First time with a 1 year old

While I do not have kids, plenty of my friends do and they have mentioned tips and tricks they have used.

1) Most of them used their regular stroller because it is familiar to them among a lot of unfamiliar things and it is a godsend getting through Philadelphia international Airport. You can gate check it and it will be waiting for you when you get off.
2) Getting a regular seat for her on the plane and placing her in her car seat is something most of my friends did as well as my parents when we traveled with my sister many years ago. It will feel like a regular car ride to her.
3) Even though she will only be 1, you may want to prepare her for the costume characters. As you take her to the Philadelphia Zoo often, she should be comfortable with real animals. Maybe take her to Sesame Place and see how she does with Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and company.
4) You may want to rent a car for the whole trip. It will allow you to go and pick up things quickly if you go through it faster than expected and you won’t have to pay the prices of the hotel gift shops.
5) Schedule at least 1 night for just you and your husband to go out alone. As you are taking a longer trip, maybe 2 nights are in order. Don’t deprive yourself of “Mommy/Daddy time” (one of my friends calls it that) as it is good to have time as a couple while on vacation.

For fireworks viewing, if the noise is a concern, you can always head across Seven Seas Lagoon and watch from the beach at the Poly. They pipe in music for the show and you may also catch the Water Pageant Parade on Seven Seas if you arrive early enough.

You've already gotten wonderful advice. Not much more to add really
The one thing I found for me personally was I loved having my baby carrier [I had an Ergo]. I just used a cinch sac for diapers/wipes/extra set of cloths [and a bottle/formula for my first son. Nursed my second].
I liked being more hands free and it was easier for naps. I could kind of keep going/walking while they slept

Have a great time. Most of all, take lots of pictures!! Those are the best memories.

and there is no stroller on the planet that is a perfect substitute for a baby's bed.

So many times I have a seen adults absolutely I want what I want determined to get to every attraction while they push an infant in a stroller around a Florida summer day.

AgentC is spot on about loud noises. On DD's first trip to Walt Disney World, she was about 17 months old. InterCOT held a private event lagoon side at Epcot for the fireworks. The viewing area was amazing. I had been looking forward to this one event the most. As soon as the first "BANG" went off (and if you've seen Illuminations you know which explosion,) she started crying and carrying on. We had to leave almost as soon as it started.

I didn't read all the post so please excuse any repeats. I personally like to bring my own stroller because my DD is comfortable in it and it reclines. make sure you get a cheap Poncho from Walmart to drape over stroller when you go into rides/shows. We went into HOP it was hot and sunny, came out to a drenched stroller. We did a Walmart run on the day of arrival for in room snacks and things. I am not paying to ship items from NY! But that is just me.

Have lots of fun!:mickey: