Raising Presidential Babies: Babes in toyland... i.e. DISNEYLAND!!

This past week we took Lincoln down to California to visit Aunt Necia, Uncle Josh and Kennedy. It was his fourth trip flying. He did GREAT!

We were so excite because we were taking him to Disneyland for the first time, or as Kennedy calls it "Disneymand!". My husband and I love Disneyland and we can't wait to share our love with Lincoln. and we were really happy that he enjoyed it. There were so many things to look at, and surprisingly enough, he was able to go on quite a few rides.

People thought we were a little nuts for taking an almost 9 month old...my reaction to them is "well ok, you don't have to take your baby, but I'm taking mine!"
We got comments like "He's not going to remember" or "You aren't even going to be able to enjoy the rides" Disneyland is so much more than rides, the whole experience is what makes it special. From the moment you walk through the gate and take that iconic picture in from of the train, the magic begins.

Here is some advice I would give other mamas going to Disneyland.

RELAX! Don't have any expectations for the day except to have fun. Your babies schedule will pretty much determine when you take breaks and what you do all day long.

What to bring... Bring a backpack and a stroller and maybe even a front pack. When you do want to go on rides, you will want to be able to take your valuables with you and leave the stroller behind. The front pack is for times when the babe just doesn't want to be in the stroller any more. Bring a cover for the stroller so baby can nap in there while you walk around.

Bring snacks for you and the babe. WATER!!!!!!! It's a little expensive in the park so pack some of your own. There are places that will give you a cup of water for free (they have to) There are baby care centers that you can use to nurse, change diapers and just rest. They also have things to purchase, in case you forget baby food, diapers, wipes....anything you may need. It's kinda spendy (but when you're in a bind....)

When you walk in on Main Street stop and get a "1st Visit!" pin at town hall (to the left). If you buy your tickets at the park you can ask for them at the ticket booth.

Must have pin!

After the pin, get a Starbucks. Trust. You will need it. (they have the most fun mugs that you can only get IN the park, so if you want one get it!)

We downloaded the Disney wait times ap on our phones to check out ride times. That will determine where you want to start. Indiana Jones was only 10 min, so we started in Frontier Land. Not everyone could go on the rides at once, so when you get to the front, ask the cast member that is there for a stroller pass. The folks who have to wait with the babies can use it to go in the fastpass lane. AND you can use it anytime of the day.

Get a fast pass for in the beginning of the day for a ride you really want. We got one for Splash Mountain, unfortunately it didn't work with the babies schedule when we were supposed to go back. FLEXABILITY PEOPLE. But if you make it to the one, keep getting them.

If you only have one day. Don't park hop. You will waste too much time waiting to go from park to park.

Around 4:15 we made our way to the Toon Town area, we first went on Small World (baby friendly) it's also nice and cool in there and after we set up camp for the Mickey's Soundsational Parade. The best spot is right in front of Small World, the parade starts there and also is the first spot to end, so when it does you are able to book it to the rides you want while the rest if the park is still watching.

We made our way to Toon Town and got in line for Minnie Mouse's house. It's great because you get to meet her at the end! We headed to Mickey's house, but the babies were DONE by this point so we had to exit out the side.

The rides you can take babies on are....
Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Disneyland Railroad, Finding Nemo Submarines, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Small World, Storybook Canal Boats, Tiki Room, Winnie the Pooh, Tarzans Tree House and Dumbo.
We took Lincoln on Pirates..... and I don't think I would again it wasn't too scary for him but there are two drops that he and I were not fans of. BUT If you have a baby that is a fast nurser you totally can on that ride!

The book that helped us SOOOO much is 101 Disneyland Tips

I recommend this book, there are tips for Adults with and without kids, babies and no babies. what to eat, where to stay, when to go, it's great and not too expensive on Amazon.

We had such a fun day, Lincoln had a blast and my niece Kennedy had so much fun! She kept calling the tea cups, "coffee cups". I loved seeing her see characters and get excited.

Any age is perfect for Disneyland. You just have to know, it's not about you. But isn't that what we signed up for when we had babies?