We are debating doing a trip next year. We are expecting in mid November so were thinking either late may(right around when baby is 6 months old and able to have her vaccinations) or waiting a little more till sept/oct when baby will be a bit older.
Our other one was not yet two when we took her the first time, and really does not remember anything, so this trip will really be for her, so we are thinking if the baby is only 6 months old it might be actualy easier as she will not be fighting to get on the floor and crawl so much as if she is 9 or 10 months old. What do you all think? And if anyone has done this, what sort of rides where you able to do with the infant.
I can relate to your plight: We took a trip to WDW in May 2010, when my oldest daughter was 4 y.o. & my youngest was 8 mos.. Here's what I've learned:
1. Pick a resort that's close to your favorite park. We opted for the Poly simply because of the monorail! We did not mind paying extra for a room we'd barely be in, because we had the easiest mode of transportation.
2. Pick a time of year when it's not too hot. Take advantage of the Baby Care Centers, counter-service restaurants, and 2 stroller fans. I was still nursing my youngest DD at the time (in conjunction to switching over to baby food), so instead of bringing a nursing cover-up, I brought a light weight scarf I had bought at Old Navy. This scarf served 3 purposes: as a scarf (obviously), cover-up, and shade for the tandem double stroller! I have never gotten so much use out of one thing (it was definitely worth the $10!!!)!
3. Be mentally prepared. Realize that you will not, I repeat, will not, get everything in (i.e. rides, shows, eateries). As you know, traveling with a child, parents must move at a slower pace. But add a baby into the mix, you will really travel a bit slower than usual. Keep a routine: especially when it comes to meals; and utilize those Baby Care Centers (AK's is my favorite: there are 3 "nursing closets," complete with a rocking chair & changing station!). While I would be feeding the youngest DD, my DH and oldest DD would hit up some kid-friendly rides, meet characters or just wander about. Even if your baby is crawling, those BBC's are the perfect spot to let the little tike out and about (don't forget the Wet Ones).
4. Your youngest can ride a few attractions. Here's what we rode as a family (I would leave the youngest in the carrier, just had her facing out):
@ MK: It's a Small World, Peter Pan, & Winnie-the-Pooh.
@ EP: Nemo
@ AK: Safari (that was a little bit of a nail bitter as she was jostled around too much for our liking, but we knew what we were getting into)
@ HS: zilch
However, I did not include shows, which were another great way to beat the heat!
Overall, that vacation was more of a bonding experience between DH & oldest DD, and of course me and the youngest. We didn't mind, because we had visited several times before and experienced "the other rides."
Take your time, because WDW is very doable with children of any age (the point of whether or not the child will remember it is moot in our house). DD6 & DD3 still very much love going to WDW and they do in fact "remember" it!
Have fun!
