Disney with Baby?

We stayed off the property and had a good time. While a good friend stayed on the park and got robbed big time. took everything including stuff that would mean nothing like her son's retainer case.
We stayed n Kissmee and rode the busses to the park for free.
The lines were long but my 6 year old never complained once.
Good luck. See if you can use one of their strollers like the Gosslings used on Jon and Kate plus eight..

You've got a good start with the sit and stand stroller. That will be key. I always encourage my daughter to ride even though she's old enough to walk, because she gets really ambitious, and it saves her legs and keeps her from getting too overtired too quickly later in the day.

First of all yes, you can take your stroller on all of those things you mentioned, but you'll have to collapse it on the train and bus and trams (not sure about the monorail- sorry). We hate taking all our carefully packed stuff out of the stroller, so we usually walk and avoid trams etc (and have timed it and found we can get places faster that way- no lines, just good exercise!). When you want to ride something, send one parent in and you can get a "rider switch" pass which allows the other riders in your party to go on without waiting in line. It's good for two other adults. Very fun perk of being a parent. And by the way you can always park your stroller, there are tons of stroller parking spots everywhere.

Some of the rides have fastpass. Figure out which ones you want, and as soon as you get there, send an adult in your party over to those rides with your tickets. Because of the rider switch, you can get more than one fast pass at a time. That way you are guaranteed at least two, perhaps three rides with practically zero lines for everyone all day. Then the other lines won't be so bad. Other people will probably have specific tips on the best times of day to ride which rides, but we always like to ride the long-line rides when the parades are going on. You'll get a system down pretty quickly on your first or second day there.

We usually get there, ride one or two rides, then go for an early lunch. Then we ride a bunch right after lunch while everyone is filled up on food and relatively docile.

If you have nappers, you'll want to bring a large blanket or neatsheet kinda thing to cover the stroller; even if you can find a quiet place, it can still be noisy and chaotic!

For babies, there are the baby care centers. These places are like a baby oasis. Find it on your maps and circle because you'll be going back often! They have nursing chairs, high chairs for feeding your baby, changing stations, they even sell formula and diapers and wipes. And staffed by very helpful ladies. We went when my son was 3 months and went to the baby care center three or four times that day. So I predict for a week you will get to know the baby care center pretty well.

Hotels...we are local, but when we have stayed there we like to stay at the property closest to the park with the best pool we can afford. Hot tubs are nice for those sore muscles, too. :D It does make a difference, the days can be exhausting. Everyone thinks they'll go back to the hotel room for downtime during the day, but logistically this isn't as easy as you'd think. Distances are far and it's not so easy to pick up and go all the way back even if you are on-property. That said, if I could splurge, I'd stay on-property in a heartbeat.

Have a really great trip! Disney is so much fun.

I haven't been with a baby, but I can answer about the hotel. I would stay at the hotel in for quick relaxing/napping and the ability to ride the buses to the park(s) to save on parking. (But you could "cost comparison" hotel plus food plan to buying food outright and paying parking, then see if it's worth the hassle to stay off property) Staying in a Disney hotel will also allow you to buy a meal plan which is worth it. Food is very expensive and you obviously will have to eat!! This takes the hassle out of it. You get LOTS of food too. Just plan ahead if you are going to do this to make reservations. You can even use the meal plans for some of the character meals (But not all) if you have reservations. (At least you could a couple years ago when we were there) That's my 2 cents worth!!

we just went to disney this past june with both sides of the family (about 20 people). our kids were 5 and 1 1/2. we rented houses within 15 minutes of the park. if, when, we do it again, we would stay on the property. the amount of time that it took to get into the parks once you parked, especially magic kingdom, was about 45 minutes to an hour. ideally, we wanted to spend a few hours at the park in the morning, come home for lunch and naps, then head back to the parks in the early evening. when we realized how much time that would take, we often just stayed at the parks until people were exhausted. my daughter just napped in the stroller or in someone's arms.

surprisingly, they were pretty good about the lines. we did what ever it took to entertain them. for the bigger (more popular rides) we got the fast pass which cut down on the time in really, really long lines. the parks are good about the parent swap. one of us would stay with my daughter and the other would ride the ride with my son (they got a ticket at the beginning of the line for the parent swap). when they got off, whoever did not ride with him would take him and the ticket back to the line and they would get on right away.

strollers work there- can be a pain when it is really crowded but it works. we rented a double stroller there so we didn't have to take one on a plane.

there is a book called walt disney world with kids that has a lot of helpful hints and tips for traveling to the parks with kids.

enjoy your trip.

We just went in November with our 4 and 2 year olds. We left our 14 month old at home. We took the sit and stand for the kids and it was a God send. You can take it on everything but be sure you can fold it up - you can't have it open, there just isn't room.

For rides that babies cannot go on, you can do the thing where you get a fast pass, your spouse can go on with the older kids and then you switch - we did that a couple of times on the rides that my 4 year old could go on but 2 year old wasn't big enough for. Worked great!

We stayed at the All Star Movies (on Disney property) and while it was no Taj Mahal - it was GREAT to stay on property. The room was clean and had all the basics, it just was small. We LOVED the Disney transportation - not having to deal with car seats, rental car, etc was sooo nice.

Have SO much fun - it was truly the trip of a lifetime for us. Your kids are at the perfect ages - mine were truly in heaven the entire time!

The first poster gave some really great tips. We had to fold up the stroller on the monorail. We brought a back pack to carry warmer clothes for at night and juice/snacks for our little one. We stayed off site at a time share. We decided to arrive after our daughter's nap and stay until closing. It worked out fine. My friend stayed at a Disney resort and did go back for naps. It seemed to work for her.

We pretty much stuck to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Most of the hotels have swimming pools, so if they really want to get wet and splash around, go to the pool one day.

Some of the rides have a "fast pass" where you can slide your card and get a time to come back - when you come back, you go right to the front of the line. Most of the rides have a "parking spot" for strollers.

We went with a 8 month old. We took a diaper bag that had peanut butter crackers, bottles of water, etc. to munch on if we got hungry. We also ordered kids meals for us in the park. We found it worth it to stay "on property". My sister said the meal plans they offer were wonderful and felt they were a huge savings - so that's something to consider.

We also tried very hard to keep the same schedule at the park we did at home. We'd go back to the room for lunch (you can ask for a fridge and microwave if the room doesn't have one), and have a nap. We made sure we discussed what exactly was important for each of us to do while we were there, so we got to go on the rides we really wanted to. So we'd go until we came to a good stopping point to go back to the room, have lunch, have naps, then go back to the park(s) for a few more things. If our daughter got hungry, we'd let her have crackers or applesauce or whatever we brought to tide her over until we got somewhere to have dinner or back to the room.

For what it's worth - and good luck!

Use Fast Pass.

Bring a backpack with snacks, water, etc. Maybe even a picnic lunch (PB&J, carrot/celery sticks, cheese sticks, whatever is easily packable that all/most of you like). Even you and you DH will appreciate this. Food is expensive there.

Use lots of sunscreen, drink lots of water. Can't remember if they have drinking fountains around where you can refill your water bottles.

If you are using a camera with film, bring extra film. Buying it there is expensive. I think we actually used the cheapo disposable ones in addition to my regular one. I'd consider using just the disposable ones, and let your older kid take some photos. They are pretty lightweight, foolproof cameras. Put a name/address label on each camera, if they get lost (hope not!) maybe someone will do the right thing and send back to you.

Since you will be there for a week, consider going to one park per day so you won't have to worry about shuttles etc.

Have fun!

K. Z.

Hi M...I know this is a little late but I just wanted to let you know some of our experiences. First of all we bought a sit and stand last yr specifically for Disney(our baby's 1st trip) the SAS was perfect cuz my 7 yr old was still small enough to use the bench which was great when she was tired and at the end of the day trying to navigete the exits with so many ppl. Also you can use the handicapped monorail compartments with the stroller(course our son was in a wheel chair so we had no choice).Be sure if you use a SAS that you put a ribbon or bandana or something distinguishing on it cuz so many ppl have them and that way you will be able to tell yours. This past yr was the first time we stayed on property(all star music) we loved it.We have been to Disney 4 times and this past yr was the best time we had.Staying on property saved us in time,parking(if you are a guest on property it will save you $15 a day in parking)plus you can utilize WDW transportation.For us it was easier to drive to each of the parks because of my son's wheel chair and we didn't have to wait in the long lines. For suvineirs(sp) by all means you can buy them at Disney but there is a walmart in kissimmee that has a whole area od diney merch(they don't say walt disney world but disney dreams) but many of the items are very close at the fraction of the price..like autograph books,pens and tshirts. Have fun~K.

We went as 4 adults in October. Stayed at All Star Sports. LOVED IT! Easy commute on Disney busses. Bought the food passes - it was as much as we needed to eat. "Table service" (= dinner) meal at noon, run it off in the afternoon. Would do it all again that way! Beats staying off property. Have done that several times, commute is garbage. You can eat virtually anything, almost anywhere - there are lists and restrictions, but we found it easy to follow.

have lots of fun! Go back to hotel for afternoon naps, then return to park. Or, find a quiet place on grounds to snooze. Naps essential, even for adults!!

Hi M.,

We just took my 18 month old to Disney back in Oct. and it was surprisingly easier than I imagined. You can take the stroller on buses and monorail but we couldn't on the train in the magic Kingdom. You just have to fold the stroller up if it is gonna be on any kind of transportation so make sure you know how to do it! Also, my son just napped in the stroller so we didn't end up going back to the hotel like we thought we might. we did stay on Disney in the All-Star Movie hotel and it was great! They even have pack and play that you can use. If you stay at the resorts you also get free transportation with buses so you don't have to worry about parking and i believe parking is pretty expensive. We got the meal plan and at the time it was free with your stay so def. worth it(I don't think they have that deal going anymore so you may want to check it out. Still though I mean we got $40-$60 meals for free with the plan and food is SO expensive at the parks.) Also, if you can swing it bring snacks and juice boxes or water bottles for the kids. It will save you a ton of money. About the rides, they have something where parents can switch, meaning one parent rides (with kids if possible) while the other parents waits where you get on the ride and then you switch when it is done. Any more questions you think of, feel free to ask.

Hi M.,
We went to Disney last June with our then 4 and 2 1/2 yr olds. We actually used a big double stroller for then to cut down on their walking. We stayed on Disney so we could take advantage of their shuttle service to the parks. In the morning and all day long the shuttles were great. We never waited more than 10 minutes. You do have to fold up the stroller and hold or put the children in seats. You can take the stroller with the children in it on the monorail and the ferry. Our boys are early risers so we went to the parks at almost opening every day, then came back for nap/break every day from like noonish to 3 or 4. At night we often drove our car back to the park instead of the bus. The lines to get on a bus at the end of the day are very long. We tried to keep the kids schedule as much as possible and realize they were going to be more tired from the excitement/walking/riding/heat. We took a morning or an evening off once in a while and just played on the playground or went swimming. Be aware if you stay off Disney you have to pay for parking each day. We did our big double stroller so it could hold all our stuff (besides just diapers) extra change of clothes for them, a couple bottles of water in a cooler from the hotel,and a handful of toys, a couple action figures and books something simple to keep them busy in lines. Although I'll tell you the time of year we went and plan we followed we didn't wait in line more than 5-10 minutes except once for Dumbo. We did trade them out everyday with a small box we brought from home for them to play with in the room. They have an option where one parent can ride and then the other parent without waiting in line again, you could split your older children and ride like that if need be. But I'm not sure even your 3 year old can get on Splash Mountain or if the 5 year old is ready for it. My husband and I decided since this was the kids first trip that it was all about them. We didn't ride any strictly adult rides, if it was a family ride we didn't go, we didn't want to waste time, there's so much to get through. We managed to do most of what we wanted, although if I had it to do again I might skip one park entirely, even with a week it's a lot and at that age I knew they couldn't keep going all day and be happy. You should check your library for the book "The unofficial guide to Walt Disney World with children" It was great and very helpful. We followed the plans in the book except a few times when they weren't any waits and we bounced around a little but... it takes some planning but it was well worth it to me, if I was spending all the money to go I wanted it to be everything we wanted it to be. Sorry for the long response, hopefully I answered some of your questions.
C.

Disney has a great program called Switch Rider. If your 5 year old (maybe your 3 year old) can ride a ride your husband can go with the kids and you get a switch rider card (same place as the fast pass just ask a Disney employee). When they are done riding you can go ride again with your kids and you husband can stay with the kids. The other great part is when the second person rides you go through the fast pass lanes so you don't have to wait in the long lines again.

Staying on the property is a great idea too. The bus service they provide is wonderful. The buses will even take you to Downtown Disney where their is a lot of great stores to shop at and dining. If you know the exact dates of your trip I would recommend going to Disneydining.com and making any reservations for meals. A lot of the dining places at the parks recommend reservations, especially if you want to enjoy a sit down meal. You can make all your reservations online up to 180 days before your trip. They fill up fast so I highly recommend checking out the website. There are a lot of counter service locations too but sometimes you just want to have a sit down meal.

I hope this helps. Have a great time. I have a 5 and 3 year old and they love Disney.

We went for three days when our girls were 18 months and 4 years old and I was pregnant with #3. We went at the end of April, and it was starting to get hot in Orlando. We took a medium size stroller and it worked fine on the monorail and bus around the park. A little cumbersome to fold up, but we weren't the only ones with strollers! Plenty of legroom on monorail, not so much on the bus. On rides, we left the stroller on the side near the ride (keep valuables on your person!)
We stayed in the Polynesian hotel on the monorail, which was more $ than the hotels off the monorail, and very easy access to Magic Kingdom, etc. For us, it was worth the $ to stay on the monorail because we were only there 2 nights and our toddler still napped, and we went back and forth to the hotel a couple times per day. Waiting for and getting on the bus and riding to other parks was about a 45-60 minute production. (Therefore we only made it to Magic Kingdom (easy!), and Animal Kingdom (pain riding bus!)

Above ALL, we didn't have much shade, so I would advise going during the cooler months of the year. The baby will get hot easily.

Hi M....yes pay the lil extra to stay at Disney. we stayed at one of their value hotels( all star music), specially with lil ones. If you need to relax with the lil ones, but daddy and yer 5 yr old still want to play, its perfect. No car or driving to worry about. The monorail, train, boat take you to and from your hotel, whenever, and you can have anything you buy sent back to your hotel ( for free) instead of having to carry it. Plus, each hotol has a pool, so again, if your 5 and even your 2 yr old are still goin goin goin, daddy can take them for a swim, and mommy and baby can rest, or let daddy rest and you have fun with the big ones :) i do not know the stroller issue, my boys were 5 and 7 when we went. gl and have fun