For parents planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, the question looms large: Can you really enjoy the parks with little ones in tow? While the iconic Disney parks promise magic for all ages, navigating them with small children is no walk in the (theme) park. Recently, Disney Parks fans on Reddit tackled this very topic, offering a mix of advice, reality checks, and encouragement for families considering a visit.
A Magical Yet Challenging Experience
There’s no denying the magic of experiencing Walt Disney World Resort—including Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park—through the eyes of a child. But for many parents, that magic comes with challenges. The sheer size of the Disney parks, the disruption to daily routines, and the sensory overload can take a toll on adults and children alike.
One Reddit user, u/WeCaredALot, sparked the conversation by asking, “How do people enjoy the parks with very small children?” They continued, “I was just at EPCOT and Universal recently and saw many parents there with small babies that looked to be under 1 years old. … I can understand coming with toddlers who can walk and enjoy some of the rides and attractions, but I figured babies under 1 would mostly want to nap and eat. You could easily spend an entire day at one park, and even some of the toddlers looked like they were a bit cranky by the afternoon.”
The responses were as varied as the families visiting Disney parks.
Adjusting Expectations and Embracing the Slow Pace
A common theme among parents was the need to adjust expectations. Redditor u/pawswolf88 explained how their approach to Disney vacations has evolved: “We have done everything ten times over, so what we’re trying to get out of the trip is totally different now. It’s about going at a slow pace and doing the things that bring my children joy. Wandering around EPCOT having snacks and a couple beers while our kids nap, seeing the live shows, etc. Plus no one wants the lightning lanes for little kid rides so you basically never wait in line.
“Our expectations were on the floor, and we took it slow,” said u/purplecow9191. “There are a ton of attractions with no height requirements so those are always nice! And we utilized rider switch. Never felt the need to take mid-day breaks back at the resort but I know many do that as well.”
Different Ages, Different Challenges
Bringing an infant to Disney parks is easier for some parents than dealing with older kids. “Truthfully it was so much easier taking an infant to the parks than a toddler/preschooler who was insanely independent and just wanted to go go go,” shared u/Wild_manufacturer555.
“[My daughter’s] first trip was the easiest,” u/SportGamerDev0623 recalled. “She was very simple to appease as she loved to people watch. We could ride simple rides as my wife would strap her to her chest. Our trips at the parks were shorter as we would go to the parks after her morning nap and come back to our room for an afternoon nap then venture back out for a few hours, but overall she was great. This most recent [toddler] trip definitely created the most memories but man… it was definitely the most challenging and exhausting.”
Finding Joy Amid the Challenges
Not every parent finds the experience magical, but many still believe it’s worth it. “I had parental leave and an Annual Pass so it was either I could be miserable at home with a newborn or be miserable at Disney soaking up a bit of sun,” said u/Rough_Durian8602.
“We did not really enjoy our first trips when our kids were small,” u/Tricklaw_05 replied. Now that they are middle school and high school the trips are much more enjoyable.
Tips for a Better Walt Disney World Vacation
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation with young children, Reddit’s seasoned parents offer this advice:
- Take breaks: Embrace a slower pace and allow time for naps and downtime.
- Pack smart: Bring essentials like strollers, diapers, and snacks to keep everyone comfortable.
- Focus on the joy: Shift your mindset to prioritize what makes your kids happy.
- Set realistic expectations: Accept that you may not see or do everything, and that’s okay.
Have you visited Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with young children? In the comments, share your tips with How to Disney.
