Orlando with a baby
 

I am planning to be in Orlando in the first week of May. I will have a 13 month old baby with me. We'll be staying at the Peabody. Any recommendations of places to go/see? Any baby friendly restaurants?

Also, my husband and I may get a night out alone... any recommendations?

You must definitely treat you baby to the parade of ducks in the lobby of your hotel. You will also be in the vicinty of a shopping center with restaurants. International Drive has many chain restaurants and they are always baby friendly. I think Lee's Lakeside in Orlando is a nice night out for a couple. It looks out over Lake Eola and has a nice ambience, or I should say it did. If baby loves the water, the pool is a great idea.

ducks... how wonderful!

Any other must see sights? Do you think she would like Epcot/Universal???

check out wdwig.com. There is info there for traveling to WDW with a toddler.

In my opinion entertaining a 13 month old in Orlando can be challenging. Pinocchio's Marionette Theater in nearby Winter Park is presenting Jack and the Beanstalk through May. See their website at:
www.pinocchios.net
I think Fantasyland in Disney's Magic Kingdom may hold his or her attention. It's A Small World is a great ride for that age. There are also some live shows there as well. Disney MGM offers a Muppets Show and a Little Mermaid show but I'm not familiar with your child's attention span. I can't think of anything in Epcot and as far as Universal goes maybe the sights and sounds of the Dr.Seuss area.

I would stick to Magic Kingdom if you want to do one of the parks. Fantasyland will be the hit.

There are many nice restaurants in the area that will fill your need for a night out. Jack's Place in the Rosen Plaza is very yummy and right across the street from the Peabody. The Peabody also has a fine dining but I've never been there. There's baby friendly rest. all over I-Drive...Bennigan's, Chili's, TGIF, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze (yummy!), Daryl's, Adobe Gila's and many more. Have a great trip!
~Allison

Do you recommend that I bring my car seat and cab it everywhere? Or do you think I'll need to rent a car with a carseat already in it?

I assume you will be flying...the airline will let you carry it on (doesn't count as carry on) and may let you use it if there is a seat available. If not check it at the gate with your stroller.

Personally, I would rent a car & bring my car set. That way you know how to install it & leave it in for the week--without having to mess with it in a cab. You will also be more flexible in case baby gets cranky & you need to leave sooner than expected.

13-months may be too young to justify WDW park admission...still taking a couple of naps & won't be able to remember it anyway...

I would do things that you & your husband would like to do as baby will be less interested in the sights and is still easily amused & distracted!

Hope you have a fun time!