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.
“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!!
“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 Progress
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 Crush
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
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
Don’t forget all the character meet and greets and street performers!
Now, tell me again how there is “nothing” to do??
“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!
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!
Priceless memories
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! The first time we took the kids to DIsney they were 4, 2, and 9 months. It was fantastic! Our youngest asks to look at the pictures of his first trip weekly. They may not remember it, but I will never forget it. We took a few vacations that year and Disney was by far the easiest with the kids.
That beautiful little girl is the best advertisement there is!
super cute pics 😉
I can tell from the pictures she loved it! You are right the photos and family memories are worth it!
She looks like she had a great time. She may not “remember” it, but the picture will always be there.
I love the breakdown of things to do by park for the littlest ones. I think that it seems so overwhelming, because there is so much to do, that it’s easier not to go! But, I told my husband that I just found out how awesome they are with Gluten Free dining, so now we have to take the kids back.
YES! Disney is AMAZING when it comes to food allergies in general! Even at the buffets, the chef will come out and walk you through, showing you what is “safe” You should definitely go back!
She is adorable. I’m so happy that you had such a wonderful time! You’re right, they’re YOUR memories too. And they’re precious!
She is so cute!!! I am so glad you had a great time! Precious memories!
Wow, you should be a Disney travel agent! Oh, you are and it is a good thing cause you are a great resource!
Benjamin probably doesn’t remember our trip either, but he love love loves to look at the photo book that I made of all of our pictures. That is enough for me! Can’t wait to go back in October!
I’m showing this post to my husband. He keeps saying he wants to wait until the kids are older. I want to go now! lol
I cannot wait to bring Addie! Awesome post, Sarah. We will def come to you when we’re ready to book!
OMG What a fabulous post! I think it’s so helpful to list out the different things young kids can experience. I’m hoping to take the family this year!
This is good to know. We want to take G soon, but will have an infant in June. Maybe next Spring will be perfect!
Great post! I’m not a fan of the “he/she won’t remember it” argument. Like you said, babies aren’t going to remember ANYTHING from the first couple of years. But the family time and photos are priceless!
This is so great. I’ve always thought we’d wait to go to Disney until our little guy is a few years old but you have made me reconsider it for sure.
Love this we are going in April with my 1 and 5 year old. I can’t wait!
Yay! You’ll have a blast!
Superb, what a blog it is! This website gives helpful facts to us, keep it up.