Any suggestions? Please get in touch at info (at) havebabywilltravel (dot) com or leave a comment below. Thanks for your patience!

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Vacation Nannies In Jamaica…

As a first-time mom, I was very uncomfortable with the thought of leaving my daughter in a baby club, or in the care of someone other than a family member whether we were at home or away. But once my son came along, I understood the appeal – BIG TIME. Now as a travel agent specializing in family vacations, I’m finding my clients are like two different versions of me – the first-time parents and family travelers, who don’t need a resort with a lot of bells and whistles (yet), and those who have two and maybe even three little ones, and they NEED. A. BABY. CLUB.

Most resorts offer some form of private babysitting, or can refer you to a local agency who can help out. But this can really add up, plus the convenience of having a baby club on site  - a place to drop off the little ones, even to get them into some air-conditioning for a little bit – can mean a real vacation for you and your partner too.

Obviously this list is a work in progress, but I’ve compiled all the resorts with baby clubs in the Caribbean and Mexico and listed them by country…

Varadero Beach, Cuba

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Cuba
While Cuba still sometimes struggles with the perception of less-then-appetizing food or somewhat haphazard amenities, Cuba is awesome for families. It is safe and clean, and while the number of resorts that can accommodate large families is somewhat astounding (ie – very very few) it actually has quite a lot of resorts with baby clubs. CLICK HERE

Resorts with Baby Clubs in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana seems to be the place to be, as all the resorts with baby clubs in the Dominican Republic seem to be located here. While the mega-resorts can seem huge and a little overwhelming, knowing there’s a well-regarded baby club that will happily take your baby or toddler for a little while might give you a chance to explore some of it. CLICK HERE

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Jamaica
Jamaica kids of takes the cake when it comes to availability of baby clubs – with the creme de la creme of two Beaches Resorts plus the wonderfullness that is Franklyn D. Resort and their famed vacation nannies. Jamaica may be pricier than some other Caribbean destinations, but if you factor in the things like potable tap water, good medical care, and great food, and maybe padding the budget a little bit is worth it. CLICK HERE

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific

Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico
Mexico and its warm and wonderful family-friendly culture has many destinations with their own appeal, plus so many different accommodation options that are suitable for families. They have some amazing resorts, and some of those resorts offer included baby care (or in the instance of Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, available at an extra cost). Given Mexico’s size, there are actually not that many resorts with baby clubs, and with the exception of Club Med the minimum age to participate starts at one year. CLICK HERE

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Keryn In Trieste

EUROPE: 3 days, 4 kids, 3 adults, and one crazy road trip to Eastern Europe

I’ll admit it. I’m not your typical mom. Oh sure I look like the mom next door, who runs errands, hauls kids to play dates and lessons, and can never seem to get out of my yoga pants, but I have a dark side. I like to look the status quo in the face, laugh a little, and then shake hands with chaos. This darkness shows up the most when we travel.

In October 2012, I was in Europe for five weeks with my then 3 year old and 5 month old sons. We were visiting friends that had moved over the years for love, work, or who had simply been born there. When a childhood friend moved to Italy I was the first to raise my hand when he opened his house to visitors.

My friend’s wife was an insatiable traveler; it was travel mom love at first sight. She suggested we pop over to Croatia and Slovenia while I was in town. These countries were two of Italy’s neighbors on the eastern side. I like to equate driving around Europe to driving around the Northeastern part of the USA; two hours and you have already crossed the border.

Boats In Rovinj, Croatia

Thus began our crazy adventure through three countries in three days. Did I mention there would be three adults with four kids under age 5 in one car? Our plan was fairly simple and looked something like this.

Beautiful Lake Bled

Day 1: Drove from Ferrara, Italy to Lake Bled, Slovenia. We dumped our bags, hopped in a boat over to the church in the middle of the lake to do some sight seeing, grabbed dinner on our way back to the hotel, and went to bed.

Day 2: Drove from Lake Bled to Rovinj, Croatia. We had a late lunch when we arrived in Rovinj, explored the town, even found a playground near an open-air market, gelato for dinner, and then off to bed.

Day 3: Drove from Rovinj back to Ferrera with a lunch break in Trieste, Italy to break up the 4-hour drive.

This itinerary sounds insane, and it was. Just as we had stretched our legs and started to settle in we would pack back up, strap the kids in their car seats and hit the road. There were meltdowns and laughter, naps, movies, and endless snacks to see us though.

A few key elements were necessary for this type of trip.

• Entertainment: Get your A game on parents. Fill those goodie bags with coloring books, crayons, special toys, and a tablet or portable DVD player when everyone is at the end of their ropes.
• Snacks: With 3-4 hours between each stop for the night you need to have a variety of snacks and water available for hungry, bored tummies to indulge.
• Restroom breaks: Breaks of any kind are a must, but those for the restroom are obvious for potty-trained kids, and diaper changing breaks for younger ones.
• Patience: This trip is not for the faint of heart. Having a companion is key. Know your limits, and when your patience is at an end pull over and catch your breath. You will arrive soon, I promise.
• Lunch stops: On our way to Lake Bled and on the way home from Rovinj we scheduled lunch breaks about half way through our drive. This was a lifesaver as it let the kids (and parents) stretch their legs, fill their bellies, and get ready for nap time the rest of the drive.

Rovinj, Croatia

Honestly if I had to do it all over again I would add an extra day in Slovenia and Croatia. A few hours is not enough time to see anything, even a passing glance. Do I regret that we did it? Of course not! I saw two gorgeous sites that have given me a reason to go back to these countries to explore even more.

Keryn Means is the founder of Walking on Travels, a site that gives hope to today’s modern parent who doesn’t want to stop their lives; they simply bring their kids along for the ride. You can find Keryn dragging her 2 boys around Seattle most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Fear And Toddlers In Las Vegas?

I have never been to Las Vegas, and it’s probably the last place I would think of visiting with my kids – or at least it was until I was surprised by a Vegas hotel’s reaction to complaints about a breastfeeding mom. Now my thinking is I’d want a grown-up getaway there with my husband or some girlfriends, and our days would be filled with cocktails instead of sippys and high heels instead of flip flops. But I’m glad the nice folks at Vegaskids.info got in touch! Helene Vece grew up and has lived in Las Vegas for the last 35 years, and she shares her top tips for Las Vegas with kids on Vegaskids.info and now, here – thanks, Helene! 

Las Vegas for Toddlers

Las Vegas and toddlers normally aren’t associated as two things that go together. But, they really are! Parents with young children shouldn’t miss out on visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip because of travel concerns. In reality, Sin City has tons of activities for toddlers!

The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, the Fountains of Bellagio, the Coney Island Emporium, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat are just a few of the baby and toddler-friendly attractions in Las Vegas. The best part? They are all affordable and located on glitzy Las Vegas Boulevard! Parents can see the sights while children delight in engaging and educational attractions.

Las Vegas With Kids – More Than Just Sin City

First, let’s address the main concern for most moms- bathroom breaks while walking the Strip. Baby-friendly bathrooms in Las Vegas are hit and miss, except for The Bellagio! The bathrooms inside this beautiful resort are extra-large! Moms with young children don’t have to cram into a single stall with their child. The Bellagio has plenty of room for mom, a few toddlers and a stroller. The separate sitting (nursing) areas built into the lobby bathrooms are an appreciated comfort. The Bellagio is a wonderful place for families to visit because the resort is clean and the attractions are free. Little children are always fond of the dancing fountains out front of the hotel, which go off every 15 minutes. The Bellagio also hosts an indoor flower conservatory that is free, too.

It’s Dolphins, Baby…

Another great activity for those traveling with children is the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. The tickets prices are under twenty dollars each. Parents can take children in strollers to the bottom level of the Habitat for an up close and personal view of the dolphins.  Large glass windows allow children to press their hands and faces against the glass as dolphins swim about- sometimes they even come face-to-face with the children! The Habitat has a large cat section filled with lions and tigers, but no bears-oh my! The lions do brag about with furious growls, so use your discretion when it comes to visiting this section of the Habitat.

The Coney Island Emporium located within the New York New York hotel is fun for parents looking to stroll around, grab a quick bite and keep the younger ones entertained. The carnival games may be for school-aged children, but the lights and sounds will make toddlers “ooh” and “awe”.  Plus, the Coney Island Emporium has great ice cream. The hotel’s bathrooms do offer changing stations that will do the trick, but they are nowhere in comparison to those at The Bellagio.

Learning More Than Five Card Stud…

About ten minutes from all the glitz and glitter of the hotels is the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. The Museum is on Las Vegas Blvd. but families will have to take a cab to get to the location and back.  Everything in Las Vegas looks close, but the Museum really isn’t. Tickets for children are $8.50. There is no charge for babies who a year old or younger. According to its website, “Lied Discovery Children’s Museum won the 2010 Parents’ Picks Awards in the category of Best Museum in Las Vegas.”  The Museum has lots to offer toddlers and the building was designed to accommodate parents traveling with several bags and multi-child strollers. Every exhibit, and there are over a hundred, incorporates an educational component.

Las Vegas has many fun (often free) activities for toddlers. And, there are several hotels that offer daycare or in-room babysitting in their concierge office. Find more information about attractions for kids and toddlers in Las Vegas at VegasKids.info.

Las Vegas photo courtesy Bob Townsend

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Ben With His Daughters In Cuba…

I was so pleased when this turned up in my inbox from Ben – the trip he took to Cuba with his wife and two young daughters is a dream trip for me, and frankly, one that I did not have the courage to take when my kids were smaller. The mission of Have Baby Will Travel is to inspire, motivate, and help families travel with babies, toddlers, and young children – and with this post Ben has inspired, motivated, and helped me! If you’ve dreamed of extended travel throughout Cuba with baby, and hoped to get off the resort trail, read on – and and get in touch if you’re ready to plan your first trip with baby!

Planning For Cuba With Baby:

Pedicab In Camaguey, Cuba

First off, we were a little paranoid after reading about the lack of baby material in general and especially nappies. In fact, nappies in Cuba are not difficult to get hold of (except in Havana Vieja, the best place to go for child things in Havana seems to be the shopping centre at the base of Havana Libre hotel), but they vary significantly in quality and price, whereby among the cheapest also being the best (Brand name: Tenders). We found that we needed to buy a size larger than stated on the packaging to ensure that they would last a while. Even so they are not as good as European nappies, so if you want to avoid having to change nappies at nights its probably best to bring those nappies with you.

You Can Never Go Wrong With A Horse & Carriage Ride

Food – we ate in our Casas quite often, where we got nice, simple traditional Cuban food (lots of rice and beans, but also meat, egg, salad – usually too much for the three of us (incl. big daughter) even though we would only order for the parents. As our baby was eating purees reasonably well, we would ask if they could puree some rice and beans or whatever they had made and that was no problem. It wasn’t salty most of the time, so that was a good meal covered too.

Not To Miss Touring Cuba With Baby:

Cuba Is More Than Just Beaches, But They Are Awesome

The all-inclusive hotel at the end (Sol Palmeras) was nice, but not ideally suited for very small children (they didn’t have enough baby seats, entertainment as of 5 year olds, no significant playground) but was fine, great beach, ok baby pool, food was good and the huge choice meant all always found something to their tastes. But being in Varadero is not experiencing Cuba, while travelling independently does let you get at least a vague idea of what life is like there – especially with kids! (You go to places away from the normal tourist route, people are even more friendly and helpful).

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Stacey and her beautiful daughter at the Now Amber, Puerto Vallarta

We travelled for the first time with our 8 month old daughter to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, staying at the all-inclusive Now Amber Resort & Spa for one week in early February 2013.

The Flight: We flew direct from Ottawa with Sunwing. We upgraded to Elite Plus which gave us an extra 6 inches of leg room, afforded us an extra 10 kg baggage allowance (30kg instead of the standard 20kg), and gave us priority check-in at the airport; yay for no line-ups! In my opinion these three “perks” were well worth the cost of the upgrade. A lap infant takes up more room than I realized and we took full advantage of our extra baggage allowance.

Our flight was supposed to depart at 3:30pm but upon arrival at the airport we learned it was delayed 3 hours (and later an additional 2). We checked our bags at the counter and took the baby back home for a proper nap before heading back.

Back at the airport, we went through security and then watched the departures monitor as our departure time inched forward little by little. In the end, we were delayed about 5 hours in total. Needless to say, the Little Miss was exhausted by the time we boarded.

Baby was overstimulated and fussy and therefore didn’t want to fall a sleep on the flight, despite it being way past her bedtime. We were able to keep her fairly content by standing, sitting, bouncing, singing, pointing out new things, etc. We also brought a few small new toys for her to play with. They entertained her for only a short time, but I’m still glad we brought them.

We packed an arsenal of disinfectant wipes and wiped down everything within her reach as soon as we boarded (and boy did she reach!).

Little Miss finally passed out from sheer exhaustion at around the 3 1/2 hour mark and slept for about 45 mins, long enough that when she woke up there wasn’t too much left of the 5 hour flight. The flight was anything but relaxing, but we hadn’t expected it to be.

One thing I hadn’t planned on was not being allowed to breastfeed during take-off and landing to help with baby’s ears. I had counted on this after having read countless trip reports on travelling with a baby, so I was surprised when they told me I had to hold her against me in the “burping” position. I suppose it makes sense, but I do think her ears bothered her during take-off and landing, particularly on the way home.

The flight home was far less eventful. There was a 1 1/2 hour delay but they were able to shave some time off the flight itself so we only arrived home an hour late. Aside from the crying during take-off (and boy did she cry), Little Miss slept the whole way…on me. No pee breaks for Mommy, but it was worth it to have a quiet, sleeping baby. For that return flight, despite having paid for the seats with more leg room, I discovered a few empty rows near the back of the plane after take-off, so I went back and chose a row, lifted all the arm rests and cozzied up as best I could for the long haul. My husband checked on us often and helped me with my meal so that the baby could keep sleeping. After all, happy baby, happy parents! Tip: I learned quickly to keep my seatbelt buckled at all times so as not to risk waking a sleeping baby when the seatbelt sign comes on and the flight attendants come around to make you buckle up!

Toward the end of the flight I moved back up to my seat in the 3rd row so that we could be first off the aircraft and avoid the line-up at customs. *Something to consider if you’re flying with a lap infant: on Sunwing and on most aircraft the armrests don’t lift up in the first row (and on the Sunwing 737 aircraft the first row on the right hand side of the plane is actually labelled “row 2″).

I changed baby’s diaper once on the plane. I used the change table in the bathroom – doable but a bit of a challenge to fold down and disinfect one-handed while holding baby (those bathrooms are so disgusting, I couldn’t bring myself not to wipe down whatever she could reach). If I were to do it again I’d have my husband hold her while I set up/wiped down the change station, or potentially even use an empty row of seats if that were an option.

Gear: We plan to travel often with our little one so these purchases made sense for us.

For starters, we brought a car seat just in case we had to ride in anything other than a bus in Mexico. We bought the Cosco Scenera on sale specifically for travelling so as not to risk damaging our Britax, and we practiced installing and removing it at home before the trip. We packed it in a duffle bag. We didn’t end up having to use it but it gave me great peace of mind.

UPPAbaby G-Luxe

We also decided to buy an UPPAbaby G-luxe umbrella stroller specifically for travel; it was worth every penny and we found ourselves singing its praises several times on this trip, starting at the airport. We splurged on the G-Luxe travel bag as well. We kept the stroller with us until we boarded the plane and then put it in its protective bag and gate checked it. The bag probably wasn’t necessary but I liked knowing that if the stroller was damaged on the aircraft while in the bag, UPPAbaby would fix/replace it free of charge. It took all of 30 seconds, if that, to get the G-Luxe in and out of the bag and while not in use it fit into the basket under the stroller. The sun shade on this stroller is superb and we love that the seat back reclines.

We also tucked a small soft-structured baby carrier (the Beco Butterfly II) into our carry-on bag. This particular carrier can be used front and back, and can also be rolled up and clipped around your waist like a fanny pack. If you wear the “fanny pack” to the side, your baby can sit on it and you can carry her on your hip without having to use any muscle power – handy if you’re standing around with an antsy baby but don’t want to go so far as to strap them into the carrier. We found the front-carry option particularly handy upon arrival at the airport in Mexico at 2:00am when baby was tired and fussy and just wanted to be held. It allowed us both to be hands-free so we could collect and carry/drag/push all our bags and gear.

While you can hardly call it “gear”, Sippin’ Spouts deserve a mention here as they turned out to be the most used items on our trip. They are a pair of different sized sippy cup-type nozzles that screw on to water bottles so your baby can stay hydrated on the go. Fantastic and inexpensive.

Even less expensive but equally handy were the plethora of large ziplock bags we brought. They held everything from snacks to wet bathing suits and they were especially handy for toting diapers, wipes, and bum cream around inside a sandy beach bag.

Now Amber, Puerto Vallarta – Courtesy AM Resorts

The Resort: The Now Amber, located 10-15 mins from the airport, was nothing short of excellent. Beautiful, modern, spotless and service-oriented. This place has it all.

When we arrived at 2:30am, check-in was quick and painless. No bracelets, no fuss, no muss.

There were a few hiccups when we got to our room, the biggest one being no crib. Of less immediate importance, the electronic safe wasn’t working and there was no remote for the TV. We called the front desk and within minutes there was someone there setting up the crib, someone else delivering the TV remote and a third person repairing the safe. We were in bed, lights out and snoring by 3:30am. Very impressed.

The only other hiccup, though not much of an issue for us, seemed to be the unpredictability of the housekeeping. Some guests said it was 5:00pm before their room was cleaned. On our first day they showed up at 2:00pm. We simply asked if our room could be cleaned earlier so that we could come back to the room with the baby to nap in the afternoon and they were very accommodating. Our room was cleaned before noon every day and only once did we need to prompt them.

Now Amber, Puerto Vallarta – Courtesy AM Resorts

Guest rooms were beautiful and very spacious, and offered free (thats right, free!) in-room calling to Canada and the U.S., no strings attached. The hotel even had its own app you could download where you could check out the day’s activities, review your room charges, and even transfer your room phone in order to place and receive calls from your mobile device for free. Very impressive.

Rooms were equipped with fully stocked mini-bars, including 4 bottles of water daily. We drink a lot of water and on more than one occasion called down to ask for 10 bottles to get us through the day. It was never an issue. Bottles of water were also readily available at all the resort’s bars.

The bathroom in our hotel room was huge and had a separate tub and large walk-in shower with a bench seat and an adjustable shower head that you could remove and hold to rinse off. We found this to be the easiest way to bathe the baby as she tries to drink the bath water at home and we were not willing to risk her getting a mouthful of water down there. It was a two-person job but it did the trick.

There is a buffet and several a la carte restaurants on the property, none of which require advance reservations. Some restaurants are adults only, but there are always multiple options for families for dinner. And we were always offered a high chair, although we usually just left baby in the stroller as she seemed content. Don’t mess with a good thing, right? And let’s not forget the 24 hour room service, which turned out to be our friend on more than one occasion. After a day of adventure off the resort it hardly seemed fair to ask a tired 8 month old to then sit through dinner. Room service has a 30 minute guarantee, which they actually adhere to (shocking, I know!) and which is so much appreciated when you need the food to get there in a jiffy so that you can get a tired baby to bed without interruptions.

Our munchkin was a bit young for the kids’ “Explorer Club” but it looked great. They had tons of activities and a fantastic looking, well shaded kids area with all the very best equipment. I noticed that they even had a program where you could drop your little ones off for dinner and a movie while you enjoy a Mommy/Daddy dinner date. Their teen area (the name escapes me) had rave reviews as well. It was basically a teenager’s hangout paradise, with all the latest gadgets.

The hotel grounds are beautiful and grand, yet the property is small enough that you are never too far from your room; much appreciated with baby in tow. There are 3 pools and a hot tub on the property. The kid’s pool is complete with a water slide, and the beach front pool has a swim up bar for thirsty mommies and daddies. Pool and beach-side drink/food service was great. The pools were kept very clean and we saw technicians there daily, both day and evening, checking to ensure optimal quality of the pool water.

Check-out at the hotel was very simple. Nothing to sign, no towel cards to turn in or bracelets to cut off. Simply turn in your keys and away you go. Check out was at noon but our airport transfer was at 6:30pm and for $10/hour we were able to keep our room until we left. It was well worth it to have a place for baby to nap and to wash the sand and sunscreen off before the trek home.

Puerto Vallarta: A beautiful city that is very easy to get around both walking and by bus (which you catch on the main street outside the hotel). Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive but we didn’t want to be bothered installing and then dragging around the car seat (and weren’t comfortable riding in a cab with the baby on our laps, although it seems to be commonly done down there) so we walked and took the bus everywhere. Hold on *tightly* if you’re trying out the bus. It’s quite a ride.

The downtown area and beautiful seaside “malecon” (boardwalk) is about a 20-25 minute walk from the hotel. Watch your step though! The roads and sidewalks tend to want to jump up and bite you. Walk all the way south along the Malecon until it ends (around Los Muertos Beach) and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Old Vallarta, with fabulous restaurants and artisan shops abound.

Just outside the hotel is a local department store called Coppel that is great in a pinch if you need clothing or baby gear. Prices are pretty well the same as North America. Down the street about a 5 minute walk is a WalMart-esque store called Mega that has a larger selection and brands that you’re more likely to recognize (e.g. Pampers), not to mention they sell groceries and alcohol.

All in all, our first trip with baby could not have gone better and as a result we’re already planning our next adventure. The key for us was learning to go with the flow, which I’ll admit was a bit of a struggle at times. But we kept reminding each other of the best two pieces of first-time baby travel advice that we received:

 1. Relax! Babies feel your stress. If you’re fretting about the flight, baby will know. Of course, do whatever you can to keep baby happy in the air, but if a meltdown ensues and the other passengers are giving you the stink-eye, remember that you paid for your ticket just the same as they did and try to roll with the punches. It wont last forever; and

2. This vacation will not be like your pre-baby vacations where you had the freedom to come and go as it pleased you. Go with baby’s flow, accept the slower pace and embrace it, because the moment you do it all gets easier.

Happy travels!

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Entrance To Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is the newest and the biggest of Disney’s Theme Parks, but it is also the easiest to navigate with a baby or toddler. If this is your first visit to Walt Disney World and you are planning on spending a few days in the parks, Animal Kingdom is a great one to start with – you’re eased into seeing how you all fare with the rides, attractions, and crowds without being overwhelmed and without the expectations that sometimes are associated with seeing Magic Kingdom for the first time. While nothing can beat that initial glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle, as the penultimate Disney experience, starting smaller and slower is an ideal way to ease yourself into your Disney Vacation. I would also say the same about Epcot, although I personally would find it difficult to spend a whole day there.

Don’t forget to download the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” app to your smartphone for park opening hours, ride wait times, dining option availability, character greeting places and times, and more. And if you’re not from the US, don’t worry about data roaming, Walt Disney World has free WiFi at all their resorts and parks. It can be a bit spotty at times, as all free WiFi can be, but hey, it’s free – as are the Disney apps!

Elephant Spotting On Kilimanjaro Safari, Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Basics

Don’t be alarmed by Animal Kingdom’s size – most of the over 500 acres is for all the animals’ habitats. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation, and research. The icon (and centrepiece) of the park is the Tree Of Life, it is located on Discovery Island and the park’s six remaining sections (Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., Oasis, and Camp Minnie-Mickey) all revolve around the tree.

Animal Kingdom is a little remote, but Disney’s transportation system serves the park by bus from every resort – and obviously Animal Kingdom Resort is the closest one. Stroller rentals are to the right of the main entrance and as with the other Disney Parks they are the same molded plastic ones (different colour) and rental prices are consistent – $15.00 USD per day for a single-passenger stroller and $31.00 USD per day for a double. Disney offers a reduced-rate length of stay rental ticket for a one-time payment for as many days of stroller rental you will need. When you enter a Disney park, show your receipt at the stroller rental location and you will be zipped to the front of the line. The multiple day stroller rental fee is $13.00 USD per day for a single stroller, and $27.00 USD per day for a double stroller.

Festival Of The Lion King, A MUST See!

Getting Around Animal Kingdom:

As with all the Disney Theme Parks, Animal Kingdom is fully accessible. And the nice thing about all the trees is it’s probably the shadiest as well. While everything is quite spread out, it is pretty easy to navigate your way from one area to the next, although your day will be simpler if you can arrange your activities and must-dos to go either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the Tree of Life. With little ones, you’ll probably be spending the most time in DinoLand U.S.A., which is fine since you’re right next to the Oasis area and the park’s main entrance. Stroller parking is strictly enforced, and for the big shows like Finding Nemo The Musical and Festival of The Lion King (a MUST see!), the stroller parking areas can get a little crowded. As with the other parks, Disney Cast Members are constantly organizing and re-organizing the stroller parking areas, so don’t panic if your wheels aren’t exactly where you left them.

Great walks for baby’s nap time are the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in the Africa area, Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section, and there’s a small dinosaur walking area beside the Dinosaur ride.

We Liked The Wildlife Express Train. A Lot

Animal Kingdom Rides

Speaking of the Dinosaur ride, it’s awesome. It’s also really, really scary. It does have a height requirement of 40″, but even then if you think your child will be ok, prepare them for the dinosaurs and help cover their ears and eyes if you need to. My 7-year-old kept her eyes shut! There really are only two rides a baby or toddler can go on at Animal Kingdom – the Kilimanjaro Safaris (awesome and totally grab a Fast Pass as soon as you arrive at the park), and the TriceraTop Spin – Animal Kingdom’s version of the classic Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom. TriceraTop Spin’s line usually moves quite quickly, and also in the DinoLand, U.S.A. area is The Boneyard – a play area with mazes and slides that yes, you can fit through as you chase your toddler! The Kali River Rapids has a height requirement of 38″ – it’s really not very scary but you might get very wet! The Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch goes back and forth to Africa – we rode it without getting off (park was not busy) for about four trips – at two-and-a-half, my son absolutely loved it!

Animal Kingdom Dining

As with all the Disney Parks, they don’t blink when you bring in your own food, which is obviously great when you’ve got a baby or toddler in tow.  The Rainforest Cafe is a pretty big draw, and it has entrances both inside and outside the park, Tusker House restaurant in Africa has character meals with Donald Duck & friends for breakfast and lunch, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Asia has Pan-Asian cuisine, and there is plenty of quick-service dining and kiosks throughout the park.

On very busy days you may not save a table in the restaurant if you haven’t already purchased food, but we had no issue getting a table for our party of eight at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand, U.S.A.  The cast members directed us once we had our trays. There are plenty of high chairs (the larger, open wood kind), and strollers are not allowed inside most restaurants.

The kids’ meals automatically come with carrots or grapes and milk, and if you would prefer a different (read: less healthy) side or drink you must specifically request that substitution.  The restaurants do not have the means to heat bottles, but that brings us to the Baby Care Center…

This Way To Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center!

Animal Kingdom Baby Care Center

Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center is located on the way to Africa - on the left-hand side just past Pizzafari restaurant and before the bridge. The First Aid Center is located there too, as are companion restrooms. Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center is very spacious – probably the biggest and certainly the best equipped in terms of items for purchase but no toddler toilets! There’s a nursing room, a large changing room, a feeding room with a microwave and highchairs, as well as a decent selection of baby care items available to buy (diapers biggest size is 4). In fact, even the vending machines in the park’s restrooms sell a reasonably priced “diaper emergency kit” for sale. And though Animal Kingdom is a decidedly less-bustling theme park, a visit to the Baby Care Centre allows you all a bit of cool and quiet and a break from the heat and the people.

Tips For Animal Kingdom With A Baby Or Toddler

The Tree Of Life, Animal Kingdom

•Since Animal Kingdom is large, and the attractions are spread out, it is certainly possible to do a full (slower-paced) day here. Plan your must-dos and must-sees in advance, get your Fast Passes out of the way first, and take your time.

•Because Animal Kingdom is further out, leaving for a nap in the middle of the day is probably not the best use of your time. Plan for a stroller nap in one of the park’s lovely walking areas, or make it a shorter day and spend the morning or late afternoon back at the hotel by the pool. Since mornings are cooler, the animals are more active early in the day rather than later. If you’re staying on Disney property and there’s Extra Magic Hours available in the morning for Animal Kingdom – take advantage!

•The full-time character meet and greets are at Camp Minnie-Mickey and in DinoLand U.S.A. – you can quickly check the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” apps to see who is where. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade does the circle around Discovery Island every afternoon, and is great fun to watch.

•Take a picture of your kids in the morning of your visit, and make it clear to them (if they are old enough to understand) exactly what they are to do should they become separated from you. You can establish a meeting spot with older kids, and for little ones, finding a Cast Member who works at one of the shops or rides is the best course of action. The Cast Member will first contact Lost Children and register any information that they have, including the child’s name, age, location and a parent’s name, and then try to retrace the child’s steps and see if a meeting spot was established. Next the lost child will be taken to the Lost Children Center, which in Magic Kingdom is located next to the baby care center. Attach a tag or sticker your child’s clothing with your name and cel phone number on it, or these wristbands from Mabel’s Labels are a great solution as well.

• Click To Go Back To The Guide To Walt Disney World With Babies And Toddlers
• Here’s a link to pretty much everything Disney on Have Baby Will Travel
• Ready to book your trip to Walt Disney World? Get In Touch!

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NOW I Know What The Badlands Look Like…

Note the “u” in favourite – that’s a dead ringer right there that gives away the fact that I am a Canadian gal through and through. But up until a while ago, I’d seen much more of the rest of the world than of my home and native land. I’m delighted to say that since having kids, that’s starting to change.

My favourite Canadian destinations are pretty much every place we’ve been – some I can recommend more than others depending on the age of your children and the activity level your family prefers. But know this about Canada – it’s safe, it’s clean, and it’s a great place to visit.

Québec City, PQ

Wandering Vieux-Québec)

Québec City was our very first trip with Bub – at just 10 weeks we wanted to stay somewhat close to home and we felt given his age and our daughter’s love of castles, Québec City was a great choice! While it’s most famous for its Winter Carnival, our Canada Day weekend spent there was a wonderful mix of Canada and Europe. While the steep steps and cobblestone streets of Vieux Québec can give you and your stroller a workout, Québecois culture adores children and families – you are welcome everywhere with a baby or toddler in tow.

Drumheller, AB

Bub And His “Rock River” At The HooDoos…

I had no idea anything like the badlands existed in Canada. On our drive from Calgary to Drumheller, Alberta I kept wondering if I’d even recognize them – and my husband kept laughing! Once we crossed over from the prairie the change was unmistakable, and you could imagine you’re somewhere near Vegas or Utah – not in Northern Canada. The drive from Calgary is short – well under 2 hours – and there’s more than just the Royal Tyrrell Museum to check out. The real highlight of that trip for my kids was climbing the HooDoos, and the highlight for me from that stop was watching them climb the HooDoos (in between nail biting, of course!) While you could easily tote a baby along for the ride, older toddlers and preschoolers will get the most out of the museum and exploring the landscapes – not to mention the pool in the motel!

Toronto, ON

Centre Island Ferry, Toronto

Come on… we live here for a reason! I’m rare in that I was born and raised here in Toronto, but my husband as a transplanted Albertan is now officially (begrudgingly) a Torontonian raising two Torontonians here. This city is not only home for me, but it is our playground that we explore during all four seasons – Toronto with kids is awesome. We’ve had plenty of summer staycations here, and though we ARE the centre of the Universe when it comes to Canada, we’re also so close to so many beautiful resorts in Ontario for when you need to escape. Perhaps I’m lucky to be able to say that my favourite Canadian destination is the city that I live in, but that’s why after all our travels I’m always so happy to come home.

Happy to share the Canada love! I’m tagging Lisa Goodmurphy of Gone With The Family, Deborah Peniuk of Aya Life and Christine Duncan to tell you why they think Canada is amazing!

(And follow the series on Twitter: #MyCanada)

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Because Kids Are Vacationers Too!

I was delighted to hear about Thomas Cook’s Kids First Family Vacations, since it marks the first time a travel company has actively created family getaway packages that not only take the guesswork out of travel planning, but also offers incredible value in the form of gift cards, discounts, and other premium inclusions like advanced seat selection and airport lounge passes that really makes life easier for traveling parents! Destinations and accommodations have been pre-selected to ensure they are safe, clean, and welcoming to every member of your clan.

Let’s Talk Family Vacations – It’s A Twitter Party!

On Wednesday February 6 and 13 at 9pm ET, pop on to Twitter to join me, the lovely Candace Derickx from Life in Pleasantville, and Thomas Cook  to chat about family vacations, learn tips and tricks for managing the journey, and share our favourite family travel memories. By simply participating in the conversation using the HashTag #TCKF, you can follow along and be eligible for some great giveaways!

Join Us!

Let’s talk family vacations with family travel experts Corinne McDermott, Candace Derickx, and Thomas

When: Wednesday February 6 & 13, 2013 @ 9pm EST

Where: #TCKF

Why: Great conversations about family travel, and great prizes to put towards it!

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Epcot’s Spaceship Earth

Epcot opened as Epcot Center in 1982, and I believe that was my 2nd visit to Walt Disney World. I’m giving away my age when I tell you that I was 11-years-old on that trip, but to say that was my dad’s last visit to Walt Disney World and that he teared up talking about it just shows you the kind of impact a Disney vacation has on your psyche. I remember Epcot opening being a BIG DEAL, and we’re spoiled these days with how Disney continually tops themselves (and so quickly!) with their Disney Cruise Line and Adventures By Disney.

There really aren’t that many attractions or rides geared to small children at Epcot, but it still truly is a wonderful place to bring a baby or toddler. Though it’s almost twice as big as Magic Kingdom, Epcot is quieter, the pace is less busy, and strolling through the World Showplace (especially at night!) is a wonderful way to while away naptime or even bedtime with a heavy sleeper.

Epcot Basics

Epcot is divided into two sections: Future World (East and West) and World Showcase. It is the only Disney World Theme Park to have two entrances. There’s the main one that’s serviced by a parking lot, buses, and monorail that will take you to the Ticket & Transportation Center, and the secondary one off beside the entrance to the World Showcase that connects to Disney’s Boardwalk. You can get to Epcot via Monorail or bus, but the Boardwalk resorts (Boardwalk Inn, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin) offer boats to the International Gateway (Epcot’s smaller entrance), but we always walk it because it’s so short.

Entrance and Stroller Rentals at International Gateway Entrance…

Because there are two entrances, there are two spots for stroller rentals – to the left of the main entrance, and then again towards the Boardwalk. The strollers are the same molded plastic ones as at the other parks (different colour) and rental prices are the same – $15.00 USD per day for a single-passenger stroller and $31.00 USD per day for a double. Disney offers a reduced-rate length of stay rental ticket for a one-time payment for as many days of stroller rental you will need. When you enter a Disney park, show your receipt at the stroller rental location and you will be zipped to the front of the line. The multiple day stroller rental fee is $13.00 USD per day for a single stroller, and $27.00 USD per day for a double stroller. A Kolkraft umbrella stroller can be purchased at Epcot for under $60 – we saw them at the gift shop beside the United Kingdom Showcase en route to the Boardwalk.

Strollers For Sale At Epcot…

Epcot’s hours are usually a little shorter than Magic Kingdom‘s – it really depends on the time of year. The same “Extra Magic Hours” apply at Epcot to Disney Resort guests, and you can pick up the pamphlet with the week’s opening hours as well as showtimes and character greetings pretty much everywhere, or download the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” app to your smartphone. No data worries – all Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts have free WiFi and the apps are free too!

The IlluniNations: Reflections Of Earth fireworks and music show happens most nights – usually at either 9:30pm or 10:30pm (times can be confirmed from the Times Guides around the parks). It takes place on the lake in front of the World Showcase Pavillions, and it is definitely worth a late night. Here is where a Park Hopper pass would come in handy – you can be in one park all day and then go take a break and head to Epcot for dinner and the fireworks. They are pretty loud, and we were able to see most of them from our balcony from the Boardwalk Inn.

Getting Around Epcot

Epcot is a very large (geographically) space, so getting where you need to go can take a while. Fortunately it doesn’t usually get as busy as Magic Kindom, so you’re not dodging as many crowds. There are often lots of interesting things along the way – sidewalks that light up, an awesome fountain, etc. – that can easily distract you. We’ve found we never get around Epcot as quickly as we think we will. As with the other parks, though, you’re wise to determine the things you simply can’t miss, and do those first. Our favourite is The Seas With Nemo & Friends – we typically head there first, go on the ride, and spend a while in the aquarium – we have a picture of us in Bruce’s jaws from every visit, and the kids can’t get enough of Turtle Talk With Crush. It’s really good!

Bruce Is Our Friend!

Epcot Rides

There are not that many rides at Epcot, and really the only one that’s good for wee ones is the aforementioned The Seas With Nemo & Friends. However, once your child is tall enough (40″), Soarin’ is awesome and not too intense. Other rides at Epcot with height requirements are Mission Space (44″), and the brand new Test Track (40″). There are lots of fun, interactive areas inside the iconic Spaceship Earth, as well as ImageWorks in the Imagination! building. Captain EO might be too scary for little ones.

Fast Passes are also available at Epcot, as is the Child Swap option for grown-up rides. Definitely do Fast Pass for Soarin’ and Test Track, those are the busiest attractions at Epcot by far.

Epcot Dining

Meeting Aurora At Epcot’s Princess Lunch…

The big draw for us with Epcot is the food. While there is great dining throughout the park, every single pavillion in the World Showcase has dining – usually more than one as well. As we’ve stayed at resorts in the Boardwalk area a few times, often (thanks to our Park Hoppers) we’ll nip over to Epcot for dinner. The kids love the Quick Service Chinese Restaurant (Lotus Blossom Cafe), and the Princess Character Meals at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway is excellent and well worth the time and effort to get reservations. We had the Princess Lunch, and it was a great selection of food, the desserts were awesome, and my daughter was delighted as the Princesses come by each table and spend a decent amount of time with each guest. Character meals are great fun but they must be booked well in advance.

Epcot Baby Care Center

Entrance To Epcot’s Baby Care Center…

Epcot’s Baby Care Center is off on its own little nook en route to Mexico as you approach the World Showcase from the main park. It is surprisingly large for the size of the park, and when I popped in midday on a Saturday it was completely empty. As with the Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom, there is a main lounge with high chairs, tables, toys and movies, a nursing room, and a change room. No tiny toilets at Epcots Baby Care Center – it seems MK’s is the only one with that distinction. there is also a large kitchen area with facilities for you to heat bottles and food, as well as a number of baby and baby care products should you run out or forget something.

The Epcot Baby Care Center was so clean, spacious, and cool, I could see just coming by with your kids for a chill-out if the heat and hustle is proving to be too much.

Tips For Epcot With A Baby Or Toddler

-Epcot’s Character Spot pretty much guarantees good character greetings (Mickey and Minnie!) without the usual super-long wait in the heat. And the heavy hitters are always there. Character greeting times elsewhere in the park are listed in the daily times guide, as well as on the Mobile Magic and My Disney Experience free apps.

-Once your toddler enters the preschooler phase, they might enjoy getting their Epcot passports (available in the Epcot shops) stamped at the “Kidcot” stations around the World Showcase. Or you could make one or use their autograph books.

-Consider a stroller even if your child is older and is used to a lot of walking. There is A LOT of walking at Epcot.

-As with all park visits, have a plan in case you become separated. Take a picture of your kids in the morning of your visit and attach a tag or sticker your child’s clothing with your name and cel phone number on it, or these wristbands from Mabel’s Labels are a great solution as well.

-Take the time to smell the roses. Epcot has lovely gardens, and often has special events surrounding food, wine, and their famous gardens. Take advantage of these events when your little ones are little, chances are they won’t be interested when they’re older.

• Click To Go Back To The Guide To Walt Disney World With Babies And Toddlers
• Here’s a link to pretty much everything Disney on Have Baby Will Travel
• Ready to book your trip to Walt Disney World? Get In Touch!

The post Walt Disney World Guide – Epcot With Babies & Toddlers appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.