Walt Disney World General
Topic: Parent Advice

#	Author	Message
1	tfdeere Tue 6/19/2007 7:45a	Hi everyone. I'm hoping to get some advice from those of you that are parents. My wife and I are going to Disneyworld some time in October. By then our son will be around 5 months old. We were planning on taking him with, but now I'm thinking that may not be a good idea. I'm worried about the trip being hard on him and us. So, to those of you that are parents, would you take your child to Disneyworld at five months of age? If you have, can you share some of the good and bad things? I really hate leaving him at home, but I'm just worried he's too young. Thanks!!!!!
2	Mickey4President Tue 6/19/2007 9:46a	We only took one trip without our DS's. We didn't take them b/c they were 32 & 18 months when we went. Also we were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary and we were only there for a couple of days. It made me sad every time I saw people with kids the ages of ours. For the situation of that trip it was better not to take them, though. Our wedding anniversary is near July 4th, and it ending up raining nearly the entire time we were there. I would think it depends on how many days you are going to be there, and if you are staying on property or not. If you are staying on property you can just jump on a bus and go back to your room for a nap everyday. Also, if you are going to be there long enough to take a nap every day and still do all that you want to do. If it's a short trip where you are going to be rushed to do what you want to, then I would think it would be too hard on all of you.
3	DAR Tue 6/19/2007 9:50a	I am not a parent, but I have gone with little kids. But you may want to wait until he's older, he might not be able to appreciate everything just yet, plus you get the satisfaction of seeing the look on his face when he gets there. Also keep in mind that a lot of the attractions are pretty loud and do take place in the dark. That can be intimidating to anyone. But in the end you are the best judge of what's appropriate for your son.
4	lilgoofymom Tue 6/19/2007 10:02a	We went to WDW when our daughter was 8 months old. The vacation went very well for all of us. We were blessed to have my parents with us and took turns taking care of baby. When she would get hot or tired, need a change or to be fed, then It was very easy for one of us to handle the situation. Based on our expierence I say go for it. They have (or did) a really great baby station in the Magic Kingdom to go change & nurse your baby. Or just to go rest in a cool, comfortable, quite place.Either way I hope you enjoy your vacation.
5	wahooskipper Tue 6/19/2007 10:31a	I took my son to the World at 4 months...not for him obviously...but for us. We go pretty often though and most of the time we aren't trying to squeeze a lot in, get on this ride and that ride, etc. So, when we travelled with him we just kind of went along with his pace/routine. There are certain attractions that you can do with the child and others you would have to parent swap...if you really didn't want to miss them. Some you "could" do but I wouldn't recommend...like indoor shows when your child could disrupt others. If your child is good in a baby bjorn it would be a lot easier than dragging the stroller around...but the place is stroller friendly for obvious reasons. Ditto on the baby stations which you should identify early on and make good use of. You might get some resistance on here from folks that think Disney wasn't made for adults with infant children but I disagree.
6	MPierce Tue 6/19/2007 11:05a	Personal choice, if you feel uncomfortable with taking him don't. If you do feel comfortable with taking him do so by all means. Just remember if your son is there with you the entire trip has to revolve around his tolerance of so much outside stimulation. I can understand you don't want to leave him at home, and I can also understand if you choose to do so. How is that for avoiding a direct answer.
7	GMouse Tue 6/19/2007 12:00p	I'm planning to take my one year old next year. We are just going to play it by ear and see how he does. Worst case my wife or I will take him back to the resort if needed. Just manage your expectations and don't plan on getting to do everything you would normally do without a baby. I wouldn't even consider leaving my son home while I'm so far away, but that's just me.
8	Kimrue Tue 6/19/2007 6:39p	I've taken my son when he was around that age. You know how your son is, is he an "easy" baby? Does he get fussy easily? These are things you have to take into consideration. That being said, keep in mind, you are a family now, children aren't supposed to be convenient. Oftentimes being a parent to young children requires extra planning and "figuring things out." It was a little more difficult when we brought my son when he was an infant then, say when we went as a couple. He was good, actually excellent...he rocked out in the bjorn and was just fine. I stopped to nurse him every few hours and he was great. I also had my daughter with us and she was a toddler...good as gold. We went on the thrill rides (and I use that term loosely) taking turns and it worked out. Now my son is 3, my oldest is 5, my baby is 5 months and we plan on going this January. I'm not stressed out at all because we are used to it now. We are a "family" and that's what family vacations consist of...adults, children, babies, etc. Be smart about it though, if you have any concerns about the baby's physical well-being that is definatly something you should weigh in on. I spoke to my children's pediatrician extensively about traveling with each one of my children. I've even gone so far as take them in for check ups at the drs before traveling. That's not a bad idea. Your pediatrician will be honest with you about bringing baby. If you are worried about your enjoyment of the trip being compromised, that is something you would need to prepare yourself for ahead of time. Write down a list of everything you want to do and how you'll have to finagle it with the baby there. It works out, if one evening you would like to grab a beer at the pub in epcot, you couldn't very well sit in the bar with the baby, I mean you could...but...well...you know, so ok, maybe you sit outside in the outdoor area, drink your beer while you chat with your wife at a table outside in the afternoon, instead of late nite...if your wife wants to shop, offer to take the baby back to the room early for a nap and give her free reign...she'll love you for that...it sure is different traveling with a baby, but it really is a lot of fun too. They won't appreciate it or remember it, but you'll never feel more like a family man than when you travel with your children. I never had more fun in WDW than when I went with my kids...
9	vbdad55 Tue 6/19/2007 8:24p	<They won't appreciate it or remember it, but you'll never feel more like a family man than when you travel with your children. I never had more fun in WDW than when I went with my kids...< I wasn't even going to post as this thread gets me in trouble - but the words above from Kimrue say almost all I want to say anyway - well put.
10	hightp Wed 6/20/2007 7:39a	In October of '96 we took my son, who was just 6 months old at the time, and we had a great time. Of course, my daughter who was 2 1/2 was there, too. We didn't have any problem, but remember a lot of sit down shows may be too loud for him. If you decide to take him, make I recommend getting one of those snugglie baby carriers, they make walking around the park with a baby a lot easier. Have fun.

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