Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides withĀ your most fertile ovulation days, you'llĀ increase the chances of conceiving.Ā Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    6 Easter Egg Science Experiments for Kids

    Smarten up your annual Easter tradition with these easy, educational egg dyeing ideas.
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Fun
  3. Family Vacation
  4. Theme Parks
  5. Disney World With Babies And Toddlers

Disney World With Babies And Toddlers

By Ellen H. Parlapiano and Jessica Hartshorn
April 16, 2009
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
The best strategies for tackling this massive amusement park with little tykes in tow.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Heading To Disney World

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

Heading to Orlando and the home of Mickey? There are two ground rules -- magical mantras, if you will -- for taking on the World, no matter how old your kids are:

* Go in the off-season. Parks are least crowded in January, September, October, and the first two weeks of November and December.

* Sample selectively. Take in just enough so that kids are enchanted, not exhausted.

How Long To Stay

Two or three full days in the parks is ideal -- you'll get a taste of the magic without over-stimulating your tot (or breaking the bank).

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What to Bring

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

1. Stroller

Bring your own, rather than renting one, so your child has a familiar and comfortable place to nap on the go. A sling or back carrier is helpful, too -- especially in waiting lines, where strollers aren't allowed. The entrances to most attractions have stroller parking, where you can leave yours while you get in line. Just be sure to take valuables with you.

2. First-Day Essentials

Pack a carry-on bag with bathing suits, a change of clothes, extra diapers, formula, and baby food in case your luggage is delayed. It's also helpful to tote pocket-size rain ponchos (find cheap ones at your local discount store); midafternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What to Leave at Home

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

Everything else. Disney resorts provide cribs and high chairs for free; fridge use is free at deluxe and moderate resorts, and $10 at value properties. Lighten your load by shipping supplies such as diapers, baby food, and sunscreen to your hotel, or order from GardenGrocer.com or Diapers.com and have them delivered. Try not to buy anything at the hotel or park; there's a huge mark-up. You can get by without a car, too. If you're staying at one of the Disney resort hotels, take advantage of the free Magical Express airport shuttle and the speedy transportation to and from the parks. Many off-site hotels also provide busses to and from the Disney parks.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Where to Stay

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

If you're willing to spend a little more for convenience, choose one of Disney's three on-site monorail resorts: the tropical Polynesian, the elegant Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or the recently renovated Contemporary (its luxurious Bay Lake Tower rooms feature a kitchen, washer, and dryer). The monorail is ideal for families with babies in tow -- it guarantees a quick trip back to your hotel for a midday nap, clothing change, bath, pumping session, forgotten item, etc. Staying on-site also entitles you to Extra Magic Hours, which let you enter the parks early (a lifesaver if your baby rises with the sun) or stay late on designated days, and free Magical Express airport shuttle service to and from your hotel. You get those same great services in Disney hotels that aren't on the monorail as well, including "value" properties such as the Pop Century Resort. If you want stay off of Disney property, aim for a suite with a kitchenette so you can fuel up before you head for the parks. The Embassy Suites Orlando -- Lake Buena Vista is a good choice, as is the Orange Lake Resort, now part of the Holiday Inn family.

  • Need help narrowing your hotel options? Click here to buy our favorite Disney guidebook.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Plan Your Day

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

Crowds are lightest first thing in the morning, so appreciate your early-rising infant and get to the parks when the gates open. Spend the bulk of your time in the Magic Kingdom -- especially Fantasyland, where attractions are most baby-friendly. Prevent tantrums by having plenty of snacks and toys on hand (you know this already) and by building multiple breaks into your day. Keep in mind that a 1-year-old will get a thrill out of just sticking his hand in a fountain or watching a group of ducks -- there's no need to rush from ride to ride with a small fry who really lives in the moment! Head back to your hotel by early afternoon for some downtime before dinner. If you have a child who will sleep well in a stroller or carrier, return to the park for the evening Main Street Electrical Parade and the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show. (You'll love them!)

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What to Bring to the Parks

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

When heading out for the day, make sure you slip these essentials into your diaper bag: formula, diapers, sunscreen, baby food, snacks (individual packages of crackers and cereal are easiest), juice boxes, a recyclable water bottle you can refill at fountains, your baby's bathing suit, and a change of clothes. But if you run out of something, don't panic. Each of the major Disney parks has a Baby Care Center where you can purchase some emergency supplies, and also change and feed a baby in quiet comfort. (More on that later!)

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Must-See Attractions

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

When you first enter the Magic Kingdom gates, grab a brochure that lists the times for that day's parades and shows. Next, Mickey and Minnie greet guests just past the gates on the right, inside the Town Square Theater. It's nice to get that photo opp first before you head down Main Street and through the castle to Fantasyland. You'll want to catch classics like the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, It's a Small World, and Mickey's PhilharMagic (a whimsical 3-D movie featuring classic Disney characters and songs). If your girl is all about the princesses, check your brochure for the times of the "Rapunzel Play and Greet" in the Fairytale Garden, in front of the castle.

A note: Fantasyland is under expansion, and will be growing larger in stages through 2013. Plans include new spots for the princesses, a larger Dumbo ride in a new area called Storybook Circus (opening early 2012), and an Ariel attraction similar to the one that opened in Disneyland.

When you venture out of Fantasyland, go where the crowds aren't. Lines tend to move fast for the Enchanted Tiki Room (in Adventureland) and at Country Bear Jamboree (in Frontierland). Kids just love those singing birds and bears!

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Take Advantage of the Rider-Swap Program

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

While tamer, slow-moving rides are best for this age group, that doesn't mean you (or older kids) must miss out on wilder ones, such as Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. Simply ask one of the Disney employees managing the line about the rider swap. Here's how it works: One parent goes first while the other waits with baby; then you switch so the second parent rides without standing in line again. The employees will help you coordinate it.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baby Care

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

When you need a calm place for nursing or changing baby, duck into Magic Kingdom's Baby Care Center, tucked right behind the Crystal Palace restaurant. Each of the Disney parks has these centers, which are equipped with rockers, swings, high chairs, toys, videos, and essentials such as baby food, formula, diapers, and wipes available for purchase. Certain rides can also provide a cool and peaceful respite for nursing or napping. For example, in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, the Carousel of Progress and Tomorrowland Transit Authority are both dimly lit, with soothing motions that lull kids to sleep. If your child conks out in the stroller, use the downtime to shop in one of the Main Street stores or relax on a bench in the shade.

  • For a description of where to find Baby Care Centers, click here.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What and Where to Eat

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

With tiny kids, it makes sense to make two meals of the day fast ones, and only go for one sit-down restaurant meal. Kids under 3 eat free when sharing from your plate; if they want their own meals, you can order healthful options off the children's menu. All of Disney's quick-service restaurants offer kids' meals with fruit or veggies on the side and your choice of juice, water, or low-fat milk. Fries and sodas are available, but you must request them. The best quick spots for antsy toddlers include Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland, and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. For wholesome, between-meal snacks, hit the fruit stands throughout the parks.

For a sit-down meal, buffets are bountiful and give you a chance meet characters. Winnie the Pooh and friends work the crowd at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey and friends are at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort, and friends from Disney preschool shows like Little Einsteins host breakfast and lunch at Hollywood & Vine, in Disney's Hollywood Studios. For a family-style meal without characters, try the hearty Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom. There are also plenty of restaurant options in Epcot; the princesses host meals in the Norway section. Book your sit-down breakfast, lunch, or dinner by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

  • To find all your dining options in Walt Disney World, start here.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Fear Factor

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

Some toddlers do freak out when they see Disney characters up close. Just think about how gigantic they must seem to tiny tots! If your baby seems shy, try viewing Mickey and his friends from afar in the afternoon parade. Kids will feel more secure if they can wave or call out to their favorites from a distance. Keep in mind that your child might also be upset by loud noises (fireworks, for example, or the roar of cars at the Tomorrowland Speedway) or dark attractions, like Snow White's Scary Adventures, where the witch pops out several times. Start with the also-dark but witchless Peter Pan ride to gauge your babe's tolerance.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What a Character!

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

Kids this age often want to be the characters they know and love. Disney is happy to oblige, starting with costumes sold all over the parks. Take it a bit further at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located in Cinderella's castle, where for a chunk of change ($50 or more) your little girl, age 3 or older, can get a princess hairdo and makeup, or your boy can become a knight (for a much less pricey $15). Call (407) WDW-STYLE for a reservation. Similarly, adults or kids can transform themselves into pirates at The Pirates League, in Adventureland, for about $30. The number for that is (407) WDW-CREW. If you're just looking for a fun first-haircut experience for your baby, check out the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, just past City Hall. You'll get a "My 1st Haircut" set of mouse ears, and the whole thing is under $20.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Babysitting -- Mom and Dad Can Have Fun, Too

Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

One of the best parts of a Disney trip is taking advantage of exhausted kids for a great date night. Disney recommends Kid's Night Out -- an all encompassing babysitting service in the Orlando area. Sitters come to your hotel room with a bag of tricks, full CPR certification, and thorough background checks and screenings. Make reservations for a fancy dinner at California Grill in the Contemporary Resort or Artist Point in Disney's Wilderness Lodge; take in La Nouba, the amazing Cirque du Soleil show created just for Disney; enjoy the dueling piano players at Jellyrolls on Disney's Boardwalk; or grab your park passes, throw on your sneakers, and ride the roller coasters until midnight.

This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and availabilities are subject to change. Please contact each hotel and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before taking your trip.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 15 Heading To Disney World
2 of 15 What to Bring
3 of 15
4 of 15 What to Leave at Home
5 of 15 Where to Stay
6 of 15 Plan Your Day
7 of 15 What to Bring to the Parks
8 of 15 Must-See Attractions
9 of 15
10 of 15 Take Advantage of the Rider-Swap Program
11 of 15 Baby Care
12 of 15 What and Where to Eat
13 of 15 The Fear Factor
14 of 15 What a Character!
15 of 15 Babysitting -- Mom and Dad Can Have Fun, Too

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

Disney World With Babies And Toddlers
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.