Disney with a toddler

[GreyhoundsRUs]

We're taking DD to Disney in a month. We're going to the Magic Kingdom for a day (the whole day). She's very high-energy and gets really crabby being in her stroller or carseat for too long. We were going to bring the umbrella stroller and the Ergo. We were contemplating getting a backpack-leash for her so she can walk around.

Thoughts, suggestions, tips???

[Pollyanna]

Make use of the Baby Care Centers http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/baby-care-centers.htm I really don't think most people realize how awesome these places are. Such a great place to go change and feed baby. The one in Disneyland even has little potty's for toddlers.

[Mrs. MD, Esq.]

The backpack leash is great...tons of ppl there use them. I used to see so many more kids in the lost areas...

Have an amazing time!!!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Also, I'm assuming I should stick a luggage tag or the like on the stroller?

[Deebs]

You will be amazed at how easy Disney is with a toddler (at least I was). Take advantage of fast passes so you can minimize your time in line. We used a stroller, but only for when the kids were tired. My DD who loves to run was thrilled to spend a great dal of time in a backpack on DH. She could see everything from up there. We also had a leash, and we're very happy using it as well. Make sure you can identify your stroller. We just had a simple tag on it with DHs name and cell. I also put the same tag on each of my kids. No one got lost, but it gave me great peace of mind to know they had his number on them. Also, don't panic if you can't find your stroller - they get moved by Cast members frequently. I put a big ribbon on ours one trip, and then a balloon on another so we could find it quickly. Have fun - I'm jealous!

[Thirteen]

We just did this in November.

1) Get/borrow one of those Go Go Baby/Go Go Kids carseat roller attachments for the airport. It was golden!
2) We did not take a stroller at all - granted, we were only in FL for about 3 days, but it made things easier for us.
3) Since I wear DS a lot in my Ergo, and brought proper clothing/footwear for The World, I just wore him the whole day. We took a nap break at the hotel (which was fabulous, and everyone slept for 2 1/2 hours), which I also recommend doing.
4) Find/use a small backpack as a diaper bag when traveling. The person who wasn't wearing the baby wore the diaper bag instead - very easy. Fill the diaper bag with appropriate toddler snacks/a change of clothing/etc., for your day at Disney. Ours had a pocket that we used to hold DS water cup, which was also nice.
5) Avoid the rush by waiting 45-1 hr. after the park opens to arrive (unless you are going during high tourism season, then it's really unavoidable). We didn't wait at the gates, and we didn't wait for the tram.
6) We took a backpack leash (in the diaper bag) and used it about 3 times throughout the day: DS didn't walk far before asking one of us to pick him up.
The beauty of a carrier is if your DD feels scared or frightened by sounds/people, she can hide in there (possibly fall asleep, too) and feel safe.

[SoonerTexan]

Consider Orlando Stroller Rentals. Amazing.

[peggyfromwastate]

My only suggestion would be to get as many photo pass pictures as a family as you can-- but you have to take the baby out of a stroller/carrier to make the picture look better. But it's worth it in order to have a pic of all 3 of you together. And also they do some extra effects that are fun. Cheesy but fun.

Other than that... Just have a great time. It will be good!! We did use the baby center at the world and wow-- amazing!

[Phoebe]

1. Do the ride switch. Saves lots of time.
2. We used stroller and Bjorn when we went.
3. Bring a backpack to carry baby supplies

[Mrs. MD, Esq.]

Friend pinned this today:

http://www.couponingtodisney.com/my-...ey-world-tips/

[GreyhoundsRUs]

So, we're not bringing a stroller. Worse comes to worse, we'll rent one from Disney (since we're only going for a day). We got a monkey backpack leash, with completely clashes with her Snow White outfit, but she (and DH) are in love with it :eyeroll: We aren't staying on-property, so I don't know what we'll do about naps - when she was littler, that's the Ergo was only way she'd nap, so she'll hopefully zonk out in there. She has skipped her nap before. Worse comes to worse, we'll leave and let her nap. Also, MK is only open from 9-8 (8-7 our time), so we'll be to the hotel for bedtime. I need to remember to pack a backpack - although DH always travels with one, I don't want to empty all his highlighters and crap

We'll get the Photpass card and have them use our camera to capture some memories. I also got a white mat board for the characters to sign, and then we'll put a pic from the trip in there She has Disney outfits for every day we're in FL (3.5 days). She also has new shoes with rubber soles which we are breaking in this month.

I was planning on packing diapers, wipes, a few snacks, and sunscreen for the park (and an extra outfit just in case). She eats whatever we're eating (actually gets pissed if it's not what we're eating). Oh, and her ears. Her little ears that we bought with Heidi back when I was 8 weeks pregnant

[Vanquisher]

You can always nap here if needed.

[Deebs]

You're only going to MK for one day? Unless you're dining with characters, I might skip signatures. It can take a lot of time when there is so much to do!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I know what you mean, Deb! Since we're going during one of their lowest attended times, I figure we'll play it by Ear

Heidi - I will keep you updated re: epic meltdowns

[peggyfromwastate]

I think they have FP for some if the characters.

A character meal would be really great to fit on though. They take around 1 hour tops, and you have to eat anyway!! If you do a character meal, have them bring you a drink in a to go cup or you can pour it into a sippy cup.