Traveling to WDW with a 6 month old

mcbates23

Member
Original Poster
In December my wife and family and my 6 month old child will be going to DW. I know this has been talked before but I can find it.

With the hight restrictions will we have to split up our group to go on certain rides such as splash mountain? I've search Disney's web site and found this term on certain rides "transfer accessible".

What's does this mean and how does it work

Thanks for any help.

Oh, if you're doing the math... the kid isn't born yet. End of May is the due date.
 

DisneyPhD

Well-Known Member
Congratuations!!!!!!!! Our DD was 8 1/2 months old the first time we took her to WDW (well really the 1st time I was 8 months pregnant with her, but that doesn't count now does it?)

Baby swap works well at WDW. Some rides one person waits in the line (Test track, Dinosaur, and Rocken Rollar coaster.) Other rides they give you at ticket same as fast pass and send the second person through that time( SM, SM, and BTM) . That often works well because the person waitng with the baby can go some place comfortable to do so. If you spilt up, get some walkie talkies, those really help. Just ask the cast member before get in line which way the child swap works. (also use fast pass when you can.)

Also take full atvantge of the baby care stations, they are great places to stop and take a rest too. If you baby is using baby food by that time, bring it with you, but it can be bought there too. (bring Cherrios for the kid to eat in lines ect...)

A good stroller is a must. We had one by Instep that also was a back pack. It worked out really well for the trip, but it did not recline, she had no problems sleeping it it though. It really only works for children 5 to 15 months. Our DD was too big for it last trip (when she was almost 2) and we got a Combi Travel Savey DX, that also worked really well.

Don't worry, WDW is very used to guests with young babies in tow. Good that you waiting until she is 6 months old, you won't have to worry about over heating or not being able to use sun screen. Also good you are going in Dec. It was the week before christmas when we took DD for the 1st time, the weather was great and crowds were low.

Where are you planning on staying?
 

mcbates23

Member
Original Poster
Thanks for the info. I've been to Disney 20+ times but never with a child so everything is going to be so different.

I'm a DVC member so were going Dec 6 - 13 staying at the BWV in a one bedroom. I love the BW but never stayed in such a big room before so it should be nice. I know they have cribs in there for babies already.

We wanted to go in Dec. to see WDW all decked out for x-mas. Never been down there that time of year and figured it would be easier on the baby with the cooler weather.

Can more that 1 person wait in line with the baby? We'll end up having 4 adults. It would be nice if 2 could go on a ride and then the other 2 go. I always find going on rides more pleasurable with some one.

Are the baby care stations marked on the maps. I've never paid attention to it.

7 months 8 days 10 hours 37 mins:sohappy:
 
Originally posted by mcbates23
In December my wife and family and my 6 month old child will be going to DW. I know this has been talked before but I can find it.

Here is the link to a long thread about taking young children to WDW - some very useful information and ideas (and some rather silly opinions you can cheerfully ignore, too).
 
DisneyPhD

Hello DisneyPhD,

I have read a good number of your posts (and they are wonderfil I might add), but I can never figure out what you mean you type things like "DD", "DH", etc. I assume DH means "Dear Husband" (looking at the way it is used in the sentences). Does DD mean "Dear Daughter"?

Please fill me in. Thanks.
 

kosherkid411

New Member
As I was looking at buying my tickets for my next trip (Fall Break 2003), I just noticed this video for going to the world with pre-schoolers. I know a baby isn't a pre-schooler, but some of the info might be very helpful. And have no worries taking a 6 month old. I was 3 months old on my first trip and have love dit ever since!
 

mcbates23

Member
Original Poster
Thanks for the links. I'll be pooring over them.

I just ordered that video. We'll see if it offers any more advice.
 

DisneyPhD

Well-Known Member
Re: DisneyPhD

Originally posted by antoinebusby
Hello DisneyPhD,

I have read a good number of your posts (and they are wonderfil I might add), but I can never figure out what you mean you type things like "DD", "DH", etc. I assume DH means "Dear Husband" (looking at the way it is used in the sentences). Does DD mean "Dear Daughter"?

Please fill me in. Thanks.

Sorry about that, it doesn't take a PhD to figure them out, but they can be puzzleing. (BTW, my hubby has the PhD, not me. He started here at WDWmagic, and then I took it over! You can tell when it is Mrs. PhD writting, I always spell things wrong!)

DD is Dear Daugher, DS Dear Son, DH Dear Hubby, DW Dear Wife. Never seen DN for Dear Neice, but hey I wouldn't be surprized. When I 1st saw people using these I thought they were implaying DD meant Disney Daughter. I thought, boy she might love WDW, but that is taking it a little too far, or at least admitting too much!
:lol:

kosherkid411 The link apears to be for the normal WDW planner viedo with an extra pamlet on preschoolers there. I have both the DVD and Video, but not the preschooler paper, should be interesting. Things about babys is they turn in to preschools FAST! Don't blink! It seems the 9 months I was pregnant lasted forever, but the 1st 9 months of her life flew by!

mcbates23, we were just like you a few years ago. Been many times, but going with a baby or child is a whole new expernce. Great that you are DVC, that will make life much easier. The cribs at DVC are pack and plays. Early Dec will be perfect too, not to long of lines, but wonderful decorations. What a magical time to be at WDW. Get some great pictures. Also since the baby will be 6 months old hopefully you both will have some time to "get used to each other" and understand your baby and what he/she needs and when more. It is much easier if you wife is still breast feeding, no need to worry about bottles or formula, you always have the food with you!
 

pax_65

Well-Known Member
I've taken my kids to Disney at all different ages... three quick points for a 6-month-old:

1. STROLLER: We bought a collapsable, reclinable umbrella stroller just for our trip. These are tough to find, but it's worth it... because it's easy to get on the trams, fairly small, offers shade and reclines for naps. We have a cute photo of my son (then 5-months) sleeping in the stroller in the shade by the pool. You don't want to take the giant stroller that doesn't fully collapse... it's just too big!

2. CENTRO-CARE CLINIC: I hate to mention it, but I think my kids got sick on the airplane ride every time they went to Disney before they hit 2 years. The Centro Care Clinic is excellent, so don't hesitate to use them.

3. AIRPLANE TICKETS. Did you book your airline flight yet? If you plan to get a seat for your infant (I'd recommend it strongly - put the kid in his/her car seat so they are safe and out of your hair for the flight.) Anyway, we had a problem once when we tried to book a flight before our son was born. They needed a name!!! Not sure if that's typical... but just wanted to give you a heads up!

Good luck with your baby and your trip!
 

DisneyPhD

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by pax_65
I've taken my kids to Disney at all different ages... three quick points for a 6-month-old:

1. STROLLER: We bought a collapsable, reclinable umbrella stroller just for our trip. These are tough to find, but it's worth it... because it's easy to get on the trams, fairly small, offers shade and reclines for naps. We have a cute photo of my son (then 5-months) sleeping in the stroller in the shade by the pool. You don't want to take the giant stroller that doesn't fully collapse... it's just too big!

2. CENTRO-CARE CLINIC: I hate to mention it, but I think my kids got sick on the airplane ride every time they went to Disney before they hit 2 years. The Centro Care Clinic is excellent, so don't hesitate to use them.

I agree, don't get a regluar umberella stroller, not good for infants so young and no shade. (Dr.'s don't recomend them).

So far 2 out of 2 trips with our DD we ended up at Centra Care. They are very good about providing transportation (with car seat) and get you in and out of there as fast as possible. (one time was an allergic reaction to the antioboics before the trip, the 2nd time was the ear infection from the airplane.) One hint, call right at 8:00 when they open to get the best service. They are open 7 days a week. Call from transportation, even if you have a car. It is free, and the driver will take you to the least busy clinic. (there are a number of them in the area). Hope you never need it, but it is peace of mind to know they are there. Normal visist are around 125, but there is a AAA discount. Haven't got our insurance to pay us back yet, but we are trying. Every resort and hotel there will have the phone number if needed.


Our goal next trip (aug 13-22 2003, she will be 2 1/2 then) is no trip to Centra Care!!!!!
 

Eljay

Member
Originally posted by mcbates23
In December my wife and family and my 6 month old child will be going to DW. I know this has been talked before but I can find it.

With the hight restrictions will we have to split up our group to go on certain rides such as splash mountain? I've search Disney's web site and found this term on certain rides "transfer accessible".
What's does this mean and how does it work

"Transfer Accessible" refers to transferring from a wheelchair to the attraction seat.

Please use sunscreen & protect your baby from the sun with a cover on the stroller even though it's December! I've seen many little sunburnt legs. Ask any dermatologist, childhood sunburns become adult skin cancers.
Have fun!
 

Bagheera

New Member
Just a few points.

Cribs in the DVC accommodations:
The cribs are indeed pack-n-plays. However, if you need a full-sized crib, you can get one. Our son, for a number of reasons, could not sleep in a pack-n-play, so we requested a full-sized crib for our trips when he was 12 and 19 months old. They will give you a LARGE crib with a set of linens. Be aware that the sides may not go down, so you'll be reaching over the high railings of an already-high crib. For us, though, it was necessary. It may be a bit tough to find a good place for it, but it works.

CentraCare:
Our last two trips required visits to CentraCare (badly sprained ankle for me, sinus infection - but not ear - for my son). It was about $125 for just the exam, but I got reimbursed by my HMO for all but the deductible, so it was OK. We drove to the location just off-property near Hotel Plaza Boulevard. They were very nice there, though the doctor was a bit rushed the second visit. (The PA on the first visit was very nice.)

Flying with an infant:
PLEASE buy a seat for your child and have him/her ride in a car seat! I am disappointed that the airlines have not followed through with requiring all passengers to ride in a seat, but maybe they will if the industry recovers. Your child is much safer in the seat (same as riding in a car). You're probably not going to crash, but what about turbulence? A really big bump, and the baby goes flying and bangs his/her head and gets injured. You're VERY far from good medical help. Our son is 4-1/2, and just completed his first trip without a car seat. I've seen/heard babies bonk their head on seatbacks in front of them. Most airlines offer half-price tickets for infants under 2 in car seats. PLEASE take advantage of this.

Strollers:
We bought a small Combi stroller for travel purposes when we were still using our monster stroller with the carrier-mount for everyday use. We are hoping that it will last for one more trip in October, before he will be old enough to get through a full day without needing to rest. It's lightweight, folds up flat, has a hood, and most importantly, a large basket underneath for carrying all of those baby supplies (and other stuff you need). It's great for ferrying stuff through airports, too!

Other stuff:
If your baby turns out to be able to nap anywhere, in any situation, then you're very lucky, and you can just take turns going on attractions while the other one watches the sleepy kid in the stroller. If the baby needs quiet to nap, though, you'll need to take a break during the afternoon to let the kid sleep, then return to the park afterwards.

Take it slow, take it easy, and remember: you'll never tour on your own schedule again. It's always at the kid's pace from here on in. But that's OK! It will very likely turn out that it'll be more fun that way!

Oh, one more thing: Congratulations on your impending fatherhood!! :sohappy: :sohappy: I highly recommend it! :animwink:
 

2much2do

New Member
A few points that have not been mentioned on this thread, although maybe they were on the other one (I didn't look).

Sunscreen: Although babies as young as six months old can use sunscreen, and although the bottles may say NON_STINGING, please, please, please do not believe them!!! Sunscreen always, always, stings baby eyes!!! I'm sorry that was so loud, it's just that I sunscreened my eight month old baby's face and spayed her pretty little bald head with baby spary scalp sunscreen and she cried and cried her little red eyes out. I felt and feel still so guilty about it!!! Please, just put sunscreen on the baby's body and make her wear a hat with a large brim. Much more humane!

Strollers: Thought I'd reiterate. They MUST recline for a baby as young as yours will be. Shade is good too! I have a fabulous MaClaren that I love!!!! Also, Just in case you hadn't thought of it, a baby sling is a great way to carry a young baby around. They are nestled next to you or mom and they feel safe. They can be used to nurse discretely as the baby care stations are all in the front of the parks and not easily accesible once you're past the entry areas. They are clearly marked on the maps, but all are too far to walk once you are well in the parks.
I love my Maya wrap and use it till this day (DD is 2). Many people like a Baby Bjorn, but I hate to see the poor babies suspended in an upright position. CAn't be good for their little spines and it doesn't look too com
fortable either. But, no matter what you choose, some type of baby carrrier is a good idea to bring with you.

As for waiting in line. Everyone can wait in line together. I sometimes wait in line with DH even if I know I am too scared to go on the ride, just to keep him company while he waits. Then I ask for the "chicken" exit at the last minute. TYhe way baby swap works though, you never have to make the line twice. Just all go in together, tell the first CM you see that you will need to baby swap, and they will explain how it works for that particular ride. But it doesn't really slow you down because they never make the second adult (the one watching that baby the first time around) wait in the line again. As soon as you have handed over the baby to the other adult, you get to go on immediately. Also, we have been lucky enough to get to ride two times in a row. For instance, Adult 1 waits with baby, while adult 2 and 3 ride the ride. Then, adult 2 takes care of the baby, and since adult 1 doesn't want to ride alone, adult 3 gets to go right back on the ride with adult 1. Ask a CM about it:).

Most important piece of advice from a mom of two little annual passholders: take it slow. Since you go alot, shouldn't be a problem for you. Just remember the main difference between your past trips and your future ones is this: you will see a lot less on the future trips than you have been able to in the past. Babies and new moms need to stop all the time for lots of reasons. Good news is this only lasts a few years. By the time baby is four or five, you can pretty much pick up the pace!

Congratulations, and have fun!!!!!!
 

CoraJack

Account Suspended
It's my 100th post so I guess I can stir something up here. Not intentionally of course....this is just IMHO.....

Babies and Disney do not mix. Ever see an infant hit the concrete because a kid ran into the stroller and knocked it over? Not a pretty sight. Besides which, these poor little babies are MISERABLE. I cannot stand to be at WDW and hear a baby crying. Not because it annoys me, but because they are so uncomfortable, they need to be at home in their cribs, not out in the sun and heat, around all the germs and people.

After my son was born I waited 5 long years to visit Disney because at 5 years old he was just the right age to stand there and say, "Wow!" A baby will lie there and fuss and cry. Not to mention the stress it puts the parents under. How can anyone enjoy themselves when worrying about a tiny baby? And from the posts it seems like most of them end up in the doctor's office anyway, that means more stress and worry. It's not worth putting your child through misery for Disney, no matter how much we love it.

Sorry if this irks anyone (or everyone), but these babies cannot choose for themselves. If they could, I'm sure none of them would choose to endure Disney at 6 months old.

Christina
 

mcbates23

Member
Original Poster
Thanks to all you have replied. The advice has been great.

We were already planning on haveing the baby travel in a car seat on the plane. Much easier then holding it all the way.

I know this is going to be difficult with a baby but I believe it will be so worth it. With a ababy there are always sacrifices, but I think they'll be worth it.

As for CoraJack..... Babies are difficult at any place where there are large crowds. But I for one am not going to put my life on hold and not expose my children to the world around them.

Now I'm not saying you did. I just can't think for a better way to put it.

Now agreeing with you alittle bit, hearing a crying baby when you are trying to have fun is the most annoying thing in the world. But it's also up to the parents to take control of the situation are take the baby away to a more comfortable place for it. ie back to the room for a nap.

Worring about the baby??? They have pills for that ..... Valium

It doesn't do anyone any good to be worried all the time. All babies fall down and get hurt. That's life. It sucks when it happens and you feel bad but it's something as a parent we all have to go through and will.

I won't be able to jump from one ride to the next like I've done before and will have to taking things slower. Which I am looking forward to. At Disney there is just so much to do and see I'm looking forward to not just tying myself to the rides but enjoying the whole experience and in a few years when the baby can actually enjoy being there and understand what's happening it'll be like going to the parks for the first time because I'll be seeing it through there eyes. I cannot wait for that.

Hope I didn't step on anyones toes::animwink:
 

pax_65

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by CoraJack
Babies and Disney do not mix.

You have a fair point but I must disagree with you. Babies and Disneyworld do mix... it's some of the mothers and fathers that don't fit.

If the baby is crying its eyes out, it's time to go back to the hotel. It's as simple as that. You can't take a young child who is used to napping twice a day and go full speed from dawn until 11pm for a full week, in the hot sun, overstimulated by rides, music, fireworks and oversized rodents.

If you think it will be the same old Disneyworld with kids as it was without kids, you're crazy. With a child under 18 months you're lucky to get 5 hours in a park each day. Chances are, some days it's going to be significantly less. Even with older kids, you can't continue on when the kids are tired, hungry, bored, etc. Well, you can... and many people do... it's called FORCED FUN and you see it all over the park. The attitude is, "we've paid a lot of money for this vacation and we're going to enjoy it NO MATTER WHAT!"

Disneyworld was made for little kids of all ages. They just have to be allowed to take it at their own pace. And those grumpy old "grownups" have to learn to let them.

Jon
 

Sir Hiss527

New Member
My opinion: A 6 month year old going to Disney is kinda of young to me. Couldn't the baby stay with grandparents maby? What my parents used to do is let me stay with my grandparents for a couple of days. And my brother, mom, and Dad would go to Disney. I mean I was young so I didn't know. But when I turned 3 or 4 I had the best magical time ever. 6 monthes is kinda young to go to Disney. Sorry if I offened someone, or made them mad.

-Sir Hiss527-

"Stop Hissing in my Ear":king:
 

dixiegirl

Well-Known Member
traveling

hay there,
got a question for disneyphd....now you said that you traveled to disney when you were 8 months preg..how was it?? i'm going in sept..i'll be 71/2 months along.......with our 2nd child......our 1st little one will be celabrating her 3rd birthday while we're down there. this will be her 3rd visit.....but anyway any special tips going down to disney this late in pregnancy?? my dr is not excatly thrilled but she said just to take it slow.....i figured that.....and we are staying in the park as well......but i was wondering if you had any tips.......or if anyone else has any as well...or even any certail links........let me know...........


and i agree with you disney phd......long live dixie landings.....no matter what they change the name to.....
thanks ........:lol:
 

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