Trip Report The "We've Made a Huge Mistake" Trip - Disney with a newborn (don't do it)

I figured I'd just get it out there in the trip report title - this trip sucked. Still going to report on it, but be prepared...it sucked We had a few bright spots (Like seeing @Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 and Woody (can't remember his forum name...)) but overall, we were just really glad to come home yesterday. I figured I'd go ahead and get this report done as I'm going back to work on Monday!

Who: Me and R and our 11 week old, LP + My friend K.
When: March 30-April 4 (travel + 4 park days + travel)
Where: Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Why: End of my maternity leave, so wanted to take a trip without having to use vacation days

Originally it was just our family of 3 going and we were at Wilderness Lodge, but my friend K was tossing around the idea of taking a solo trip around the same time and helping out with LP, and we ended up moving to a Cabin so she could just stay with us! She went with her family (including her 8 week old and her husband's whole fam) around Thanksgiving and had really been wanting to go back and experience stuff she wasn't able to on that trip. She ended up getting the same flights as us and everything.

We left town on Saturday around 1pm and LP slept part of the drive...so did R.



They are twins.

Our flight was at 4:25pm. Our whole airport experience was a blur to me. I ended up checking the carseat and stroller at the desk instead of the gate which was a MISTAKE! The flight was empty so the carseat could have come on the plane with us and would have made for a much better experience.

So here I am carrying a 2-month old around the airport...I nursed her on some random couch outside the nursing lounge (which was occupied the whole time I was waiting). She was so cranky and tired and when she's like that even me holding her isn't helpful. I got her to nap for short stretches a couple of times, but the whole process was terrible. There was a toddler a few rows up that screamed a lot and every scream jarred LP awake She was sleeping really light!



On the descent...napping whew

I nursed her on the plane too. We'd never nursed in public before this trip, so I was figuring out the cover and holding her differently, and it was tricky.



Made it to the fonorail! That's K holding her, and she's in her Love to Dream swaddle that makes her look like a flying squirrel

We got our bags and no sign of the stroller or car seat. Finally after standing in line at the Southwest desk forever (during which time a complete stranger thought it was ok to touch my daughter...no ma'am!), we heard an announcement about oversized items being in a different spot, and sure enough there they were! Would have been nice to know that when we checked them originally. They had also zip-tied the car seat bag closed and none of the airport employees would help us get it off. Some nice man saw our plight and used a key to cut it off.

We got her in there and headed to the Magical Express line. We waited probably 15 minutes before we were on our way. LP was still so cranky, though I got her to nap a little on the bus. I also nursed her without the cover...turned toward the window where no one could see, but R was so embarrassed I just wanted to keep her quiet! Fort Wilderness was the last stop, and when we got there we realized everything was closing in like 30 minutes and we had no way of getting anywhere anyway.

It makes NO sense to me why there wouldn't be some kind of store or quick service at the Outpost where you get dropped off. I was starving. Luckily our cabin was in the closest loop, so we took off walking. It was only about a 5 minute walk and we got in there to find NO PACK AND PLAY. Apparently you have to tell them when you get there and they bring it over, so we did that. Once that was set up, I fed her and put her down for the night...whew

With that done, we had to get something to eat. I tasked R with figuring out UberEats and he placed a Q'doba order then walked to the Outpost to get it. I hadn't eaten since 10:30am and it was now 10:45pm...not good for a nursing mother! Once I finally got a burrito in me, I felt better and we all went to bed.



I didn't ever get pictures of the room, but you guys can see pictures on the internet

Up next: Will our travel day be an indication of how this trip will go? I think you already know...

 

[sheriffwoody]

Wouldn't ya know, my angel baby who has been sleeping through the night for two weeks decided this would be the night she'd wake up three times. I assume it was because momma hadn't eaten anything all day, so she wasn't getting much nutrition either.

We decided to stick around the cabin for her first morning nap, so we got going closer to 9:30/10am this day.




A girl from home made some bows for me, and this was a cute little extra one she threw in. I had the pink Daisy Duck bow, plus a Snow White bow and a Baloo bow. She didn't get to wear those last two, but I'll use them for pictures. I used the Snow White one for her 11 week picture, which we did today at home. This day at Disney was her actual 11 weeks!

You'll notice she's not buckled in. It was probably super dumb of us, but we didn't buckle her this day to try to keep her from getting hot.



We can use this again! Hooray!



Hello again beautiful. LP was fussy again. She just does not care for entering this park



She finally drifted off and I took this picture. R was like "don't stop moving!! That's too risky!"




Weather still nice! That's about to change...




Got my beloved violet lemonade. Guess who drank after me before we thought about it? Foreshadowing.

I was still feeling pretty off, but I actually wanted food, which was a good sign.





We were walking around WS but nothing was quite open yet. I think it was like 10:45 when we arrived and Pineapple Promenade was the only thing open. We got to France and just hung out until 11. Unfortunately it soon started to rain.







Look who's up! This was at the Florida Fresh booth where we got the shrimp and grits. I didn't photograph it because it was pouring. Thankfully there were umbrellas at those tables and we stood under one. We covered LP up and set off.

We stopped at Hanami

• Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing – $6.25

This was good except for the cabbage. I would have liked it more shredded, but the chicken and the dressing were very tasty! R thought I was getting the noodles, so he was disappointed.

I REALLY wanted the fried cauliflower, but the Morocco booth had an issue with their computers, so it was down. LP was cranky again, and with the rain I was frustrated and just wanted to leave. We had a FP for Slinky in like an hour and a half, so we just headed out. We ended up putting the rain cover on the stroller. I wasn't sure if we should while she was in it because it might be really hot, but the covers on the carseat and stroller seemed to be getting soaked. It ended up being fine with the clear cover, and she fell back asleep on the walk to Hollywood. It was a very pleasant walk, even with the drizzle still going.

The new bus stops looked awesome!

I went straight to the baby care center to feed LP. This was the worst of the three I went to. The nursing room was private, but it was only separated by a curtain from the area with the tv and stuff so it was really loud, and it was VERY small! It was just a weird setup. I wish I'd gotten to go to AK, because I hear the baby care center there is awesome.

Up next: Hollywood

 

[sheriffwoody]

I finished up and we headed back toward the new Incredibles alley where Pixar Place used to be, or whatever it was called. I knew I wanted a nom nom cookie!





This is SO good! Worth the hype. Plenty big to share and it really hit the spot.






I love what they've done with the place!



Tried to get her with Toy Story Land in the background, but we're too far away. She looks so sour

I was hoping K would be able to watch LP while we rode Slinky together, but she wanted to pump first, and I really didn't want to just stand around and wait for her because sometimes that takes forever, so I just went ahead and got in line for Slinky while R walked LP around.








Me and another single rider got put in the back row. I'll spare you the photo because I look a hot mess, but I soooo enjoyed this!!! It was a blast! I can't wait to ride it with my sweetheart someday.

I came out and found R and LP, who was crying of course. After he left, she fall asleep He soon showed back up and said he also really enjoyed it. It was more thrilling than either of us thought it would be. I wish it was a little longer, but it was so fun.

I wanted LP to get a real nap, so we headed out.





It was cool watching them test the gondolas. Those things can move! I'm pumped to try them out.

We returned to the room and I fed LP and put her down. I normally try not to nurse her to sleep except at night, but this trip was kind of a "whatever works" situation If I remember right, she didn't sleep all that long.

So the plan was for K to come back around 4:30 and R and I would go out for a couple of hours. Then she was going to go back to Hollywood for Fantastmic.

Up next: Couple's time

 

[sheriffwoody]

We decided to try going to MK. I got a FP for Buzz and we set out as soon as I was done feeding LP.



We waited forever for this boat from the 1900s to show up. Then they said it was out of service, so we had to wait for another one. It ended up taking 45 minutes to get to MK, which meant we basically needed to turn around and come back in like 15 minutes! Ugh.



Trying to make the most of it.





Got caught in the parade traffic, but at least I got to see the new parade.

We were headed to Tomorrowland to use our Buzz FP



Well we got there and the FP line was NUTS. I feel like this always happens. I didn't feel like it would be wise to wait in that long line, so I decided we'd get a treat and maybe do the peoplemover.



I got the Adventure is Out There cone from Auntie Gravity's. It was fine! Nothing super special, but it was refreshing. Again, we were sharing like some idiots.

We headed to the Peoplemover and it was slammed too. Dangit! Well, guess we're not riding anything during this brief trip.

We did get some more pictures on the way out.




R wanted Casey's so we stopped in there and ordered the special dog. It's some kind of Cuban pork thing. They ended up giving us a footlong when ordered a regular. There was no way we were finishing all that food! I just wanted some fries, since I still felt a little yucky.






We booked it to the boat dock since we were really pushing it. LP was apparently fussing a lot. K is fine with it since she has a baby. She's used to it! But we were pretty sure she was hungry, so I was trying to rush. Technically K had been pumping this whole time and could have fed her a bottle, but I figured we were close so she could wait I mean I was happy to have her to help, but I wasn't expecting her to be a wet nurse. ha!



We waited a while for a boat, then it was a small boat. Thankfully we made it on.

We finally got to Settlement and waited a while for a bus...first time we waited more than like 5 minutes for a bus.

Eventually we made it, gave LP the quickest bath ever, fed her and got her to bed. We turned in pretty early too. When we were laying down, R said he was feeling really bad.

He ended up not ever puking, but he definitely had the same bug. Let's just say, that's not the primary way it manifested for me or him He barely slept at all that night, poor guy. It's so frustrating when you feel bad and can't sleep!

Up next: Last day

 

[sheriffwoody]

LP woke up twice this night Ok maybe my milk is still skim right now. We'll get back to normal...surely. R informed me he hadn't slept, but he had also been fighting off being sick all night. When I got up, he asked me to make sure the bathroom was free before he got up.

K and I got to talking and decided we would just head out early and get some stuff done with just the girls since R was sick. I wasn't comfortable handling the carseat and stroller by myself, and I knew K wouldn't want to come back to the resort early (she would have, but I hated to ask her to). So I decided to try using just the carrier. So far LP hasn't cared for it, but I wanted to try!

We were going to go to Epcot, but at the last minute decided to go to MK.



She fussed a bit, but eventually fell asleep in there. I kind of hate it because she slouches down and gets cozy and I can't see her face. I just reach in and feel her belly to make sure she's breathing.



We saw Mary Poppins on Main Street! Not sure why she was out, maybe walking backstage for a break?



I REALLY wanted to do Dumbo with LP because my mom took me on it when I was a baby at Disneyland, but the wait was already 30 minutes and I knew I needed to feed LP soon. Since the waits were already on up there, I just went ahead and took LP to the baby care center to nurse. After that, we just walked around for like 45 minutes while K went to do Enchanted Tales with Belle.



Finally tried the Cheshire Cat Tail! I never thought it sounded good, but since I had nothing else to do, I tried it. It was SO. GOOD. I should have gotten it ages ago.



Sad dry moat











I got to see the new Move It Shake It Mousekedance it parade! It was cute. I've never been a Move It Shake It fan, but I get the appeal. I even got out and danced with Max and Pluto. At one point, Max was interacting with this sweet boy with special needs and giving him so much attention. I could tell it was absolutely making this kid's day and I started crying My postpartum hormones really haven't been that bad, but that really got me!

Walked down Main Street again just taking it all in




I watched part of Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire before K met up with me. We wandered Main Street together some. I wanted to stay until the 12 o'clock Trolley Show because K NEEDED to experience it. She didn't see it the last time she was there, and it is my absolute favorite thing.




All I had was my phone, so I just watched without taking a bunch of pictures. It was as charming as ever! We headed out after this. Chicken Little was meeting by the flag pole, which was cool to see even though I've never seen the movie.



LP taking it all in on the monorail.

Up next: Epcot

 

[sheriffwoody]

She was hungry, so of course she started screaming as we were arriving at Epcot. She cried all through the security line, which is always so long. The security guy was like "why's she crying?" And I said she was hungry and he said "well feed her" Good grief. It's not like I can just give her a cracker! If I popped my out right there to shut her up, then people would be scandalized.

Aaaanyway, I booked it back to the baby care center while K took her time entering the park and starting around World Showcase.

She nursed for a long time, then I changed her and K came over so I could pop into the restroom. It's hard to pee when you're in a park with a baby strapped to you! I think LP needed the time out of the carrier to cool off. As soon as I put her back in, she was mad. She was sick of it for sure!

I'd been texting @Tuvalu to arrange to meet up, and now was a good time. We met them at the Mickey and Minnie topiary. I'm so sad that LP was fussing at the time! They didn't get to see her cuteness. If she'd been in the car seat, at least she might have smiled at them

Here's a link to her post with the photos.

It was so great to see this sweet family again! I wish we'd been able to chat longer...and without a crying baby. @Tuvalu used her Grandma voice and got LP to settle down for a few minutes. Grandma's are magic

We parted ways and K and I headed around World Showcase. LP fell back asleep not long after we started walking.





I stopped at Bauernmarkt again for something I really enjoyed last year.

• Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese- $5.25

YUM!




YOU GUYS. Primavera Kitchen finally got their stuff together! Italy is known for amazing food and this booth has always been a disappointment to me. Well this year, I got something that was a total slam dunk.

• Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Balsamic Reduction – $8.00

Everything sounded good, but I love a good fried green tomato. This was exceptional! It was two HUGE tomatoes and two huge slices of cheese. Would definitely get this again. Unfortunately, this filled me up so I wasn't really feeling anything else. Plus LP was getting fussy again.

K and I both wanted something sweet, so we headed to Les Artisans de Glaces. I ordered a scoop of Cinnamon with Caramelized Apple and Crumble Crunch. It was VERY good, though I think anything would have been good at this moment. So refreshing!




K got mint chocolate chip. Classic!

Since LP was being a fussy britches again, I decided to head out. She cried on and off all the way to the bus stops. I did stop for a few selfies with her little stinker butt.






When I got to the bus stops I could see one pulling into the Ft. Wilderness stop, so I picked up the pace. LP didn't like that...oops. Thankfully there was a scooter to load, so I made it in plenty of time. When we boarded she was crying and I apologized to the couple sitting on the back of the bus where I sat (I know I shouldn't, but I couldn't help it...I just feel bad). They were like "please don't apologize! We have 11 grandkids...we get it." They were so kind. I quickly took her out of the carrier to cool her off and she was happy.



I chatted a little with the couple. Their daughter had brought her newborn at 5 weeks and felt the same as me...not worth it! They have a vacation home about an hour away so they visit often.

I'd been texting R a little and he still hadn't slept much unfortunately. When I got back, I think I nursed LP and laid her down and we all took a nap. I honestly don't remember what we did the rest of the night, but we eventually got her bathed and fed and put to bed. I had moved our suitcase to the kitchen so I could pack, and I got everything ready to go for the next morning. I planned on us getting up at 5:30 and a van was going to get us at 6:15 to take us to the Outpost.

K stayed in Epcot the rest of the day so she could see Illuminations. I fell asleep but eventually R and I were both awake at like 1:30...we kept going in and out of sleep. We really needed to get home to our own bed. We also moved LP to her own room at like 8.5 weeks so sleeping in the room with her again was a challenge.

Up next: Traveling home. Will we survive?

 

[Darstarr]

As we were walking, these trees stood out.



I am so glad you posted this picture! I took this picture in February

because I thought they looked odd. I meant to check them again in March but forgot.

 

[sheriffwoody]

LP ended up waking up around 5am, so a little earlier than I planned, but ok. I fed her and laid her back down. I got up and we all got ready to go. I waited until the last minute to get LP up and fed her a little more. The bell services cast member arrived right on time and helped us load up. We got to the Outpost and only waited like 5 minuted for Magical Express. I had to take LP out of the carseat for the ride, but she did ok. She fell asleep in my arms.

We got to the airport SO EARLY. The flight was at 10:10 and ME picked us up at 6:35...and we were the last stop. So we got to the airport at like 7.



Getting her boarding pass. She is READY to be home!

Security was a breeze since we had pre-check. They had us send the car seat and stroller through the scanner, which I thought was crazy, but I guess people could smuggle stuff in them somehow? Who knows. This random TSA agent who was sending us through the metal detector commented on how LP looked just like R. Yep...it's that obvious.

We made our way to the gate and I never saw a nursing room. We found a relatively empty gate with seats facing the window and I nursed her with my cover. It was actually pretty comfortable. We're getting good at this! After she was done, she sat in the car seat. So glad we had it. I went to the desk to get the tags for the stroller and car seat, and the lady said I could bring the car seat on if I wanted because the flight wasn't full. Score!

We hung out at the gate and LP drifted off to sleep in the car seat. PRAISE THE LORD!

She woke up shortly before time to board, and we headed that way. We boarded and got settled with her in the seat. She had been so good so far. She fussed just a tad on the plane...




blank stare = sleepy



YASSSSSSS!

She slept right through her lunch! She started waking up about 30 minutes after when I would have fed her so I went ahead and got her out. I wanted to get her fed before descent in case it was bumpy. I knew the weather was bad in Memphis. After she ate, she fussed just a teensy bit, but overall she did great on the flight back.

When we got to baggage claim, our bags were right there and we were on our way! The drive back was slow because of rain, but we made it safe and sound...ending just how we began.



I pretty much put it all out there, so I don't guess I need to do final thoughts. The main thing I learned was that my baby was NOT ready for Disney World. I think I set us up for failure by establishing a routine for us at home. We are on a fairly predictable schedule at home, which is about to get obliterated with daycare anyway. She sleeps in her crib in the dark with white noise for almost every nap, so being out and about just didn't work for her. But hey...live and learn!

R and I have decided we'll do our October trip without LP and then try to bring her back next spring when she's a year old. October will be a good break for us, plus the grandparents will be thrilled to keep her!

I hope this has at least been mildly entertaining. I doubt we'll ever look back on this trip fondly I do hope that K had a good time other than her sickness. She was able to do a lot of the things she wanted to! If you want to follow her on Instagram she's @souvenear.wdw.

I think this is a record for finishing a report...we've barely been back for a day! Hopefully the next one is more positive!

 

[Spash007]

First off - she’s absolutely adorable!

With a just turned 2 week old, this TR is really hitting home. We first took our 4 year old last year, and that trip was awesome. Now that we’re hooked though, it is so tempting to think of all the cute reasons to bring our son on his first trip sooner. We know 2019 is out (heat in summer or Star Wars craziness - no thank you!), so the first time to consider would be when he is about a year. Everything is telling us a better idea is to wait another year (or 2), but the want to get him there sooner is really tempting! Your TR though Ian definitely helping to picture the reality of taking a one year old vs the sunshine and rainbows my sleep deprived self is thinking up!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Sorry to hear that your trip wasn't the best, I promise once they turn one littles are so much more fun to take to Disney so you will have to take her back

I sure hope so! Our plan is to go without her in October and try again with her next spring.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Sorry to hear that your vacation didn't go as well as you had hoped. LP sure is a cutie though! And I loved your Thunder Mt. ears.

Thanks so much! We think she's pretty cute too . I had such a hard time finding Big Thunder ears! I don't like 3d printed ears, but that's all I could find. I ended up liking them though once I got them.

I'm sorry the trip was so disappointing but I appreciate you sharing it with us anyways! Your daughter is beautiful and it looks like you have some good memories mixed in with the rough stuff.

Thank you! Yeah we had some good moments. Thanks for reading!

The kiddo is cute but...Yikes!

hahahaha....yeah we were a bit too ambitious. She is honestly pretty good at home. That worked against us though since she's used to her space.

LP is the spitting image of R! Sorry it was such a rough go, but glad you could introduce her to WDW at such a young age, start her off right

We felt the same about Homecomin'...loved all the other food (and some I really really loved) but the chicken-which he's known for- was just meh for us.

She 100% is! She looks nothing like me. ha!

Right?! The chicken was good, but like...not THAT much better than Popeye's

In a few years, you'll be able to look back and laugh at this trip. You braved the parks with an infant, you deserve a medal!

Whew, I don't know if we can ever laugh about this...maybe! We deserve a medal of stupidity

Count me in as “meh” on Homecomin’ fried chicken.

I'm glad it's not just us!

Beautiful, beautiful baby girl. Congrats. She has a lot of her Daddy in her for sure. 16 years ago I had this kind of trip. Heat that she wasn't used to + strollers/gear + buses + being off schedule = stress for Mom. It took me 5 years before I could get her Dad to go back....live and learn.

Thanks so much! Yes, definitely live and learn. I know people do it successfully, but it just didn't work our well for us.

I love the Homecomin fried chicken but it sounds like @sheriffwoody house is the place to go for fried chicken. I have officially invited myself around next time i'm in the US

hahaha yes, us Tennesseans can fry up some good chicken!

Aaackkkk!!! I have made many a mistake, and yes you HAVE to gate check at least the stroller so you have it later.


Sad that your trip wasn’t fantastic. It is very different with a baby (and the youngest I’ve done is 5 months!). I have to add that it’s absolutely crazy to me you moms that have to go back to work after a couple months. I’ve had 2 kids and we get a year of mat leave in canada (now we can actually take 18 months... the same amount of money as 12 months but spread over 18 months instead - but I did 12 months with both of mine) and the thought of going back to work after just a few weeks or months blows my mind. So good for you as a first time mom to go on this trip AND then go back to work! You’re amazing!

I learned that the hard way! She did so much better in the car seat on the plane.

Yeah I think the US is one of the worst countries for maternity leave. And R didn't get ANY paternity. I feel ok going back next week, but it's going to be hard. She's still SO little. It really would be nice to have a little while longer. I know she'll be a handful at daycare.

She's beautiful and you are blessed no matter how bad the trip was!

Thanks so much!

I’m so sorry your trip was rough. The youngest I’ve done is 10 months but he loved the carrier and it was February so much cooler. I feel like without those two things I probably wouldn’t have made it! Thanks for taking the time to share with the forum anyway.

I am hoping she will like the carrier when she's a little bigger!

 

[LadyBelle]

LP is so stinkin’ cute!!

Ran into a bear! Too bad I didn't have my Country Bears shirt on.

Don’t worry, I gotcha in November (if you don’t in October).

 

[Darstarr]

LP ended up waking up around 5am, so a little earlier than I planned, but ok. I fed her and laid her back down. I got up and we all got ready to go. I waited until the last minute to get LP up and fed her a little more. The bell services cast member arrived right on time and helped us load up. We got to the Outpost and only waited like 5 minuted for Magical Express. I had to take LP out of the carseat for the ride, but she did ok. She fell asleep in my arms.

We got to the airport SO EARLY. The flight was at 10:10 and ME picked us up at 6:35...and we were the last stop. So we got to the airport at like 7.



Getting her boarding pass. She is READY to be home!

Security was a breeze since we had pre-check. They had us send the car seat and stroller through the scanner, which I thought was crazy, but I guess people could smuggle stuff in them somehow? Who knows. This random TSA agent who was sending us through the metal detector commented on how LP looked just like R. Yep...it's that obvious.

We made our way to the gate and I never saw a nursing room. We found a relatively empty gate with seats facing the window and I nursed her with my cover. It was actually pretty comfortable. We're getting good at this! After she was done, she sat in the car seat. So glad we had it. I went to the desk to get the tags for the stroller and car seat, and the lady said I could bring the car seat on if I wanted because the flight wasn't full. Score!

We hung out at the gate and LP drifted off to sleep in the car seat. PRAISE THE LORD!

She woke up shortly before time to board, and we headed that way. We boarded and got settled with her in the seat. She had been so good so far. She fussed just a tad on the plane...




blank stare = sleepy



YASSSSSSS!

She slept right through her lunch! She started waking up about 30 minutes after when I would have fed her so I went ahead and got her out. I wanted to get her fed before descent in case it was bumpy. I knew the weather was bad in Memphis. After she ate, she fussed just a teensy bit, but overall she did great on the flight back.

When we got to baggage claim, our bags were right there and we were on our way! The drive back was slow because of rain, but we made it safe and sound...ending just how we began.



I pretty much put it all out there, so I don't guess I need to do final thoughts. The main thing I learned was that my baby was NOT ready for Disney World. I think I set us up for failure by establishing a routine for us at home. We are on a fairly predictable schedule at home, which is about to get obliterated with daycare anyway. She sleeps in her crib in the dark with white noise for almost every nap, so being out and about just didn't work for her. But hey...live and learn!

R and I have decided we'll do our October trip without LP and then try to bring her back next spring when she's a year old. October will be a good break for us, plus the grandparents will be thrilled to keep her!

I hope this has at least been mildly entertaining. I doubt we'll ever look back on this trip fondly I do hope that K had a good time other than her sickness. She was able to do a lot of the things she wanted to! If you want to follow her on Instagram she's @souvenear.wdw.

I think this is a record for finishing a report...we've barely been back for a day! Hopefully the next one is more positive!

Thank you for sharing. It cant be all sunshine and lollipops, can it?
BTW, I think LP looks like you!!!

 

[sheriffwoody]

First off - she’s absolutely adorable!

With a just turned 2 week old, this TR is really hitting home. We first took our 4 year old last year, and that trip was awesome. Now that we’re hooked though, it is so tempting to think of all the cute reasons to bring our son on his first trip sooner. We know 2019 is out (heat in summer or Star Wars craziness - no thank you!), so the first time to consider would be when he is about a year. Everything is telling us a better idea is to wait another year (or 2), but the want to get him there sooner is really tempting! Your TR though Ian definitely helping to picture the reality of taking a one year old vs the sunshine and rainbows my sleep deprived self is thinking up!

We plan on taking her back next spring when she'll be a little over a year! I just think these first few months are toooooo unpredictable. You should definitely take your new little before you have to pay for him Congratulations, and good luck! The first few weeks are ROUGH. I don't think I could ever do it again...ha. We might be a one and done unless we forget how hard this newborn stage is somehow.

 

[sheriffwoody]

LP is so stinkin’ cute!!



Don’t worry, I gotcha in November (if you don’t in October).

Aww thanks! And YAY! I do plan on wearing it in October...I got the most AMAZING ears to go with it. They haven't arrived yet, but they will be here soon. https://www.etsy.com/listing/689740765/country-bear-mouse-ear-headband

I love them bears

Thank you for sharing. It cant be all sunshine and lollipops, can it?
BTW, I think LP looks like you!!!

That's so true! Not every trip is perfect. Just keepin' it real.

That makes me happy! I hope she'll be a good combo of both of us. I'm fine if she keeps the blonde hair and blue eyes

 

[belledream]

I really admire your attitude during the trip and after all was said and done! I’m thinking back a few months to how much smaller/fragile they are and how much constant nursing they require/how much it would take out of you and I just feel exhausted LOL. (I am still exhausted but here I am on binging your TR when I could’ve gone to sleep a few hours ago). But you just further prove the fact that moms are truly something else. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[amjt660]

Very honest and forthcoming TR
Thanks for sharing

I like your plan for the year and hope the next trip with all three of you turns out better

Max

 

[Oh bother!]

I figured I'd just get it out there in the trip report title - this trip sucked. Still going to report on it, but be prepared...it sucked We had a few bright spots (Like seeing @Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 and Woody (can't remember his forum name...)) but overall, we were just really glad to come home yesterday. I figured I'd go ahead and get this report done as I'm going back to work on Monday!

Who: Me and R and our 11 week old, LP + My friend K.
When: March 30-April 4 (travel + 4 park days + travel)
Where: Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Why: End of my maternity leave, so wanted to take a trip without having to use vacation days

Originally it was just our family of 3 going and we were at Wilderness Lodge, but my friend K was tossing around the idea of taking a solo trip around the same time and helping out with LP, and we ended up moving to a Cabin so she could just stay with us! She went with her family (including her 8 week old and her husband's whole fam) around Thanksgiving and had really been wanting to go back and experience stuff she wasn't able to on that trip. She ended up getting the same flights as us and everything.

We left town on Saturday around 1pm and LP slept part of the drive...so did R.



They are twins.

Our flight was at 4:25pm. Our whole airport experience was a blur to me. I ended up checking the carseat and stroller at the desk instead of the gate which was a MISTAKE! The flight was empty so the carseat could have come on the plane with us and would have made for a much better experience.

So here I am carrying a 2-month old around the airport...I nursed her on some random couch outside the nursing lounge (which was occupied the whole time I was waiting). She was so cranky and tired and when she's like that even me holding her isn't helpful. I got her to nap for short stretches a couple of times, but the whole process was terrible. There was a toddler a few rows up that screamed a lot and every scream jarred LP awake She was sleeping really light!



On the descent...napping whew

I nursed her on the plane too. We'd never nursed in public before this trip, so I was figuring out the cover and holding her differently, and it was tricky.



Made it to the fonorail! That's K holding her, and she's in her Love to Dream swaddle that makes her look like a flying squirrel

We got our bags and no sign of the stroller or car seat. Finally after standing in line at the Southwest desk forever (during which time a complete stranger thought it was ok to touch my daughter...no ma'am!), we heard an announcement about oversized items being in a different spot, and sure enough there they were! Would have been nice to know that when we checked them originally. They had also zip-tied the car seat bag closed and none of the airport employees would help us get it off. Some nice man saw our plight and used a key to cut it off.

We got her in there and headed to the Magical Express line. We waited probably 15 minutes before we were on our way. LP was still so cranky, though I got her to nap a little on the bus. I also nursed her without the cover...turned toward the window where no one could see, but R was so embarrassed I just wanted to keep her quiet! Fort Wilderness was the last stop, and when we got there we realized everything was closing in like 30 minutes and we had no way of getting anywhere anyway.

It makes NO sense to me why there wouldn't be some kind of store or quick service at the Outpost where you get dropped off. I was starving. Luckily our cabin was in the closest loop, so we took off walking. It was only about a 5 minute walk and we got in there to find NO PACK AND PLAY. Apparently you have to tell them when you get there and they bring it over, so we did that. Once that was set up, I fed her and put her down for the night...whew

With that done, we had to get something to eat. I tasked R with figuring out UberEats and he placed a Q'doba order then walked to the Outpost to get it. I hadn't eaten since 10:30am and it was now 10:45pm...not good for a nursing mother! Once I finally got a burrito in me, I felt better and we all went to bed.



I didn't ever get pictures of the room, but you guys can see pictures on the internet

Up next: Will our travel day be an indication of how this trip will go? I think you already know...

Hi!
I read lots of trip reports picking up tips from all you experts but rarely comment!

I also saw some of your Instagram updates from the trip.

Glad you still decided to do a report and good for you honestly sharing some of the tricky aspects of the trip! I think people often feel the need to pretend it’s ok, even when it’s not, because it’s Disney x

 

[Swissmiss]

I don’t think you should look upon this trip as a failure - you seem to overlook the fact that all the adults got sick and that is NO FUN - particularly when you aren’t in the comfort of your own home. To me, it sounds like you handled the trip like a pro - giving LP the schedule she needed. When my DD was a baby she really needed her own bed at night. She napped well in her stroller (a “first generation” Bugaboo) and I could go out just about anywhere during the day but at night she wanted her own surroundings.

I remember once heading home on a bus when it was feeding time - depending on traffic and red lights it’s between a 8-15 minute ride. DD was fine when the bus was in motion but each time it stopped, she started crying. An old biddy started making comments in the bus about how women should be at home with babies and not out and about and definitely not during the time people are coming home from work and other comments about the crying etc. I smiled very sweetly and said in a loud voice “Your mother must have been so proud when you were a baby Ma’am, as it sounds like you were the only baby in the entire world who never cried!” Everyone around us laughed and the sour look on her face was priceless. So enjoy it all - even the cranky crying moments - most of us understand and empathize

 

[Spash007]

We plan on taking her back next spring when she'll be a little over a year! I just think these first few months are toooooo unpredictable. You should definitely take your new little before you have to pay for him Congratulations, and good luck! The first few weeks are ROUGH. I don't think I could ever do it again...ha. We might be a one and done unless we forget how hard this newborn stage is somehow.

Oh my gosh, my sleep deprived self read your daughter as being 11 months old (even though I should realize what an 11 month old would look like) We’ll definitely go when he’s free haha - that was actually the driving factor for when we first went with our daughter. I look forward to your next TR to see about experiences with a 1 year old!

I will say that while a second is harder in some ways because we have to balance the needs of 2 kids, the actual 2nd kid is easier than I remembered. Part of that might be though because I knew what I was in for! Or that I’m only 2 weeks in. Dang kids and their cute defenses. Sorry I’m rambling - middle of the night thoughts!

 

[susan lees]

I figured I'd just get it out there in the trip report title - this trip sucked. Still going to report on it, but be prepared...it sucked We had a few bright spots (Like seeing @Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 and Woody (can't remember his forum name...)) but overall, we were just really glad to come home yesterday. I figured I'd go ahead and get this report done as I'm going back to work on Monday!

Who: Me and R and our 11 week old, LP + My friend K.
When: March 30-April 4 (travel + 4 park days + travel)
Where: Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Why: End of my maternity leave, so wanted to take a trip without having to use vacation days

Originally it was just our family of 3 going and we were at Wilderness Lodge, but my friend K was tossing around the idea of taking a solo trip around the same time and helping out with LP, and we ended up moving to a Cabin so she could just stay with us! She went with her family (including her 8 week old and her husband's whole fam) around Thanksgiving and had really been wanting to go back and experience stuff she wasn't able to on that trip. She ended up getting the same flights as us and everything.

We left town on Saturday around 1pm and LP slept part of the drive...so did R.



They are twins.

Our flight was at 4:25pm. Our whole airport experience was a blur to me. I ended up checking the carseat and stroller at the desk instead of the gate which was a MISTAKE! The flight was empty so the carseat could have come on the plane with us and would have made for a much better experience.

So here I am carrying a 2-month old around the airport...I nursed her on some random couch outside the nursing lounge (which was occupied the whole time I was waiting). She was so cranky and tired and when she's like that even me holding her isn't helpful. I got her to nap for short stretches a couple of times, but the whole process was terrible. There was a toddler a few rows up that screamed a lot and every scream jarred LP awake She was sleeping really light!



On the descent...napping whew

I nursed her on the plane too. We'd never nursed in public before this trip, so I was figuring out the cover and holding her differently, and it was tricky.



Made it to the fonorail! That's K holding her, and she's in her Love to Dream swaddle that makes her look like a flying squirrel

We got our bags and no sign of the stroller or car seat. Finally after standing in line at the Southwest desk forever (during which time a complete stranger thought it was ok to touch my daughter...no ma'am!), we heard an announcement about oversized items being in a different spot, and sure enough there they were! Would have been nice to know that when we checked them originally. They had also zip-tied the car seat bag closed and none of the airport employees would help us get it off. Some nice man saw our plight and used a key to cut it off.

We got her in there and headed to the Magical Express line. We waited probably 15 minutes before we were on our way. LP was still so cranky, though I got her to nap a little on the bus. I also nursed her without the cover...turned toward the window where no one could see, but R was so embarrassed I just wanted to keep her quiet! Fort Wilderness was the last stop, and when we got there we realized everything was closing in like 30 minutes and we had no way of getting anywhere anyway.

It makes NO sense to me why there wouldn't be some kind of store or quick service at the Outpost where you get dropped off. I was starving. Luckily our cabin was in the closest loop, so we took off walking. It was only about a 5 minute walk and we got in there to find NO PACK AND PLAY. Apparently you have to tell them when you get there and they bring it over, so we did that. Once that was set up, I fed her and put her down for the night...whew

With that done, we had to get something to eat. I tasked R with figuring out UberEats and he placed a Q'doba order then walked to the Outpost to get it. I hadn't eaten since 10:30am and it was now 10:45pm...not good for a nursing mother! Once I finally got a burrito in me, I felt better and we all went to bed.



I didn't ever get pictures of the room, but you guys can see pictures on the internet

Up next: Will our travel day be an indication of how this trip will go? I think you already know...

First trip with our first born was like that too and she was about 9 months! We didn't fly but had a 6 hour drive and it just seemed to upset her routine. It does get much better though so don't let it out you off. Your daughter is beautiful.