Summary of Tips for Visiting Disney World with Toddlers
While there is no one perfect age for a first trip to Disney World, every year millions of families choose to visit with little ones in tow. Since theme park admission is free for kids under age 3, many families try to come at least once before a child’s third birthday.
Visiting Disney World with a toddler? Here are tips for getting the most magic out of your trip.
Stay Near the Magic Kingdom
Of all of Disney World’s theme parks, the Magic Kingdom is the most toddler-friendly, with numerous rides and attractions tailored to little ones. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the new Fantasyland alone.
Given that this is likely where you will spend most of your theme-park time, choosing a nearby hotel allows easy access back to your home base when everyone needs to unwind and recharge. Three deluxe hotels are just a monorail ride away, and the budget-friendly Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is only a quick water-taxi ride away.
There’s no need to lug all of your baby gear with you. Pack ‘n Play cribs and bed guardrails are available upon request at each Disney Resort hotel, and every restaurant has plenty of high chairs.
Go During the Off-Season
One significant advantage of traveling with kids under 5 is that they are not yet tied down to a school schedule. Consequently, you can visit during times when bigger kids are in school, resulting in less crowded parks.
Measure Your Child
Before departure, measure your child’s height while wearing the shoes they will wear at the parks. Check online for attraction height restrictions, to prevent booking FastPass+ for an attraction your child may not be tall enough to experience. Fortunately, there are many attractions without height restrictions at all.
Bring or Rent a Stroller
Wear your comfiest shoes because you’re going to walk for miles. Even if your child has outgrown their stroller at home, having one at Disney World is beneficial. You can bring your own or rent a stroller at the entrance of each theme park. If you need a stroller for multiple days, opting for a length-of-stay rental rate provides a discount on the daily price.
Lock in Times for High-Priority Experiences
In order to maximize your time, utilize a new planning tool called MyMagic+ which combines a smartphone app with wearable MagicBand bracelets. These bracelets contain a chip holding all your vacation components—theme park tickets, room key, ride times, dining reservations—and act as a resort charge card.
This results in a seamless experience starting from pre-trip planning, allowing you to schedule FastPass+ and dining experiences, continuing throughout your stay at Disney World.
Take in Some Live Shows
Disney World provides an exceptional range of live entertainment featuring beloved characters and captivating music. Since shows typically last less than half an hour, they cater perfectly to toddlers’ short attention spans. If you must choose just one, prioritize the Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, known for its stunning costumes, delightful songs, and a remarkable combination of pageantry, puppetry, and acrobatics.
Take Advantage of Baby Centers
Every one of Disney World’s theme parks features a Baby Care Center equipped with changing and feeding stations, as well as private nursing rooms with rockers. Essentials such as disposable diapers, baby bottles, formula, and other baby supplies can also be purchased at a nominal cost. Additionally, all restrooms, including men’s and family restrooms, have baby-changing areas.
Build in Downtime
To experience the parks with minimal crowds, plan to arrive early and break in the middle of the day for lunch, afternoon naps, or relaxing at the pool. You can return to the parks in the afternoon once everyone has had time to recharge.
Pack Wisely
Stay prepared for the Florida sunshine and warmth. In your day bag, include extra sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a light sweatshirt for cold, air-conditioned theaters. Each park features splash pads or misters where little ones can cool off, so consider bringing your child’s swimsuit or an extra change of clothes.
Add a Pinch of Pixie Dust
Take the time to explore unique experiences that are especially memorable for toddlers, such as getting a first haircut (with commemorative mouse ears) at Harmony Barber Shop or meeting favorite Disney characters, as well as selecting a character dining experience.
Book a Sitter
If parents seek a night out without their little ones, in-room babysitting is available for children ages six months and up through the independent childcare provider Kids Nite Out. For further information and reservations, call 1-800-696-8105.
