Would you do DW alone with a 5yr old and a 2month old nursing infant?

[O-Jo]

DH has a conferance in Orlando later this year and we had planned on joining him so that we could do DW. Now I am pregnant and I think we should stay home but he still wants us to go. I'm nervous about how to handle the time that he is busy. I won't be able to take the baby on rides that the 5yr old wants to go on, and I don't necessary want him to go on them alone. I also don't want to risk having nursing issues while in the park, but I don't want to keep the 5yr old in the room during those times either.

Has anyone managed this? Stopping at nursing stations would be boring for the 5yr old, but if I did it, how frequently are they located? I'd appreciate any thoughts one way or the other!

Thanks!

 

[Ariel8676]

Well to be honest i would go. Bring a stroller and a good sling and a nursing cover and you will be good to go. Put the baby in the sling and go on rides with your 5 yo.

 

[3boys4me]

I think you could do it. I didnn't find nursing to be a big problem. The baby centers are very nice but they are not that convenient to get to. I also never had a problem finding a quiet spot in the parks to sit and nurse. There are a lot of rides that you can take the baby on. Some other things to consider will just getting a stroller and 2 kids to and from the parks alone. It could be really hard if you have to fold up a stoller and drag in on a bus while carrying an infant. Also what time of year will you be going? It could get really hot and your little one would be miserable. Having said all that I think if physically you can get the baby and stroller where you need to go then you have won half the battle already.

 

[O-Jo]

It would be early November.

Thanks, I guess I just need the encouragement! I'd really hate to miss out on going!

 

[irene_dsc]

It sounds like your dh will be with you at least part of the time - can you coordinate to do the big rides when you have 2 parents available?

But, definitely find yourself a good baby carrier, and if you can learn to nurse in it, you will have so much more flexibility. I was able to push a stroller while carrying a baby in the sling - I did that a ton when dd was a baby.

Do realize that you'll also have to take it easy for yourself, esp. if baby comes late. I don't know about you, but at 8 weeks post-partum, I wasn't really up to major walking outings. But, I bet if you have reasonable expectations, you can have a great time!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I would not go to WDW with a 2 month old. I know some would but I wouldn't. It has nothing to do with being able to handle it as it would not be hard, I just think that is too young. Too many people, too many germs. YMMV.

 

[nessz79]

I personally would not. 2 month old babies, in my experience (my 2 boys), are pretty high-maintenance. I think I'd be too stressed to enjoy myself. Maybe if you could bring someone with you? Your mom or someone like that? That's what I would do.

 

[Belle72]

Hi! I went with my DH when he was at a conference and had DD4 and DS5 mos. I wore DS in a hotsling- highly recommended and took a stroller for DD4. I found people (CM and others) to be helpful on and off the boats (we stayed at WL) and in ride lines. Rides in Fantasyland were easy. Toontown was great. But we went early and left early. Epcot was very easy- we just strolled along. Didn't do too many rides but saw a lot. Your older one will just have to wait for DH to do the bigger rides. Character breakfasts worked out perfectly too. On another day we spent time at the pool. DH was back by the time we were done with naps. Just do what you can with them and don't put too much on the schedule.

Baby care stations were helpful- they have tvs and activities for the older child.

 

[liznboys]

I personally would not do it, that would be too much for me, just out of my comfort zone.

If you feel you can handle it though, then go for it. I'm sure you would have some fun. Good luck deciding!

 

[TheLittleRoo]

What about Fairy Godmothers? I'm pretty sure you could arrange for a one of their people to help you in the park for a nominal hourly fee. She could either hold the baby or sit with her in the stoller, while you ride with your 5 y/o, or even ride with your 5 y/o while you hold/ nurse the baby.

Just a thought... it would be cheaper than flying a family member or friend down and then sharing your room with her. I'd find a way to make it work, personally! good luck!

 

[mjkacmom]

I wouldn't do it, only because I've had some wonderful infants, and some not-so-much. My first ds screamed and cried his first 9 months of life! Add that to having everyone sleep in the same hotel room, waking and feeding the baby, possibly waking the 5 year old, and there could be some very tired moments. My first baby was an angel - she'd do great at WDW at 2 months. However, there is no way I'd take my 2nd on vacation that young, or my 5th, who was colicky, and screamed every single night from midnight - 4 am.

 

[O-Jo]

Excellent point...I was so concerned about the nursing part that I completely forgot about the (lack of!) sleeping/sharing a room part! Ugh, what to do, what to do...

At least we've got time! Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

 

[Ariel on Land]

Congrats on the new baby!

I think I'm in the camp that I'd probably skip it. Really, there are so many factors you can't anticipate until after the baby is here- their temperament, their sleep patterns, how well nursing will go, how you'll be feeling post partum (especially if you were to have a cesarean- something you might not anticipate, but you just never know.) Also, since it'll be Nov, so cold/flu/RSV season will be starting up, and you really don't want to risk a tiny one getting sick.

Those are my thoughts, but I am admittedly a very cautious mother. I think as much as I'd want to go- I'd have to wait until the baby was older!

 

[Tiffany_MommyOf3]

I have and would!!! I actually took a 4 yr old, 2 yr old, 1 yr old, and I was 30+ weeks pregnant on my own a few times. Take it slow and live with the fact that you won't see everything or do everything - but you'll still have a fantastic time! Stop frequently at the play place so your 5 yr old can run around while you watch and nurse. Bring a good sling or carrier for the baby for lines so your hands are free to deal with the 5 yr old - even the happiest of 5 yr olds can become whiney after standing in line after line after line.... So it's best to have hands free to entertain and play games.

 

[lmillercrew]

Personally, for me, H*** no. But, that's just me. Every mom is different and can handle things differently. I know your 5 yr old would have fun, it would just depend on you and how you can handle it. I've heard the nursing/changing areas are fantastic. Good luck with your decision!

 

[set1208]

I think that you should plan on going, but just get travel insurance in case you find yourself too sore to walk. After my first baby I could not walk at all for weeks! After my boys though, I felt fabulous and would easily have been able to do Disney.

You can do it!

 

[NJR]

If you do decide to go, I recommend a wrap. I took my 2 month old in November and wore him in my Sleepy Wrap most of the time - I could get away with wearing just my nursing tank underneath, and then was able to easily nurse while he was in the sling (just pull down the flap and latch!), the wrap covers so much no one ever knew when I had him latched on.

 

[tami82]

I wouldnt go. For me alone being pregnant is a horror story (all day sickness, tiredness, etc..) then to have a 2 month old and 5 year old on top of that, never. Unless your husband is there with you. Can you possibly do something else like Chef Mickeys or something a bit easier while your husband is at the conference. It would be a different story if you had a babysitter for the 2month old, Sorry that is just too much for a pregnant woman to take on.

 

[mandynee22]

If you're OK NIP then I'd skip the nursing stations... there's only one in each park anyway and walking back to it every time... well... yeah. FTR- I had no problems nursing DS (18 months at the time) in any of the parks. We do not cover.
I did WDW alone with DD8 and DS18m. I also did it alone with DD when she was 6 and DS was 5 months-gestation LOL
I think it depends on the kids. Can you nurse while baby is in a sling and you walk? (obviously the LO isn't born yet but if you have experience then you probably can) Can your other LO sit and play or do something while you sit on a bench with the baby?
What rides would your 5 yr old want to go on that a baby can't?

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I wouldn't want to take a 2 month old baby to WDW in November....too many germs for a baby during cold/flu season. But best of luck if you decide to make the trip!!