Category Archives: Raising A Disney Baby

Bringing Your Tiny Prince or Princess To Disney World!

So you want to visit the Disney parks?  And you want to bring your infant? And all your friends are telling you that it’s stupid?  I know.  I’ve been there.  I’ve heard it all. We took Avery to Disney World in Orlando FL this December, she was 8 months old at the time, and we had so many people telling us “DON’T DO IT!” Being the crazy passionate Disney fans that we are, we didn’t listen.

 

I thought I’d write a post to help you counter what the naysayers…uhm…say.

 

disney baby magic

 

“Oh he’s too young!  He’ll never remember any of it!!”

-Ya know what? They are right!  Your infant won’t remember the trip! But YOU will!  You’ll take 82,000 photos, and buy personalized mouse ears to commemorate the experience!  You’ll come home and blog about it!  You’ll share the photos on Facebook and all your friends will “oo” and “ahhh” over how cute your baby looks, posing with Mickey Mouse, himself!! You’ll be able to show them these photos and keepsakes years from now.  As a friend pointed out, if you live by the “They wont remember it..” mentality, then why do ANYTHING with your child? Why take them to music class, or the zoo, or the park? Why bring them anywhere?   With a vacation to Disney World you’re creating memories for your entire family!!

 

disney first hair cut

 

“It’s soooo expensive!”

-Of course there is cost involved with any vacation. The best part about Disney?  your infant is FREE.  That’s right!  All kiddos under age 3 are free! And where else can you go, with your little one, and experience so much? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather take my baby girl on a vacation where she will also be entertained.

Disney also offers deals throughout the year that can help keep your vacation within your budget!

 

“They are too little!  There isn’t anything for them to do!”

-Uhm…this statement couldn’t be any more FALSE! There is so much to do!  In fact, you probably won’t get to do everything! There are shows and parades galore, as well as many rides that don’t have height requirements.

These attractions are safe for you and your baby to experience together!
(Remember, every child is different, and some attractions may be scary to some children.  We didn’t encounter any issues with Avery being scared, but you know your child, and know what they can and cannot handle!)

Magic Kingdom:

  • Astro Orbiter
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle
  • Haunted Mansion
  • “it’s a small world”®
  • Jungle Cruise®
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
  • Mad Tea Party
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • Main Street Vehicles
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic®
  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor®
  • Peter Pan’s Flight®
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • Tom Sawyer Island
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Under The Sea-Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progressits a small world disney baby

 

EPCOT:

  • Captain EO
  • Circle of Life
  • Ellen’s Energy Adventure
  • Gran Fiest Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Journey Into Imagination With Figment
  • Kidcot Fun Stops
  • Living with the Land
  • Maelstrom
  • SeaBase
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends®
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Turtle Talk with Crushseabase epcot the seas disney

 

Animal Kingdom:

  • Affection Section
  • Discovery Island® Trails
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Finding Nemo-The Musical
  • Flights of Wonder
  • G’tar Dan
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris®
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek®
  • Mickey’s Jamin’ Jungle Parade
  • Pangani Forest Exploration Trail®
  • TriceraTop Spin

disney safari


Hollywood Studios:

  • Beauty and The Beast-Live on Stage
  • Disney Junior Live
  • The Great Movie Ride
  • Studio Backlot Tour
  • Toy Story Midway Mania
  • Voyage of The Little Mermaid

disney hollywood studios great movie ride baby

 

Don’t forget all the character meet and greets and street performers!

 

disney snow white

 

Now, tell me again how there is “nothing” to do??

 

disney pirate baby

 

 

“Ugh, it’s just so much work!  Lugging a diaper bag, and pushing a stroller! And it will throw off the baby’s schedule”

-First of all, the “schedule” argument is ridiculous.  You’re on vacation. There is no schedule!  But if you are a stickler for set nap times you can always just head back to your room for awhile!  There is all sorts of free resort transportation if you’re staying on Disney property!  And, in case you didn’t know…..babies CAN and WILL nap in a stroller!

 

disney nap stroller

 

As far as it being “too much work” No matter where you go on vacation, you will have a diaper bag, you’ll have a stroller, you’ll have “stuff”  The difference with Disney is that you won’t be the only one and Disney makes it easier for you! There are designated stroller parking areas for the attractions you can’t stroll in to. They even have Baby Care Centers in every park in case you need a quiet place to breastfeed, or if you forgot an essential baby item (Formula, diapers, wipes, medicine, etc.)  There are changing stations in every bathroom, and high chairs are available at all restaurants! The Cast Members love kids, and you’ll probably get some special attention from the characters (we did!)

 

“You won’t have any fun!  You won’t be able to go on any of the thrill rides!”

-Disney thought of this as well. So they instituted the “Child Swap” option.  Your whole family can wait in line together, when it’s your turn, Mom stays with the baby, while Dad rides. When Dad is done, he takes the baby and Mom can then ride without waiting!  It’s great! However, the real FUN comes from seeing your little one’s eyes light up when she meets Snow White for the first time, or when she hears the music of “it’s a small world” That’s the real magic!

 

disney ariel baby
I hope that this helps you respond to those silly folks who don’t “get it” Disney is Magical for all ages.  Whether you’re 1 or 101 there is something there for you. So take your babies to Disney World, You’ll all enjoy it!!

Avery The Adventurer

Dear Avery Fontaine,

You are not even a year old yet.  Shoot, you’re not even 10 months, but, you have done more things and gone more places than some people do in a lifetime.

In the past 9 and a half moths you have;

 

  1. Traveled to New York City, with mommy…
  2. for a Blog Conference….
  3. where you got to hang out at the MTV studios, in Times Square.

    times square mtv rooftop

  4. Traveled to Boston, MA.
  5. Traveled to Albany, NY.
  6. Traveled to North Carolina.
  7. Road Tripped it to Walt Disney World.
  8. Rode almost every ride (the ones without heigh requirements, of course) and met many Princesses in Walt Disney World.

    snow white kiss

  9. Been on a boat, a train, a bus, and even sat on a motorcycle.

    baby life jacket boat

  10. Gone to a P Bruins hockey game, and will go to Boston Bruins Training Camp tomorrow.

    baby hockey game

  11. Saw a PawSox baseball game, and then got to “run” the bases afterword.

    baby pawsox baseball

  12. Experienced New England Patriots training camp.

    patriots training camp

  13. Met the Jimmy Dean Sun, Martha Stewart, The Pioneer Woman-Ree Drummond, and “Juice” & “Tig” from the show Sons of Anarchy.

    sons of anarchy tig juice

  14. Explored Salem, MA.
  15. Traveled back in time at Old Sturbridge Village.
  16. Hung out with the animals more times than we can count at Roger Williams Park Zoo

    zoo giraffes

  17. Had 3 professional photo shoots, and signed with a modeling agency.
  18. Celebrated at Birthday parties and weddings.
  19. Learned to swim.

    baby swimming pool

  20. Story times, shopping trips, gymnastics, and the Children’s Museum with friends.
  21. Went to a book signing….
  22. went apple picking…
  23. and went pumpkin picking.
  24. Got to “vote” in a Presidential Election.

    baby I voted election

  25. Visited a farm.
  26. Experienced hurricane.

    storm bread water milk baby

  27. Mad two trips to the DMV (ok, maybe thats not a highlight…but you seemed to have fun!)

    baby dmv

  28. Made donations to three charities.
  29. Made lots of friends.
  30. Made hundreds of people smile.

Avery girl, you have, in 9 and a half short months, had quite an incredible life. I can’t wait to show you even more of what this world has to offer!

Let the adventure continue……

Healthy Eating Tips For Disney

I have never worried about eating healthy while on vacation in Disney, til now.  I’ve been trying to lose weight and keep it off, I don’t want to sabotage that hard work while we’re on vacation.

So,  I’ve put together a few tips, to remind myself, and to help others, to eat healthy while on a Disney vacation!  It’s much easier than you’d think!

(This is mm first vlog ever, so don’t judge me too harshly!)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ht-vinyaA8&w=420&h=315]

*Disclosure* I was asked to participate in a  vlog project about Disney Dining, and was compensated for my time.

Twist and Shout!

Or Twist…and…Teethe…

I have started feeling a bit guilty.  Avery really doesn’t have many toys.  I know she’s only 4 months and doesn’t need a whole lot, but I still feel like I’m some how neglecting her by not spoiling her silly with tons of plastic toys that will eventually end up sitting in a landfill ten millions years from now.

In reality I don’t like plastic toys.  I just don’t.  It’s not just a “green” thing.  Or a “cheap” thing.  It’s an “ugly” thing.  A lot of baby toys are just. plain. ugly.  I like a lot of the vintage looking “Classic” toys, and wooden toys, but most are for babes a bit older than Avery, and cost a pretty penny.

I was fortunate enough to meet a rep for Green Toys while at BlogHer, and she sent us a Twist Teether for Avery to try out and review!  Since Avery isn’t all that articulate (Yet!)  I figured I would write up my impressions of the toy!

First of all, let me tell you how awesome Green Toys is as a company.  I had first learned of green Toys from the owner of Bellani Maternity, a mom-owned store right here in Warwick, Rhode Island. I purchased a little pink and purple tool box for Avery (because daddy needs a little helper!) and was really interested in the company.  They are based in California and their products are all made right here in the USA!  Not only are they 100% American made, but they the only toys on the market made from 100% recycled post-consumer recycled materials (MILK JUGS!), and are the only toys on the market packaged exclusively in 100% recyclable cardboard!

And they aren’t ugly!!  The Twist Teether  is actually super cute!

And the best part?  Avery LOVES it!

Hmmm what is this thing and what am I supposed to do with it?

Ohhhhh!!! I get it!

It keeps Avery entertained at the mall…

This face says it all!

The fact that it is not just a toy, but a true teether is also great. Avery’s gums have been bothering her quite a bit lately, but we haven’t been able to find a teether that worked for her.  Many are too big to fit in her tiny mouth, or the bite surface is too thick.  But the Twist Teether has 6 different teething “charms” that each have a different texture, so your baby is sure to find one that he or she likes!  Avery likes the star the best.  Or she just chews on the green “handles”

And it’s DELICIOUS!

The Twist Teether is BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. It has no external coatings, meets FDA food contact standards AND it’s dishwasher safe!  I also love that if Avery throws it out of her stroller, I can hear it hit the floor and we don’t have to back-track through JC Penny searching for it (like we did tonight when one of her 5 mini monkey rattles silently vanished….)

I don’t have anything bad to say about this product, though It would be cool if it came in different color schemes (I’d buy one in every color) Some parents my find the clickity clack of the charms annoying, but I kind of like it. It is far less obnoxious than many other toys on the market.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R85WVQmtEOA&w=560&h=315]

Twist Teether is safe for ages 0 and up!  And retails for the pretty fabulous, and affordable price of $10.99

Check out Green Toys on the Web:

www.greentoys.com
twitter.com/greentoysinc
www.facebook.com/GreenToys

**I was given the Twist Teether for this review. All opinions are my own. Actually, Avery was the one compensated here. Really, I got nothing, except of course a wee bit of my sanity back as this keeps her occupied while I enjoy a nice cup of Starbucks at the mall.**

Friends: You can probably expect these as Christmas gifts for your little ones!

Raising a Disney Baby: Bringing A Baby To Walt Disney World

This will be a multi-part series about bringing your lil one to The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida.

In December, Dave and I will be heading down to Walt Disney World in Orlando.  This will be trip #18 for me, trip #3 for Dave and trip #1 fr Avery, and we couldn’t be more excited.  We’ve been planning this trip since before Avery was born. (Who am I kidding, I’ve been planning this trip in my head for years!) Dave was a bit skeptical at first, but, the first time he went to Disney, and saw all those cuties in princess and pirate gear he couldn’t wait to bring our “future” little one to the Most Magical Place On Earth!

Of course when we tell people that we’ll be bringing our infant to Disney, we are met with dropped jaws, eye rolls, and head shakes.  We hear “Are you crazy? She wont even remember it!  It’s so expensive!”  Our response is “Yes, we’re crazy, but not because of this. She may not remember it, but we will and you know, babies are FREE!”   (its true, under the age of three=free)

We know that this trip will be different from our past trips. We know we can’t go all Park Commando,  we won’t be Extra Magic Hours warriors.  We’ll have to take a few more breaks. But we’re OK with that.  We can’t wait for this new experience.

Disney is one of those places where kids are welcome (who knew?!) In fact, they LOVE kids in Disney (shocking!) And, they make it pretty easy t vacation with your child, even the really little ones.   They have Baby Care Centers in the parks.  The Baby Care Centers are air-conditioned places where you can breastfeed in private, change a dirty diaper, warm up some baby food, or just take a breather, free of charge.  They even have those essential baby items (diapers, baby food, wipes, etc.) available for purchase (at theme park prices of course).

Baby Care Center Locations:

Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Next to The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A.

Epcot Theme Park
Inside the Future World Odyssey Center.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park
In the Guest Services Building inside the Main Entrance.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Behind the Creature Comforts store in the Discovery Island area.

(Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Downtown Disney do NOT have Baby Care Centers)

Of course, if you can’t get to a Baby Care Center quickly enough (You know, if there has been some type of diaper explosion, or you are only minutes away from your FastPass return time for Space Mountain) You can change your wee one in any of the restrooms.  All are quipped with changing stations.

Disney also offers stroller rentals, if you choose not to bring your own. (A lot of people think their child will be ok to walk, only to find that they are carrying their 6-year-old through the park at the end of a long day)  All the details about Disney’s rentals can be found here: Stroller Rental

Disney makes it easy (easier, anyway) and fun to enjoy your vacation with even the tiniest of family members!