YEA!!! We're taking our First Family Trip!!!

[karenTX]

After what has been a stressful year in '05 (had a baby 3 months early, both of us nearly dying,DH's new job, etc.) We've decided to take advantage of WDW's Magical Beginnings package and We're taking the great First Family Trip to WDW!!!

Ok...So now the panic is setting in...WDW...with a 16 month old...WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!

PLEASE HELP!!!!

(deep breath) Ok, we've got the flight taken care of and I set up the Disney Luggage/transporation thing BUT am I going to need a car seat for the Disney transfers from the airport to the hotel & vice versa?

Is it best to mail a box of needed items (food, diapers, etc) to the hotel before we get there or just bring it with me?

We're buying a Mac stroller so I hope I'm ok there.

What items do you all think are vital to bring that my overly excited brain can't think of???

We're trying to keep this trip as cost effective as possible since we're going to be going in '07 with my entire huge family.

THANKS!!!!!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

Congrats on your 1st trip! you will have such a great time!

What to bring for baby:
Diapers
Wipes
Powders
Creams
Shampoo
Soap
Sunscreen
Formula, Juice, Water
bottles
dish soap to clean bottles / nipples
Sippy cups
Shopping bags (plastic from grocery to dispose of smelly dipes)
Swim diapers
Baby Cereal
Baby Food
snacks
disposable bibs
disposable silverware
handy wipes
ball cap
meds

Okay thats all i can think of

 

[karenTX]

Thanks so much for the great list!!

Anyone else have any suggestions for travelling with a 16 month old?

 

[Hoosier Mom]

It's our first family trip too! Our ds will be 18M by the time of our trip. We have a mac stroller too. I just got a bigger sun shade for it. Our ds won't keep a hat or sunglasses on.

For the flight we're taking:
color wonders
stickers
roll of scotch tape
snacks
sippy cup
blankie
hand sanitizer
diapers/wipes
baggie for an emergency dirty diaper
change of clothes
plus sunscreen & swim diapers & trunks in case we go straight to the pool area.

I got a little license plate with his name on it to put on our stroller. Got a battery operated fan to put on the stroller too.

Also I got an insulated sippy cup for the parks.

Also got one of those puppy backpack leashes in case he refuses to stay in his stroller. I can't have him running off.

I picked up some sand toys at the dollar store to play with at CBR.

Also I'm packing my own pack-n-play sheets for the hotel room.

Hope that helps! Have a blast! Take lots of pictures!

Also for keeping him busy while we are waiting for food, I read a suggestion on the DIS about taking those stick on placemats for the table and letting him stick some stickers on it.

 

[HappyLawyer]

first that is one cute baby, second, enjoy your trip and have a blast

 

[lovesdumbo]

am I going to need a car seat for the Disney transfers from the airport to the hotel & vice versa?

You cannot use a carseat on the Disney Magic Express bus to the hotel. Do you have a seat for your baby on the plane? You may want to bring a carseat for that. I used a carseat for my youngest on the plane at 11 months, 21 months, and 33 months. She slept most of the way on the first 2 trips. I don't think she would have slept that well without her carseat and she knows she has to stay put in the carseat so I think that helped too.

Instead of soap for sippy cups I used the Palmalive dish wipes that are preloaded with soap. They are really soapy so I cut them in half.

I really liked the disposable placemats-Table Toppers. They have adhesive strips that keep them in place on the table.

What month are you going? You may want to consider buying a RayShade. It goes over the shade on your stroller. It provides so much extra shade and it folds up nice & small and is relatively inexpensive.

I did mail packages to the hotel to keep my luggage down but I've got 3 small children and didn't use Magic Express. You may do OK buy bringing what you need. You may want to use a grocery service. I never have but have read good reviews.

Have a great trip! My DD was a late talker at 21 months she came home with 2 new words. Moon-it was a full moon and she love being outside at night and Wow-she loved the fountains at Epcot-especially at night.

 

[karenTX]

first that is one cute baby, second, enjoy your trip and have a blast

Thank you! I think she's pretty cute too!

Thanks for the bus info! We were not going to bring her carseat unless we had to for the bus. She's pretty good at snuggling up and napping in my lap. I hope she'll still be like that when we go!

We are going to be there the last week of September. We are usually November visitors (DH & I) but had to change to get the package price and because DH's work has a trip in November. The last time we went in September was back in '98 on our honeymoon...during some hurricane that I can't remember the name of.

The color wonder and dish wipes are a great idea. And I bought a RayShade just this afternoon! But, dare I ask, what is the roll of tape for?

Also, she is on a special formula that she'll have to continue through age 2 so she can put on weight. (I should be that lucky! ) Can I get the fridge in the room for no charge due to it being medical or still the $10.00/day? Will I be allowed to bring in my very small bottle cooler for her sippy cups of formula into the parks.

What has been everyone's expirence in regards to the changing tables in the bathrooms at the parks? Do they at least have the paper mats to put down?
Silly question...I know.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

The roll of scotch tape was a suggestion I read here on the DIS. Someone said their toddler was busy for quite a long while playing with the scotch tape. It's worth a try so I'm bringing some along.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Also, she is on a special formula that she'll have to continue through age 2 so she can put on weight. (I should be that lucky! ) Can I get the fridge in the room for no charge due to it being medical or still the $10.00/day? Will I be allowed to bring in my very small bottle cooler for her sippy cups of formula into the parks.

What has been everyone's expirence in regards to the changing tables in the bathrooms at the parks? Do they at least have the paper mats to put down?
Silly question...I know.

I'm pretty sure you can get a free fridge. Call CRO and have them add it to your reservation. Also don't worry about bringing a cooler to the parks. You can bring bottles and snacks.

I don't remember paper mats in the bathrooms at the parks. Have you tried Huggies disposable changing pads? I really like them. BUT....the Baby Care Centers (1 at each park) are great. They have HUGE changing tables with paper mats. The Baby Care Centers are really great but they aren't always convenient to go to. I found my youngest did best at the centers as they are nice and quiet. She hated having her diaper changed in the busy park bathrooms.

 

[Tam1067]

We took my youngest when she was 15 months, so I know the experience. Bring diapers, wipes, and all that stuff with you. When you use them up, you'll have extra room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you buy!

 

[karenTX]

Ohh...that's a great idea!!! I like the way you think!!

 

[pooh2001]

Enjoy your premee. My DS was born 6 weeks early - size of a foot ball - under 5 lbs. He is now a teenager - taller than me - good size for his age.

Enjoy the magic of WDW.

Take breaks in the hot afternoons.

Find a quite spot to unwind, relax, watch the people and feed your baby
every once in a while. It is a great way to keep your little one happy and
also you and your DH.

This will be your little one's first trip - take a picture of your child somewhere you will remember. Maybe in front of the MK castle, by Dumbo or the Tea Pots. The next time you visit WDW, do the same. On a picture frame place all the pictures together in order and watch your premee grow into a teenager.
It's fun for your child to see how they have grown too - better than a growth chart (leave those for the doctor).

Sorry I do not have a baby list of items. We are out of that stage and
I am rusty at it.

*** If you can afford it - try a car service - they will pick you up at the airport, allow 30 minute food shops, allow car seats, brings your luggage with you to your resort, much faster and more convient ****

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Congratulations on your first trip!!!!! I'm sure you and your family will have a completely magical time!

This will be my third trip heading to WDW with a baby/toddler. My youngest will be 14 months for our next trip. With good planning and realistic expectations, you should have no problems!

These are some things that I wouldn't travel without:
*sunscreen
*sunhat
*swim diapers
*if he/she uses pacifiers, bring extras of the type you use. We had to frantically try a new one, bought at MK...and she hated it!
*band aids...especially for those little ones learning to walk/run!
*disposable changing pads/bags...much easier than toting around your regular changing pad
*our own crib sheet...made the transition to a new crib easier
*nightlight
*our own snacks, plastic bowl, and those disposable spoons
*toys for the pool
*bubbles to blow while waiting for parades, rides, etc.
*tylenol
*Color Wonder or Magnadoodle, for plane and restaurants
*Palmolive wipes, for cups, etc.
*OUTLET COVERS for room
*water shoes for pool

As for diapers, I did bring a pack with us. This made extra room for returning with souveniers! Make sure you pack plenty in your carry on. Also, bring all your formula in your carry on....just in case!

Sorry if some of these are repeats. I didn't take the time to read the other posts.

 

[NicsMom1500]

Hi.
I just wanted to wish you a wonderful first family trip to WDW.

My preemie born 12 weeks early is now 6!

Have a magical time!

 

[lynninpa]

The roll of scotch tape was a suggestion I read here on the DIS. Someone said their toddler was busy for quite a long while playing with the scotch tape. It's worth a try so I'm bringing some along.

GREAT IDEA!!

 

[MinnieNurse]

I love hearing about your preemies. I was a NICU nurse for 6 years and often wander how the babies I cared for are now doing. I want be much help with your trip though, my son was 5 when we went the first time. I am sure you will have a great trip just remember to rest when you need to.