McKenna's first trip to Walt Disney World part 2

We wore her most of the time in the park and used our stroller as our wagon for STUFF. Here's Kevin and McKenna enjoying some Chubby Checker for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

The stuff we brought with us to the park included her diaper bag (extra loaded down with the typical necessities), our camera bag, a cooler (of "drinks"), and our carriers. What made this trip particularly tough was that we still needed her carseat in addition to her stroller because she doesn't sit upright yet. That made us "those people" on the bus who had a seat occupied of just the carseat while others stood... I got a lot of stares for that one. Luckily by the time we go again we won't need the carseat.

Our only major snaffu was leaving Epcot on Saturday night around 8:30, when the bus stops are usually super crowded. She was sleeping so we weren't worried.... unfortunately she woke up half way through the bus ride and started wailing into Kevin's chest (she was in the Tula carrier).  So again, we were "those people" with the crying baby on the bus (no she does not take a paci!).  We were thinking she was hungry, but she was just tired or ready to stretch out because when we got back to the resort she was in a happy, playful mood.

I think wearing most of the trip her helped a lot because she slept most of the time, and she feels safe in new environments.  The one drawback... HEAT. But I'll take that any day over a fussy baby! Even Kevin got into the Babywearing.

The key with babies and Sun/Heat is Hydration, hydration, hydration. If you nurse, that means nursing often, which also means Momma needs to stay hydrated. And make sure to find places to take breaks in the A/C...so shop often ;-). And go back to your resort and get refreshed at least once (depending on how many parks you attempt to go to in a day). Though I think the mid-day "Nap Time" was more for Daddy, as I played with a happy baby the whole time.

Another important thing to know about is Disney's Baby Care Centers....  I was petrified for my first time changing in a "public bathroom" but didn't have to succumb to it. Each park has a Baby Care Center where you can change and feed and pretty much do whatever you need to do with your babies, kids, and toddlers. There's even a kitchen area and separate bathroom. Best part.... a nursing room. Ahhh, cold, dark, and quiet with rocking chairs. Sure, if you gotta nurse in the park you gotta nurse, but why turn down a break away from it all. Nothing better on an excruciatingly hot day without needing to bump into strangers in a packed store just to get some A/C. As a side note there are outlets in there so if your phone needs some charging take it in with you ;-) (not sure if that's what they're intended for, so don't blame me!) I'm not big into "nursing selfies" but this one is a must.... a peek inside the hidden room!

If you don't know where to find it, be sure to ask.  I passed the nursing room several times in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot!

We did get lots of comments about my wraps and several stares, most positive, but some negative. Someone even had the audacity to say in our earshot "I've never understood why anyone would bring a baby that age to Disney."  Well, you don't need to understand, and you most likely never will.  Disney means a lot to Kevin and I, and has play a integral part in every stage of our relationship.  This trip was just another part of that adventure, and one that we will remember forever BECAUSE McKenna is "this age." No one else really needs to understand. But I can tell you it is possible, and it can be enjoyable if you plan right! 

I think the hardest part about the WHOLE weekend was getting home.  Just as packing was no fun, unpacking was a mess, and the amount of laundry with a baby is just ridiculous!

A portion of packing

Getting a VERY TIRED baby to sleep the night we got home was no fun either. She wanted her bedtime several hours before it normally was so we were at odds trying to make it all work out. But eventually she got to sleep and slept a good 12 hours! McKenna sure knows how to end a weekend!

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend and we were so happy we had the chance to take her! Granted she won't remember this trip, but we will, and she will have the pictures for a lifetime!


If I think of anything else that I would find helpful to know about planning a trip to Disney I will definitely write another post OR if you have specific questions, feel free to ask!!