Top Tips for Traveling with a Baby (or Toddler)

Recently, I have become the go-to tagged person to give some Disney advice for babies and toddlers. I guess it's no secret that we love Disney and do not subscribe to the "wait until they can remember it" thinking. We have taken both boys before they even turned one; Robby made it to both Disneyland and Disneyland Paris before that milestone birthday. Of course they won't remember it, but we will, and we'll have stories and pictures to share. I may be biased, because I was definitely "born and raised" Disney, but if you have the means, take the trip!

Robby in Paris!

While I could go on forever on how to make it the best trip ever, I narrowed it down to my top ten tips for traveling with babies and toddlers to a Disney resort. Let me know anything I missed!

1. Use the Baby Care Centers! These are special rooms located in each park (check the park map for exact locations). They are quiet, cool, and relaxing. I have personally nursed babies many times here, plus they have nice changing areas that are much less crazy than the regular bathrooms. You can also warm food, set your littles up in a proper high chair, and some even have small tables and chairs to let them watch a cartoon. It's a great place to go if you (or your baby) are overwhelmed by the crowds and just need to catch your breath. The staff is always so sweet! You can also pick up any forgotten baby-specific items here, such as diapers or baby food. These are definitely underutilized! Check them out!

2. Bring your stroller! I prefer to travel with my running stroller because it's so easy to move, even though it is pretty big (okay, the double BOB is huge). You might be more of a "smaller is better" person, which is fine too. No matter how much your kid loves to walk or you love to carry them, I think a stroller is just necessary. BONUS TIP: Mark your stroller with a tag, ribbon, or balloon. Did you know that they often move strollers to keep the park traffic flowing? When you exit a ride or attraction, your stroller will probably have been moved. We have a sign that we hang from the handlebar and it helps us find ours easily in a sea of strollers.

3. Baby-wear! Wait, but didn't you just say bring a stroller? Of course, but I honestly do both. Using a carrier while you wait in line or eat at a restaurant (with a napping baby) is the best! Also, for some areas of the park, like Fantasyland, we will park our stroller and walk from ride to ride. Just be sure not to leave your carrier in your stroller; I have heard many stories of sticky fingers taking carriers (so sad, I know).

4. Use rider swap! I really need a write step-by-step how to on this one, but let's just say you can double your fast passes and completely master Disney by using Rider Swap. This program lets one part of your party stay with the little ones while the other rides the thrill rides. Then, you can swap and skip the line so the other party can ride. If you're traveling in a group, the lucky ones can even ride twice. Just see a cast member at the fast pass line entrance and make sure to bring your little one along. They will ask who is going first and who will swap, scan your magic band or give you a pass, and you are ready to swap and have some fun.

5. Plan for regular nap times. If your baby is great at sleeping in a stroller, this can be a great time to get in some rides that have a height requirement. We personally have always done well with having the boys sleep either in a stroller or carrier (versus going back to the room).

6. Know your limits! I think this is more for toddlers than babies, but know when they have just had enough. We have suffered from trying to push Robby a little too much on a trip. Take breaks at the pool. Sleep in. Go to bed early. We all know Disney isn't a relaxing vacation, but find ways to make sure everyone gets enough rest to have some fun.

7. Poop bags are life! If you have a little still in diapers, pack the disposable diaper bags (the small, individual tie ones). Being in a hotel room with a poopy diaper isn't fun for anyone!

8. Pack a reusable shopping bag. If you plan to take a stroller, you will inevitably end up with junk under it, strapped to it, on top of it, etc. To board Disney buses, you have to fold the stroller. We always carry along a shopping bag, then just toss everything in there quickly before folding the stroller. It's so much easier than trying to hold everything or (worse) find a spot to put things.

Ryan's First Haircut

9. Measure your kiddos at home! There are quite a few rides that have a lower height requirement (think Mine Train, not Splash Mountain). Don't set your littles up for disappointment. Know their height, and plan accordingly. Of course, we double checked, but we knew exactly what rides we could go on before we arrived.

10. Make some memories! There are so many special experiences you can do! From character meals to dress up experiences, the list is almost endless. You don't have to add anything on and still have an amazing trip, but if you want a few extras, Disney offers so many options. By far, though, our favorite is the first haircut at Walt Disney World's Harmony Barbershop. Both boys and our nieces have had their first haircut there. It was an amazing experience, surprisingly affordable, and sprinkled with magic like only Disney can do. Make sure you make your reservation ahead of time! They book up fast!

runDisney bonus tip: The kids races are awesome! Both boys have already done the Diaper Dash, and Robby has run the 100m a few times. In the upcoming year, we probably won't do every kids race, but they are another great value and a ton of fun for a race weekend.

I'd love to hear your questions and tips! What is your number one tip?

The Monday after...

The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend has come and gone. We weren't there, but were definitely cheering everyone on from home! I love seeing all the pictures, posts, and stories from friends and strangers alike.

From when I said, "Never again!"

Now that it's Monday, I'm sure some of you (like me) are high on pixie dust and ready to jump into another runDisney event! We are focused on the 2021 Marathon Weekend, with Kate taking on the marathon (her first!!!!) and with me being crazy and doing Dopey just one more time. (Anyone remember 2014? That "one and done" race? I lied, I guess!). We are also going to follow the race weekend up with a cruise, and yes, doing that challenge too. Starting in May we will also be APs, so expect to see us on every course from Wine and Dine 2020 through Star Wars 2021.

Since it's Monday, and we are all motivated, I figured I'd share some of what I'm doing to help coach Kate to the marathon! Here's our January focus:

1. Build a good base and exercise habits. We are both focused on a few runs per week just to get in the habit of getting out there.
2. Focus on nutrition and weight loss. It's hard to lose a ton of weight during a training cycle, and we don't want to have to focus on that when we're already focused on the miles. Dropping a few pounds in the next couple of months will only make training and running easier.
3. Get started with a Disney budget! Maybe not the most fun, but we are both starting to save for our upcoming trips. 
4. Start looking for proof of time races. We definitely want to have a proof of time so we have a little buffer for corrals.

So take that motivation, and let's do something with it. Who's running Disney soon? 

NYC Marathon Update!

Well, the easy part is over--I've raised $500 for Team for Kids and have my entry into this year's virtual NYC Marathon. Now I need to actually run it. Damn.

There is a definite laziness that comes along with a virtual race, for me anyway. I know that I just have to complete it (yes, in an allotted time), so I really don't care at all about my time. I also know that it is 26.2 miles, so even though I have a decent amount of time to do it, I still know it would be best to log some training. At least I know this in my head. In reality, I haven't taken this training seriously at all. Yes, I've done some running, but I would hardly call it training. I've done a few long runs, made it past the half-marathon mark, and even dragged the baby out with me for a few short distance runs. I think I did some speed training once a few months ago.

I had a brief moment of pride finishing my 16-miler, only because I seriously wanted to give up. And now, you can add "being sick" to the list of things against me tomorrow. I've seen a few runners barely make the cutoff and heard of many challenges. Truth is I have no idea what is in store for me. Doing this on your own with no race support, no crowds cheering, no anything is really a big task. I'm getting my fuel ready today, thinking through how I'm going to do my up-and-backs, and planning all the backup devices I can manage because if one fails, there's no way I can do another marathon on Sunday!

So, universe of running, reading, and friends, I ask that you say a little prayer or send a few good wishes to me tomorrow. I hope to report success on the other side!

2020 Marathon Weekend Update!

Well, guess it's time to make it official--we will NOT be at marathon weekend in 2020! Sad faces for days!

There's good reason, though! We are now officially Walt Disney World AP holders, so we have WAY big plans for May 2020-21. This includes a very special running year for me!

As we were getting ready to celebrate Bill's big 4-0, I started to think about my own looming birthday (38 is a few weeks away). I wanted to do something big for my 40th, so why not do 40 races for my 40th? It perfectly coincides with our tenth wedding anniversary in May of 2020 (which obviously means an all-out crazy trip to Disney), so we scooped up annual passes at a discount and we are ready to start planning.

So, no races at the beginning of 2020, but we will be ready to go for 2021. On that note, we won't be coming down for Wine and Dine at all. Super sad faces...sort of! It's because I will be RUNNING NYC!!!! Yes, I have guaranteed entry to the 2020 NYC Marathon!!!!! Yes, I'm still freaking out a little. This is my dream race, and to get to do it as part of my 40 for my 40th is a dream come true!!! More on that later...

So, expect to see lots of support and tips, but you won't see us at the actual race. For those getting ready for marathon, Dopey, and Goofy, it's time to get training! You can find the official runDisney training plans HERE. Best of luck, and I'm always here to help! Who is getting ready for 2020?

To Dopey or Not To Dopey

If you are on any kind of social media these days, the question is up almost daily. "I've never run a marathon (or sometimes even a half), but I really want to do Dopey. Am I crazy?" All the runDisney fanatics chime in with the usual upbeat, "You got this!" comments and we perpetuate the new marathoners taking the Dopey plunge. Friends, don't do it. Let me say that again: DON'T DO IT! And guess what? It's not why you may think.

The Inaugural Dopey Challenge

So first, let's go with the logical explanation, which I'm sure is what you think my reasoning is. A marathon is a beast. 4 days of super early wake-ups. Miles upon miles of running on less than fresh legs. The level of commitment of training to make each race successful. It felt like a part time job. If you have never run a race of more than 13.1 miles, it is an entirely different experience. Taking on a four day challenge when you don't know what the final distance even feels like is a little crazy. To finish these races with a smile, you have a lot of work to put in. Yes, it can be done. Yes, when you register I will turn into your cheerleader and gladly offer my advice and experience. BUT, before you slap down that credit card, hear me out.

The marathon. Let's get real, Dopey is all about the marathon. Some people will tell you to walk everything else. Focus on the marathon and you'll be fine. (I personally ran each race, but did have a strategy that I'd happily share for anyone who wants to listen). The marathon. It is an incredible race. It's something most people will never be able to say they have done. What happens when you stack all those races before marathon day? You lose the marathon. There is nothing in the world like your first 26.2. Why would you want to combine that with a challenge like Dopey? Think about goals. What it feels like to accomplish those big, hairy, scary goals. Why would you want to check all those boxes in one weekend? A marathon on fresh legs is hard. It is its own accomplishment. A marathon will change you. You will be stronger and know that you can do anything. That strength will take you through tough times in running and in life. You will forever be able to carry that strength to your future goals. You will gain confidence, smile bigger, and walk just a bit taller. Take the breath, run the marathon, revel in your happiness, celebrate, come back another time and do Dopey. You will never have another chance to do your first marathon. Do you want to simply survive? Or do you want to train and focus on that race and make each step amazing?

So friends, before you follow the crowd who will all "rah-rah" you and say "DO IT!" think about you, your goals, and how you want to remember your first marathon. It an experience like no other! Hopefully I'll see you there in January, only doing the marathon!

Race Report: 2019 WDW Half Marathon

We're unpacked and back to our normal schedules, which means it's just about time to recap the races! This year, the adults were in for the half (only...) and it was right in the middle of our trip. We already had 3 full days of parks, food, and late nights leading up to the morning, so needless to say, we weren't giving the race our best. With that, I had a blast and it was a great reminder of why I love to run Disney!

My mom stayed with the boys while Bill and I were up early to run (thanks mom!). Disney World races never disappoint with those early wake up calls! We were out of our hotel around 3:45, which is pretty good since we were aiming for 3:30. We met up with Chris and found out that Kate's kidney stones (which clearly did not get the memo that we were on a Disney vacation) had kept her up sick all night. She decided it would be best to sit this one out and come back next year for the full, but that's another post, another day, and a fun prospect for next year!

We boarded the buses as usual. I personally prefer to let Disney do the driving on vacation. I know many will disagree and say take your own car, but I should never be trusted driving at 3 am in a sparkly skirt and ears! We had our hands full with breakfast, bags, watches, headphones--I always look like a hot mess getting on the bus. It was business as usual, minus the bag tags. This, friends, is why you should read your event guide. I freaked out because I was missing my tag, just to find out they label it for you when you get there. Corrals were well organized and we did the long trek, hit a few port-o-potties, and got a little time to rest before we began. I was in corral E, but we got off surprisingly fast. I was in the second wave of this corral. I have to say, I appreciate the waves instead of corrals lined up to P. It's a nice incentive for people to get there early!

The course felt so comfortably familiar! It seriously felt like a homecoming! I was sad to have missed the Cigna meetup the day before (we were doing lots of family stuff and I couldn't bail on them), but it was great to just know I was surrounded by friends.

If you've never run the half at WDW, here's the quick summary: lots of back roads, a little Magic Kingdom, the CASTLE, more back roads, lots of cones, a touch of Epcot (really just a touch), and the finish line. I was lucky to enter MK in the dark and got to see the castle all lit up for the holidays. It is so beautiful, and running up Main Street to the castle may be my favorite part of every runDisney race. The WDW races never have much time in the parks, but in some ways the wide open spaces are nice. There's a few crowding points (hello cone alley!) but overall there's space to breathe and move.

I didn't do many photo stops in this race, but I had to stop for Jack Sparrow. My first big disappointment as a mother--here I was so excited to show my pirate obsessed kid, and nope. Not impressed at all! Of course Daddy got a picture with Lightning McQueen and that was a huge hit! Robby hasn't even seen Cars, nor does he really care much about cars in general. Go figure!

I finished in a respectable, but definitely not goal-reaching or "good" by my standards 2:33:33. Far from a PR and far from where I wanted to be in this race (my initial goal was 2:15), but it felt good, I wasn't in pain or pushing so hard I thought I'd die, and I finished in time to get back to the hotel and help my boys get ready for their big races.

Post race was very well organized: medal, snacks, pictures, bag pickup. Pro tip: pack a lightweight, small backpack in your gear check bag! Those bags are so big and cumbersome. It was really nice to be able to stick all my junk in an actual backpack. I saved the ones we got a Princess and Tink. They are perfect! I wish runDisney did those for every race!

I got back to the hotel with plenty of time for breakfast, waking the kids, getting them ready for their races, and taking the bus to ESPN. I wish I had a bit more time for a shower, but luckily it wasn't too hot for the race.

I do hope to be back next year for the marathon with Kate. We are planning on it, but also seeing how training is going for both of us as the race day approaches. Little kids definitely make this whole thing a lot more difficult!

Did you run marathon weekend? What race or races did you do? How did you do? Any PRs out there?

My Ultimate Packing List

I LOVE planning! I LOVE planning Disney vacations even more! I LOVE lists about planning Disney vacations the best! I've been adding to and working on a HUGE list for our family for marathon weekend. Ever wonder what a family of 4 packs for a race weekend when everyone is running? Here you go!

Food:
Cereal (x 7)
Shakes (x12)
Recovery/preworkout drinks
Shake bottle (x2)
PB&J (x5)
Bagels
Pouches (x16)
Fruit snacks (x8)
Granola bars (x7)
Almond milk
Vitamins (Robby, Aly)
Biotics
Melotonin
Ryan spoons
Bibs (x4)
Pump
Bottle
Bottle brush
Storage bottles (2)

Money:
Gift cards
Small bills for tipping

Carry-on:
Magic Bands
Headphones (B, A, R)
Seatbelt
Disposable placemats
Snacks
iPad
Coloring packs
Running shoes (B&A)
Running clothes (all)
Bra
Underwear (B&A)
Socks (B&A)
Pants (B&A)
Shirt (B&A)
Skirt
Mylar blanket (x2)
Hand warmers (x2)
Sleeves
Compression socks
Socks (x2)
Gloves (x2)
Garmin w/charger
Gymboss Timer
Pacing band
Running belt
Diapers (4 extra for each)
Race waiver

Misc:
Mickey ears (x3)
Stroller
Stroller handlebar caddy
Reusable shopping bag
Stroller tether
Stroller hook
Stroller signs
Bubble machine
Extra bubbles
Extra batteries
Backpack for park
Size 4 diaper pack
Size 6 diaper pack
Wipes (x2)
Water bottle (x 3)
Dish soap/sponge
Diaper disposal bags (x2)
Extra battery pack
Disney book
Printed itinerary
Carrier
Blankets (x2)
Camera, battery charger
Small backpack (for gear check) (2)
Ponchos
Laundry bag
Post card stamps
Addresses
Autograph mat
Autograph markers
Winter hats
Gloves
Daily surprise gifts
Jewelry

Diaper bag:
Size 6 diapers (x6)
Size 4 diapers (x4)
Changing pad
Wipes
Diaper rash cream
Wallet
Phone & charger
Chap stick
Lotion
Extra clothes (x2)
Teething necklace
Bib
Sunglasses
ID for kids
Tissues

Clothes:
Pajamas
Outfits x7
Outfits x 9—Robby
Outfits x 10—Ryan
Bras x 3
Underwear x8 each
Socks x7 each
Bathing suit (one each)
Flip flops
Sweatshirts (B, A, Rx2, Rx2)

Toiletries:
Baby bath wash
Baby lotion
Baby comb
Baby nail clippers
Robby toothbrush
Robby toothpaste
Robby gel
Bandaids
Neosporin
Advil
Baby Tylenol
Thermometer
Headbands
Hair ties
Hair clips
Hair spray
Straightener
Makeup
Brush
Hair pomade
Rock tape
Arnica gel roller
Golf ball
Scissors
Bath puffy
Razor (A)
Razor (B)
Shave gel
Face wash
Body wash
Makeup remover
Tweezers
Nail clippers
QTips
Nail file
Hand sanitizer
Body glide
Powder
Glasses
Extra contacts
Contact solution and case
Deodorant (B, A)