How do-able is DisneyWorld Magic Kingdom w/8 month old?
Jul 6th, 2005, 11:23 AM
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How do-able is DisneyWorld Magic Kingdom w/8 month old?
I have wanted to go to Magic Kingdom my whole life (I'm 27 and am the only person I know who hasn't been there!) Anyway, this year is the year. I have an 8 month old and will be traveling there with my husband and my parents. My question is, are there attractions that we can hold our baby on? Also, could someone suggest what attractions they especially enjoyed as adults? Since we have a baby, I assume we won't be able to see all the attractions in the one day we will be there, so I would love some recommendations on what's worth seeing and what could be passed up. Thanks so much for your help!
Jul 6th, 2005, 12:13 PM
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There are quite a few attractions that you can do-most except for the "thrill ride" types--Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain. Also, most rides will let you and your husband go through the line and switch off with the baby so you can ride, get off, take baby and then he can ride. Disney itself has just put out a new map for "Disney under 3" which highlights all the tyke friendly attractions. Check out this article... http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel...omepagebiz-utl
Jul 6th, 2005, 12:13 PM
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Check out www.disboards.com for Disney specific forums - the people are very friendly.
There is plenty to do. Many of the rides will allow you to take the baby - Small World, Dumbo, Pooh... For the "adult" rides, Disney offers a child-swap option. Everyone stands in line once. When it is your turn to board one of you (or two if you like) step to the side with the baby. When the first person from your group returns, you can hand the baby off to them and board the ride.
Your baby will love the characters. Don't let anyone tell you the baby is too young. Just watch his/her eyes light up at all things Disney.
There is plenty to do. Many of the rides will allow you to take the baby - Small World, Dumbo, Pooh... For the "adult" rides, Disney offers a child-swap option. Everyone stands in line once. When it is your turn to board one of you (or two if you like) step to the side with the baby. When the first person from your group returns, you can hand the baby off to them and board the ride.
Your baby will love the characters. Don't let anyone tell you the baby is too young. Just watch his/her eyes light up at all things Disney.
Jul 6th, 2005, 12:37 PM
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Magic Kingdom is very doable with an 8-month-old. The first time we took our kids, our youngest at the time was 11 months, and he loved it! Our last trip, our then 18-month-old daughter also had a great time. I think the nice thing about that age is that the baby is probably too young to be scared by certain things, such as the Haunted Mansion, but old enough to be fascinated by the lights and sounds. Some rides and shows do have loud noises that can frighten some children. It depends on the kid. Mine were never bothered by the noises and often slept through entire rides and shows.
The time of year you're going will have a large impact on how much you can do. If you're going on a slower fall day, say early November, you'll be able to see most of what's worth seeing in MK in one day. Many rides you'll be able to hold the baby. On others, you'll be able to use the switching off option if everyone wants to ride. Say you all want to go on Space Mountain or Splash Mt. You can all get in line. Then while you and your husband ride, your parents will be escorted to a waiting area with the baby while you ride. When you disembark, you can take the baby and they can get on the ride without waiting. This saves a lot of time if everyone wants to experience the ride because you don't have to wait in line twice.
I'll give you a rundown on rides I wouldn't miss or that I think would be good with the baby.
Adventureland:
Pirates of the Caribbean--a Disney classic. Although the pirates and the dark can be frightening to some children, I think the baby will be too young to be bothered by it. Don't miss it.
Jungle Cruise--kind of hokey, but if you have to do it at least once. Plus, it's an easy ride to take the baby on.
Enchanted Tiki Birds--very different. Thunder could scare the baby. Might want to skip unless the baby is sleeping and you know will sleep through noise.
Frontierland
Splash Mt.--Don't miss. Use switching off.
Thunder Mt. Railroad--Same as above.
Tom Sawyer Island--Take raft over to island if you have the time. Nice place to get a lemonade or ice cream at Aunt Polly's Landing and sit and relax in a rocking chair. Good place to feed the little one.
Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion--A not-to-miss for first-timers. Shouldn't be at all scary to an infant. Of my three kids, who have riden this ride at various ages ranging from 11 months to 6 years, the only time one got scared was my oldest when he was 6. He had no problems with it at age 3. The spooky music freaked him out.
Hall of Presidents--I haven't seen this show since I was a teenager because I know my kids would have been bored by it. I'll be taking my oldest this year though because he'll be 8 and the details and audio-animatronics are supposed to be awesome.
Fantasyland
Mickey's PhilarMagic--really cute 3D movie.
It's a Small World--what can you say? You have to ride this at least once in your lifetime. Good ride for baby.
Dumbo--You might want that classic photo of you and the baby on this ride, but it's pretty boring for adults.
Most of the other rides in Fantasyland are also geared to little ones. The baby can ride on your lap on all of them, but you might not be interested in all of them. Peter Pan and Pooh are the best two, IMHO. It might be difficult for the baby to see on the Peter Pan ride--you "fly" above many of the scenes. If the baby has an interest in Pooh, don't miss this ride. But from an adult perspective, many of the rides in Fantasyland can be skipped. I'll say the same thing about Mickey's Toontown Fair. It's geared toward the 2-8 year set. It's fun to walk through Mickey and Minnie's houses, but I'd skip on a limited time schedule.
Tomorrowland
Space Mt.--Don't miss. Use switching off.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority--If you don't want to ride Space Mt. but want to see the inside of it, you can ride this tramlike car and see all of Tomorrowland. My mom has ridden it with my younger kids while the rest of us go on Space Mt.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin--My husband favorite ride, my kids' second favorite. My son LOVED this ride at 11 months. He was fascinated with the lights and sounds and became so obsessed with Buzz Lightyear that we had to have a Buzz party for his first birthday!
Lilo and Stitch--wasn't open when I was last there, but I think there's a height restriction. Supposed to be good, so I'd suggest switching off.
You can also ride the railroad around the park. Just make sure to get off at the same stop you got on, or you'll have to walk across the park to get your stroller.
The parades are also not to be missed. Your little one will love the lights of the evening parade. Also the fireworks.
Those are most of my picks. The rides I didn't mention are the ones I would pass up on given your time restrictions.
Have a great time! We love Disney, but I know not everyone does. But seeing as you've wanted to go your whole life, I'm glad you're finally getting there! Enjoy!
The time of year you're going will have a large impact on how much you can do. If you're going on a slower fall day, say early November, you'll be able to see most of what's worth seeing in MK in one day. Many rides you'll be able to hold the baby. On others, you'll be able to use the switching off option if everyone wants to ride. Say you all want to go on Space Mountain or Splash Mt. You can all get in line. Then while you and your husband ride, your parents will be escorted to a waiting area with the baby while you ride. When you disembark, you can take the baby and they can get on the ride without waiting. This saves a lot of time if everyone wants to experience the ride because you don't have to wait in line twice.
I'll give you a rundown on rides I wouldn't miss or that I think would be good with the baby.
Adventureland:
Pirates of the Caribbean--a Disney classic. Although the pirates and the dark can be frightening to some children, I think the baby will be too young to be bothered by it. Don't miss it.
Jungle Cruise--kind of hokey, but if you have to do it at least once. Plus, it's an easy ride to take the baby on.
Enchanted Tiki Birds--very different. Thunder could scare the baby. Might want to skip unless the baby is sleeping and you know will sleep through noise.
Frontierland
Splash Mt.--Don't miss. Use switching off.
Thunder Mt. Railroad--Same as above.
Tom Sawyer Island--Take raft over to island if you have the time. Nice place to get a lemonade or ice cream at Aunt Polly's Landing and sit and relax in a rocking chair. Good place to feed the little one.
Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion--A not-to-miss for first-timers. Shouldn't be at all scary to an infant. Of my three kids, who have riden this ride at various ages ranging from 11 months to 6 years, the only time one got scared was my oldest when he was 6. He had no problems with it at age 3. The spooky music freaked him out.
Hall of Presidents--I haven't seen this show since I was a teenager because I know my kids would have been bored by it. I'll be taking my oldest this year though because he'll be 8 and the details and audio-animatronics are supposed to be awesome.
Fantasyland
Mickey's PhilarMagic--really cute 3D movie.
It's a Small World--what can you say? You have to ride this at least once in your lifetime. Good ride for baby.
Dumbo--You might want that classic photo of you and the baby on this ride, but it's pretty boring for adults.
Most of the other rides in Fantasyland are also geared to little ones. The baby can ride on your lap on all of them, but you might not be interested in all of them. Peter Pan and Pooh are the best two, IMHO. It might be difficult for the baby to see on the Peter Pan ride--you "fly" above many of the scenes. If the baby has an interest in Pooh, don't miss this ride. But from an adult perspective, many of the rides in Fantasyland can be skipped. I'll say the same thing about Mickey's Toontown Fair. It's geared toward the 2-8 year set. It's fun to walk through Mickey and Minnie's houses, but I'd skip on a limited time schedule.
Tomorrowland
Space Mt.--Don't miss. Use switching off.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority--If you don't want to ride Space Mt. but want to see the inside of it, you can ride this tramlike car and see all of Tomorrowland. My mom has ridden it with my younger kids while the rest of us go on Space Mt.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin--My husband favorite ride, my kids' second favorite. My son LOVED this ride at 11 months. He was fascinated with the lights and sounds and became so obsessed with Buzz Lightyear that we had to have a Buzz party for his first birthday!
Lilo and Stitch--wasn't open when I was last there, but I think there's a height restriction. Supposed to be good, so I'd suggest switching off.
You can also ride the railroad around the park. Just make sure to get off at the same stop you got on, or you'll have to walk across the park to get your stroller.
The parades are also not to be missed. Your little one will love the lights of the evening parade. Also the fireworks.
Those are most of my picks. The rides I didn't mention are the ones I would pass up on given your time restrictions.
Have a great time! We love Disney, but I know not everyone does. But seeing as you've wanted to go your whole life, I'm glad you're finally getting there! Enjoy!
Jul 6th, 2005, 01:50 PM
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Thankyou so much everyone for the detailed advice. It is just what I needed to make me feel more educated about our trip there. Since we only have 1 day there. I wanted to make it as fun as possible. I know we are all going to have a blast!
Jul 6th, 2005, 04:40 PM
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May I make one suggestion...DO NOT go in the summer. Today here in Orlando it was 96 degrees and with the summer crowds it is dangerous for a tot that young. My two year old keeps talking about Mickey Mouse, but I'm waiting again for the fall when it cools off.
If you do go during the summer, I would say get there when they open and leave by 11am and go back to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap! Then go back in the evening. During the summer they are open late ~10pm.
Also, bring plenty of sunscreen and water!!!
If you do go during the summer, I would say get there when they open and leave by 11am and go back to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap! Then go back in the evening. During the summer they are open late ~10pm.
Also, bring plenty of sunscreen and water!!!
Jul 7th, 2005, 08:03 AM
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Here's another suggestion to optimize your one-day visit. In each area, go to a `main' attraction (the one with the long lines), and get your advanced time-stamped ticket. Then while you wait, do the smaller no-waiting things. Your time-stamped ticket will admit you to the short line with much less waiting.
For example: get your ticket for the Haunted Mansion, then, while waiting, check out the Hall of Presidents and Tom Sawyers island, and whatever else is nearby. Then get your ticket for the Pirates, and while waiting, visit the Tikki birds and the Sw. Family Robinson house.
Jul 7th, 2005, 08:32 AM
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The time stamped ticket that the previous poster referred to is called a Fast Pass.
Definately check out allearsnet.com for more info on how to deal with a baby at WDW. If you have specific questions that can't be answered by researching there post a question at disboards.com. Trips to WDW are definately improved by doing a bit of research and klw25 has given you excellent advise.
And be sure to keep baby covered up - with hats and lots of sun screen - the sun will be very strong on delicate skin.
Definately check out allearsnet.com for more info on how to deal with a baby at WDW. If you have specific questions that can't be answered by researching there post a question at disboards.com. Trips to WDW are definately improved by doing a bit of research and klw25 has given you excellent advise.
And be sure to keep baby covered up - with hats and lots of sun screen - the sun will be very strong on delicate skin.
Jul 7th, 2005, 08:33 AM
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Capxxx is very right about fully utilizing fastpass. It makes such a huge difference. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World offers excellent advice on which attractions to get fastpasses for first. On busy days, the fastpass allotment for the entire day may be used up for very popular rides by noontime. Be careful before you get your fastpass tickets. You don't want to get a fastpass for, say, Winnie the Pooh for 8-9 p.m. if it is only 11 a.m. because then you won't be able to get another fastpass until 8 (at least this is how it worked the last time we were there; they keep tweaking the fastpass system). I've actually seen this happen for this specific ride. One time people gave us their fastpasses for Pooh because they hadn't looked at the return time before getting them and they weren't going to be in the park that late.
Here's an example of an efficient way to work the fastpass system. If you get your fastpass for, say, Splash Mt. at 10 and the return time slot is 11-12, go on nearby rides until 11. Then at 11, before riding on Splash Mt., get your fastpasses for Thunder Mt. (which is close by and one person can go and get them, you don't all have to go), then ride Splash Mt. When you get off Splash Mt., it might be close to your time to ride Thunder Mt. or you might have time for one or two rides first. This system really optimizes your time if you're anxious to fit all you can in, especially if it's peak season.
Here's an example of an efficient way to work the fastpass system. If you get your fastpass for, say, Splash Mt. at 10 and the return time slot is 11-12, go on nearby rides until 11. Then at 11, before riding on Splash Mt., get your fastpasses for Thunder Mt. (which is close by and one person can go and get them, you don't all have to go), then ride Splash Mt. When you get off Splash Mt., it might be close to your time to ride Thunder Mt. or you might have time for one or two rides first. This system really optimizes your time if you're anxious to fit all you can in, especially if it's peak season.
Jul 7th, 2005, 09:21 AM
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We went to WDW when our son was 4 months old and it was very do-able. There were very few things we couldn't go on. I'm not going to go into detail because it seems as if others have done a great job of it. The Magic Kingdom has a very comfortable baby care center in which you can feed and change your baby. I recommend you make full use of it. Also, we got from either sensationalbeginnings.com or onestepahead.com (can't remember which) great battery operated fans which clip onto the stroller. If you are going in the summer, I highly recommend getting something like that.
Jul 7th, 2005, 09:37 AM
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If you just have one day, and if you think you'll be going during a busy season, I really recommend investing in something with a touring plan done to help you avoid the most crowded times in a particular area. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disneyworld is a huge book that has cut out touring plans in the back. We just got back from Disneyworld (June 16 - 23) and we used an online service (about $20): www.tourguidemike.com. He has printable touring plans that are excellent. We never waited more than 15 minutes for a ride when we stuck to the plan. We encountered much longer waits when we deviated from the plan.
Jul 7th, 2005, 09:39 AM
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themouseforless.com has a discount code for the tourguidemike.com service. Just type in A82E8-2AH when you subscribe and save $3.
Some other excellent Disney World web sites are: www.allearsnet.com, www.wdwinfo.com, and www.mousesavers.com.
Some other excellent Disney World web sites are: www.allearsnet.com, www.wdwinfo.com, and www.mousesavers.com.
