Disney's California Adventure Baby Care Center

After this summer's opening of Cars Land, the Baby Care Center in DCA got an upgrade. First Aid and the Baby Care Center were once housed together as Cars Land was under construction.  You may now find the First Aid at the Front Entrance of the park right next to the Chamber of Commerce (Guest Relations/Information Center)
Sign in and you have access to free bandages, aspirin and other minor over the counter items. A registered nurse is on the premises during regular park hours. If you are a migraine sufferer, the wide open echo space is not a recommended area to help alleviate your pain and discomfort. There are a few lonley benches towards the entrance and an area near the Mad T Party ( this area is not active until later in the day) Try the Animators Academy (Hollywood Land) which is nice and cool and quieter than out in the sun. You might also try to get to Disney's Grand Californian to sit in one of many mission style chairs over by the Grand Fireplace.


The Baby Care Center is not as big as some of the Baby Centers in Walt Disney World but space is tight here in Anaheim. As you walk into the center you are greeted by a cast member who is more than willing to help. The front area is specifically for the Lost Children which has a television  so that children can calm down and maybe watch their favorite character. Children under the age of 10 will be escorted to the Baby Care Center. Children 10 and older may leave a written message here or at Guest Relations.

Unfortunately because of the tight space and there is one Family Companion Restroom, it is really hard to let your children run around while you cool down and relax. The Baby Care Center has limited breast feeding stations and they are working on glider/rocking chairs for mothers who need to rock their little bundles of joy. For parents of older children who are ready for the highchair, you have access to a Hot/Cold Water dispenser and microwave. If you forgot anything there is a limited list of supplies that you may purchase - Cash Only!










As of now there are only 6 diaper changing stations and they are working on re-configuring the room to fit another breastfeeding station and one more diaper station. I really consider this a feeding room and a relief station only. If you really need an area for relaxing, or a place for your little one to nap for a minute, this is not the place. The Baby Care Centers can see about 1000 kids a day at peak season. Your best bet is to go back to your hotel or resort and then come back later. In Walt Disney World this is a little harder to do with the Disney transportation system being so large and that many guests are not staying on property so you have a little more slack to relax in the centers. Although I am very happy to have a little space to have breastfeed and care for my little ones, these centers are 100% better than some others.

Disney Baby is thinking of you!

Whether you are expecting your first or third child, Disney Baby is there to help you through every stage.
Disney has partnered up with brand names that you know and trust. You know Disney would not just put their name out there on anything that they do not believe in. From Graco's Snugfit 30, Safety 1st and The First years higher end car seat/strollers - you will not be disappointed.

 The Disney Baby Store has just doubled the joy and cute factor of shopping for the your bundle of joy. I had the opportunity to use their organic cotton onesies on my daughter last year when they debuted at D23. The soft cotton seem to keep her cooler and comfortable. The double row of snaps helped insure that she had a little more time to enjoy the current size she was in. The Disney Baby website is just full of advice and great tips. Just enough to keep you on your toes and information you never thought of or needed reminding for. It really is an informational site that is in no way biased on the information they want you to have. Yes it is a DISNEY site but they want you to have as much information at this special time. I think that is GREAT!
Just more magical memories to celebrate with each and every milestone for you and your child's life.

Disney will have a few dedicated specialty stores, but you will see little Disney Baby shops inside the Disney Stores over the next few months. The stores will have Bath Time, Feeding Time, Playtime, On the Go, Dressing Baby (which features all organic cotton) and In the Nursery. The many choices of characters and the beautiful color palates will often leave you asking yourself - Which one will I go with? but with the affordable pricing you may just change with the season. (snicker snicker). I will look forward to possibly seeing a baby registry in the near future.

Well Done Disney, Well Done!

KICKS ON ROUTE 66!!!

Now I always thought I was a cool little S2000, 240 horsepower, electronic steering, 6 gears and a 9000 Red Line… Boy was I wrong.  I was making it back from Delaware visiting my Grandpa - he is such an old Ford 250 but what are you going to do 1951 was not good to him.. (he is considered a lemon) He was always telling me to visit some old places of this great country and me being slick and quick decided to pass through some major cities and catch the main highways to get back to California.

As I was heading through the west, I got a call from my buddy, Devon

Montgomery Johnston the Third -DJ for short. Always getting

into trouble playing loud music and such with those tuner cars –( well

he did go to the renowned East Coast Music Conservatory). Anyway - here

he is again busted and doing time in a town called Radiator Springs,

Carburetor County – just east of the Cadillac Range and something that

has to do with an Ornament Valley. (Yeah! had to look on a map – GPS did

not pick it up) And what is with this Bessie is was yammering about?

Interstate 40 here I come, next stop Radiator Springs, I need fuel,

sleep and fun!

After passing a great deal of Bug’s in this Land, I started to roll down

the main drag of this town. To my left there are baby tractors going

dosey doe in circles but then they decide to change turntables and throw you for a loop –This

Junkyard Jamboree is conducted by Tow-Mater – a good ol’ boy who can

whip his hook and rock a joint. I wonder if he would like to go

tractor tipping and watch some Hee Haw. (something I used to do in

Jersey)

To my right is Fillmore’s Taste-In  Filling station – Organic fuel

replenishment. Hmmm I think I will stick with the fresh produce, water

and juices – but still some healthy options (You may want to remember

the water after visiting his humble abode through the 70”s beaded

doorway and the tie dyed light show from under his tent. Stumbling out

from the mist, I am greeted by Sarge, a straight laced gunny with

reveille in his heart – I accidently stepped on to his perfectly

manicured lawn and felt so bad that I bought his “Mother Road survival

kit” Guaranteed that if you break down, this kit will help you get

through the night and maybe the next world war, and he did mention

that it all stows nicely in my trunk. He has some really great surplus

in his SeeBee.

Starting to get tired - Next stop is the Cozy Cone Motel – Checked in

and tried the spicy popcorn and had my churro (ok - I had three), I also received a cute

Cone Shaped souvenir cup. So cute.

Gas gauge was starting to hit the “E”, Sally suggested that I head

over Flo’s V8 for some oil, grease and check up on my coolant.(Grandpa

would be proud) I ordered one of Flo’s  Spit Fired specialties - Pork

Loin with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and a Pie O Ramas… Needless to say I was

already filling out my starboard and port sides with the rumulan drink

I had earlier, I really did not need them to continue to Kling-on - Flo

felt for me and sent me to  check in with Doc Hudson’s, unfortunately

he was not around tonight but I guess I could just get some new cover

up pinstripes from Ramon. This shop is HOT!!  Talk about some great

body artwear to camouflage my beaten tires. After I was decked out

with some new flames, I knew the rubber had to go. (There goes my

savings account fund to the new Avatarland or my Infinity and Beyond

Space flight meeting at the next Death Star stockholder meeting. I

have been waiting for years for this stock thing to blow up so I can

retire)

Casa Della Tires – Whoa! Stop my valves! – this Luigi and Guido know

how to get wheels turning…Hey don’t judge a forklift by the size of

his tower of tires – After I had the special Guido treatment I felt

like I was riding on air. After all this make over, I knew my tuner

crew would not recognize and maybe this is just enough to roll with

them. (I refuse to be considered a nodder!)– But who the heck is this

Bessie.. I am starting to get a little irked by her.

City Hall will reopen in the morning so I decided to go back to the

Cozy Cone. OMG –Who is in the driveway - Lightning McQueen with that

debonair KA-CHOW smile and what a sound that revving engine makes. I

tried to turn on my charm and slide my way past the lobby but was

halted by Sally  – I just got flashed by a Porsche to race. WHAT!!!! I

guess I was a little too aggressive in my body language. (Accidental

back fire-must have been that drink from Fillmore). Are you serious?

It’s been a while since I have shown a Porsche what I can do but this

in the desert and I am so used to asphalt. A good night sleep and I’ll

beat this Ms. Sally Carrera!

As I get pep talks from the locals and a special acknowledgment from

the Sheriff the next morning, I feel good about racing. Ramon thinks I

am looking good in my fresh paint job and the House of Tires did sell

me some good rubber that should hug the road - Deep breath.

READY SET GO! - Hairpin turns, steep banks, a pass by a gorgeous

waterfall and a photo opportunity – who cares if I win or lose, (I

lost) It was all in good fun! As I head back into town with both my

tail pipes low, I pass by the statue founder Stanley – he looked like

an awfully persistent li'l bugger for a two-cylinder but he and his

wife Lizzie seemed to have had a good life together in this little

town so I paid a little homage to him.

As soon as I remembered why I arrived, I see DJ celebrating his new

found freedom under the town’s one traffic light with some dancers – I

putt on over to check out the celebration and loving the Blast from

the Past music he was pumping out, I guess I got a little party happy

becuase I ran into the Radiator Springs Curio shop and broke a great

many tourist knick-knacks.

My punishment – I finally got to meet Bessie.

Have toddlers, will travel to Disney!

Just some tips to help you through your trip to a Disney Theme Park:

Using an outside Stroller Rental Company  A Disneyland Stroller Rental costs $15 per day or two for $25. There are NO Disneyland double strollers. There is one central location for renting strollers, outside the right entrance of Disneyland, opposite side of the plaza from Downtown Disney. Disney Stroller Rentals can be used throughout Disneyland & Disney California Adventure but cannot be taken off property or kept overnight. Disneyland Strollers can and do run out at the parks, especially during peak times. Arrive early if you want to be guaranteed a stroller. If you plan on leaving the park for a break, you may run the risk of no strollers available when you return. Some companies charge a delivery fee - these can be steep so do your research.

REST! - Every day head back to your room to rest, freshen up, or even do a load of laundry.  Having a break during the hottest and busiest time of the day we were able to let our daughter rest , take showers, catch up on the news or sports ;), change our clothes/shoes for the evening weather and dinner… That A/C can be really cool in the restaurants

.

Baby Care Centers – Each park has a Baby Care Center. Free to use, have private nursing areas, diaper changing stations, little commodes/toilets, highchairs. They have hot/cold water dispensers and a microwave for formula and meals. Available for purchase are a few supplies – On one of our trips, Alexis dropped her bottle and it exploded while in line for POTC. $2.00 for a Gerber bottle and we were back in action. While the WDW Baby Care Centers have DVD’s playing – Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure do not. They are small in comparison to WDW. This really shocked me at DCA – it’s a newer park with ability to have better amenities – I only say that because these centers can probably see 700 to 1000 kids during the busy seasons. My goodness the Disneyland Baby Center still has a cloth diaper toilet/disposal in the middle of the changing station. It was a little gross to see.

Taking advantage of the Early Magic Hours – Not only is it cooler and less crowded (not that many locals either), I think that the Cast Members are happier and tend to give you tips for the remaining day, like where to eat lunch that usually has the shortest wait time, or whisper a secret to another Cast Member and that may let you ride on the Lilly Belle or get you to steer the Mark Twain. Inside tips here and there can make your day. Just getting to walk the parks is enjoyment enough for me – hearing the different theme music, smelling the Turkey Legs, Churros and Popcorn makes me happy and hungry…

Don’t stay out to late – Planning on staying for World of Color or the Fireworks? I opted to see the shows towards the end of our week long trips at WDW, but here at Disneyland we go to the parks @ 7PM, this helps keep our little one on a schedule. Most of the families coming to DLR average about 3 to 4 days before heading out – my suggestion is to see the shows on the last night of your trip and ask for a late checkout if your travel transportation and hotel/resort allows it.

Bring Snacks - Carry small, easy items, including fruit snacks, granola bars, crackers, bottled water and juice (no glass). Disneyland and California Adventure both have many places to eat and many options for snacks. Gerber meals, baby food squeezable pouches, formula, snacks and drinks are fine to take into the parks in a small collapsible cooler bag, but anything else - the Cast Member may have to throw it out. A Picnic Area is right outside the Disneyland Entrance gates - make sure you get your hand stamped before leaving so you can re-enter when you’re done.

FREEBIES! - Head to Guest Services and get BUTTONS! Tell them a special story and they may make your little one an Honorary Citizen of Disneyland for the day!.  I started a tradition for my little girl by collecting the buttons and adding them to a felt banner that we got in Walt Disney World.  So from Happy Birthday to Happy Anniversary to Honeymooners! I got them all – Hey they are free and I have yet to be declined for a button! 

I have done Disney alone with our daughter and with my husband – Both options has it’s advantages and disadvantages… Such as shopping, restroom breaks, Quick Service food windows, struggling with a stroller on and off the monorail and trams, and riding the rides alone with your little one. My mommy and me time on The Little Mermaid ride did not end up well…What she ate at The Luck Fortune Cookery ended up on me – Ursala really scared her. It was a long hike back by myself – getting the stroller out of stroller parking while trying not to let anything fall out of my shirt and on to another stroller. Putting a completely freaked out 2 year old in the stroller and trying to get back in the hot sun to the Baby Care center (meanwhile trying to cover up my shirt so not to disgust any other family) I had to wash my shirt and bra in the sink – clean the sink… you get the idea. But I was not going to let that ruin our time – Of course I had a clothes for her but not me – so we continued to Bug’s Land and let her run around in the Princess Dot Puddle Park at DCA. I dried out and she stayed wet and extremely happy.

When Dad comes along, it’s easier to have a wonderful helping husband but also my plan of attack seems scattered. Although we have Premium Passports and have access 365 days – we never know what we are going to do once we are there.. It may be the crowds that make our decision for us, knowing we can come back another day or the need to parent swap while one rides an attraction and the other has to wait - The fastpass we have not tried still.

But one thing is for sure – A lighted toy, a balloon and food is always purchased before we leave the parks.

So when you are out in the parks, you never know where Agent P is going to be!


See you soon!

New to D23 Expo - What a ride!!

So my day started at 6:45AM - Threw myself into the shower and got the little ready to go.. Knowing that I had to beat the traffic on a Saturday Morning in southern California! Gassed up and got there in about 50 minutes.. not bad!



Since this was our first time going - I was a noob or rookie. General Admission tickets are not the way to go!! The floor opened up to D23 members at 9:00am - well that was a big FAIL!!! The Anaheim Convention Center was not very organised and thank goodness the crowds did not get rowdy - lots of complaining (more on that later)



So as we waited to enter the front doors, I made acquaintances with a fellow blogger while Alexis was adamant in throwing her "BaBa" and Blankie at her. Sorry Stephanie!!



Ah yes - we are the move!! Now I am a veteran when it comes to tradeshows and exhibitions and I must admit this was little disappointing. I know "Disney Bloggers" must have media kits and exclusive interviews... but if the show floor opens at 9AM - Everyone gets on the floor at 9AM!! Not 10:30 or 11AM



Anywho on to good stuff!!





In typical tradeshow fashion you go through the fire doors and open your eyes to a whole new world of technology and imagination! Alexis is happy with her 3ft Mickey sitting next to her in her City Mini Double stroller (plug here). We do a quick walk through around the Disney Store, Corporate Pavilion, the Playroom - Wait the Play Room is where Alexis wants out!! Not soon after she hears the click release of her harness - she is off and running! Straight to pull some toys from here and there and then she darts off into the wind.






Happy camper she is! Lightning McQueen is eyeing her and she drops the toys and jumps in. (little Starsky and Hutch action here) She pulls the shifter and spins the steering column.. Meanwhile - mommy is coloring some pages to take home.. Although I love to venture and look for stuff on my own, reading your guide book really helps! I used it to find the bathrooms and food courts.



Many items were on sale from outside retailers, auctions houses and Disney themselves. Travel Agencies, Disney Forums and bloggers everywhere you look. The Carousel of Progress was a great little getaway to see a five minute presentation and current plans for new expansions, rides, parks and the Disney Fatansy Cruise ship!



Fanstayland in WDW is looking amazing - I loved looking at the model alone! There is a "Mine Ride" through where the Seven Dwarfs work.. (really cute) Belle will be have a story telling session and much more.. So much that I will have to reseach it later through my other sources. China is getting a Disneyland Shanghai, Carsland for California Adventure is HOT!!! Can not wait to get to see it in 2012!


Well I need to relax and change the diaper - so off to the Baby Care Center I go.. Up to the 2nd floor of the convention center and in a corner - What do I see a HUGE area for PLAYING!!!! Alexis wants out again and runs off to where she is free. Mary Poppins is on the big screen, private rooms for breastfeeding, a changing area with free diapers - not to bad - especially with a freebie from Disney Baby - free onesie and a teething toy. So we hung out there for about an hour and then did one more round of the show floor before heading home.


I have a new respect fo the Disney Fans that are there! Power to ya'll! If my husband thinks that I am a Disney Addict - he ain't seen nothing yet!! D23 is a great Expo to see other folks, bloggers and the overall community that shares a love for Disney!

What's in your packing list?

Vacationing is great, but packing bags for the whole family is not so fun. Use this vacation packing list to make quick work of packing up the family so you can get on to vacation, without forgetting the toothbrush.

CLOTHING
One casual outfit per day of travel per person (up to 4)
One dressy outfit
One sweater / jacket
Underwear / delicates
Socks
Shoes (athletic, sandal/boot, casual)
Pajamas
Swimwear
Belt
Coat / Hat / Gloves / Scarf

TOILETRIES
Comb / Brush
Deodorant
Shampoo / Conditioner
Hairstyling products
Soap / Face wash
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
Makeup
Razors
Shaving cream
Lotion
Glasses / Contact lens supplies
Personal hygiene supplies
Sunscreen
Nail clippers

MEDICATION
Aspirin / Pain reliever
Cold medicine
Prescriptions

ESSENTIALS
Credit / Debit cards / Cash
First aid kit (travel size)
Camera / Video camera / Charger
Pillow case
Towel
Umbrella / Poncho
Everyday bag (for carrying day items)
Sunglasses
Electrical converter
Travel alarm / Watch
Laundry bag
Cell phone / Charger
Laptop / Charger

DOCUMENTS
Tickets (airplane, train, etc)
Itinerary
Reservations for hotel / Car rental
Directions to hotel
Passport
Identification
Address book
Guidebooks
Map
Travel journal
Lightweight book or magazine to read

AMUSEMENTS
Toys
Notebook / Washable colors
Travel size magnetic board for drawing
Playing / Flash cards
Books
Handheld electronic games
Coloring / Activity books / Pencil
Snacks

Getting there!

Getting there..

Planes, Trains and Automobiles!

Well there are a few choices from California that we could have taken.

Auto was out of the question due to having to stop over very frequently for the baby and finding a hotel each night possibly. Too expensive – fuel was pushing over $4.00 a gallon…

We looked at trains but after Hurricane Katrina – there was too much damage to the train tracks after New Orleans towards Orlando,

My parents did take the train to New Orleans then rented a car to drive on to Florida. They chose a cabin with its own bathroom – which made it very convenient. But being on a train for two days just was not my style even with the amenities. When you are on your way to Walt Disney World – time is of the essence!!

So Plane here we go!!

I had racked up enough frequent flier miles to get my ticket for free.(sales and marketing in a previous life) Alexis was only 8 - 9 months at the time so she was on our lap. The husband’s ticket came out of our pocket.
We opted for non-stop due to baby on board and my husband’s inability to fly much.
After searching everywhere – Orbitz, Expedia… We went with United.

Now if you have never flown with a baby – here is the scoop for flying out of LAX

Due to the fact that we were staying 7 days – that’s a lot of supplies for a infant and even more for Mommy and Daddy trying to make the room comfortable to call home.

I was going to avoid BAGGAGE FEES as much as possible. One bag alone was to carry Alexis’ things going and chances are it was going to be empty on the way back. I decided to ship 5 days of diapers (65) a large can of formula, teething items, burp clothes, some infant clothes, shampoo and body wash, Dawn (to wash her bottles out in the sink), laundry detergent from a local Laundromat (cheaper than on WDW properties). With a baby I knew that we were going to do laundry.
You can ship up to 70Lbs through the USPS. Just under $27.00 to for two boxes! I had sent it to the Caribbean Beach Resort with a delivery confirmation so I that I could track it. Once I knew that our package arrived then I knew what to actually pack. I mailed on Monday and it arrived that Friday and we were leaving on Sunday. Heed of caution – one box was crushed but the contents were fine. I also decided to rent a rocking chair and a stroller in Orlando for Alexis.

Prior to all the packing research, I had to look into the TSA rules. I knew that my baby gear would be scanned – Now having to deal with a 9 month old and a husband who hated to fly – it was all on me to make the security check point as painless as possible. I had Chase hold Alexis and I took out all the identification necessary to pass through. I needed a copy of Alexis’ birth certificate and our driver’s licenses. Meanwhile I had a carry-on bag, diaper bag and a baby carrier.

My diaper bag was considered a carry-on bag! I almost rolled my eyes but then reconsidered – could have been as bad as saying the “B” word on a plane.

Some tips:

• Get there at LEAST 90 minutes before your plane departs
• WEAR Slip-On Shoes or Flip-Flops. Do not put shoes on a baby they will ask you to remove them as well – just keep socks on them.
• DO NOT prepare a bottle of formula before passing the X-Ray – they may test for explosive gases (found that out the hard way)
• Try to keep baby happy… Change the diaper 20 minutes before boarding.
• When changing a diaper on the plane, keep a few gallon size Ziplocs to put the used diapers in – remember the diapers do not flush and you don’t want the diaper to smell up the cabin.
• Have a bottle ready for baby during take off – Cabin Pressure build up can be painful for the little one – suckling will help pop the ears.

For other Travel Smarts – Please check out my page www.citystrollerrentals.com/TravelSmarts

We had chosen to take the Magical Express from the airport with our WDW reservation. Approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure- you will receive the ME boarding passes to and from the airport. You will also be receiving a luggage strip tag per person for your checked bags. If you decide to use them – your bags will avoid Baggage Claim completely and will arrive in your room about 2 to 3 hours after you land.

Very helpful when you land and are a little exhausted from a 5 hour flight not to mention