My husband and I decided to make a trip to Disney World before we move to another post. This vacation will be the first week of December. At that time I will be 7 months pregnant and our son will have just turned 2. I am in great health and do have my midwife's ok. I know we will be taking lots of mini breaks throughout each day since the boy is so young, which will help with my energy level. We will be bringing in our water to make sure we stay hydrated. Are there any tip or tricks that you have found useful either with a young toddler or while expecting? I have been reading blogs online as well as checked out a few guide books from the library, but advice always seems better when you can get it first hand from someone who has experienced it.
Also, my son has a milk protein allergy. Have you bought soy milk in the parks at quick service restaurants?
We will be driving from GA to FL and spending 6 days there, with 4 day park hopper tickets. We will most likely be relaxing at our hotel the first day, going to parks the next 4, and for the 6th day, we are not sure if we will be driving home in the morning, or at night (so our son will be sleeping the majority of the drive).
Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for all the great answers! If we could wait a few years before we go to the parks, we would, but the army will be moving us within a year, and we figured we would have a more enjoyable time if we just had our son . . . and I did not have to stop to nurse every 2 hours! We will most likely never be in this area again, and are so excited to give this experience to our son! Luckily, since my husband is in the military, we are going to be staying at the DoD hotel on Disney property. We won't get every perk of staying with Disney, but we do get to use their travel system! Reading the responses to my question have made me a lot more confidant about going. If others can do it, we can too!
I'd wait and take them both in 3 years. 3 and 5 are TERRIFIC ages to go!
Updated
I'd wait and take them both in 3 years. 3 and 5 are TERRIFIC ages to go!
No advice, but God Bless you! Lol
My only tip would be to pack for bad weather. My parents took us in the late 80s. All the photos feature me wearing my hot pink winter coat. Seems that it was cold and rainy throughout, despite it being late May. The plastic rain slickers they sell at the park cost and arm and a leg and grow really old, really fast.
Enjoy,
F. B.
Weather is perfect, actually a bit cool. No crowds. Just take your time and enjoy. Make dining reservations now. Have fun. If you can go to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. Separate ticket but fun. Check it out.
Check out my favorite website for tips: www.allears.net. Specifically look at their tips for travelling with toddlers, visiting while pregnanat, and if you have dietary needs. I know that Sunshine Seasons in the Land in Epcot sells soy milk, not sure of others, just do a search and you'll see which menus it pops up on. You'll want to take it easy and go slow, but you'll be doing that anyway with a 2-year-old. Personally, I would skip Epcot and Hollywood Studios with a child that young, unless you're just really wanting to go see them. The youngest my kids were at these parks was 3 and 4, and they really didn't care for Epcot at all- they were indifferent to the Nemo ride, hated Imagination, and were bored with the Kidcot stations. Hollywood Studios has the amazing Midway Mania and the Honey I shrunk the Kids play area, but that's really it. I wouldn't plan on staying long at either of these places if you do go. You could go into Downtown Disney instead, which can be a lot of fun. My youngest was terrified of the fireworks, but enjoyed watching them from the beach at the Polynesian, so consider that.
My nephew was 21 months when he went for the first time. He will not remember it, but I will. He was hilarious, rocking out to the Electrical Parade and going bonkers for Buzz Lightyear. So fun!
Check the links:
http://allears.net/pl/infant.htm
http://allears.net/pl/kids.htm
http://allears.net/pl/pregnant.htm
http://allears.net/din/special.htm
At every restaurant they can tell you what is in the food . Ask wherever you go and either a chef will come out totalk to you or a manager will come out at a quick service restaurant. Also you can call the Special Diets dept and they will help you with things to avoid.Take a nap break mid day for sure . Go to the wbsite and check what days they have Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party because if you dont have ticket for it the Magic Kingdom closes 7 pm .Also, Animal Kingdom is about half a day . Get your Safari Fast passes first then go to the Triceratops Spin(like Dumbo but less of a wait ) , then go to the safari , Have lunch at Restaurantasaurus have a Shrimp Po Boy and fill up your drink cups on your way out . Ask for a glass of water which is free to fill up your thermos or whatever. Be sure to bring a stroller. Go to the Lion King or Nemo Shows to get a rest . DO NOT go to Dinosaur it is scary for even 5 or 6 year olds.
Have a Magical Trip!
We went to Disneyland a lot when my son was 2 (closer to three) and I was pregnant. We had season passes up through about my 5th month of pregnancy, then they ran out. Taking breaks will definitely be key. I was able to ride pretty much everything in Fantasyland, which is really all my son wanted to do at that age anyway. You can also do rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Lots of water is key, as you know, as is bringing snacks (I was always hungry).
At Disneyland, they did not have soy milk available to purchase, though they might now (it's been a few years). You can visit allergymouse.com for some great tips on doing Disney with allergies. You can definitely bring your own soy milk into the park, which we used to do.
Oh how fun! I had season passes to Disneyland during both of my pregnancies....it is a little bit more compact than Disney World but walking is so good for you when pregnant. There are tons of rides all through out the parks that are totally safe for young children and pregnant women, so you all will have a great time! You can bring in your own soy milk and make sure you have a water bottle and some small treats....there are drinking fountains all over the park to refill with more water. Make sure you know where the Baby Centers are in each park....they have small potties for the little ones, changing tables, high chairs and are air conditioned/heated as needed. The beginning of December seems like a great time to go...you get to see the holiday decorations but the lines will still be small. Look into at least one reserved meal....it is a great way to see a bunch of different characters all at once and they feed you well. Have fun!
If you can afford it stay on a disney property. There's a monorail system through the parks and it stops at the hotels as well. This way you can more easily and quickly pop back to your hotel room for a break when needed.
The first week of December is very quiet here so the lines should not be too long. If you do feel tired you can rent a scooter in the parks or sit down and take breaks at the many benches. I would bring food for your son since I have never seen soy milk sold in the parks (they may have it in the hotels). You are allowed to bring a cooler into the park with you and your own food. I would also bring a stroller for your son, the parks are big and a lot of people under estimate their size (plus it’s nice to have to hold stuff).
Have fun and enjoy the holiday decorations!! Be sure to check out the Osborne lights at Hollywood Studios.
How funny ... I did exactly that! Seven months pregnant and with a 2-yr old in Disney. As long as your hubby is willing to stand on line and take the 2-yr old on all the rides, you're fine. We did a lot of walking, which is great exercise when pregnant (as I'm sure you know). There are plenty of places to sit down when you need a break. And I know Magic Kingdom has a "mommy room" (forget what it's called, exactly) for nursing, etc. I hung out there once when it was super hot outside.
Make sure to use FastPass -- if there's a popular ride you know you want to go on, go there as soon as you get to the park and swipe your pass to go on later without waiting in line (for the little one there might not be too many of these ... probably Buzz Lightyear at Magic Kingdom).
For the 2-yr old I recommend the Nemo ride at Epcot.
Good luck and have a great time!
