I want to know if anyone has taken a child to Disneyland that is around one year old. Friends of mine just had a baby and they want to take him to Disneyland next year for his first birthday. It will be four young adults (early 20's) and one baby. I don't think he's old enough but I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions on things to do with a one year old. Thanks so much!

Bringing a young baby with a group of adults certainly limits what you can do and even the direction of you day. The one good thing is that you can utilize a switch pass so all the adults can experience the rides with height requirements.

I started taking my daughter when she was 4 weeks and at one, they are very aware and you will find that you may be entrallled by their reaction.

You really need to decide what kind of trip you want to take and whether the baby will rule the day!

We had a family trip a couple of years ago, and my youngest nephew was about 7 months old. I was suprised how much he enjoyed the park - he simply absorbed everything and loved the brightness and the characters. But I doubt very much that he remembers much of the trip. I visited DL the first time when I was 2, and other than having heard some memorable stories of how much I liked it, I don't remember a thing. IMO, 4 adults are going to be feeling dragged down by a baby at DL, and unless all of them are parents, the non parents are going to resent it. I'd wait until the baby is 3 or so, then you can really introduce him to the characters and enjoy the reactions, and even the non-parents can appreciate the park anew through him.

I want to know if anyone has taken a child to Disneyland that is around one year old. Friends of mine just had a baby and they want to take him to Disneyland next year for his first birthday. It will be four young adults (early 20's) and one baby. I don't think he's old enough but I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions on things to do with a one year old. Thanks so much!

This is an interesting comment, which brings up a good point. A 1 yo baby will rule the day. That's just the way it is. You have to decide if you WANT the baby to rule the day. If not, then it's better that the family take a trip with the baby, and the group take a grown up trip on their own.


You really need to decide what kind of trip you want to take and whether the baby will rule the day!

DianeM, I agree with what you're saying. My boyfriend and I are going along with them and he's afraid he'll get too frustrated with the whole situation. My parents took me to DL when I was two and left my 9 mon. old brother with my grandparents...I can't remember a thing...they also took us to WDW when we were 4 and 2...I think that was even a bigger waste the only thing I remember is getting egg shaped paper glasses at the Poly during breakfast. ( I know random memory, but we actually found the egg glasses mixed in with all the travel arrangements..they survived 18 years in a plastic bag, crazy!) I just wanted to see what other people do with their young children in the parks. Thanks!

Yea the baby will be a hassle on the rest of the party since babies are still in that stage where they are 100% dependant on the parent. You'll need a stroller and all the other baby stuff along with you too (carrying anything in Disneyland is a hassle). If you want to ride any of the thrill rides, you'll need to have someone miss the attraction while the rest of the party rides it. Also, make sure you know where all the restroom are at since you'll be making frequent visits there.

I bring my baby all the time (from 6 months on.) While DD has a great time, I go with other moms & babies. So we all are at the same pace. If the whole group is OK with bringing a baby, great.

We have been taking our children since they were infants too. Yes, it might limit and guide the plan for the day but for me Disneyland isn't Disneyland if my kids aren't there. Having them there is the experience for me.

When we went last fall, my daughter was 13 months. EVERYONE thought we were nuts for taking her. She enjoyed everything so much, and even if she can't remember it , we'll remember it for her. Thats what Disneyland is all about for us- FAMILY memories.
Another thing to think about- while a baby may cut into the rides you can do together, they do make you step back a bit and slow down. Really enjoy just being there instead of rushing through everything. And a good afternoon nap is good for EVERYONE!

Why are you going to Disneyland? To ride as many rides as possible or to have fun with family. Yes the baby will drastically change the group dynamics, but why is that a negative thing? Why is it a waste if the baby doesn't remember it? You'll have your memories and pictures and he will have a great time while there. Disneyland is perfect for families of all ages. Personally I would never dream of leaving my baby behind. If you want an adult only trip, plan that on your own with your boyfriend, don't ask or expect a young family to leave their baby at home.

I can understand not wanting to go on a trip with a baby, but I am not sure I would ask the new parents to go without their baby, that could hurt their feelings, and chances are if they had planned to take their baby, you saying that you would prefer they didn’t won’t change their mind, it will only strain the relationship you have with them. Instead I would consider saying that you want to make it a “romantic” trip with just yourself and your boyfriend, OR plan two trip one just one with just your boyfriend and another with your friend and their baby.

It is a big adjustment when our close friends start having children and we haven’t yet, or have chosen not to. If the relationship is important, you will all need to make adjustments, but in the end what it comes down to is this…that is their child now, and will be for the rest of their lives. On a positive note they will probably be more than happy to go on vacation with you leaving said child behind in about oh, 13 years…ha ha ha.

As far as it being a waste because the baby won’t remember, well, if remembering everything you do is a prerequisite for taking the time to do it, then I just better stop doing everything, because I have already forgotten half of everything I have done, anyway!

It depends on what you are looking to get out of your trip...

We took our DS right around his first birthday to WDW. We were living in Alabama at the time (DH is in the military), so it was much more convienent than DL (plus DH got in free and we got the other 5 day park hoppers for $99 each, plus contemporary resort for $79/night!!!!!)

It also depends on the temperment of the child. Our little guy was SO adaptable to what was going on. We didn't plan our trip around what HE would get most out of the trip. We did the things WE wanted to - did switching off - we also brought a friend along to help with everything - we paid for her and she helped with the kiddo. So DH and I were able to go on rides together, and we all took turns waiting with the baby (and playing with him while we were waiting), and who got to ride twice, etc.

He did enjoy seeing everything, and that was a plus, but it wasn't the point of the trip. We knew he'd never remember it, so if we only went on a few of the kiddy rides and focused on the BIG rides, it was ok.

Now that we have two kids - and we're back on the West Coast - we went to DL back in October for 10 days (and took a friend again to help out - paid for her and she was kind of our nanny). We got to have dates and eat at the Blue Bayou, as well as a great way to switch off for the big rides. This time our boys were 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old. We watched the parade several times, did lots of kiddie rides this time (and although our little one enjoyed it, it was more for our 3 1/2 year old). Still our focus wasn't on makine the most memorable trip for THEM, but we wanted them to have fun - it was let's make a memorable FAMILY trip. We got lots of pictures of characters. It's now been over nine months since we've been there, and Elijah (our oldest) still talks about disneyland almost everyday - he wants to go back, he wants to see pictures. I don't expect him to remember it forever, but it has made great memories for US. Stories we can tell him when he's older.

I think it's great FUN. Now, if the focus is to do everything that the baby will enjoy - then you will be disappointed...because baby (especially at a year old) doesn't really care. They'll enjoy just watching people walk past with their balloons and fun hats as you're waiting to switch off for Big Thunder JUST AS much as they'll enjoy going on the Dumbo ride and meeting Pooh Bear.

I want to know if anyone has taken a child to Disneyland that is around one year old. Friends of mine just had a baby and they want to take him to Disneyland next year for his first birthday. It will be four young adults (early 20's) and one baby. I don't think he's old enough but I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions on things to do with a one year old. Thanks so much! If they asked you to go, you should have found a way to politely say no. . They didn't say "Let's make this a romantic trip for us", or "Lets have an adult all out ridefest". They said "We want to take our son to Disneyland for his first birthday." Are you close enough friends to want to celebrate his birthday with them? Arrange another trip for you and BF.

Now, as far as is he old enough to remember? No. Is he old enough to have a good time? OH YEAH. I started taking mine at 2 mos. Mine think of Disneyland as home away from home. They do have memories from about age 5 or 6, but they also have memories thru us from about age 4. They see pictures and have those memories from infancy. For me, was it worth taking them so early? OH YEAH. If your BF is going to resent going on this boy's birthday trip, then don't go. The trip is for this child.

If they want to take him, then they should take him. If you are going to go, maybe you could plan on doing your own thing for part of the time and being with them part of the time. Having a baby does make the trip different, but when you are a parent, then that is just the way your life is. Why not be at Dis and add some fun :D ? A one year old will have so much fun.

It is funny that you brought this up because I was talking to a friend about when she was taking her DS, who is 3, to WDW. She said not until he was 7. She felt it was a waste and that he would not enjoy it at his age. I totally disagree. My friend is a big Disney fan too. She even worked at WDW for a few summers in college. It isn't a money issue either so it won't be his one trip in his life. People are just different and you just need to let them do what they are comfortable with.

I don't think he's old enough but I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions on things to do with a one year old. Thanks so much!

This may sound harsh but I think it has to be said: It's not your decision. It doesn't matter if you don't think he's old enough, the parents do. Like Malcon10t said, they invited you.

I took all my babies starting at much younger than one. There's plenty you can do with a baby. There are more rides a baby can go on than that a baby can't. Everything in Fantasyland, Adventureland/NOS (minus Indy), Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, etc.

What will be different:

Getting through crowds with a stroller will be slower.

You'll stop to eat when the baby needs to eat.

Potty stops- well there are changing tables in just about every bathroom, so that won't be too difficult.

When the baby needs a nap, the adults can go on faster rides. You can use Rider Switch. It will take a little longer but if one person stays with the baby, one person can ride twice.

You may discover things at Disneyland that you never slowed down for before - a show at the Golden Horseshoe Review, a parade, etc. And if these are things you already slowed down for, well, not much will change.

FWIW, very few of our "Disney friends" have children. They've all been going to Disneyland with us since our eldest was born in 1998. I've never once heard anyone complain about being burdened with my children. Maybe they just never said it to my face. :eek: But I don't think so.

For the most part, it's going to be about your attitude. If you're going to resent the changes that having to be at a baby's pace and schedule, don't go. Do yourself and your friends a favor. That probably sounds harsh but I really don't mean it to. If you're miserable, either you'll be the only one or your friends will feel bad. Let's face it, you don't want to be miserable. So if you think you'll be resentful, just don't go.

Finally, here's an article I wrote on exactly this topic (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock26.htm). :D The height restrictions sidebar is a little out of date but otherwise all the information is valid.

Adrienne

I am planning on bringing our new baby next year in April/May and He'll be 11months old. People think I am crazy too but I am going because I need my Disneyland fix and there is NO WAY I'll go w/o my baby even though he won't remeber it. I am planing on taking a ton of pic's w/ him. I am very excited all these pictures that I have taken a million times over will all be new and different this time becaues of him. :)

Ok, so I'm feeling a bit attacked here. First of all, this trip has been floating in the air for sometime, it just so happened that they ended up having a baby. The trip has been put off a couple times because of college. I'm all about taking kids to Disneyland, I can't wait until I have kids of my own to take. However, IMO I think it's well worth it to take a child that's in the 3-4 year range, I just think it's more exciting, but again thats my own opinion. All I want to know is what people do with kids that small at Disneyland, what kind of attractions can you do, if any. I've never been with a baby and neither have my friends. My friends are very important to me, I wouldn't ask them NOT to bring their son, that was not the intention of this post. I just want to know, if you have an infant and you take them to Disneyland what have you done? What works best for you? I just want to know if Disney even allows that kids on tamer attractions, such as the ones in fantasyland. My friends aren't even sure if it's a wise choice, I would just appreciate if people could tell me what their day consists of with an infant in Disneyland. I know we can utilize the baby swap for the thrill rides. I just want to know what to expect, remember we are all in our early twenties and only know what Disneyland is like from the few times we've been together, and that was all thrill rides. I just want to know what it entails to bring a one year old. We all are hard working college students and two of them are now supporting a baby, we scrimp and save for these trips, if it's smarter to wait until he's older then thats what we'll do.

Ok,

No attacking, just information...

You can take the 1 year old on everything in Fantasyland except Matterhorn if he can sit up on his own. In toontown you can visit Mickey and get his first picture, same with Minnie and any other character...he can ride on the Mark Twain, the train, the Jungle cruise, PotC and Haunted Mansion. He can go on Pooh, it's a small world and Buzz Lightyear. If he's a full year old he can ride along on autopia.

I am not as helpful about DCA since I've only taken my favorite 2/5/7 year olds over there and we went on Mike & Sullys adventure, the rides in Fliks Fun Fair are all kiddie orientated.

I do know that when we took my 11 month old nephew he LOVED the fireworks...and threw the biggest fit when they stopped and we couldn't make them go again.

Hope that was a little more helpful.

Thanks MammaSilva thats the info I was looking for I appreciate it a lot. I can relay some info now! Thanks!

All mine have been to DL by about 6 weeks old.

A really fun thing for them to do (if it's warm) is to run through all the water/sprinkler things at California Adventure. Bugs Life rides are also great for tht age. Playhouse Disney show will be a huge hit too. There is also a carosel there.

At Disneyland make sure you take him to Goofy's playground in Toontown. It's nice and enclosed and easy to keep track of little ones. Gives them some time to get the ants out of their pants LOL. He might like Tarzan's Treehouse too. I'm not sure which paraddes and shows will be going on then but those tend to be a big hit with 1 year olds too.

All I want to know is what people do with kids that small at Disneyland, what kind of attractions can you do, if any. I've never been with a baby and neither have my friends. My friends are very important to me, I wouldn't ask them NOT to bring their son, that was not the intention of this post. I just want to know, if you have an infant and you take them to Disneyland what have you done? What works best for you? I just want to know if Disney even allows that kids on tamer attractions, such as the ones in fantasyland. My friends aren't even sure if it's a wise choice, I would just appreciate if people could tell me what their day consists of with an infant in Disneyland.

I took all my babies starting at much younger than one. There's plenty you can do with a baby. There are more rides a baby can go on than that a baby can't. Everything in Fantasyland, Adventureland/NOS (minus Indy), Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, etc.

What will be different:

Getting through crowds with a stroller will be slower.

You'll stop to eat when the baby needs to eat.

Potty stops- well there are changing tables in just about every bathroom, so that won't be too difficult.

When the baby needs a nap, the adults can go on faster rides. You can use Rider Switch. It will take a little longer but if one person stays with the baby, one person can ride twice.

You may discover things at Disneyland that you never slowed down for before - a show at the Golden Horseshoe Review, a parade, etc. And if these are things you already slowed down for, well, not much will change.

and

Finally, here's an article I wrote on exactly this topic (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock26.htm). :D The height restrictions sidebar is a little out of date but otherwise all the information is valid.

Adrienne

We just went to Maui and were astounded at all the babies there. I said to my husband, why not take them to Palm Springs since they won't remember it anyway. My very intelligent husband said, but the parents will remember and that's more the point, isn't it?

Ok, so I'm feeling a bit attacked here. First of all, this trip has been floating in the air for sometime, it just so happened that they ended up having a baby. The trip has been put off a couple times because of college. I'm all about taking kids to Disneyland, I can't wait until I have kids of my own to take. However, IMO I think it's well worth it to take a child that's in the 3-4 year range, I just think it's more exciting, but again thats my own opinion. All I want to know is what people do with kids that small at Disneyland, what kind of attractions can you do, if any. I've never been with a baby and neither have my friends. My friends are very important to me, I wouldn't ask them NOT to bring their son, that was not the intention of this post. I just want to know, if you have an infant and you take them to Disneyland what have you done? What works best for you? I just want to know if Disney even allows that kids on tamer attractions, such as the ones in fantasyland. My friends aren't even sure if it's a wise choice, I would just appreciate if people could tell me what their day consists of with an infant in Disneyland. I know we can utilize the baby swap for the thrill rides. I just want to know what to expect, remember we are all in our early twenties and only know what Disneyland is like from the few times we've been together, and that was all thrill rides. I just want to know what it entails to bring a one year old. We all are hard working college students and two of them are now supporting a baby, we scrimp and save for these trips, if it's smarter to wait until he's older then thats what we'll do.
Before accusing us of attacking, please read your original post. It stated the friends wanted to take the child to Disneyland for his birthday.

As for what can you do with him, he can ride just about everything except the rides with height requirements. This means he can ride all the vehicles on Main St, the train, all the rides in Fantasyland except the Matterhorn, all the rides in NOS, Pooh in Critter country, everything in Tomorrowland except Space Mountain and Star Tours (Autopia if under a year), everything in Adventureland, everything in Frontierland except BTMRR, and everything in ToonTown except Gadget's Go Coaster. You will need to take Disneyland at a slower pace, but to be honest, I found I preferred this new pace. I would highly recommend Adrienne's article.

I agree there are lots of things to do with a 1 year old...don't forget Mainstreet Vehicles, the monorail (if it is open), the train, all of the shows and parades. IMHO there isn't much difference in taking a 1 yr old and a 3 yr old - you would be surprized at what a 1 yr old knows/recognizes and that by 3 many kids still can't/won't ride thrill rides for us that didn't happen till 5 or 6. What is wonderful is watching the expressions on the face of that baby as they go through small world or ride on the carosel. No they won't remember but you will have pictures to prove it. Have fun!

I think it's really great that you asked about this... DH and I are HUGE DLR people... We just love the park... And ya know what... When we finally got pregnant I worried about that same thing.

We took DD at 3 months... She had an OK time. She is 5 months now we are going again in 3 weeks and I'm sure it'll be great ... we are having her 1st birthday at DLR (I think it's the best idea) ... I'm sure she will have a blast (almost as much fun as mom!)

The babycenter saved me. It's a nice quiet place... well air conditioned ( it was in June)... Changing tables are amazing, and although there are no shortages of that in DLR. It was also a great place to feed the baby (breast or bottle) If mom and baby need a break, babycenter is a great sanctuary.

At 3 months DD really could have done with some down time. Being cooped up in even the most fabulous stroller... in my opinion will bum a baby out. Find somewhere to let the little guy roam free... I am in no way suggesting letting a 1 yr old wander the park... I would think that is too dangerous. But maybe by the bathrroom by Hungry Bear. WELL SUPERVISED... That is right by RIVERS OF AMERICA... (Sorry... I really sound like a mom) I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

In my very limited experience here are the 2 main things to keep under control to make sure EVERYONE ...including the little guy have a great time... Keep him well fed and as much as you can well napped.

I will send you a private message of my trip report at 3 months with DD... Your friend may find it helpful... Disneyland changes when you area mom... also these boards were a huge resource for me.

Also try and find some time for yourself and boyfriend. As much fun as bringing YOUR OWN baby is... you guys may just need a coulpe of hours to be alone.

Have a great time!