Baby’s first Disney trip

What’s getting ready for Disney like with a baby!? It’s stressful, magical and filled with pixie dust! We took my oldest for his first Disney trip when he was 7 months but he went to Disney springs at 3  moths and my youngest was 11 months for his first park experience! He was 4 weeks when he went too Disney springs. I guess you can say a Disney trip before one in my family is a right of passage! In this blog I’ll share my experiences and tips for going to Disney with a child under 1!  

First off make sure you have a stroller that has cup holders and a good size basket (you will need it)! Cup holders are essential for all of the amazing drinks you can get while visiting the parks as well Disney springs. Because my boys were both small when we went we used our travel system (car seat, Stroller combo) and it was wonderful (Please keep in mind that strollers must be folded when boarding a bus, tram and smaller boats you can leave them open on the larger ferries as well as the monorail).  One of the good things was not needing to wake baby up when you get to a dining reservation and they fall asleep on the walk there. Also in most cases it will provide extra shade (stroller shade and car seat shade). In this blog I will share packing and planning tips. 

In a future blog I’ll share my top rated stroller picks as well as the pros and cons) I am gonna pick my 2 favorite for each price point. 

Now, come along for the ride and please keep hands, feet, arms and legs inside at all time and supervise small children ;).

Let’s get started with the planning process! This can be stressful but with a travel agent who has young kids herself there’s no need too worry! I’m here to hold your hand and be your fairy godmother! Here are my top resort picks for those with young children!  

Fort wilderness campground and cabins! Did you know that you don’t need to own a camper or RV to stay at the Fort Wilderness?! You can rent a camper or stay in one of their beautiful cabins! Your transportation options at fort wilderness are boat, bus and minnivan. 

If fort wilderness isn’t your cup of tea let’s take a look at wilderness lodge which is located right across the lake. Wilderness lodge offers wonderful pools, beautiful grounds and a great selection of room categories! Your transportation options are ferry, bus and Minnivan. 

If you want something on the monorail loop your have your choice of Polynesian, Grand Floridian and the contemporary resort. All three of these resorts offer something unique wether it’s an over the water bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian resort, a 1 bedroom suite at Bay lake towers or being club level at the Grand Floridian being on the monorail loop is helpful especially with little ones. Other transportation options at these resorts are ferries, bus and Minnievan. 

If you still want transportation that still allows you to use your stroller but at a more budget friendly price tag let’s hop on the skyliner loop! The skyliner is a gondola that takes you from select resorts to select parks (Double strollers will need too be folded in order too fit). 

First resort on the list is Disney’s Caribbean beach where you can stay in a pirate pollview room over looking the fabulous pool! If you want too stay in a finding Nemo, cars or lion king family suite head over to Art of Animation. If you want something a little more luxurious head over too Disney’s newest resort Riviera where you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast at Toppolinos. Parks that are available VIA skyliner are Disneys Hollywood studios and EPCOT! Other transportation options at these resorts are busses.

If you want to walk too EPCOT come visit Disney’s boardwalk! Along the boardwalk you will be surrounded by amazing food, games and resorts! If you want an amazing pool be sure to check out Disney’s beach and yacht club! Relax is the sandy bottom pool and lazy river! Also enjoy the nice walk to  EPCOT where you will enter through the international gateway and discover the different countries. 

If you don’t mind using the buses and want too see some animals check out animal kingdom lodge!  be sure to get the Savannah view to see the amazing animals! 

Don’t forget those park passes and meal plans. 

Congrats! You’ve booked baby’s first Walt Disney World vacation! Now onto the packing! 

This is where it gets either really fun or stressful! Here are some of my tips too help you! First get those Disney themed outfit picked out! You can find adorable ones at your Disney store, Disney.com, target, Kohl’s and Walmart. In order to save space while packing grab some gallon size ziplock bags and pack each day in there and if you are like me you label what park it is for. Once baby is dressed for the day Just put the ziplock bag in the diaper bag! The ziplock bag also serves as a bag for a spit up or a spill incident! Take the clean clothes out of the bag and place the dirty ones in the ziplock bag. I pack 3 outfits per day. One Disney themed outfit, one back up outfit and a pair of pajamas as shown in the picture. Make sure to squeeze the air out of the bag to really maximize the space! 

Now it’s time to pack the diaper bag! This can be overwhelming (Video to come)! I have the skip hop duo weekender and it’s perfect (this bag is no longer made but I’ll try and find one comparable)! What i love about this diaper bag is the size of it and all of the pockets that are on the inside! I keep a container of wipes in the center, diapers on one side receiving blankets, the outfits , diapers cream and formula. I kept bottles filled with water on the side and extra bottles and bottled water in the bag also. There was even space left over and i was able to get my wallet and wristlet in the big part. My cell phone went In the front zipper. 

Now that you have baby packed it’s time too get yourself packed and on the plane or on the road! 

If you are driving I suggest leaving early in the morning or late at night so baby is sleeping for a good portion of the ride. 

If you are flying make sure baby has a ticket so that they can remain in their car seat for the flight! This is for their comfort and most importantly their safety. Also checking their seat can cause damage or a lost seat. 

Once you have landed at Orlando international Airport this is where the magic begins! Follow the signs for magical express and have a magic visit! 

Target Run

 Hello,

Mara here!! I hope that you had fun shopping with me at Target yesterday. I found lots of goodies but when I got home and tried to add all the links to the corresponding items I was having issues doing this. Granted I am not the greatest when it comes to things with technology So I decided to just put it in a blog where it will live forever!! Some of these items I already have and some of the items I will be purchasing as soon as the camper comes back (more on that in a later post).

Here are the link. (We do not get any commission from anything purchased at this time)

Clear Storage Bins-https://www.target.com/p/12-34-x-12-34-x-8-34-all-purpose-storage-bin-brightroom-8482/-/A-83279887#lnk=sametab

Rubbermaid Dresser-https://www.target.com/p/bamboo-5-compartment-flatware-drawer-organizer-brown-brightroom-8482/-/A-85321767#lnk=sametab

Silicone Oven Mit-https://www.target.com/p/kitchenaid-2pk-silicone-ribbed-oven-mitts/-/A-82110210?preselect=81906181#lnk=sametabT 

OXO 17 piece kitchen Utensil set-https://www.target.com/p/oxo-17pc-culinary-and-utensil-set/-/A-13282566#lnk=sametab

Threshold Microplush fleece blanket-https://www.target.com/p/microplush-fleece-bed-blanket-by-bare-home/-/A-80860895?preselect=80860917#lnk=sametab

Room essentials bath towel (this link also gives the option of hand towels, washcloths and other sizes as well) https://www.target.com/p/everyday-bath-towel-room-essentials/-/A-81953828?preselect=81781665#lnk=sametab

Jersey Knit bedding-https://www.target.com/p/everyday-bath-towel-room-essentials/-/A-81953828?preselect=81781665#lnk=sametab

For the comforter we use our pendelton from Costco and some random throw blankets incase we need something heavier

Room Essentials wide 3 drawer tower-https://www.target.com/p/3-drawer-wide-tower-dark-gray-brightroom-8482/-/A-83359715#lnk=sametab

Crock pot-https://www.target.com/p/3-drawer-wide-tower-dark-gray-brightroom-8482/-/A-83359715#lnk=sametab

Bamboo Drawer organizer-https://www.target.com/p/bamboo-5-compartment-flatware-drawer-organizer-brown-brightroom-8482/-/A-85321767#lnk=sametab

The ziploc organizers that I have in my kitchen at home are from Costco- Item # is 1669036 Seville Classics Bamboo Food Bag Storage Organizer

Rubbermaid bins-https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-66qt-clearview-latch-box-clear-with-purple-latches/-/A-13794509#lnk=sametab

Bug Spray-https://www.target.com/p/babyganics-insect-repellent-continuous-spray-5-oz/-/A-76385707#lnk=sametab

Bubbles- these are a huge hit with my kids and Ranger as well-https://www.target.com/p/cat-bubble-blower-yellow-sun-squad-8482/-/A-86342753#lnk=sametab

I will be updating this list soon and will be giving a tour of my camper and telling you what I love and what I wish was different as soon as I get home! 

Have a great day and happy travels!

Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins

 

 Are you looking to head to Walt Disney World but don't want to stay
in a hotel? Check out Disney's Fort Wilderness resort campground and cabins!
Fort Wilderness opened November 19, 1971 and is built on 750 acres of
pine and cypress trees! When you arrive at the Fort you will head straight to the outpost to check in.  While at Fort Wilderness make sure to stay alert for all kinds of wildlife such as deer, rabbits, squirrels! You don't need to own a camper to stay in one of 799 campsites! You can
rent a camper or stay in one of the 409 air conditioned cabins! The
transportation options at Fort Wilderness are golf cart (must be
rented separately), bus and ferry. There are internal buses that run
as well. Just a friendly reminder that strollers need to be folded on
the bus for everyone's safety and to allow more guests to ride.




While you are there make sure to check out hoop-dee-doo review for
dinner and a fabulous show! Want a wonderful dinner on the day you
arrive or a great breakfast before a fun filled day at the parks?!
Head over to trails end where you can grab some take out of all American
favorites! If you want something quick to take with you head over to
P&Js for some take out (try the burger)! If you get hungry while
swimming at the meadow pool head over to the meadow snack bar where
you can grab some pizza, a pulled pork sandwich or my personal
favorite some loaded chips!! Fort Wilderness is also home to Chip and
Dale's campfire singalong where you get to sing songs with Americas
favorite chipmunks. Make sure to bring your s'more stuff to the
campfire (s'mores kits are available for purchase). Once you are done with the campfire stick around
for the campfire sing along!

If you are looking for fun activities to do during a rest day. One of
my favorite things to do at Fort Wilderness is go "looping". We load
the kids in the stroller, put Ranger;'s leash on and go check out the
different loops and campers. We go in November and most of the
campsites are beautifully decorated for Christmas. Another favorite
thing to do is take the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom and ride the
monorail loop (ticket and transportation center, Magic Kingdom, Grand
Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary). You can take the bus to
Hollywood studios and ride the sky liner loop which includes Disney's
Riviera, Disneys Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century and
Epcot. Be sure to check out Disney's newest Disney Vacation Cub
Resort, Disney's Riviera home to Toppolinos! Don't forget about
Disney's Boardwalk which is modeled after the Boardwalk in Atlantic
City NJ (you wont find any palm trees there). Grab a yummy treat at
beaches and cream then check out the resorts on the boardwalk which
include Disney's Yacht Club, Disney's Boardwalk Villas and Disney's
Beach club resort. Did you know Disney's Yacht club holds the record
for the largest sandy bottom pool!? Storm-along-bay holds 750,000
gallons of sand!! That is a huge sand castle! Finally, head to my
favorite shopping center, Disney Springs! At Disney Springs you will
find all kinds of shops from World of Disney to Rainforest Cafe and Paddlefish. There
is something for everyone at Disney Springs. Grab a beer battered
burger at Cookes of Dublin and then get dessert at Ghirardelli!

Some of the things that we love about Fort Wilderness is the nice
large campsites, the pools, the restaurant options, the location and
much more, We love being able to walk to the marina, walk around and
check out the different loops! Ranger also loves Pluto's dog park
where she can play with other dogs and make new friends!


What are some things I'm not a fan of??! NOTHING!! ITS DISNEY! The
fort is my favorite resort and it is my happy place! Just a heads up it does
fill up very quickly! During peak times the prices can be expensive but the memories will last a life time. We haven't gone since November of 2021 and my oldest still talks about that trip and asks when we can go back.


If you are interested in visiting my home away from home email me
mara@thetravelexchange.biz

Outpost where you will check in

There are buses that you can take to get to different locations at Fort Wilderness

One of the amazing views you have while walk around 

View of Baylake from the Marina at Fort Wilderness heading to the Magic Kingdom

Nice large and CLEAN comfort stations 

Lots of fun activities for the kids to do 

Enjoy the hot tub over at the Meadow Pool

Cool off at the Meadow Pool which is heated for winter swimming

Head over to the Settlement for some great souveniers and groceries if needed

Bring your S'mores kit and make some S'mores at the campfire

Enjoy the nice large campsites

Mara's Marvelous Meatballs

This is a basic recipe I like to think. I do find that the paste makes them moist and adds great flavor.

1lb of meat (your choice I use beef) 80/20 fat ratio

1 red onion (I cheat and get pre-chopped)

1 egg per 1 pound of meat

breadcrumbs

Salt

Pepper

Italian Seasoning

Cilantro paste

Parsley Paste

Basil Paste 

Chopped Garlic 

Preheat the oven your oven to 350. Take your all of your ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl. Mix  everything together. On a large cookies tray lay down some tin foil and spray with a non stick  cooking spray. Once you get your meatballs mixed make them as small or as big as you would like. I have small kids so I make them "kid size". Once the meatballs are made place in the oven 20-25 minutes depending on size. Once they come out you can put them in your favorite sauce or in the freezer.

Enjoy!!!

Welcome!!

 Hello and welcome to Two Camping Mamas!! This thought came to me one summer day while I was driving home from running errands. I was thinking to my self if there can be a car mom and a stroller dad why cant there be two mamas who specializes in campers and maybe two dads who focus on the tow vehicle? That's the day Two Camping Mamas was born! Join us for camper tours, RV shows, trips (we have some really fun ones planned) tips, tricks and some delicious recipes along the way!

We hope that you will follow along! If you see us out and about please don't be shy say hi!!