Embarking on a Walt Disney World adventure with a toddler in tow is like stepping into a storybook where magic and smiles are around every corner. However, navigating the Most Magical Place on Earth with little ones requires a bit of planning and some pixie dust. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your trip with your toddler as enchanting as the fairy tales!
Pre-Planning is Key:
Before you even pack your bags, it's essential to have a game plan. Use the My Disney Experience app to familiarize yourself with the park layouts, attraction locations, and wait times. This can help you strategize which attractions are a must-visit for your little one and identify quieter areas for breaks.
I have a strategy called “Give me 5”. With this, I recommend making a list of your top five must do’s in each park. Sit down before your trip and make note of rides and attractions you don’t want to miss. Then, I recommend making those 5 attractions your first priority each morning of your trip.
Embrace the Magic of Slow Travel:
With toddlers, it's more about the journey than the destination. SLOW DOWN! It is not a race, so be present and take in everything around you. You will be amazed at the tiny details that Disney has all around you that you miss during the rat race of navigating the parks. Allow time to soak in the sights, sounds, and magical experiences, rather than rushing from one attraction to another. Remember, the small details in Disney parks are even more wondrous through the eyes of a toddler.
Utilize the Baby Care Centers:
Each park has a dedicated Baby Care Center, equipped with changing stations, feeding areas, and a kitchen. It's a perfect spot for a quiet break, a diaper change, or a snack time away from the bustle of the park.
Take Advantage of Rider Switch:
If you're traveling with other adults, utilize the Rider Switch service. This allows one adult to wait with the toddler while the other rides an attraction, and then switch without having to queue again.
Click here for more information on rider switch.
Schedule Downtime
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement, but toddlers need downtime. And, honestly us moms need some time to rest too, right? Lol.
One of the top tips I can give when traveling with little ones is to PLAN FOR A REST/RESORT day. I recommend this day to be mid-trip. Not only will you be so THANKFUL you did this because you will be exhausted, but I have other reasons I recommend this as well.
Sleep in! Impossible with kiddos, right? But, majority of your mornings during your trip will likely be starting early. So, use this rest day to sleep in as long as your little munchkins allow you to.
Enjoy your resort! I hate when families spend so much money to stay onsite but do not have the time during their stay to really enjoy all that their resort has to offer. At checkin, I recommend asking the cast member for an activity schedule. There are so many fun things to do when staying at an onsite Disney Resort.
Campfire and S'mores each night
Scavenger Hunts
Play areas
Pools and splash pads
My ideal rest day looks like this: I recommend sleeping in to 9 am, getting ready and going to a character breakfast. I love using our rest day to do a character meal for late breakfast or brunch. There are several character dining experiences at Disney Resorts, so you do not have to have a park ticket. I love this plan because then you are able to throughly enjoy your meal and take your time. And, it does not cut into your time in the parks. Then, after our meal, we head back to the resort to play. I let the kiddos run around at the play areas, swim, and enjoy all our Disney Resort has to offer. Then, at night we may head to Disney Springs or a Disney Resort for dinner. Or, we head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach area.
Pack Smart:
My motto in life: Work smarter, not harder. And, I truly feel as if I implement this into every decision or task I take on. When packing, I do the same. I saw another mom on Instagram post this AMAZING packing hack and I had to try it. Now, I am obsessed and it makes our lives SO MUCH EASIER when on our trip.
When making your packing list, here are a few items that I consider to be Disney trip must-have’s when you have a little one in tow:
Fans: If you are traveling between April to October, portable fans are a MUST. I have a few faves I will share with you here.
Snacks and Drink Necessities:
Sippy Cup/Refillable Water Bottle-Free ice water at all quick service stations.
Placemats- Love these for tables when eating in the parks.
Silicone Straws- Disney has paper straws and they are YUCKY!
Stroller Essentials:
Double Stroller Rain Cover/Single Stroller Rain Cover- LIFESAVER for those Florida rain showers.
Stroller Organizer- Trust me, you need this!
Stroller Clips- I am obsessed with these stroller slips. They are a MUST! I use these to hang our backpacks, shopping bags, popcorn bucket, etc.
To see all of my top recommendations on must-have items for your Disney World trip, check my Amazon Storefront out here.
Capture the Moments:
Don't forget to take lots of photos and videos. These moments are fleeting and capturing your toddler's first reaction to seeing Mickey Mouse or Cinderella's Castle is priceless.
Disney has a photo package called memory maker. I highly recommend this service. I will be honest, on most vacations we never buy photo packages. But, with Disney, it is well-worth it. Disney has professional photographers throughout the parks that will take pictures of your family altogether. And, mamas let’s be real… Our kiddos are always more willing to smile big and cooperate for someone else taking their pictures thank mom is asking. With memory maker, you get unlimited photos. This will be compiled with any pictures you take in the parks, ride photos, ride videos, and more.
Pro tip- Ask each disney photo pass photographer if they have any magic shots. This is a fun way to add some extra Disney magic to your photos.
Be Flexible:
Even the best plans might need to change when you're with a toddler. Be open to adjusting your schedule based on your child's needs and moods. I tell all parents of younger kiddos to be open to the idea that your plans will not go perfectly and you will need to modify what you intended at times. With Genie +, it is a bit difficult to have a schedule set in stone. Because, you do not know what time you will be able to book a ride return time for.
Taking a toddler to Walt Disney World is a unique and special experience. With a little preparation, flexibility, and a focus on the magic through your child’s eyes, you're set to create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, every corner of Disney is designed to spark joy in the hearts of the young and the young at heart. So, let the magic begin!
