Walt Disney World with 8 month old

[rk5798]

Hi everyone. I am new here and so excited to be. I have been to Disney so many times but never with an 8 month old. We will be heading down this Christmas(we have been at that time before and love it) with our 3 yr.old dd and 8 month old ds and were just wondering if there is anything we should plan for. Can our lo go on most rides like teacups, Dumbo, etc. considering we need to hold him on everything. Also, can he go on the Kilmajaro Safari at AK? Finally does he need to wear shoes to go on rides? I know some parks won't let kids go on rides w/o shoes and our lo usually doesn't wear any since he isn't even close to walking. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

Kristin

 

[pigget74]

You are good to go. WE took DS at 8mths and he rode everything that did not have a height restriction. THere were times that he did not wear shoes and no one said anything. We used Its a Small World as a own ride to get him to rest. He loved everything. We took powdered formula and water bottles to feed with. Also took snacks for him to eat that was suitable for him. The Gerber baby food comes in plastic containers and we used those. DW does not have a lot to choose from at the resorts or the baby care centers. Hope that you have a great trip.

 

[kids of the kingdom]

Ditto for us. When we went with our ds @ 8mo, we had a car so our 1st stop was Walmart (conveniently located - go on their site) to stock up on baby supplies for the week. It was much easier than having to lug a huge box o' diapers and wipes, etc, etc. If you don't like the powder formula idea, the single cans are an alternative and are great when you have a hungry kid and need to lock and load a bottle FAST. Use a small back pack as your diaper bag and you have a place for everything. (easier, too, going thru security check.) And, yes, we did Kilamanjaro safari with him. He loved the bumpy ride. Just HOLD ON. Have fun and

 

[2goofykids]

Welcome to the DIS! We took my dd when she was 10 months and she loved it. She did most of the rides in Fantasyland (she loved Small World!) and a couple others in MK. She did the Kilmajaro Safari at AK and loved it. Just be sure to hold onto ds tight, it can be very bumpy for a little one. My dd didn't wear shoes most of the time. They only time anyone said anything was in Toontown. The photopass photographer asked if we had shoes and we didn't (they were in the stroller outside) so she covered dd's feet with Snow White's dress. But she was they only person who asked or did anything like that. I would suggest having shoes or slippers that would keep his feet warm because it can get cold in December.
I would suggest stopping a store to get your baby supplies. The resorts and baby centers have them, but they are limited and expensive. But do use the baby centers for feeding and changing if you like. I found them very nice especially for diaper changes and quiet. I also think it is a good idea to take a mid day break if your hotel is close. Kids at that age need the rest due to all the excitement and stimulation. Also bring an umbrella stroller for ds. IMO the ones you can rent at disney aren't great for that age. Your dd on the other hand would probably like it. I hope this helps!

 

[littlelaura]

i was going to ask the same question. in process of planning and booking our vacation for April. Our DS will be 9 months. Good to know he'll be able to join in with some rides

 

[pigget74]

Let me clarify---DS loved disney at all ages, but as far as napping, eating, and getting out of stroller (he wanted to walk) he (even though he is very laid back) it was much easier the younger he was. We are going back in June so it must not have been to bad. You will have a great trip.

 

[littlelaura]

just out of interest, how have peoples toddlers reacted to the characters. At around 8 months, babies have a natural fear of strangers. Do they tend to get completely freaked out????

 

[2goofykids]

Actually my dd loved all the characters at 10 months as long as they didn't come up behind her unexpectedly. But she didn't like it when anyone (including me & DH) did that at that age. This usually only happened at character meals, but we quickly tried to pick her up before the character got there.
On our last trip she was 19 months and she was much different. She loved the princesses, but was a little unsure of the princes. She loved the fab five & playhouse disney characters as long as I was with her. For some reason she freaked out with Tigger and Pooh. But I think it is because they touched her. She did not want to be touched by strangers at that age. But the funny thing was she freaked out, "cheesed" through her tears, and then high fived them at the end. For the most part she did fine as long as I was holding her. We are going in december and dd will be just a bit over two. I'm interested to see how she will be this time around.
My advice is to take it slowly with the characters. If they have a favorite maybe try them first and see how they handle it.

 

[mrsborr]

I am off to WDW in 3 weeks w/ DS who will be just under 6mo. Should we keep him in the baby bjorn carrier on the rides, or hold him? Can't wait to see his reaction on Small World!!!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I'm still a ways away...but I'll be taking my little one next November when he is 7 months old.... I'm soooo excited

 

[Sam'sMom0126]

We took our 7 1/2 month old in September. We carried him on all the rides he went on. The babycare centers were great...the one in AK was really nice. He was great with the characters! Tried to bite their noses....best picture we have from the trip is him biting (well I say kissing) Mickey's nose! Priceless! Enjoy!!! We can't wait to take him back.

 

[Perditamarie]

If you have a baby sling or hip hammock, those are great for lines as strollers aren't allowed. Also, they help keep baby secure on rides. If you are using Magical Express and won't have a store stop, consider shipping a box to yourself at your resort. Happy planning!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I highly recommend a baby carrier (sling, front carrier, back carrier, etc) for little ones. They are very helpful, keep your hands free and you can leave your baby in them when you get on rides.

We went to DL when my ds was 7 mos and my dd was 2.5. I took a single stroller. DD rode in the stroller and I carried ds in my mei tai the entire trip. It worked great for us.

7 mos really is a good time. At 7 mos they don't have opinions so it's so much easier to cart them around, lol!!!

 

[mrsborr]

If you have a baby sling or hip hammock, those are great for lines as strollers aren't allowed. Also, they help keep baby secure on rides. If you are using Magical Express and won't have a store stop, consider shipping a box to yourself at your resort. Happy planning!

Luckily, or maybe not so luckily(what was I thinking???), my MIL & FIL will be driving to WDW to meet us . DH, DS, & I are flying. So, the IL's will graciously be stopping to grab us supplies.

I had no idea strollers were not allowed on lines, but I guess that makes sense, because where would it go once I got on the ride? For some odd reason I thought the magic carried over, and a nice CM would hold my stroller for me, rolling out the red carpet, waiting for me to get off of the ride w/ DS. I guess I get carried away with the "magic" thing. I mean, why would I not be subject to parking in the seas of strollers?

 

[ajcolorado]

Here's an article that might interest you:
http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/article-epcot-with-young-children.html