Walt Disney World is one of the top locations for family vacations. Because of this, you will see a lot of families with little ones. Disney is a beautiful place for Guests of all ages. From young to old, you can find the magic to enjoy.
Taking a little one to Walt Disney World can be stressful. Thinking about what you need can become overwhelming. Knowing what they will enjoy is hard to predict, and determining an overall plan can be difficult.
So what are the top tips for taking kids to Walt Disney World? We have what you need to know about taking your little one to Walt Disney World so you can have a wonderful time.
Be Realistic
When planning your Walt Disney World tip, make sure you have realistic goals. You aren’t going to be able to see and do it all. With four Disney Parks, two water Parks, and Disney Spring there is so much to experience.
Go into your trip with a realistic goal. Think about the top three to five experiences you want to do each day of your trip. Focus on those top goals, and then everything else will be additional magic.
Don’t think your little one will be able to go from rope drop to fireworks each day. Set a realistic goal for your days, so you aren’t stressed when your plan doesn’t go according to plan.
Plan for Sleep
If you have little ones that still nap, make sure that you take time for them to continue those naps in Disney. Even if your kids no longer nap, we recommend scheduling downtime for everyone.
Take time to head back to your Disney Resort to rest and relax. The Disney Parks are highly stimulating, so taking time away from them to reset and rest is suitable for everyone. Also, ensure you schedule time for swimming and enjoying your Disney Resort. These are all part of the magic, so you don’t want to miss out.
If you plan to enjoy rope-dropping or one of the nighttime spectaculars, then adjust your plans accordingly. Are you staying up late for Happily Ever After? Then don’t rope drop the next day.
Thinking this through when making your overall plans can help when you are at Walt Disney World.
Explain What To Do When Lost
Did you know that kids are never lost in Walt Disney World, only grownups? We don’t want to consider this when planning our trips, but it is essential. Make sure you take time to help your kids know what to do if they can’t find you.
Show them pictures of the great Cast Members and tell them who they need to find when in trouble. Disney’s outstanding Cast Members have been trained to help in these situations, and it happens more than we know each day.
Take time to prepare your kids just in case; hopefully, they won’t ever need to use the skill.
Bring a Stroller
Although you can rent strollers at Walt Disney World, we highly recommend bringing one home. This allows you to have the stroller throughout the airport, the Parks, and around your Resorts. Having it throughout all these places makes navigating when your little one is tired much easier.
We also recommend bringing your stroller because you and your kid will be familiar with it. This means folding it up quickly and making it more likely that your little one will stay seated in the stroller as you walk around.
Keep in mind that Disney has specific stroller parking areas throughout the Parks. Pay attention to this, so you Park your stroller in the correct areas.
Ease into Characters
Start slow if you want to capture those magical moments with characters. We recommend starting with face characters such as Cinderella and the other princesses. These can be less intimating to kids.
From there, consider watching a parade or cavalcade to see some of the fur characters from afar. Although Mickey is adorable, he can seem big and scary to little ones.
Once you know that your little one is okay with the characters, then edge into meet-and-greets and character meals. This is why we recommend making those character meal reservations for the end of your trip. This gives kids time to get familiar with the characters throughout the trip.
Bring Toys
No matter how well you plan, you will end up waiting during your Walt Disney World trip. This might be for rides, parades, or dining. When traveling with little ones, consider bringing small toys to entertain them during those waits.
We liked to get small toys for Dollar Tree or dollar spots at Walmart or Target. These can be cheaper toys that can be new and exciting, but also won’t be a disaster if they get lost.
Having quick snacks as well is always a good distractor during those waits. Ensure you bring your little one’s favorite snacks, as sometimes you won’t find them at Walt Disney World.
Knowing how to distract your little one can be necessary during your trip.
Use the Baby Care Centers
Take advantage of the Baby Care Centers throughout the Disney Parks when traveling with little ones. These centers provide quiet areas for feeding your kids, changing diapers, or taking a break from the Parks.
These are open throughout the day and are a fantastic area for families. If you forget to pack diapers or formula, you can also find a microwave, sink, and even some items for sale.
Don’t overlook these areas when traveling to Walt Disney World. They are a great place for families.
Be Flexible
The main tip for taking kids to Walt Disney World is to be flexible. It is crucial to make plans, but it is also essential to be flexible. Not only will weather and ride shutdowns impact your plans, but chances are good your little one will have a meltdown.
Be ready to adjust your plans on the fly. Your little one might want to dance around in EPCOT to the music, or they may refuse to ride. It’s a small world for some random reason. Don’t force things to happen during your trip. Be willing to adjust so everyone can enjoy the magic.
Those are the top tips for taking little ones to Walt Disney World. We hope that it will help you have a fantastic time.
