Traveling with a 1yo? Are we crazy?

[stamot]

My family and I are Disney veterans. We had been in Disney over ten times but this is the first time we will be there with a 1yo. We are spending the holidays, 12/23- 1/03. It will be me, dh, dd 11yo, grandma and ds 15 months old. We knos how crowded is during the holidays. We love to spend this time at Disney because is magical. This will be our 4th Christmas at Disney.

I need advice in traveling with a baby. What are your experiences? What to do with: diapers, food, naps?? What are good things to do with the baby? How to deal with the characters? What not to do? How to survive this trip?

I would love to hear from people who have experience. Please!!!

 

[kmb584]

I need advice in traveling with a baby. What are your experiences? What to do with: diapers, food, naps?? What are good things to do with the baby? How to deal with the characters? What not to do? How to survive this trip?

Our trips when DD was 15 months and 18 months were the easiest of the bunch. At that age almost everything tends to excite them, and DD spent that first trip is a state of awe over the new sights and sounds. She ate when I did unless the server brought her meal out first and I made sure she always had a sippy of cold water or Pedialyte while in the stroller. She took her naps in her stroller. I tried naps back at the hotel a couple of times but instead of sleeping she stood in her pack 'n play yelling "Ma! Go!", and it was much easier to just let her nap in her stroller. Diapers were changed as needed. She was okay with face characters but didn't want any of the plush ones near her, so best advice is to give it a try and gauge his reaction. Just go and enjoy. It's pretty fun seeing Disney through the eyes of a baby.

 

[stamot]

Our trips when DD was 15 months and 18 months were the easiest of the bunch. At that age almost everything tends to excite them, and DD spent that first trip is a state of awe over the new sights and sounds. She ate when I did unless the server brought her meal out first and I made sure she always had a sippy of cold water or Pedialyte while in the stroller. She took her naps in her stroller. I tried naps back at the hotel a couple of times but instead of sleeping she stood in her pack 'n play yelling "Ma! Go!", and it was much easier to just let her nap in her stroller. Diapers were changed as needed. She was okay with face characters but didn't want any of the plush ones near her, so best advice is to give it a try and gauge his reaction. Just go and enjoy. It's pretty fun seeing Disney through the eyes of a baby.

Awesome! Did you brought diapers from home and bought them at the resort??

 

[TillyMarigold]

We went with my son to visit family at that age last year. We haven't taken him to Disney yet, but my best advice is to try to keep to his usual routine as much as you can. Fly at a time that makes sense--we did red-eyes and NEVER AGAIN, he wanted to walk up and down the aisles all night. Make sure he gets some quiet at nap time so he can nap in the stroller. Carry food that you know he'll eat. Etc.

Experience from taking a slightly older child (my best friend's DS was 23 months when we went)--do outdoor stuff first, then work up to indoors, then darker indoors stuff. Show him DVDs or YouTube videos that feature the characters so he can see what they look like next to real people. Learn the baby swap and use it. Never ever push if he doesn't want to do something.

Edit: Oh and when we go to Disney, we're going to do a Garden Grocer order and order diapers and food delivered to the resort, rather than taking them with us.

 

[FutureDis]

Our son was a bit older (3rd birthday) when we first went, but here's some great advice for any young one:

1. Expect to go much slower than you normally would tour. Be very flexible, and don't expect to stick to a specific touring plan.

2. Plan some naps. Either going back to a resort (our son was never a stroller napper), or plan quiet places / rides in each park.

3. Take lots of water and snacks. Wet wipes are a must. LOL

4. Know where the baby care centers are in each park. Take breaks in there to cool off, change diapers, etc. Nice areas to "get away" for a bit.

5. Learn how to use baby swap and USE it! It's your vacation too.

6. Constantly check for overheating / dehydration. It's too easy to get over heated in the florida sun, and a baby has a hard time telling you there is a problem. Clip on stroller mister / fans can be a big help too.

7. Start with face characters first.


That's all I can think right now. Take it easy, go slow, be flexible. Enjoy Disney through the eyes of a child and enjoy the wonderment!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Awesome! Did you brought diapers from home and bought them at the resort??

I brought diapers, food and soy milk singles (shelf.stable...Dd can't have milk) with us in a duffel bag (traveling SW, so no bag fees). We did this intentionally, so that they would be used up and we would have extra space on the way home for souvenirs.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

My family and I are Disney veterans. We had been in Disney over ten times but this is the first time we will be there with a 1yo. We are spending the holidays, 12/23- 1/03. It will be me, dh, dd 11yo, grandma and ds 15 months old. We knos how crowded is during the holidays. We love to spend this time at Disney because is magical. This will be our 4th Christmas at Disney.

I need advice in traveling with a baby. What are your experiences? What to do with: diapers, food, naps?? What are good things to do with the baby? How to deal with the characters? What not to do? How to survive this trip?

I would love to hear from people who have experience. Please!!!

The way you tour can be altered with a 1 year olds but is rather easy. I have traveled with a 6 month old and most recently with a 16 month old. Actually easier than with a 5 year old. Mine was eating solid foods and shared whatever we were eating. I was only charged for her drinks at one restaurant I believe that was at the restaurants discretion. I didn't expect to not be charged for her drinks so it was a pleasant surprise. I brought juice boxes with us for around the park and the quick service restaurants well give you ice water. I packed my diaper bag just like I would if I was home and going out for the day. Every park has a baby care center so if you run out you can stop there or if you need some quiet time. If we spent the whole day in the park she might fall asleep for a nap in the stroller. We brought or own and brought diapers with us but we drove. If you are flying you can bring a stroller usually free or you can rent one at Disney but they are overpriced and not always comfortable or you can rent one from an outside company that way you can have it at the hotel too. For the characters I would show her videos on YouTube of other little kids meeting the characters for a few weeks before we left. She loved all of them and I never had a problem with her going up to them sometimes trying to leave a character would cause crying. Every child is different so this might not work but 3 months before we left she was terrified of costumed mascots. I showed het little kids instead of adults so she could have a better perspective. Also if your child isn't scared IMO the characters love to interact with the babies and these were the best character interaction we ever received. I also recommend making a reservation at harmony barber shop the babies first haircut package is like $16 and you get the haircut, My first hair cut Mickey ears, a certificate, and the give you the hair in a pouch. This is the best deal in Disney and they were great.

 

[btk2333]

We're bringing our twin 10 month olds for their first trip in February- no grandparents! (they are kind of dramatic...tend to make vacations more stressful) So you're not the only ones crazy enough to do it I figure it'll be like everything else in life, if you expect it to be awful, then it will be awful, if you are positive and do your research then it will be wonderful! We will be ecstatic if all we do is sit on Park benches and people watch with our kids!

We just can't wait to bring our babies to WDW any longer! We also have a trip to San Francisco planned for their first birthdays (In Korean culture, the first birthday celebration is a big one, and their Korean side of the family is in San Francisco) and probably another trip in the fall (either to DC for a work conference, or Wine and Dine). I was raised flying from a young age (first flight at 6 weeks old) and DW and I love to travel, so we'll see what they think about it!

 

[Imagineer5]

My DD is nearly 2.5 and has been to WDW 7 times (+1 time to DL) and we have our next trip in 1 month!

I have two links in my signature for TRs as I got AP's for us the first year and decided to renew as we had so much fun! Her first trip was at 8 months old.

At 15 months, my DD was in a NO restaurant and NO character phase. Hmm...we still ate mostly at TS locations and did character interactions mainly to show her they were OK. Otherwise, she had a blast! She knows all her favorite rides and characters now, and I wouldn't do ANYTHING differently (except win the lottery and go twice as much as I do! haha). They are so much fun at this age, and I love seeing how she has grown from trip to trip!

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

 

[btk2333]

My DD is nearly 2.5 and has been to WDW 7 times (+1 time to DL) and we have our next trip in 1 month!

I have two links in my signature for TRs as I got AP's for us the first year and decided to renew as we had so much fun! Her first trip was at 8 months old.

At 15 months, my DD was in a NO restaurant and NO character phase. Hmm...we still ate mostly at TS locations and did character interactions mainly to show her they were OK. Otherwise, she had a blast! She knows all her favorite rides and characters now, and I wouldn't do ANYTHING differently (except win the lottery and go twice as much as I do! haha). They are so much fun at this age, and I love seeing how she has grown from trip to trip!

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

Can't wait to read your TR's!

 

[bopper]

Our daughter was a stroller sleeper so we would sit on a bench and take a break and let her nap.

 

[twinmom430]

I began taking my twins on their 1 year b-day....and we drive 18 hours to get there each time!! It went really well, they took naps in their stroller which was easier for us so we didn't have to go back to the hotel.
Sometimes my twins were asleep when we had reservations for dinner, the restaurants were accomodating and let us bring the stroller in and my husband and I were able to have a quiet dinner. Then I fed them after (or before).
Just be flexible, that's the most important part, things aren't always going to go your way....but just make sure to bring lots to drink, sunscreen, diapers (which I always found easier to bring them in a corner and change them in their stroller), extra clothes...and know your dr's number...I guess it's just the nature of bringing kids to Disney, but my kids always seem to get sick.
Personally I think it was easier to bring 1 year olds than my now 5 year old twins. lol. We will be going for the 10th time with my twins, they have also been on the disney cruise, and another cruise....my kids are used to traveling now and love it! You will be fine, just go with the flow.

 

[jason10mm]

We did it with a 10 month old and it was pretty much like normal (just a little less drinking). They are easy to carry at that age, can't get away and into trouble, and, mine at least, was pretty content just looking at everything. Diaper changes were easy in the stroller (we rented) and usually a trip in a slow A/C ride would put them out (IASW is great for this). My kid liked pretty much every ride we put him on aside from the Imagination ride in Epcot (blast of air at one point) and a particularly amusing (to me, not to him or his mother) point when he woke up right in the middle of that swirling blue water effect at the Poseidon show at Universal's IoA (which, BTW, I strongly DON'T recommend with a kid, virtually NOTHING there for them). He did great on Maelstrom and POTC, I don't think kids that little know to be scared.....yet.

Costumed characters were hit or miss as he didn't really know the material yet. He's a shameless flirt so the princesses were easy. He knows the Mickey Gang now so he may react better to them, or he may freak out. He wasn't a fan of the Easter Bunny a few months back so who knows?

The real challenge is to make sure YOU get enough rest. The kid will probably wake up at the same time whether YOU stay out late or not, so having someone watch them at night AND the following morning so you can sleep in is key. it is also hit or miss how well they will sleep in a packn'play and how well you will sleep in the same room (if that is the arraignment) if you are not used to it.

Otherwise I think at that age it isn't that bad. Baby swap works well and the WDW staff is very accomodating for requests involving an infant.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

Be sure to have enough breastmilk/formula/juice/snacks/diapers/wipes/toys/entertainment for the plane. Your flight may be delayed and if you end up sitting on the tarmac for a couple of hours you will need extras!

It's usually when you are low or run out of wipes/diapers that baby ends up having a blowout!

As for the parks, just pay attention to baby's needs. Utilize the Baby Centers for quiet time and changes, if napping in the stroller does not work, consider taking a midday break and go back to your room and nap.

As PP have said, utilize Baby Swap as much as you can and don't be afraid to take baby with you on the other attractions. You would be surprised at what entertains them. My kids loved IASW and POTC when they were babies.



ETA: Be sure to pack some warm clothes for baby, we went in Dec. one year and it ended up being a record cold snap! My kids had to wear their pajamas under their clothes and we had to buy blankets.

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

We've taken all of our kids around that age and it's really easy.
I bring both a stroller and also my Ergo type carrier. It's nice to wear them while waiting in lines or even on some of the rides. The lines are sometimes long enough to get a whole nap in, lol.

 

[skywaywaver]

We're all crazy here! LOL
We took both of our children when they were 20 months old for their first trips. Our youngest will be 18 months on this next trip, which is her first.

We used to do the mid-day break but I think we'll be doing it later rather than earlier. One or 2 nights me and LO will head back to park with DH and 2 older kids but most nights we'll hang out.

We drive so we bring diapers and other foods. This one eats mostly table food at this point but we are bringing fruit and veggie pouches for her - easy, nutritious and she likes them. I'm also happy to see the Mickey Power Pack which will be perfect for her: yogurt, string cheese and goldfish crackers.

As another poster, if you go in dreading it, it will stink. If you go in with minimal expectations, I bet that you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it goes.

Good luck!

 

[kmb584]

Awesome! Did you brought diapers from home and bought them at the resort??

I had them shipped to the resort from Amazon both times.

 

[TJA]

I began taking my twins on their 1 year b-day....and we drive 18 hours to get there each time!! It went really well, they took naps in their stroller which was easier for us so we didn't have to go back to the hotel.
Sometimes my twins were asleep when we had reservations for dinner, the restaurants were accomodating and let us bring the stroller in and my husband and I were able to have a quiet dinner. Then I fed them after (or before).
Just be flexible, that's the most important part, things aren't always going to go your way....but just make sure to bring lots to drink, sunscreen, diapers (which I always found easier to bring them in a corner and change them in their stroller), extra clothes...and know your dr's number...I guess it's just the nature of bringing kids to Disney, but my kids always seem to get sick.
Personally I think it was easier to bring 1 year olds than my now 5 year old twins. lol. We will be going for the 10th time with my twins, they have also been on the disney cruise, and another cruise....my kids are used to traveling now and love it! You will be fine, just go with the flow.

I just had to quote this because we also have twins and I had to do a double-take to see if I wrote this - lol.
Back to OP's questions:
We have been taking our twins to Disney since they were 7 months old. They are now age 11 and have been to Disney many, many, many times. The baby stages in Disney were some of the best memories we have! We always brought a comfortable, reclining stroller from home so they could sleep comfortably right in the stroller. I also brought a bjorn or ergo carriers and we used those for going on rides. We went on tons of rides (basically anything without a height restriction) with the babies right in the carriers. We ate at a lot of sit-down meals with the babies sleeping right in the stroller at our table -- most restaurants were very accommodating in letting us do this.

I packed a box and mailed it down to myself in Disney. This box contained an enormous amount of diapers, wipes, formula, and whatever type of food they were eating at the time (baby cereal, baby food, etc.). Keep in mind, though, I had twins so I needed double the supplies, mailing down was easier at the time for me. As they got older and didn't need as much, I could fit everything in regular luggage.

Finally...no, you are not crazy at all. As I said, baby stages in Disney are quite easy and very bonding. It's quality time spent with family 24/7 -- that can't be replaced at home in everyday life. Go and have fun!

 

[dzaharchuk]

We have a five year gap between our oldest and the next 2 (now 14, 9, 6). We took a trip when our youngest was ten months old, and it was great! She was very happy to ride in the stroller or Baby carrier and just watch everything! She is unusual in that she was unafraid of any ride or character, I know that not all kids are as easy.

We did go back for naps, and then went out again to see nighttime entertainment. We also used a shipment from Garden Grocer and packed a few things in luggage. As a pp said, it is just like going anywhere else. It also largely depends on the personality of your child and how adaptable they (and you ) are.

We even ate in restaurants, took a ziploc with crayons, stickers, Disney books from dollar store, and it kept her and her 2 1/2 year old brother entertained.

good luck!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

My son went at 5mo, 12mo and 15mo. I didn't find it difficult there with him at all. I shipped a box via UPS to the resort with diapers, wipes, swim diapers, his inflatable bathtub, inflatable pool float, bibs, burp cloths, bottles/sippy cups, etc.. I did carry enough for 24 hours to the airport just in case.

I also got a Garden Grocer delivery with his yogurt, cheese, milk (on the 2nd and 3rd trip), etc.. He was eating table food by the 12mo trip obviously but I also liked having some food in the room and with me just in case.

Make sure to get an umbrella stroller with a full recline and big sunshade. My son napped very well in the stroller so there was no need to run back to the resort mid-day.