Vaca with a 13 month old advice

So I am planning a Disney World vacation and my DD will be 13 months when we go...

1. Do you think it would be better to drive (approx. 25 hr drive) or fly with DD on my lap (2 1/2 hr)?

2. Have you stayed in a hotel with a child this age and how hard is it?

I feel confident that she will love Disney and have lots of fun.. these are just my 2 worries. Any help, advice, experiences you've had will help! TIA

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

Definitely fly - you are done in 2.5 hours versus a day or a bit more of travel time. We got DD a seat both times I have never tried to do a lap baby. My girls wouldn't have sat quietly in my lap.

We stayed at the Polynesian only b.c it was SO easy (you just roll your stroller onto the monorail to get to EPCOT or the MK - or wheel the stroller onto the ferry to go to the MK)- and then only have to take buses to get to HS or AK. But honestly any of the hotels are just fine. It is a bit easier I think if you have a car though the buses were a bit of a pain b/c you have to pack and unpack your stroller and it wasn't fun to get onto a standing room only bus with a 1 year old, stroller and bags.

We took DD#1 for her 1st trip when she was 15 months and DD#2's 1st trip we were there on her 1st birthday. They both LOVED their 1st trips. They were dancing, singing, and clapping on the rides. Make sure you use the baby care centers - they make your life easier - and bring a good stroller for napping (although we always took a break in the afternoon and went back to the hotel for swim and naps - but both girls cat napped in the stroller at other times).

Have a great trip!

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

I just got back from the Orlando area with my dd who is 13 months. I was really nervous about the flight and how she would react but she was fine. She sat on our laps (saved $) I gave her a bottle when we were goin up and we had some new books for her to play with. Remember there are plenty of kids on teh flight so dont get nervous if ur baby gets upset...everyone should understand. My dd fell asleep an hour into the flight so it was perfect. The same happened when we were coming home onnly this time we were lucky enough to have an open seat so she laid on that.

We did not stay in the Disney area because my parents have a timeshare so we rented a van. When you land in orlando, the car rentals are right there. We got a minivan for about 350 for a week including car seat. It was a great price!

As far as sleeping the hotel provided us with a pack n play and that's what she slept in. We brought the sound machine to help.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

also it's the best feeling in the world when you see ur child look at the characters for the first time and how their eyes light up. It's truly an amazing experience!

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

Not hijacking but I'd love to hear some advice as well! Especially re napping while on vacation. I think that's my biggest fear! We are taking DS to Jamaica with us for my sister's wedding and he'll be 13.5 months. I'm just worried about naps and having to constantly go back to the room.

As for the flying vs driving question, if money is not an issue I would def fly. Like the PP said, only a few hrs of travel time rather than a whole day. I can't imagine DS being in the car that much. At least on a plane you can get up and walk around with them if they get restless. then again I've never flown with a baby so what do I know!

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

we are taking my almost 3 YO and 15 Month old and flying to disney. the car trip would be too exhausting for everyone. my biggest worry is the kids acting up on the plane, but you know what, people will get over it it's not a terribly long flight.

we have stayed in hotels with both kids nad it's been totally fine, just have to be extra careful bc nothing is babyproof

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

Definitely fly.

We haven't stayed with DS in a hotel room - we've only stayed in timeshares. It was nice to have the extra room and the kitchen space. They have high chairs and cribs available there as well.

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

100% Fly as a lap infant... You will be fine and She will be fine.

She will be fine... My DD has been on the plane several times already as a lap infant from 11 months to 20 months... I know I might be pushing it but I am going to try to do it at 23 months too... b/c the ticket is so expensive.

I would die doing that drive hahah lol

Re: Vaca with a 13 month old advice

Thank you all! I guess it is pretty do-able! I appreciate all the advice!