First visit planned with little one!

[datw2@epcot]

I am so excited that I can't wait to post! We just planned our first Disney Trip with our little one.

August 2013- Beach Club. She will be 17 months old when we go.

I need any and all advice. What to do? Where to eat? What rides will be good for her? My Hubby and I have been to Disney too many times to count, but this will be the first time Flying and going all day with a child. Any tips will help.

Also is there a way to get her ready to meet the characters? She has a Winnie the pooh EVERYTHING, so I am hoping she will like them when she sees them live.


THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[wiigirl]

My best advice is plan/schedule in some downtime for you and your little one.

 

[tracyandalex]

Bring the big bulky stroller, it's a pain but you'll be glad your brought it. We stored the diaper bag underneath and it was so much easier than having to carry everything. We did not go back to the room with DD, but we would walk her around until she fell asleep in the stroller so we made sure that she did nap every day. We just took it slow (we still do!). We have already seen most things so we go at DD's pace. It's a completely new experience seeing things from their perspective. There is a character breakfast at BC that might be nice for her. Also, you may want to book Crystal Palace. DD never really had a problem with characters, but we started her young, so hopefully you'll be ok there. Relax and have fun!

 

[CinderellyKelly]

Yay!!! Congrats!!! You'll have so much fun enjoying your little ones' smiles!!!! We are taking our son for the first time in January and he'll turn 9 months on the trip!! From what I read , he can ride most rides since most don't have height requirements! I'm bringing my big stroller and boba baby carrier since I can't being the stroller in the queue and our arms will fall off if we carry him in every queue! My hubby and I are staying at the Boardwalk so we plan on walking to DHS and Epcot a lot instead of using the busses. We know this will be a leisurely trip but il get to at least ride more than I did when I was pregnant last January!!! We will be taking full advantage of baby swap!

 

[SMS55]

My 18 month old will be going with us next week. She already went when she was 6 and 13 months old. The good thing is you can travel lighter. You don't need formula and things like that. Hopefully she is not on some special diet but you can certainly plan around what she eats. My daughter loves chicken nuggets so she'll eat some of that in the parks. Just like at home take bibs so you don't have to carry to many changes of clothes and minimize what you take. You can take some of her favorite snacks to give her as you walk around.
Rides you won't be able to ride everything but my daughter has been on Alladin, Jungle Cruise, Pirates and even haunted Mansion. She's is starting to not like the dark so that might be an issue now. She's been on Peter Pan and TTA. Remember baby swaps all always an option. I would bring her stroller if you can because it's what she's used to. My daughter took her naps in it just fine. It's great because she wouldn't get cranky later. I also let her run around a bit to tire her out before returning for the night. She slept great. You can request a pack n play at no charge. Cribs are very limited. I've never been able to get one.

 

[Britt]

My advice is to take it slow! Plan some downtime, even if it's just finding a quiet, shady spot to sip a coke and have a snack or something.

Try and not blaze through things or walk to fast...let her soak it in and check things out. Let her walk if she wants sometimes and check things out, instead of stuck in the stroller.

But mostly, definitely, go slow and relax. To many times I see over eager parents dragging their toddlers who are tired, cranky, hot and over stimulated. Make sure to read her signs. Go back to the resort and play in the pool in the afternoons!

 

[coachwnh]

Im sure she will love playing in the sand at the beach club pool!!!!

 

[cornandacobb]

Agreed on the bog stroller.....one that can recline and handle long naps.
We are taking our 21 month old in December(she'll be 23 months then). We are even considering bringing an umbrella stroller too for shorter excursions.

Things to consider:
1) sugar free lollipops. They love em at that age and can definitely come in handy when you need it most.
2) Lots of little toys, flashcards, coloring books, magazines to keep her occupied during meals. My oldest daughter(12) has an iPod Touch and the little one loves to look at pictures and videos of whatever she's interested in a that time(Teletubbies, babies, puppies, babies with puppies, babies in costumes, etc.)
3) Bring a grandparent. G-Ma or G-Pa will also come in handy.
4) Rides/attractions are a feel out process. Start simple like Small World. She can't freak out on that, right? Get a little more adventurous with say Peter Pan or Pooh or Little Mermaid or SSE. If all is ok, you can try stepping it up to HM, Pirates, Movie Ride.
5) Don't be upset if she falls asleep in her stroller as you walk to dinner. Cha-ching!! On a side note, feed her and hydrate her all day long. A full baby is a happy baby and is a happy baby that will nap/sleep better.

My daughter was 17 months old this past July 4th and LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED the fireworks. It's been the only fireworks she has seen and we're hoping she won't forget how much she loved them.

My son was 1 at DL and 2 at DW. He's now 8. So, we've been through this. During an 8 night stay, he had one pretty rough night out during a dinner at the Flying Fish. Otherwise, he was fine. And honestly, we didn't have too much down time. A couple days at the resort pool. But we conquered the parks.

Good luck.

 

[acrab3t]

Book a meal at Crystal Palace (breakfast may be best since it is early in the day) so she can meet Winnie the Pooh and Friends. You can also see Winnie at EPCOT in the UK pavillion. They are at the back of the tea gift shop (don't know the name of the shop). You may want to avoid firework shows (my DS used to get spooked) but it just depends on your child. Plan on afternoon trips to the hotel for a family nap. There is nothing worse than a melt down at dinner! Been there, done that!