I am a long time Disney vet., but this is the first time I am going to be taking my little girl. She will be 9 months old around Christmas when we are planning on going. Can anyone give me any advice on how to make the most out of this trip? We will be traveling with myself, her, and 4 other family members. I could use any advice on hotels, parks, restaurants, anything and everything.

I would be sure and invest in a Snuggli or backpack-type baby carrier so you can keep her in that while riding rides that little ones can go on that are more open, such as POTC and small world. This also promotes a feeling of safety and security for the baby.
A collapsing stroller would be a wise investment at that age and safer brought from home than the usual park rental strollers, plus you can bring a diaper bag into the parks. There are changing stations everywhere, so I doubt that will be a problem. They even sell diapers and other needs at the Baby stations or the wheelchair/stroller rental stations there.
As far as hotels, if you know where you are staying I would make a point out of asking for a crib unless you travel with a Pack n Play playpen. All of the hotels are most accomodating, so I don't forsee a problem.
If your little angel is anything like my four were, she will zonk out regardless of what is happening around her when she gets tired. Just beware of the overstimulation- yikes! Pace yourself, and her. Best of luck! :)

Remember the Baby center at disneyland and there is also one at Dca. My daughter swears its wonderful , you can go in change the baby, nurse or feed the baby in a rocking chair , also she says its just great when you want to change the baby from daytime clothes into a warmer evening outfit, or an accident occurs and the baby needs a total change which is so much easier to do at the baby center without people bumping into you and you can take your time and wont be rushed

A Hip Hugger may also be a good choice for a carrier. Also, in December, be sure to pack some warmer clothing, hat and gloves just in case. (Layers is your best bet.)

And yes, the baby centers rock.

I am a long time Disney vet., but this is the first time I am going to be taking my little girl. She will be 9 months old around Christmas when we are planning on going. Can anyone give me any advice on how to make the most out of this trip? We will be traveling with myself, her, and 4 other family members. I could use any advice on hotels, parks, restaurants, anything and everything.

If you are flying, pack more than one extra outfit in your carry-on for the baby, and also pack an extra outfit for yourself. If baby gets sick, it will probably be all over the person holding her as well. This happened to my husband, but it was on a 15-hour flight, and we were quite a few hours from having access to our checked luggage. He was really glad to have a clean shirt to change into. This was actually the second time that day baby threw up-the first was at the airport, for no apparent reason. Thus the second outfit for baby. Although your travel probably won't take that long, it would be really uncomfortable to arrive all smelly. Actually, traveling with an infant can be easier than traveling with a toddler-when baby gets tired or bored, she'll just fall asleep. Take a lightweight stroller along, and, maybe a more compact diaper bag, for use in the parks. With regard to cribs, I am pretty confident that Disney supplies relatively new cribs, which have the current safety features (bars not too far apart, etc.), but I would call to check.

my advice: don't bring it.

my advice: don't bring it.

? ? ? ? ?

do you mean the baby? or a stroller or some other "it".

AllyBell: assuming you are not traveling alone with the baby then don't forget about child swap. that way you can still enjoy your fav rides.

you didn't say where your are staying. if the option avails I would highly suggest staying at a monorial resort as this cuts way down on the bus trips. riding the monorail means you won't have to colapse the stroller when you get on to go someplace, which when the baby is asleep can be a real blessing.

we went to Dland twice with 9 month olds, and did fine, we also went to WDW twice with one year olds and had a great time, so I think you should do fine.

If you haven't already, I would highly recommend looking through the archive of articles in the Parenting in the Parks column (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/) here at MousePlanet. Even though some are specific to DL or WDW, much of the information is universally helpful.

Congratulations on the new addition, and have a great trip. :)

my advice: don't bring it.

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My advice:

BABY BJORN. The world's greatest baby carrier. Nine-months is a great age for a Baby Bjorn, too. I would have it in addition to the stroller because I couldn't imagine hauling our stuff and kids without a stroller, but it is awesome for when you're in line or when the baby would be happier with you than in the stroller.

Adrienne

We brought our 2nd little one when she was 9 months old...we brought our own stroller and had the car seat for the plane (the airlines may want to check your car seat manual to see if it fits the airline requirements, they checked ours :rolleyes: )...

We requested a fridge for our room for the formula and whatever else your baby may need. Also, we requested a pack n play, but we brought our own fitted crib sheet and blankets she was familiar with.

The baby center in the Magic Kingdom is WONDERFUL! Our last trip we did not need to visit, but we went in just for old times sake.. :crying:

We've always brought our girls from ages 9 months to 2 years and up, it may not be for some, but if you plan accordingly, you will have a great time!

Favorite tip we've learned trial thru error:

If you go to a show or eat that's inside and you need to leave your stroller outside, cover it with a poncho. We've come outside to find that it has rained and it's no fun putting a baby into a wet stroller. :(

My now almost 4 y/o has been to DL 6X - 6 mos, 18 mos, 21 mos, 2 1/2 yrs, 3rd b-day, and 3 1/2 yrs. We also took him to WDW at age 23 mos. Up until he was 2 we always took our big heavy-duty Evenflo stroller with us. Since then, we have been able to downgrade to one that is more umbrella-stroller style. For us, the stroller worked great, and we never had any problems. He was more than confirtable to take 2 hour naps in it while we took turns enjoying the parks. An extra blanket to drape over the front to keep out the sunlight helps too.

My major suggestion - rent a car rather than relying on Disney transportation. With all the extra baby gear, it is worth it! Plus, you have the freedom to come back to your room ehnever you like, or park-hop without having to figure out which busses go where.

Restaurants should not be a big deal, except for the fancy ones. I probably would not take her to those. She might enjoy the Coral Reef to look at the fish, though. Make sure you do at least 1 character meal. I'm not sure how she is with costumed characters, but you will treasure the pictures!

Definitely take advantage of the baby swap pass. Since there will be 4 other family members, there can always be one to stay with her while you ride, and there will always be another family member to ride with you. You can take her on many of the rides, but be warned that sometimes the dark rides - Peter Pan, Snow White, Pinoccio, etc. can scare little ones. Go on one and see how she does before taking her on another.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for the advice!!!! I was also wondering what restaurants and attractions are best for children that age. We are also looking into hotels at the moment and are leaning more towards one of the Epcot resorts due to the boats and only having to rely on the bus for the MK and AK. Has anyone stayed in any of those resorts with an infant?

I have three suggestions-
The first is remember that you will be in the sun a lot and baby's skin is so thin. So a hat is really good (make sure your baby is use to it before you go). Sunscreen is a must (if your Doctor says OK and it's the right kind), plenty of fluids.
The second is to go on "its a small world" first. It is a calm ride, although the boat is moving and it is darker. Most kids as young as yours will probably be fine in most rides, but this is a good way to make sure their first experience is not too scarry.
The third is to slow down at the parks. Take time for you and the baby to relax and not have too much going on. Parades are fun (sit in the shade :)), the train at MK, the plays and shows (like at AK and MGM- but you might want to sit in the back if your baby doesn't like loud noices). The sea at epcot (if it is open- the best part for small children is really the calm inside while viewing fish swimming), the Mexican boat ride at Epcot (very slow, boring for most adults- but my baby loved it). Basically any way to sit and be entertained without too much noice is a great way to slow down. Once you and/or the baby becomes cranky, then it is hard to get the magic back- so just take it slow and listen to your own best judgement on what to do- remember you know your baby best!

Finally, if you or others who talk to you wonder whether it is "worth" it to take a baby or very young child to WDW because they are too young to enjoy it- consider this. A very young child most wants to be with their family while everyone is having fun and being in a good mood. If it is easier for the family to do that at WDW then any place else (IMHO), than that vacation works for the baby too- even if they can't tell Mickey Mouse from Donald Duck.