Traveling with kids

[marilynmiko]

We are visiting WDW over Christmas 2007. This will be our third time but the first with our baby boy (13 months at that time). We also have a 11 year old son and 7 year old girl. Does any one have any great tips for traveling with a baby? We are staying at Pop Century Resort and we are not renting a car. I am always over prepared for every trip. I want this trip to be no exception but I will be traveling with a baby!!! I have read many books and websites about traveling with a baby. Do I pack all the baby essentials in a suitcase or do I ship it to the resort. Any suggestions will be appreciated .

 

[CanadianGuy]

I'm going to move this over to the DISNEY for FAMILIES board. You'll probably get more directed and qualified answers this way.'



Knox

 

[DVCsince02]

My DD is 4 and we have taken her to WDW every year and now her younger brother who is 18 months has gone twice. I have a few pieces of advice.

1. Take your own lightweight stroller. Make sure it has storage for the diaper bag underneath and cup/food trays for parents and child. Also, make sure it can recline for naps and some sort of weather cover (for sun or rain). In a pinch you can use an adult poncho. Finally, carrying a child to and from a park between transportation can get heavy.

2. Take your own snacks. Many kids are picky eaters and taking snacks in the parks is fine.

3. Get a water bottle strap and use it to attach the sippy cup or bottle to your stroller. If you knot it short enough, it won't even hit the ground and get dirty.

4. Use the baby stations at all 4 parks. They can be a god send! They have almost anything you could need or forgot to bring. Or they can be just a quite place to sit and relax, change diapers, use bathrooms, or get out of the weather.

5. Go early to the parks, and come back to your hotel in the afternoon for naps and to recharge. Go back to the parks in the evenings. A good nap can make a huge difference in the attitude of you little one.

Finally just go with the flow. Expect not to be able to do everything you want (rides, parades, etc). If you get it all in, then BONUS!

Have fun!

 

[LaDolce]

Good advice. The baby stations are great. I would consider shipping diapers and, if you need it, formula down ahead of time. They take up SOOO much room in the luggage, and cost more if you have to buy them in the parks. Make sure you give the baby a bottle or breasfeed on the plane - it will help with ear pressure - and carry a couple of extra bottles (our plane was delayed for several hours one year and we were praying our bottles would hold out!). A good hat and a lightweight blanket are crucial, as you can't put sunscreen on a baby and the Florida sun can be brutal. Find yourself a shady spot before parades and be aware that some attractions - especially the theater types - are very noisy and can be startling to an infant. That said, we took our daughter there at 4 months and of ALL the places you'd want to travel with a baby, Disney tops the list!