A Holiday Trip to Disneyland with a 9 Month Old

Well truthfully Disneyland for a child that is 9 months is more for you than the kid. I would not even bother to bring your own stroller, it is pain on the tram I have done both and renting is the way to go. If you want your daughter to feel the spirit of Christmas make sure you plan your trip around the parade or even better go in the evening only so all the lights will be beautiful. Have her take a late nap and do the evening thing. As far as places to eat with lots of room the Hungry Bear restaurant in Critter country has a lot of space even on a crowed day, lots of shade as well. If you go and it is hot in Tomorowland there is that huge building that spins, great to just sit and relax and cool off!! Get her some ears with her name on it and take lots of pictures!! Do not take a massive diaper bag, scale it down. Take only what you think you may need. You will be able to take her on Small world, Nemo, The Carousel and any of the boat rides in Fantasyland. Anymore questions, just ask. I am a Disneyland expert. My last bit of advice after this trip save Disneyland for 2.5 or 3 and up, thats when they really start to enjoy it, and for only a few hours at a time.

Well this may or may not be a possibility this year but I highly recommend spending the night at the Grand Californian. We are a family of six who loves going to Disneyland but we used to try and pack in both parks in one day and by 10pm we were literally dragging the kids back to the parking structure. A few years ago AAA had a special for Grand CA. so we stayed there and it was the best Disney trip we had ever had. The hotel is located at the entrance to both parks, and if you going on a weekday you can enter the park earlier than the general public since you're a hotel guest. Actually this is true for all the Disney hotels and some good neighbor ones as well. When we stay over we'll go to the early opening and hit all of the rides that usually have the longest waits first. Of course at your daughters age you would need someone to sit with her unless you wanted to ride single which has its benefits too (most of the popular rides have a single rider line). After a few hours in the park we'll go back to the hotel for some food and usually check out the pool. In your daughters case, she could probably get a good nap in. The point is that you can come and go as you like and make it a very enjoyable visit to the parks. Our family does this a few times a year and I really have no desire to go anymore unless we can stay over.
Have a great trip!

hi C. my bf and i took our 9 month old son to disneyland on veterans day and he loved it... we even took him on a few rides, the ride instructors just let you hold the babies on your lap... you can take your daughter mostly on the rides in fantasyland. and as for nap time, i would just find a quiet place. our son decided he wanted to fall asleep on the haunted mansion ride lol... but all in all i think she'll like it. we even took our own stroller, like for the tram if you wait for the very first seats you dont have to fold up the stroller which is actually very convient. hope this helps... and have a good time...

-M.

Hi C.!!

Ok, where do I start? We frequent Disneyland on a regular basis and have since my daughter was under a year old. My suggestion, is to bring your own stroller. Your daughter is use to it, and she will probably nap better in it since she is familiar with it. There are a lot of shaded areas with benches that you can take a break, and let your daughter rest. As far as your stroller getting stolen. In the four years that we have been going constantly (once every month or so in that 4 years) I have only heard of one stroller being stolen and it was a $15 umbrella stroller. I have heard that people are more likely to steal a Disneyland stroller than they are a personal stroller because the person figures that all the other person has to do is go and rent another.

I would suggest having someone go with you. That way, while your daughter is napping, you can take turns as to who is watching her, and who is riding the "adult" rides. Keep in mind, there is very little that your daughter wont be able to ride. Those are rides like Indiana Jones, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They also have "rider swap" passes. Basically it allows one person to stay with the child while the other in the party ride the ride. When they come back, the person who was with the child is able to ride, without having to stand in line. This is another reason I suggest taking someone with you so you can take turns on who gets to ride what rides twice.

I wouldn't worry about your daughter being so young when you take her. I have a 4 year old, and I'm expecting number 2 in April. I fully intend on taking the baby to Disneyland shortly after she is born.

Most of all, just have fun!!!

L.

If you are local (looks like you are from SD?) Yea, bring your own stroller. Do they actually get stolen?? I've always brought mine and it is a popular/pricey one. However, if you are concerned, then by all means rent one of theirs. It is kind of nice though to have one to and from the car. However, if you have something like an Ergo carrier than you'd be set. A comfy carrier and stroller are all you really need. The stroller more than anything carries all your stuff!

When I approach events like this, I try not to look at the BIG picture - for example where you are going but rather, plan/pack for a day out. Really no matter where you are going, if you are going to be gone all day, you'll need the same stuff. Carrier, stroller, if you are breastfeeding then you've got food, if not then bring some snacks/drinks, bring several different clothing items, shorts/shirt, pants/long sleeve shirt, jammies, diapers, wipes and of course hand wipes. You can feed her where you want. They do having a nursing station, but you don't have to go there to feed her. Follow her lead - if she needs to nap, let her nap, if she needs to stretch her legs, let her stretch her legs (not sure if she is walking or not but she may need to get out and move one way or another). If crawling is her thing - well, hopefully someone can tell you a clean place for her to crawl around.

Most of all - relax and have fun!
M.