Taking a toddler to Disney can be tricky. Let’s be honest: they’re completely unpredictable. One minute they have all the happy energy in the world, and the next they’re having a complete meltdown. And yet it is definitely possible to take a toddler to Disney and still have a great time. My 20 month old son has been to the Disney Parks four times (so far), and I’ve learned plenty of tricks along the way (mostly by trial and error). Here are my top 12 tips to taking a toddler to Disney (and surviving to tell the tale).
1) Compare Transportation Options
Will you be driving or flying? There are pros and cons associated with each, so consider how your child reacts to the different transportation options available to you. Try not to fly in on a red-eye or leave too early in the morning – you think they’ll just sleep through it, but there’s a chance they won’t and it will make the rest of the day miserable. Aim to make them as comfortable as possible while traveling and minimize disruption to their routines.
Also consider transportation to and around the parks. With a toddler you’ll most likely use a stroller, and these must be folded up to ride any Disney buses or trams (unlike the monorail or certain ferries). If you’ll be using any non-Disney transportation, such as a cab or Uber, be sure to bring your own car seat.
2) Choose the Right Room
Picking the right resort will make a huge difference in how your vacation goes. One of the biggest challenges we face in hotel rooms is getting our little guy to sleep. He’s used to having his own space. One way to remedy this at the Disney Resorts is to book a room large enough to put the pack ‘n’ play behind a partial wall or curtain (Moderates and Deluxes have this setup). Another way is to book a suite, which will give the toddler a quiet area and allow you to stay up as late as you wish.
Also keep in mind the location of your hotel. You’ll want to be as close as possible to the parks so you can return to your room quickly if your family needs a break.
3) Pack the Essentials
Being prepared with supplies is key to a stress-free trip. Let’s go beyond the basics here and look at the special items you may want to have on hand when traveling with toddlers:
- Baby Wipes
- Diaper Changing Supplies
- Comfort Items for Sleeping (e.g. blanket, stuffed animal)
- Stroller Cover & Tag
- Toddler Cup (e.g. 360 cup, sippy cup)
- Favorite Snacks
- Extra Outfits
- Swim Diapers
- Toys & Activities
- Baby-Safe Sunscreen
- Ziploc Bags (gallon-sized)
- Baby Carrier (e.g. ErgoBaby)
- Pack ‘n’ Play Sheets
4) Learn Your Resources
Here are the two most important things to locate when you enter the parks: the Baby Care Center and First Aid. They are located next door to one another.
The Baby Care Centers are great for anyone with young children. They offer mother’s rooms (for nursing moms), large changing pads, child-sized toilets, high chairs, microwaves, play areas, and basic baby/toddler supplies (available for purchase). They’re great when overstimulated kids need a quieter break out of the heat.
The First Aid Centers offer over-the-counter medications and basic first aid supplies (such as bandages for when your adventurous toddler falls racing to his favorite character). They can also direct you to medical care providers if someone falls ill.
Also good to know is that the Disney Resort hotels keep pack ‘n’ plays, cribs (select hotels), and bed rails in stock, so be sure to request them at check-in if you need them.
5) Get Familiar with the Attractions in Advance
Take some time to research the attractions and shows before you head to the parks. The big factor will be the height requirements, as certain attractions are limited to guests 32″-48″ or higher. Disney is very strict on these requirements due to their commitment to guest safety. Parents can use Disney’s Rider Switch service to enjoy the more thrilling attractions while the little ones enjoy nearby rides fit for their size.
Also keep in mind the temperament of your child. While Haunted Mansion has no height restriction, it can be frightening to some children. This applies to certain shows as well (Fantasmic! is amazing, but does have a few villains and a gigantic, fire-breathing dragon at the end).
But don’t worry – there are plenty of attractions and shows at the Disney Parks that are perfect for all ages!
6) Choose Feasts Fit for a Toddler
Have a picky eater on your hands? First of all, pack some snacks to bring along that you know they’ll enjoy. This way you won’t have to stress about getting them to eat something and you’ll also have an easy way to distract them in lines or while traveling.
Next, know that children under 3 dine for free at buffets and family-style restaurants. The best part? Most of the character meals fall into these categories! If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan these are a great way to get the most value out of your vacation package.
You can look up menus in advance to make sure there is food available that your kids will be willing to eat. Even some of the “fancier” restaurants offer a range of kid’s meals sure to fit any palette.
7) Remember: Play is Just as Important as Rest
When we first started taking out little guy to the parks, we knew to plan time for naps and meals. What we forgot is that the older he got, the more he needed free time to run around and burn off energy.
While it’s convenient to keep the kids contained in strollers, be sure to plan some time to let them run free. Each of the parks offers dedicated play areas or open spaces that are great for little them run around or climb without getting in anyone’s way. The best times to do this are in the afternoon or right before meals.
8) Have a Nap Plan
Speaking of naps, make sure you have a plan to make them happen. If your toddler is content to nap in his/her stroller you may not have to leave the parks during the day. Bring a light blanket with you and plan to spend the afternoons in quieter areas of the parks or taking advantage of Rider Switch.
If your child won’t nap without a bed, be sure to choose a resort as close as possible the parks. This will cut down on transportation time and maximize your time enjoying the rides and shows. Choose a family suite or a room with a separate area to lay your child down so that the rest of the family can be free to do what they like (or take a nap anyway – it’s vacation after all).
9) Keep Them Entertained
It goes without saying, but when the toddlers are happy, everyone’s happy. Pack supplies to keep them entertained while traveling and while waiting in lines. These can include snacks, coloring/activity books, videos, or small toys. Try packing a few novelty items that they haven’t seen yet, since they’ll make for a fun surprise mid-trip.
Interactive games such as “I Spy” or charades are always a lot of fun and get the whole family involved. I suggest avoiding the noisy, light-up toys for sales during parades, as they can be disruptive to guests around you (bubbles are a pretty good alternative).
10) Be Flexible
You can have all your plans laid out perfectly, but toddlers can be completely unpredictable. Give yourself room to be flexible. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t make any reservations, but it does mean you shouldn’t plan everything back-to-back.
Plan the items on your “must do” list for the times your toddler is usually in the best mood (in our case that’s in the morning). Be prepared to leave a line and return later if the situation calls for it. Limit table-service meals to one per day so you don’t overwhelm the kids with too much time sitting in one place (and use quick-service meals for the rest of the day).
11) Set Your Expectations Correctly
Speaking of being flexible, be aware that you won’t be able to experience everything in the parks with a toddler in tow. This is especially true if it’s your first visit or your first time visiting with a little one.
But here’s the thing – you don’t have to ride every ride to have a great Disney vacation. Keep a “must do” list of the attractions that are most important to your family and consider anything else a bonus. Be prepared to take a slower pace overall.
12) Enjoy the Moments
I get asked all the time why we bother taking our young kids to the Disney Parks. The truth is it can be stressful at times and they’re not going to remember it long-term (at least at our son’s age). But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I love watching my kids experiencing the parks at these ages. Everything is pure magic to them and they are fascinated by their favorite characters. I have photos we’ll cherish forever, and memories that will last long enough for me to tell them all the stories they may not remember themselves.
The most important tip I can give anyone for a Disney vacation is to simply enjoy the moments as they happen. Things may not go exactly as planned, but if you’re together and having fun then that’s all that matters.
So does taking a toddler to Disney still sound like a lot of work? I’d love to help you out. I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations. My goal is to take all the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. When you book with me all of my services are included at no additional cost!
Let’s see how we can design the perfect trip for your family, toddlers and all. Contact me to request a free quote and consultation for your next Disney vacation!
