Tips for Infant and Toddler Travel

[sillywilly]

We are three weeks and counting until our trip to WDW. I'm usually a complete planner, but have stepped back on this one. Our family of four - 3 1/2 year old and 3 month old - is going for 7 days staying at All Star Sports. While I love Disney and DH and I did "all of Florida" w/o kids almost 5 years ago, this was more for the reason of it was a good deal, I didn't want to over plan, loved the all inclusiveness of it. I know what I'm getting with my 3 1/2 year old and decided I'd rather take a 3 month old who still eats and sleeps or it will be another four years before we go on vacation.

So, any words of wisdom? We have direct 2 hour flights and will be using Disney transport. I'm exclusively nursing. Bringing a sit'n'stand stroller and infant carrier seat plus a couple of much loved slings.

The infant will hopefully be the easier of the two kids in the end, but right now I'm stressing about being prepared for coping with transport, restaurants, stroller parking, etc related to him. Our 3 year old has his moments, but is pretty good at communicating what he's feeling and we do well as long as DH and I stay in-tune with him.

Looking for any thoughts to help getting through day to day...

Beth

 

[kris10399]

We took DD for the first time when she was 9 months and on formula (which was a pain) and then again at 2.5 y/o. She was really good at 9 months except for getting her to sleep. Fortunately we had a car and I was able to toss her in the carseat and drive around the resort grounds to get her to sleep.

The Magical Express does not allow carseats since it is considered public transportation so it is up to you whether you really want to take that. We took the DME when she was 2.5 and had no problems. We are going again in May 08 with her and our DS (to be born on Tuesday!) at 9 months old. When I told DD that we were getting a car again, she was disappointed that we weren't taking the bus.

We chose a car just so that we didn't have to lug down diapers in suitcases (as well as formula). Then we were able to also grab snacks at the regular grocery stores. Plus then we could really leave the parks at anytime we chose and didn't have to wait around for buses.

We always take our time and realize we aren't going to get to do half of what we think we want to get done. Work off of the cues your kids are giving you. If they are getting over stimulated, head back to the hotel. While waiting in lines, we brought little bubbles for around her neck so she didn't get too bored. I also brought little presents that she got in the AM before the parks. So then she was occupied during breakfast, at least.

Stroller parking is no big deal. We were at DLR with her in March at the age of 3 and pretty much left our stroller on one side of the park and walked. It was there, not touched when we finally came back to it. But of course that is a much smaller park. The sit and stand might be a pain to lug on and off of the buses though however lots of people do it everyday.

Take advantage of the Babycenter locations at each park. They have rockers there to nurse, changing tables, highchairs. They also have small tables (at least the last time I was there) for older kids to color and watch a movie.

I'll stop for now...
good luck

 

[beenblessed]

We made use of the babycenters when the rain came. They were not very crowded and my young children could color, watch tv, cool down, and stay dry.

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

You've got the right idea with the slings, when my youngest was an infant there were many times we totally ditched the stroller and I wore her around the parks, it was easier especially during crowded times. I don't think I'd want to deal with a stroller and carseat on Disney Transport, especially since you also have a toddler to keep safe.

Best advice for anyone travelling (small kids or not)...take time to slow down and enjoy the magic, and take an afternoon break to nap or swim and cool down if you're beyond the nap ages. Everyone has a much better time when they're not hot and overtired.

 

[sillywilly]

Ok, so I won't be able to use my infant carrier/carseat on the magical express? My hope was to use it on the plane if there was an extra seat or gate check it if needed.

We just use the infant seat to get through meals out, so that's what I was seeing taking into the parks and restaurants.

While our 3 1/2 year old hasn't used a stroller any place but an amusement park since he was 2 (and gave it up for the amusement park this summer). I was still thinking I'd want a stroller for him.

The amount of gear was beginning to seem silly, but I couldn't figure out how else to do it.

I have the much smaller snap and go frame that I use all the time here with the seat.

Dang, I was doing so good at being mellow about this trip and now I'm stressing out...

 

[dsneygirl]

We took DS at 3 months and in hindsight it was a breeze. Yes you have to lug a lot of stuff but they sleep anywhere and don't complain about lineups We had a ball on our trip with him.

We were able to bring our stroller in most restaurants (Le Cellier, Liberty Tree) without a problem but we had a smaller Mac rather than a big full sized stroller.

And no you cannot use a car seat on Magical Express because there are no seatbelts.

 

[all4fun]

Ok, so I won't be able to use my infant carrier/carseat on the magical express? My hope was to use it on the plane if there was an extra seat or gate check it if needed.

We just use the infant seat to get through meals out, so that's what I was seeing taking into the parks and restaurants.

While our 3 1/2 year old hasn't used a stroller any place but an amusement park since he was 2 (and gave it up for the amusement park this summer). I was still thinking I'd want a stroller for him.

The amount of gear was beginning to seem silly, but I couldn't figure out how else to do it.

I have the much smaller snap and go frame that I use all the time here with the seat.

Dang, I was doing so good at being mellow about this trip and now I'm stressing out...

Unfortunately you won't be able to use your infant carrier on the bus because there are no seatbelts. The driver will put the carrier under the bus in the luggage compartment for you along w/your stroller. I also wouldn't count on there being a free seat on the plane just because in our experience all flights into Orlando are usually quite full. Not saying you shouldn't try but that has been our experience.

Your 3-1/2 yr old will definitely appreciate having a stroller at WDW. It's hot and a ton of walking.

We stayed at All Stars last fall and one word of warning if you're leaving the parks around closing time and using the bus sytem, expect the bus station to be full and there to be a decent wait time. They also pack the busses as full as they will get so if you want a seat because you'll have two small children w/you then you might have to let others pass you and wait for another bus. I found myself wishing numerous times that we had rented a car (but I'm also spoiled as we usually do rent a car but were trying to save $$ on that particular trip). Not to stress you out more but more just to give you a realistic expectation of what it will be like.

hth!

 

[BlueJeansGirl]

Keep them cool! During the summer, it gets so hot...when my DD was little, and then later on with DS, I would sit them on the edge of the sink in a restroom & let them splash in the sink a little...and take damp paper towels & wipe their arms & legs...not enough to make a mess, or get in people's way, but enough for them to cool down - physically & emotionally!