So you really want to take that Walt Disney World trip, but you’re not sure if your kids are old enough. In our opinion and based on personal experience, it’s never too early to introduce your children to the magic of Walt Disney World. Or course, every child is unique, and only you know your children best - but we’re offering five easy ways to make a trip with babies and toddlers to Walt Disney World stress-free!
Packing The Right Stuff – Gear, Toys and SNACKS!
Packing for young kids can be daunting, but a well-packed bag can go a long way at Disney. First, pack the right gear! Strollers, baby carriers, bottles and extra sets of clothes are all things not to forget. A baby carrier is great to have when the little one is tired of being in the stroller or just needs a change of scenery. It’s also great for waiting in line.
Have baby, must have stroller!
Secondly, toys that can capture their attention while you wait in line for a ride are especially important. Magnetic toys are great! Also, introduce a new toy at Disney or as you’re traveling to peak their interest. And lastly, snacks, snacks and more snacks! Packing your own snacks is the way to go. You can always buy a treat here or there, but it’s great to have them on hand when you need them. They can also be great distracters when you’re waiting in line. So be sure to pack Goldfish, fruit snacks and your children’s fave food items in your checked baggage before your trip!
Baby Care Centers
Forgot something or ran out of wipes? Don’t worry! Disney’s got you covered. At each of the four parks, Disney has an area just for new moms and dads. There you can find baby essentials like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, baby food and more. It’s the perfect place to change a diaper or feed a child in a high chair. There’s even a dimly lit room for nursing mothers with rocking chairs. This is your place to escape if you need to regroup. It’s also nice to know that you can buy essentials if you run out of supplies or decide not to go back to the hotel for a break.
Need to restock? Walt Disney World’s baby centers have you covered!
Taking a Break on the grounds of Disney’s Polynesisan Resort
Take a Break
Speaking of regrouping…taking a break in the day can be very beneficial to all – kids AND parents alike! Be sure to include a break in your park touring plans. With Disney transportation it can be easy to hop on a bus or call a Minnie Van to go back to the hotel for a nap or swim. If you do not want to spend the time to go back to the hotel or if your little one unexpectedly took a nap in the stroller, consider another option – hop on the monorail if you’re at Magic Kingdom and head to the Polynesian. Major bonus: you don’t have to get your kids out of the stroller to take the monorail! The Polynesian has a great selection of food at their quick-service restaurant, Captain Cook’s. After lunch, spend a little time enjoying a Dole Whip and playing in the artificial lawn right outside the lobby. It’s a great place to let the kids stretch their legs – babies, too!
FastPass+
If you’re traveling with babies and/or toddlers, take advantage of FastPass+! Waiting in line with kiddos without a FastPass can get stressful. If possible, schedule your three FastPass+ selections for the most popular rides in the 9 o’clock, 10 o’clock, and 11 o’clock hours. Once you have scanned that last FastPass+, you can secure another using My Disney Experience on your mobile device. Your Beyond Imagination Vacations agent can help you strategize, so that you have FastPass+ selections for attractions that will interest your family the most. For little ones, think Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom; Frozen Ever After at Epcot; Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios; and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom.
Rider Switch
Rider. Switch. Is. Awesome! For rides that qualify for Rider Switch, Disney will let members of your family enjoy an attraction while the others wait with the kids who cannot ride due to height requirements, then you get to switch places. Those who were watching the kids get to enter through the FastPass+ line. If your party, or certain members of your party, has FastPass+ selections for a ride, simply head to the FastPass+ entrance. The cast member will scan the MagicBands of the waiting party, essentially giving them a FastPass+ to return once the first group has completed the ride.
Which tips do you use to navigate Walt Disney World with little ones?