Tips on taking a 1yr. old?

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Woo hoo! We're going to DLR! I'm more of a WDW person myself, but since I'm living in CA now, I'm getting my Disney fix in Feb with a trip to DLR with some friends.

This will be my first time taking a child to the parks, and DS will be just 14 months old when we go - a very young 1yr.old.

I figure that there's enough similarities between MK and DL that tips from parents who have been to either one will be helpful, so please share your best tips, hints and advice with me on how to make this a fun trip with a 1yr. old!

I should add that at 10 months, DS is pretty fearless. He's not easily startled, and usually thinks it's funny when it happens. Loves to watch and observe everything, and gets bored if I keep him in the house all day. Really likes to be out and about, either in his stroller, in a baby backpack, or tied on my front with a moby wrap. He eats about 50% "real" food, and 50% baby food and isn't a picky eater. All of that could change in the next 4 months, of course...

 

[katied]

I took DS at 13 months, and we're here again at 18 month (WDW that is). It's a pretty easy age. If he gets really tired, he'll nap in the stroller and I just look for a cool place for him (i.e., I go shopping while he naps). Food - not an issue, he mostly just eats off my plate, since he's happy with big people food. The big thing at 13/14 months, if they're not walking yet, or not walking well and spending most of their time in the stroller, they need some time to be free - so if DL has kiddy play areas (Poohs Playful Spot in Fantasyland of MK is best for DS at this age) its good to give them some time to be free.

DS did get a bit scared of the characters at 13 months - terrified of Pooh and Tigger. He was fine with them at 6 and 8 months, and is OK now at 18 months, so you just never know. But, we still got good pictures if I stood between him and the character (to protect him).

Overall, DS was pretty easy to take at this age - we did not do full days at the parks though - normally 9 - 2 or so, and then a break, and then maybe the pool or back for a couple hours in the evening.

For lines, best solution for us was food - I got DS a snack trap and put cheerios or little cookies in it. Pulling out his own food was great fun. Otherwise, snack size cookie or cracker bags were great. He loved holding and eating from his own bag, and I learned not to worry if half spilled out. It kept him entertained at least.

Good luck.

 

[maxy mouse]

1. nap
2. nap
3. nap
4. nap
5. nap
6. nap
7. nap
8. nap
9. nap
10 Nap!

 

[nvrenoughdisney]

I have to agree about the naps! I made sure I had lots of snacks and drinks as well. You quickly figure out what your kids like and don't like at the parks. Just be prepared to go with the flow!

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Flexibility is the best thing... prepare for whatever. We took DD to DL also at 14 months and she LOVED it! It was best for us that we rented a stroller there, and didn't get it until an hour or so after being in the park - we went to the Fantasyland rides and just went on one after another, quickly. She was in the Ergo, where she could stay while we rode so it gave her a great place of comfort if anything was worrisome. We stayed from open to close for two days and two half days, even combined with crazy jetlag, and she did great. She napped when she needed (in the stroller or Ergo) and had a wonderful time.

She was walking at the time, but still obviously toddling so we took breaks throughout the day for walking time. When she napped in the stroller, we took turns doing other rides that she couldn't go on. She was afraid of characters up-close, so we didn't need to wait in lines for that (although she did like Snow White because she looks real and not masked - we'll see what happens this time!), but she LOVED waving at everyone in the parades. She also really liked the whole ToonTown area and the houses were a GREAT place to explore and climb on chairs and things. Her other favorite rides were Dumbo and the carousels.

Have a really great time and take lots of pictures!!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Thanks for the tips!

We're booking a hotel within walking distance of DLR, and we've been talking with our friends about taking turns going back to the hotel for nap time with the 2 kids. We'll see how DS does with napping in the stroller - sometimes he'll do it now, and sometimes he won't.

I like the snack trap idea. DS is completely infatuated with feeding himself right now, and if that trend continues he'll love pulling out his own snacks while we wait in line.

Any other "waiting" tips for keeping the little guy occupied?

 

[Mrs D]

Depending on the number of days you'll be there, schedule a down day if you can. I didn't do that, but fortunately my Mom was able to stay in the room with my 14 mo. old while we took the 3y.o. to DHS to meet Lightning McQueen!

For waiting in line buy a 'non-spill-able' container of bubbles and maybe a refill container.