Walt Disney World is a great place to visit with toddlers. There are a lot of rides, shows, and attractions that they can enjoy in all four Disney Parks. Walt Disney’s dream was to create a place where adults and kids could have fun together, and Walt Disney World is that place.
Some tips can make your trip more manageable if you travel to Walt Disney World with toddlers. We will share these so you can have a magical time at Walt Disney World together. Let’s get started so you can be ready for Disney with toddlers.
Try Characters Before Your Trip
A big part of visiting Walt Disney World is meeting the characters. It is magical to see Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Cinderella after only watching them on TV for so long. Although you might have dreams of how magical this experience will be, be aware that your toddler might find the experience more terrifying than magical.
Take time before your trip to introduce your little one to the characters. Start by ensuring they know who they are by watching shows, movies, and reading books. This will help them connect the Disney characters to the stories you share with them.
Next, visit a local ballpark, zoo, or theme Park to see how your little one does with characters at these events. If they aren’t bothered by the mascots, then a visit to Mickey Mouse probably won’t be an issue. On the other hand, if they are terrified, approaching Mickey Mouse with caution might be a good idea—practice before visiting characters in Disney World Park.
Pack Like a Pro
If you have a toddler, you are a pro at ensuring you always have the essentials. Diapers, extra clothes, snacks, water, and so much more are always with you at all times. Although you will want these items when visiting a Disney Park, you probably won’t want to carry a large, heavy backpack all day in the heat throughout that Disney Park.
Instead, consider bringing two bags. Have one more giant backpack to keep one of everything, but leave it with the stroller. Have a smaller, lighter bag that you can have on inline. This smaller backpack is where you can keep the most essential items. Have one diaper, a small snack, and even a small toy for the line.
Don’t carry the huge backpack around all day. Instead, pack smart and use a smaller bag for the lines.
Related: Packing for Disney with the Kids
Bring a Good Stroller
Don’t think your toddler can keep up with all the walking at Disney. Make sure you have a plan for what stroller you will use around the Walt Disney World Resort. If you bring one from home, ensure it is light and easy to fold up. You don’t want to bring a heavy stroller into the Parks. They are hard to maneuver around all the people and are challenging to get on and off the buses. Consider a stroller that is small and reclines. This will allow you to put that extra backpack below and recline it if your toddler needs a quick nap.
You can rent strollers at Walt Disney World at a Disney Park, but remember; these can’t leave the Parks. You will carry your toddler on the bus and back to your Disney Resort room. If you plan to rent, consider a company that will drop you off at your Disney Resort. This will give you access to the stroller throughout Walt Disney World, making it a great option.
Be Flexible
When traveling to Walt Disney World with a toddler or anyone, your plans must be flexible. It is tough to predict what your little one with and won’t like at Walt Disney World. Toddlers are unpredictable, and because of this, you need to be flexible with your plans when in a Disney Park.
Have a general idea of what they will be able to experience in each Disney Park, but know that you might have to ride something three times in a row because it becomes their favorite. Magic Kingdom does have the most for toddlers to do, such as the Walt Disney World Railroad and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, but look into fun you can have in the other Disney Parks. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has great shows, as does Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Festival of the Lion King. Over in EPCOT, make sure you visit the giant aquarium.
By being flexible, you will be able to meet the needs of the little ones and continue to have fun in the Parks together.
Related: Rides in Magic Kingdom for Toddlers
Be Ready for Lines
No one likes standing in lines at Walt Disney World. Even as adults, we get impatient and find ourselves scrolling social media. Don’t expect your toddlers to be thrilled in line, either. Come prepared with ways to pass the time.
You can use this time to enjoy a quick snack, play games, like peek-a-boo, or sing songs together. You can also consider bringing a few small toys only played with while in lines. Each day we added a new, small toy to our line bag to help keep it fresh and exciting for our little one. This helped prevent meltdowns and kept everyone happy in line.
Don’t Skip Naps
When planning your days at Disney, stick to your toddler’s regular schedule. Think about if they will need to head back to the Resort for naps or if they will crash in the stroller at the Park. Naps are essential for everyone when at Disney. It is a lot of walking and a lot of stimulation.
Planning naps is an excellent way for your toddler to reset and be ready for more magical fun later in the day. You could even use naptime for the adults to enjoy some of their favorites at Disney. Visit a lounge, ride a thrill ride, or take your nap.
Heading to Walt Disney World with toddlers can be a lot of work, but with these helpful tips, you will have a magical time together.
