH is actually excited about this trip...most years I have to do my planning on the sly. He wants to go, he just doesn't want to hear about planning. This time he's asking me questions already!

 

[princess_momma]

Hey!! I don't really have any tips yet...but I am bringing my will-be 10 months old son in September!! So be sure to check out my TR and I'll be sure to post lots of tips about traveling with a LO!! Also, FauntleroyFAN07 has a GREAT helpful TR here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29191427#post29191427 with TONS of great advice and he has great helpful answers! (He took his DS at 8 months)

 

[harleyquinn]

Hey!! I don't really have any tips yet...but I am bringing my will-be 10 months old son in September!! So be sure to check out my TR and I'll be sure to post lots of tips about traveling with a LO!! Also, FauntleroyFAN07 has a GREAT helpful TR here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29191427#post29191427 with TONS of great advice and he has great helpful answers! (He took his DS at 8 months)

Sweet! Thanks!
Have an awesome trip!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Thanks Sarah for starting this thread and thanks to everyone who replied. We are going in April, June and Oct next year, so our soon-to-be baby boy will be 5, 7, and 11 months respectively. This has been very helpful!

I also wouldn't listen to the naysayers. I know there are going to be people who are negative about bringing a baby to Disney, but you can't stay cooped up in your house until the baby is school aged, and where better to vacation than a place geared towards children. We are Disney veterans and I think we have realistic views of what our new Disney vacations are going to look like. I think they are going to be even better than any we took as a couple!