My family LOVES Disney, and we are fortunate to have annual passes which allow us to visit the Walt Disney World Resort several times per year. My husband and I have loved Disney since we were dating, and we never let having children stop us from visiting the parks. We get the question a lot about whether it is "worth it" to bring such young children to Disney. In a nutshell, yes, it is 100% totally "WORTH IT" to bring your baby to Disney.
Our oldest son was only three months old when he embarked on his fist Disney vacation. We were a little nervous about how we would feed him on time, and whether the changing areas would be clean enough for our precious baby. But, with our pediatrician's blessing, we made the several hour drive [side note: keeping an infant happy in the car is a whole different article....] to the happiest place on Earth - and I am so happy that we did.
We checked into our on-site hotel, and almost immediately the cast members flocked and asked if it was our son's first visit. We sheepishly shook our heads "yes" not knowing what to expect - I mean, he was only 3 months old! The cast members presented our son with his First Visit button, which we promptly clipped to his stroller. We were so excited to begin making memories with our son. Even if my son does not remember his first trip, I will forever have this trip branded in my memory and in my heart. Not get sappy, but I honestly reach for these memories when I am struggling or sad or just missing my baby that is now almost five. (Please excuse me for a moment while I go grab a tissue...my eyes are raining....)
So, the question that all of you are asking, "why is it worth it if my child won't remember a darn thing?" The answer is simple. It is worth it because YOU will remember. You will remember every little detail and joyous smile that your child displays. I remember my oldest son had the biggest, widest eyes and most awe-struck smile as he watched the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing lights during that first trip. I remember my second son cooing with excitement during his first Small World ride (yes, we brought our second son when he was only three months old, too). I remember all of these things. And I cherish these memories more than gold.
OK, now that I convinced you that you will make amazing memories, I know that you are asking whether it is difficult to handle a baby in the parks. My answer is two-fold to this one. It really depends on the temperament of your baby. For us, the hardest part was getting up with the baby during the night and then spending the next day at the parks. We were tired. But our adrenaline and excitement kept us going. If your baby is a sleeper - count your blessings. If your baby gets tired easily, take a few breaks during the day. If your baby is still bottle or breast feeding, no problem - stopping to feed your baby in the parks is no big deal. There are plenty of benches and shaded, secluded spots; or, if you prefer a quieter, more private area, there is a "baby care center" in each park (click the link to find out more about the baby care centers).
Changing diapers is equally easy. The restrooms are maintained well; and, if you are like me and bring a travel changing pad, cleanliness is not an issue. There are plenty of restrooms throughout the parks, so finding a changing spot is never a problem. As long as you pack accordingly (here are my Top 10 Items You Need When You Bring a Baby to Disney), feeding and changing are non-issues.
Will a trip with your baby be different than a trip with older children? Yes. Will it be a bad different? No. We have brought both of our children many times, and each time it is different - in a good way. There is a new "favorite" ride each time, but there are also traditions that we engage in every trip: a visit to the Goofy Candy Co., a ride on the carousel, and traveling back in time on Spaceship Earth. My husband and I are not only building memories for our children, but for ourselves, as well. (And I'd like to think that we are worthy of good memories, too).
This post turned out longer than I anticipated, but I think it makes my opinion clear: take your baby to Disney. Take your baby out, on trips, into the world. Not only will your baby learn from every sight, sound, and smell that (s)he experiences, but amazing memories will be created - even if you are the only one who remembers them.
I'd love to hear your thoughts - has anyone else considered bringing their baby to Disney?
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