Ever since I was too old for Disneyland I’ve been looking forward to returning with kids. I love the magic, it is such a special place that is larger than life especially when you are littler than life. BUT my husband and I always agreed we wouldn’t take our kids until they were older and could appreciate what a special occasion it is.

Fast forward…and we have been to Disneyland with a 9 month old.

Planning on taking your little one to Disneyland? Going with someone else’s kids? If you are dreading it, DON’T. With a little preparation anything is possible.

9 lessons from a 9 month old:

1. Roll with it. Literally. We have done Europe and we have done Disneyland with a little one and let me tell you a good stroller is key! Many people will say that a stroller umbrella is ideal for travel, but I’m not so sure. If it is a long trip, the regular stroller provides extra comfort and usually holds more supplies which is key for a long day of trekking around the park. Also if your little one is under a year there will be lots of picking up and setting down, so save your back some stress and bring the full size stroller so you aren’t leaning over all day! We have the UPPA Baby Vista and it is a dream, no struggles opening or closing like I’ve seen my other mama’s struggle with. It is worth the splurge or saving up gift cards to spring for this purchase.
2. Roll with it. Figuratively. Your hopes are high. In the back of your mind you are thinking that this won’t be too different from your child-free trips to Disneyland…WRONG. It is different. But that doesn’t make it bad. Take in the festive atmosphere, pause for a long lunch, and realize that no matter what happens you DID it. Take a few pictures to memorialize the occasion and realize that it will all be a great story.
3. Do it in public. Are you ready to feed your baby in public? If you are breastfeeding, think through if you want to put it all out there or go the bottle route.
4. Organize that diaper bag. Let’s be honest, my diaper bag looks a lot different than it did pre-baby. When I was 9 months pregnant that bag had everything carefully folded, now I am lucky if I can fish out a crumpled diaper. But when you are planning for Disneyland, its worthwhile to give that bag a once over! Essentials include: wipes, diapers, more diapers, a mat to lie your baby on, snacks/formula, a toy, a blanket, and a change of clothes.
5. Sanitize.  Purell is your friend. I like one of these to clip on the bag or stroller for easy access, plus another regular bottle buried at the bottom of your diaper bag. If you borrow a stroller from Disney, wipe it down! If you sit down for lunch, wipe it down! That being said if your child eats a french fry off the floor, try not to freak out. This advice isn’t for your trip, it’s for the week after you get home when you are hit with post-vacation blues and don’t want to deal with a feverish baby.
6. Backup activities. The only people I saw enjoying lines at Disneyland, were the pre-teens playing ‘Heads Up’ with their iPhones on their forehead. No one else is on board, which is why its key to have a few backup toys to pull out at the sign of a meltdown.
7. Stay hydrated. Its easy to forget about keeping yourself hydrated, but its even easier to forget that your baby needs fluids, especially after a day in the southern California sun. I brought this waterbottle into the park and was pleasantly surprised to find that there are refill stations everywhere. When this collapsible bottle is available there is no doubt that I will take that.
8. Child Swap. Sure you are going to Disneyland for your kids, but don’t forget that after a day of navigating your stroller through the hoards of people you can have some fun. The child swap program at Disney is so smart, a lot of rides including Space Mountain allow one parent to stay behind with the small child while the other waits. Then when the other parent returns you can go straight to the front of the line. Read more.
9. Set a budget and stick to it. All the sweet stuffed animals and t-shirts were so much more attractive than I ever imagined. Set a dollar amount for extra items on the trip and do your best to stick to it. My splurge? Mickey ears 🙂

My take-away?

It wasn’t pretty and it was a little stressful, but I went in with the mindset that surviving would be a triumph. And I walked away with so many memories. Seriously if we an survive my son eating french fries off the floor, a poop explosion, and playing stroller bumper cars, I’m pretty sure anything is possible. At least I’m not afraid to travel anymore.