planning disney world trip with toddler

Ultimate Guide for visiting Disney World with Toddlers

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: October 20, 2022 Updated: June 3, 2024

All the extra challenges might make you think it would be crazy to attempt a trip to Walt Disney World with toddlers , but it really shouldn’t.

One of the best things you can do while kids are still young is to plan a trip based on what they are into. Though the days may seem long with toddlers, the phase passes quickly. And before you know it, that toddler stage is over, and they are doing all of the grown up things in the parks.

We can help you with the logistics, so you can stick to the fun. Here’s how….

In this article

What you can expect in this guide

In this guide, we’ve combined all of our best resources for planning Disney World trips with toddlers into 1 spot. We’ll cover some ideas on what to do before you leave, answer all your questions about things like strollers and dining, and go over the best attractions for toddlers in each of the 4 parks.

This guide has a TON of info, but it also has a lot of links that go off to more in-depth coverage of each topic. We encourage you to start here, but make sure you check out the companion posts for more tips and information.

Before you leave

Before you even leave on a Disney World trip, there are a few things you can do at home to make your time at Walt Disney World go more smoothly – for both you and the little ones:

Best age for Disney World

Before you even start planning your trip, you may be asking yourself if it is worth it to take a baby or toddler to Walt Disney World.

Unless this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we definitely think it is. That’s because even if your little one won’t remember the trip, YOU will.

We have an entire post about the best age for Disney World , including a pros and cons list that can help you decide when to take your little one to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

• Read more about the Best Age for Disney World

Counting down to the trip

When to tell them.

While waiting to go to Disney World with toddlers, it’s good to get your little one involved, so they can get excited and know what to expect.

One dilemma for parents of little ones is knowing how far ahead to tell them because every day could become “when are we leaving? are we leaving now? how about now?”

You might want to talk about Disney World (the rides, the hotels, etc.) but without telling your child that a trip is planned. That way they know what Disney World is and what you can do there, but can’t nag daily asking if it’s time to go yet.

You could decide to tell your child just before the trip begins and use a fun countdown to count down the final days before your trip. Depending on your child’s age, you might want to keep the countdown short (10 or fewer days).

Looking for a way to make the countdown fun? We asked some of our favorite WDW Prep readers to chime in with their best ideas:

• Fun Ideas for Counting Down your Disney World Trip

What to watch

There are a lot of things you can watch to get your toddler prepped and excited. In fact, many of the baby and toddler friendly rides have movies or shows that will help introduce your little one to the characters they’ll see in the park.

We have an entire post that will give you ideas on which movies and TV shows are connected to which attractions, character meets, restaurants, and resorts:

• What to Watch on Disney+ Before Going To Disney World

Ride and attraction videos are a great way to let a little one experience what they’ll see before they actually do it. It can help with fears and also get them excited.

YouTube is a wonderful resource for finding high-quality videos of all the rides at Walt Disney World.

• Watch ride/attraction videos on YouTube

What to read

Although toddlers can’t read yet, the Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World for Kids book is good for all ages. It has big pictures and ratings by kids to give you an idea about what kids will like.

If this will be your first time in a plane or on a long distance road trip , you might also consider reading books about flying or traveling by cars.

And, if you prefer to read to your child about the characters they’ll see in the parks rather than watch TV, Disney has plenty of books for kids of all ages.

You can find them in your local library, on Amazon, and Disney even has a website just for its books , too:

Packing for a toddler

Traveling with a toddler usually means you’ll be packing some extra stuff.

We have a Disney World Packing List for Babies and Toddler s full of items to help you out, but some of the must-have items you’ll want to make sure you include:

• child-friendly sunblock
• backpack or diaper bag that you can carry into the parks
• large Ziploc bags or wet/dry bags (for holding wet clothes, snacks, etc.)
• stroller fan
• favorite snacks to bring into the parks

Toddler-friendly trip itinerary

Trip itineraries are perfect for helping kids know what to expect.

For little ones, that means using more pictures than words to show the daily plans.

If you are crafty you can make your own, or we have several free templates you can use as is, or even just as inspiration.

• Check out our free itinerary templates to put together your own.

Where to stay at Disney World with babies and toddlers

When choosing an on-site hotel that your toddler will love, you might want to look in the Value and Deluxe categories. Moderate theming is beautiful, just not super toddler-friendly.

When you are traveling with older kids or even with adults only, things like the best pool or best resort for nightlife might be the most important thing. But, when you are traveling with little ones, you’ll likely have other priorities higher up on your list.

For us, these are the things we considered when looking for the best resort at WDW for babies and toddlers:

• Transportation (How will you get to the parks from this resort? Bus only? Monorail? Can you walk to a park from the resort?)
• Dining options (If you have a screaming toddler, can you get them some food quickly?)
• Theming (Will the theming of the resort be something your little one will love?)
• Room types (Will a Pack ‘n Play fit? Do you need a separate sleeping space for the baby?)

Check out the list below for our recommendations, but for the in-depth reasons why we recommend these resorts for people with babies and toddlers, make sure you check out our post:

• Best Disney World Resort for Babies and Toddlers

Best Value Resorts

• For Values, Pop Century and Art of Animation are our top recommendations if traveling with a little one.

Best Moderate Resort

• Most Moderate Resorts just aren’t kid-friendly. The one exception is Caribbean Beach. It has a lot of elements that make it a good Moderate option.

Best Deluxe Resort

Your best Deluxe options when traveling with a baby or toddler are:

• Beach Club Resort
• Contemporary Resort
• Polynesian Village Resort
• Animal Kingdom Lodge

Best Deluxe Villa Resorts

All of the Deluxe options above have Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villa options, too. The studio size Deluxe Villa rooms are typically a bit smaller than a Standard room on the regular Deluxe side of the resort, but on the Deluxe Villa side you will get additional layout options (1-3 bedrooms, plus Grand Villas).

Here are our top bets for Deluxe Villa resorts with babies and toddlers:

• Beach Club Villas
• Bay Lake Tower
• Polynesian Villas
• Animal Kingdom Villas

Bed rails and Pack ‘n Plays

With all the families traveling to Walt Disney World, Disney is prepared when it comes to beds.

To help make bedtime easier, Disney has both bed rails and Pack ‘n’ Plays available to borrow.

You can request one when you get there or, even better, you can call (407) 934-7639 to have the request added to your reservation.

Need more info? We’ve taken pics of Pack n Plays at bunches of resorts so you can get a feel for how it will fit in your room, plus we compiled and answered a bunch of the most common questions we receive about them, all in one spot.

• Pack ‘n Plays, cribs, and bed rails at Walt Disney World

General Disney World with toddlers touring advice

Before getting into the specifics of each park, let’s talk about some general park touring advice first.

How many days to spend in each park?

Step 3 in the 6-step process is to make a daily plan. That includes deciding how many days to spend in each park.

It’s really hard to tell people how they should spend their days, but here’s some advice. Feel free to adjust based on your family.

For people who want a toddler-focused trip, this is how you might want to split up your days.

• For a 3-day trip , do 2 days at Magic Kingdom and then either Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom.
• For a 4-day trip , do 2 days at Magic Kingdom, 1 day at Hollywood Studios and 1 day at Animal Kingdom.
• For a 5-day trip , do 2 days at Magic Kingdom, 1 day at Hollywood Studios, 1 day at Animal Kingdom and 1 day at Epcot.
• For a 6+ day trip , do the same as a 5-day trip but with a break day (or days) in the middle to rest at the hotel, visit Disney Springs, swim, etc.

Will you need a stroller at Disney World?

Your toddler may not use a stroller any more, but unless they’re ultra toddler marathoners who can go 10+ miles per day, they will very, very likely need one at Disney World.

Strollers are very handy for not only providing your little one with a spot to rest their feet, but they also provide a place for you to store some of that extra stuff toddlers need.

You’ll have lots of options when it comes to strollers – renting offsite, renting from Disney, bringing one from home, shipping a new stroller to yourself, etc.

• Be sure to read our  comparison of stroller options to decide how you will want to handle strollers for your trip.

Whatever stroller you decide to use, we highly recommend you also consider bringing along, renting, or purchasing a rain cover (affiliate link). Not only will it keep all your stuff dry, it will also protect your stroller from damage.

Going when the temperatures are predicted to be hot ?

If you’re using a stroller, you’ll likely want one of these stroller fans (affiliate link), too.

Transportation with toddlers

Disney World is huge – roughly the size of San Francisco – so understanding how to get around is an important piece to avoiding frustrations.

And, when you are navigating with strollers and/or car seats, it is especially important to understand how everything works.

One of the most common questions we get regarding strollers and Disney buses is “Will I need to fold my stroller?.

And, the answer to that is “yes.” But, there are other modes of Disney transportation where you won’t have to fold your stroller at all:

• Monorails and Magic Kingdom ferries  – strollers can stay open, and a child can stay in them
• Disney Skyliner – single strollers and double strollers that are front to back (not side by side) can stay open. Double, side-by-side style must be folded
• Buses and trams  – strollers must be folded up before boarding. Even if your little one is sleeping and the bus is totally empty, you’ll still need to fold your stroller.
• Resort boat launches  – on most, your stroller will need to be folded prior to boarding.
• Friendship boats  – strollers can be left open if space allows, but your child must be seated with you

Find out more about using Disney transportation with strollers at the link below:

• Using a stroller on Disney World transportation (buses, monorail, Skyliner, boats)

8 tips for avoiding a meltdown at Disney World

Ahhh, that nasty subject that comes up a lot with toddlers. Believe it or not, they will not magically be perfectly behaved at Disney World, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

Prevention is sooo important . Ideally, the more you can prevent the things that cause meltdowns, the more you’ll be able to avoid them altogether.

• 1. Don’t overdo it. Unless your little one is used to going non-stop, don’t try to go from sunup to sundown. Schedule lots of downtime and allow them to just do their own version of relaxing. Being overstimulated is a common reason for meltdowns in people of all ages – including toddlers.
• 2. Make sure they aren’t hungry. Being “hangry” is a real thing, and when your toddler gets hungry, you may see that manifest in bad behavior. Be proactive and ready with snacks to help avoid situations where an empty stomach causes a meltdown. You can bring food and drinks with you into the parks (just no alcohol or glass containers) which makes it very easy to always have your child’s favorites with you.
• 3. Allow everybody enough time to sleep. Even adults could use a nap daily at Disney World. The heat, extra activity, and excitement wears you out. Be sure you allow everybody the opportunity to get the sleep they need, which sometimes may mean early nights or sleeping in.
• 4. Try to limit lines as much possible. Our touring advice is optimized to keep you moving and out of lines. Whenever possible, try to make sure you stick to those to help avoid long waits.
• 5. Prepare for the weather.  Weather extremes can make even the most pleasant of people cranky. Be it rain or heat or cold, make sure you know what to expect when you go and how to handle the weather when you are there.
• 6. Try to stick to routines. Even adults like routines, and babies and toddlers are especially sensitive to changes in theirs. Whenever possible, try to make sure you’ll have the necessary items to keep major routines in place. Things like having a special blanket or pillowcase from home can help at bedtime, and familiar snacks (and snack times) can also help keep everybody smiling. If you don’t want to worry about packing all your favorites, you can order groceries  and snacks for when you are there. If you have little ones still in diapers or Pull Ups, you can also order those supplies as well.
• 7. Leave if necessary . At home, you might be willing to leave places if your toddler starts acting up, but at Disney World…that’s not so easy. It’s difficult to leave a park and get back to your hotel room. It often takes an hour and includes a lot of waiting. That’s really hard to do with a toddler in meltdown mode. Instead, you might want to consider “leaving” in a different way – leave the line you’re in (or the gift shop you’re shopping at or whatever it is), and head somewhere more private for a little downtime. You can head to a restroom, a quiet bench out of the way, or even one of the  Baby Care Centers .
• 8. Use positive reinforcement . Using rules attached to positive things like Tinker Bell gifts or an afternoon treat can often work the best.

Baby Care Centers

Baby Care Centers are perfect for anyone traveling with little ones to Walt Disney World.

You’ll find them in all 4 parks, and they are totally free to use.

Inside there is a small kitchen area (perfect for preparing bottles), a private room for nursing, space with high chairs, plus a small shop where you can purchase essentials.

You can search “baby care center” in the My Disney Experience app to be taken to the map of their exact locations.

• Learn more about Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World

Touring plans for families with little ones

When it comes to touring with toddlers, here’s what you need to know:

Let them lead (kinda)

Although this site is all about planning, when traveling with little ones it is really important to be flexible. Your toddler wants to ride Buzz Lightyear over and over again? Do it!

Have a tot that really likes characters? See them all!

That’s the benefit of having a trip focused around them: you can do the things they like to do.

What height requirements affect toddlers?

Although there are tons of rides and attractions without any height restrictions, each park does have a few that require guests to meet a minimum height.

• Check out the overview of attractions with height requirements for a complete list.

Things that might be scary

Some of the attractions without height requirements might still be a bit scary for little ones.

Looks can be deceiving, so to help you keep from freaking your toddler out, we have an entire post on the things that might be too scary for a child (even if they are tall enough to ride).

• Things that might scare little ones at Disney World

Using Genie+ with toddlers

We miss the free FastPass+ system, but one thing we do like about the new Genie+ system is how easy it is to “stack” your attraction return times back-to-back for later in the day OR to “churn” rides one after the other.

These approaches to using Genie+ are especially useful when traveling with babies and toddlers because it allows you to ride a bunch of things without a lot of waiting .

The downside to this method, however, is that Genie+ isn’t free, so you’ll have to pay for it. And, it also will require you to be on your phone. A lot. Which isn’t exactly the ideal situation when you are trying to make memories with your little one at Walt Disney World.

The entire Genie+ system can be confusing, but we’ve put together some guides that should help.

If you’re considering purchasing Genie+, make sure you check them out. The one linked directly below this is a good one to start with:

• Guide to Genie+ at Disney World (w/links to everything you need to know)

Best attractions at Walt Disney World for toddlers

In the posts linked below, we have lists for all 4 parks (with graphics you can save to your phone) with our top picks for toddlers and little ones.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom has the most attractions out of all 4 parks at Walt Disney World and that makes it our top pick for toddlers.

• Best Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

Epcot has seen a lot of changes over the last few years, and if you know where to look you can find lots of things to keep toddlers and little ones happy here.

• Best Rides for Toddlers at Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is home to two iconic lands: Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This park is packed with shows and a couple of attractions that toddlers love.

• Best Rides for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is more than a zoo with rides. It has unique areas where you can get up close to the animals, an amazing playground perfect for letting little ones run off some energy, and lots of trails for exploring.

• Best Rides for Toddlers at Animal Kingdom

Rider Switch (for parents who want to ride bigger rides, too)

Although the touring advice below is focused on doing just things that toddlers would like to do, adults may still want to enjoy some of the bigger rides as well. Disney provides a free perk called Rider Switch which allows adults to take turns riding, which can help you do that.

• How to use Rider Switch at Disney World

FYI – if your child is over the age of 3, they will need their own Walt Disney World ticket. Children under the age of the 3 do not.

Can You Baby Wear on Rides at Disney World?

Best Disney World dining choices for toddlers

We always recommend you choose your dining near where you’ll be, but when you are dining with a toddler, it also makes sense to select places that will appeal to them and, even better, appeal to them AND help keep them entertained.

We have a post that covers all your FAQs about dining with toddlers, plus it includes lists of our top dining recommendations in each park.

• Best places to dine with babies and toddlers at Disney World

Some of the dining options listed in the post above are character meals. Be sure to check out an overview of all Disney World character meals for even more info on all options for your trip.

Traveling with little ones trip reports

• Erin C.’s trip with two little ones to Disney World – PREP 358
• Disney World with a Toddler – PREP 342
• Ken & Emily from Mousehacking first trip w/a baby – PREP281
• Kelsey L.’s March Walt Disney World trip – PREP271

Evelyn Alvarez

Monday 6th of May 2019

Hi! Thanks for all the tips! I've been to DW before with my husband and two toddlers. Im making a first trip just myself and my two toddlers. Any specific rides to avoid where I couldn't ride with the two of them? Or specific rides that are ok for 3 people to ride together? My toddlers are 3 & 4.

Thursday 19th of April 2018

I think whether or not to take your toddler depends a lot on your toddler. I took my daughter when she was almost three and she did fabulous. My son at the same age was not so great. Everything I read about taking a toddler said get to the park when it opens...this didn’t work for my son, who is (thankfully) an awesome sleeper. A more relaxed pace in the mornings would have been better for him. We rented a great stroller (rain cover is a must, and if you have to park it somewhere go ahead and cover it because it could rain while you are doing other things) and a full size crib from Kingdom Strollers. The crib was a godsend for my son. We set it up just like his bed at home (music box and all) and he would go right to sleep. If your toddler thrives on routine, might be best to hold off on Disney until they’re a little older and can go with the flow a little more. Just my two cents, having one easy toddler and one a bit more challenging.

Tuesday 3rd of April 2018

Would love to hear what yah think the best moderate resort is for a toddler.

Saturday 30th of September 2017

We are planning a trip in December with our almost 4 year old and 18 month old. We will be at the parks 4 days. Should we do a day at each park or no go to Epcot and go to Magic Kingdom 2 days?

Wednesday 29th of March 2017

Any special recommendations for traveling this Spring Break? Heard it will be busier than usual since it coincides with Easter. We will be there from April 8 to 18 (10 days), and purchased base 6-day tickets. We are traveling with two boys (5 yr & 3 yr). The plan is to do MK 3 days, and one each of the other parks. Should we go to parks on Weekdays only? Or should we expect them to be crowded at all times? I was thinking to do Epcot and Animal Kingdom during weekends since you mentioned they are either not toddler friendly, or short visits. Thank you in advance.

Disney World with Toddlers: Guide for Parents

A family trip to Disney World can create lifelong magical memories with your kids. However, visiting Disney World with toddlers presents unique challenges to consider. This guide is designed to help you plan and navigate Disney World with toddlers in order to have a smooth, enjoyable vacation. It provides tips to help you tackle theme parks and resorts with infants and toddlers in tow. From choosing the Disney World right rides and activities for little ones to planning toddler-friendly dining and nap times, these insights will help ensure your Disney World experience with toddlers is as seamless and stress-free as possible. With smart preparation and realistic expectations, your Disney World dream vacation with your little ones can still be a success.

Prefer to Speak to Someone? Vacationeers Are Standing By!

1. Preparing for a Disney Trip with Toddlers

Choose the Right Time to Visit

When planning your Disney vacation with toddlers, one key consideration is choosing the best time to visit . The parks tend to be most crowded during holidays and school breaks. It’s important to pick dates that align with your schedule and desired park environment. Visiting during off-peak seasons when crowds are lower makes navigating the parks with toddlers more manageable. You’ll also want to check park hours and calendar schedules to see if any special events are happening during your preferred travel window. Selecting the right time to visit helps set you up for a smooth, enjoyable trip with toddlers.

For a more relaxed experience, consider scheduling your trip during the off-peak season, usually in January , February, or from just after Labor Day until the week preceding Thanksgiving. Visiting Disney World with toddlers can be a more enjoyable experience when the crowds are thinner and wait times for attractions are shorter.

Select the Best Accommodation for Your Needs

Where you stay is a crucial part of your Disney World adventure, especially when traveling with toddlers. With an assortment of on-site and off-site accommodations available, making a decision that best serves your family’s needs is key. For this reason, we strongly suggest considering a resort within the Disney property. The combination of unmatched benefits and convenience it offers makes it the best choice for families.

Disney resort hotels come with a host of perks, including Early Theme Park Entry, complimentary transportation , and the ability to book Lightning Lane reservations ahead of time. Plus, you’ll be close to the parks and immersed in the Disney magic 24/7, which can prove to be a significant advantage when traveling with toddlers.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Disney Resorts also offer numerous family-friendly amenities and activities that toddlers will love. From pools and playgrounds to movies and character dining experiences, there’s something for all ages.

For a whimsical and affordable experience, consider staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, or Pop Century Resort.

The Finding Nemo Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | Image © Disney

If you’re looking for more luxurious options with extra amenities, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, or Contemporary Resort could be your ideal fit.

A Giraffe on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

With a variety of resort options available – Disney Value Resorts , Disney Moderate Resorts , and Disney Deluxe Resorts – there’s something for every budget and preference. Consult with a Disney travel agent to ensure you make the best choices for your family.

Work with a Disney Travel Agent

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and stress-free vacation when visiting Disney World with toddlers is to work with an experienced Disney travel agent . We highly recommend The Vacationeer , a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency. Their team of experienced travel planners is dedicated to helping you create the perfect Disney vacation for your family.

The Vacationeer can assist you with all aspects of your trip , including answering your questions, providing insider tips, planning your itinerary, recommending the best Disney hotels for families with younger children , booking park tickets, accommodations, and dining reservations. They can even arrange your stroller rentals and transportation to and from the airport . Their extensive Disney knowledge and expertise can help you deal with the complexities of planning a vacation to Disney World with toddlers so you can maximize your time in the parks. The Vacationeer makes it easy to create your dream Disney vacation with little ones!

The best part is that their services are completely free ! By working with The Vacationeer , you can rest assured that you’re getting expert advice and assistance without any additional cost.

Contact The Vacationeer for a free, no-obligation vacation quote right now. Their team is ready and eager to help you plan the ultimate Disney World experience for your family.

Pack the Essentials

Packing for Disney World with toddlers requires careful planning. Be sure to include the following essentials:

• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for the entire family
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for sun protection
• A lightweight stroller for your toddler to rest in when needed
• Plenty of snacks and water to keep your little ones energized
• Diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad
• Entertainment, such as toys or books, for downtime or waiting in lines
• Extra layers for cooler evenings or air-conditioned attractions

Create a Flexible Itinerary

While you may be tempted to squeeze in as many attractions as possible, it’s important to remember that toddlers have shorter attention spans and tire easily. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for breaks, naps, and spontaneous activities. Prioritize the attractions and experiences that are most appealing to your family and consider utilizing Disney’s Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane passes to reduce wait times for popular rides.

2. Navigating Disney World Parks with Toddlers

Image © Disney

Take Advantage of Baby Care Centers

Each of the four theme parks at Disney World has a dedicated Baby Care Center designed to cater to families visiting Disney World with toddlers. These centers offer a quiet and comfortable space for diaper changes, nursing, and feeding. They also provide amenities such as high chairs, microwaves, and baby care supplies for purchase.

This is also where Disney Cast Members will take your little one if they’re found exploring the parks solo — if your child has temporarily misplaced you, the Baby Care Center is a great place to head once you’ve flagged down a Cast Member for help. Another great tip is to take a picture each morning of your child in the outfit they’re wearing for the day — should they wander off, CMs will be able to use the photo to immediately radio an accurate description to everyone working in the area.

Utilize Rider Switch

If there are attractions that your toddler cannot or does not want to ride, take advantage of Disney’s Rider Switch service. This allows one adult to wait with the child while the rest of the party rides the attraction. Once the first group has finished, the waiting adult can then ride without having to wait in line again.

Make Time for Character Meet-and-Greets

Meeting beloved Disney characters can be a highlight for your little ones during your trip to Disney World with toddlers. Plan to attend character meet-and-greet sessions, as they offer a unique opportunity for your toddler to interact with their favorite characters in a more personal setting. A little advanced research can help you find the best character meet-and-greet locations for your little ones ahead of time so you don’t miss their favorite character. Remember that some characters may be intimidating to young children, so be prepared to reassure and comfort your toddler if needed.

Embrace the Parades, Shows, and Seasonal Celebrations

Disney’s lively all-ages parades and shows are a great way to take a break from rides for toddlers. Check the daily schedules and plan your day around must-see performances that will capture your little ones’ attention.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade pays tribute to Fantasyland with enchanting floats, music, and characters, while the Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party invites you to dance and sing along with Mickey, Minnie, and other beloved Disney pals.

Seasonal celebrations, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, offer chills and thrills with encounters with Disney’s vilest villains. Meanwhile, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party brings festive cheer and holiday merriment to the park, making your visit to Disney World with toddlers a truly magical one.

3. Choosing Rides for Toddlers

Magic Kingdom for Toddlers

Magic Kingdom is the most popular park for families visiting Disney World with toddlers, as it offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences suitable for young children. Some must-visit Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers include:

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant : This classic gentle ride lets toddlers and parents soar through the sky together on the back of Dumbo, providing a whimsical first-ride experience.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh : Toddlers will love joining Pooh and his friends on this endearing, family-friendly dark ride through the Hundred Acre Wood.
• “it’s a small world” : Take a leisurely boat ride through scenes representing different cultures from around the world, accompanied by the iconic “it’s a small world” song.
• Mad Tea Party : Take a spin on a twirling giant teacup.
• Peter Pan’s Flight : Board a pirate ship and take to the skies on this enchanting journey through the story of Peter Pan.
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel : This beautifully restored carousel is perfect for toddlers and offers a classic theme park experience.
• Happily Ever After : Don’t miss this spectacular fireworks extravaganza showcasing lights, lasers, and special effects set to Disney tunes.
• Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade : Watch some of your favorite Disney characters perform in the celebration of beloved Disney stories
• Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade . Come see Mickey, Minnie, and their friends party along the parade route.
• Meet Disney Characters : Visit Town Square Theater to see Mickey Mouse or Princess Fairy Tale Hall to meet Disney Princesses.

Epcot for Toddlers

While Epcot is known for its focus on technology and world cultures, there are still plenty of attractions and experiences suitable for toddlers. Some top picks include:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure : Join Chef Remy in a 4D culinary adventure ride based on the Pixar and Disney film Ratatouille.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends : Board a “clamobile” and join Nemo, Dory, and their friends on an undersea adventure. Afterward, explore the aquarium at SeaBase, where you may spot sea turtles, dolphins, rays, sharks, and more.
• Frozen Ever After : Journey to Arendelle and experience the story of Frozen in this family-friendly boat ride.
• Soarin’ Around the World : Experience a family-friendly hang-gliding adventure across the globe.
• Kidcot Fun Stops : Located throughout the World Showcase, Kidcot Fun Stops offer interactive activities for young children, such as coloring and crafts.
• Turtle Talk with Crush : Toddlers will be delighted by this interactive show where they can chat with Crush , the sea turtle from Finding Nemo.
• Meet Disney Characters : Spend time with the regal sisters Anna and Elsa at Royal Summerhus, and encounter a variety of cherished Disney Characters such as Snow White, Belle, Donald Duck, and others during your Epcot visit.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Toddlers

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines the magic of Disney with the wonder of nature, offering a variety of attractions and live shows for toddlers:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris : Board a rugged safari vehicle and embark on a journey through the African savanna, where you’ll encounter real animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions.
• Pandora – The World of Avatar : Discover this captivating land with your little explorers. Take them on the Na’vi River Journey attraction, a delightful and gentle ride that glides through a mesmerizing bioluminescent rainforest, perfect for young adventurers.
• TriceraTop Spin : Toddlers can take a spin on this colorful dinosaur-themed ride, which offers gentle, family-friendly fun.
• The Boneyard : This interactive play area is perfect for toddlers to explore, featuring slides, tunnels, and a giant sandbox.
• Wildlife Express Train : Ride the Wildlife Express Train to Affection Section, a unique area where you can engage with a diverse range of charming animals.
• Festival of the Lion King : Immerse yourself in this grand spectacle featuring puppetry, pageantry, and iconic songs from the beloved movie.
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! : This family-oriented musical extravaganza is filled with puppets, live performers, and remarkable undersea special effects.
• Donald’s Dino-Bash! : Party alongside Donald Duck as he embraces his newly uncovered dinosaur ancestry in this lively and entertaining event.
• Discover the Trails : Wander along meandering paths and encounter remarkable animals at Maharajah Jungle Trek and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail .
• Spot Disney Characters : Keep an eye out for festive flotillas showcasing beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Toddlers

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a mix of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, including several options for toddlers:

• Toy Story Land : This immersive land is perfect for families visiting Disney World with toddlers, featuring attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Additionally, kids can meet Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear for some rootin’, tootin’ fun.
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway : Board the runaway train for a wild ride.
• Disney Junior Dance Party !: Toddlers can dance and sing along with their favorite Disney Junior characters in this high-energy show.
• For the First Time in Forever : Relive some of your favorite scenes and songs from Frozen.
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy : Prepare for a high-octane ride into the Cars universe.
• Red Carpet Dreams : Get a glimpse of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
• Meet Olaf Celebrity Spotlight : Head over to Celebrity Spotlight to see what Frozen’s Olaf the Snowman is up to.

You can find more information about Disney’s theme parks in the following articles: Best Magic Kingdom Rides , Best Epcot Rides , Best Animal Kingdom Rides , Best Hollywood Studios Rides , and Best Disney Rides for Kids . We also have a guide to height requirements for Disney rides and a Disney Cost Calculator page.

Water Parks for Toddlers at Disney World

Disney World’s water parks are a delightful option for families visiting with toddlers. They offer a welcome escape from the Florida heat and a fun-filled day of water play. Here’s a look at what each park has to offer for young children:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park : This park features “Tike’s Peak” – a special area designed for young kids. With pint-sized water slides, splash areas, and a shallow pool, it’s the perfect spot for toddlers to cool down and have fun. The park’s winter-themed water wonderland also offers a unique twist on the typical beach day.
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park : At this park, toddlers can explore “Ketchakiddee Creek.” It’s a safe and fun water playground with mini slides, fountains, waterfalls, and a sandy beach area perfect for building sandcastles. The tropical storm-themed setting adds an element of adventure to the water activities.

Remember, for a successful water park day with toddlers, be sure to pack essentials like swim diapers, sun protection, and a change of clothes. Always follow park rules and guidelines to stay safe.

4. Dining at Disney World with Toddlers

Walt Disney World isn’t just about rides and attractions – it’s also a culinary adventure, even for the youngest visitors. With numerous dining options available across the parks and resorts, you can find something to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

Kids’ Menus

Disney World understands that children, especially toddlers, have unique dietary needs and preferences. That’s why many dining locations offer kids’ menus, which typically include healthier options and familiar favorites like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and fruit cups.

Parents interested in broadening their children’s culinary horizons will be happy to note that it’s not all pizza and burgers — this sample kids’ menu from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village shows that the restaurant offers international dishes such as Butter Chicken alongside the more traditional fare.

Sample menu – subject to change

If your child has specific dietary requirements, you can request information on allergen-friendly options.

Best Restaurants for Toddlers

Each of Disney World’s parks and resorts are home to excellent dining options suitable for families with toddlers.

• At Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace and Be Our Guest Restaurant serve family-friendly meals in enchanting surroundings.
• Epcot offers the rotating Garden Grill and the authentic Italian dishes of Via Napoli .
• At Animal Kingdom , your little ones can enjoy the immersive Tusker House Restaurant and the vibrant Rainforest Café .
• In Hollywood Studios, consider dining at Hollywood & Vine or Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano for delightful meals that toddlers will love.

Moreover, Hollywood Studios’ Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and Animal Kingdom’s Restaurantosaurus add a fun twist to the dining experience. If you’re looking for a unique, prehistoric-themed dining environment, T-REX is an excellent option at Disney Springs.

The Walt Disney World Resort hotels also provide a variety of dining venues perfect for toddlers. The popular Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort serve up tasty dishes in a lively atmosphere. For a nostalgic dining experience, don’t miss the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop . If you’re a fan of mouthwatering chicken dishes, Chicken Guy! is a must-visit. Lastly, the Coral Reef Restaurant offers a unique under-the-sea dining experience that your toddlers will find fascinating.

Wherever you choose to dine, the atmosphere is always welcoming and catered to ensure your toddlers have an enjoyable mealtime.

Disney Character Dining With a Toddler

For a dining experience that delights both the taste buds and the imagination, consider Disney Character Dining . It’s a fun-filled mealtime where your toddler can interact with their beloved Disney characters. This immersive experience makes dining much more than just eating – it’s a chance for your children to be part of their favorite stories.

Options for these memorable meals span across a variety of venues. From the hearty fare at Chef Mickey’s and the rotating vistas of the Garden Grill Restaurant to the royal banquet at Cinderella’s Royal Table and the African flavors at Tusker House Restaurant , there’s a perfect setting for everyone. You might also consider the whimsical Hollywood & Vine , the enchanting Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, or the captivating Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera .

Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and menu, ensuring your family’s dining experience is as magical as the rest of your Disney adventure. Remember to book your reservations early as these highly sought-after experiences fill up quickly (contact The Vacationeer for assistance). With Disney Character Dining, meal times become another exciting part of your Disney World adventure with toddlers.

Disney Dining Plans

Exciting news for families planning their trip to Disney World with toddlers – the Disney Dining Plans are returning ! After being suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, these plans are now available for Disney Resort hotel stays beginning January 9, 2024, or later. Contact your Disney Travel Agent to add a dining plan to an existing reservation or to make a new reservation with a dining plan.

Disney Dining Plans  allow you to pre-pay for quick service, deluxe dining, and snack options at over 100 locations across Disney World. This convenient approach simplifies meal planning and budgeting for family vacations.

Remember, dining at Disney World with toddlers is not just about the food. It’s an integral part of the Disney experience, filled with magic, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Contact The Vacationeer for more information about dining plans (or anything else)! Their team is ready to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote and assist you with planning your Disney World vacation with young children.

Have Questions But Don’t Want To Wait on Hold?

5. Age-Specific Tips for Visiting with Toddlers

Visiting disney world with a newborn.

My friend Michelle, an Orlando mom who often takes her young kids to Disney World, recommends focusing on shows, resort time, and leisurely strolls for newborns. Take ample nursing and napping breaks. Use a covered stroller and plan for rain. Stay at a monorail resort for quick access when needed. Accept the fact that you won’t experience many big attractions.

As Michelle reminds us, “Disney World with a newborn is about soaking in the sights and sounds vs trying to do it all.”

Tips for Disney World with a 1-Year-Old

Michelle says 1-year-olds will enjoy Disney’s colors, music, characters, and gentler rides. Stick to mellow areas like It’s A Small World and play zones, according to her experience. See parades and fireworks from a distance or your resort. Use the rider switch on bigger attractions. Take afternoon breaks back at your room. Stay on property within walking distance of parks. Remember, young toddlers have short attention spans.

Michelle advises, “Disney World with a 1-year-old is about shorter park visits with more resort play time.”

Tips for Disney World with a Two-Year-Old

Michelle’s top tip for Disney World with a 2-year-old is to focus on characters, shows like Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, playgrounds, and kiddie rides like Dumbo and Carousel. Take frequent breaks to recharge. View evening fireworks from afar. Stay at a monorail resort if possible for park proximity and breaks. Bring or rent a stroller for naps. Have snacks, toys, and backup clothes ready. Plan more resort time over long park days.

As Michelle notes, “Disney World with a 2-year-old is about mixing play with brief, strategic park outings.”

Tips for Disney World with a 3-Year-Old

According to Michelle, 3-year-olds can enjoy meeting characters, playgrounds, shows, and many rides at Disney World. She recommends using strollers or carriers to give little legs a rest. Take afternoon breaks. Stay at a conveniently located resort. Prioritize Fantasyland and kid-friendly attractions. Pack spare clothes, toys, and snacks to keep them content.

As Michelle reminds us, “Have realistic expectations, but with preparation and patience, your 3-year-old can truly experience the Disney magic!”

Remember, kids under 3 are free at Walt Disney World and do not require a ticket for park entry. However, you will need one at the age of 3.

Visiting Disney World with 4 and 5-Year-Olds

Michelle says ages 4 and 5 are a “sweet spot” for Disney trips. Kids can enjoy more rides and fully engage with Disney magic at this age but still appreciate characters and play zones. Use Rider Switch on thrill rides. Let kids help decide the activities. Take afternoon hotel breaks—book character dining for guaranteed interactions. Pack patience and go with the flow.

With reasonable expectations, as Michelle notes, “Disney World with 4 and 5-year-olds can be amazing. It’s a time of laughter and joy (most of the time)!!”

With preparation and realistic expectations based on your child’s age, Disney World can be enjoyable with little ones!

6. Tips for a Smooth Experience

Prioritize nap time.

Toddlers require regular naps to maintain their energy and mood throughout the day. Make time for naps in your itinerary, whether it’s heading back to your resort for a midday break or finding a quiet spot within the park to nap. A well-rested toddler is key to an enjoyable Disney World experience.

Bring a Stroller or Carrier

A stroller or baby carrier can be a lifesaver when visiting Disney World with toddlers. It provides a place for children to rest when they’re tired, and it can also help you navigate crowds more easily. Be sure to select a lightweight, easily collapsible stroller that meets Disney’s size requirements , or opt for a comfortable baby carrier that allows your toddler to rest while you explore the parks. Disney rents strollers as well, but your little one may be more comfortable in a “deluxe” home model they’re used to.

Stay Hydrated and Snack Regularly

Keeping your toddler hydrated and well-fed is crucial for maintaining their energy and mood. Bring refillable water bottles and pack plenty of snacks to keep them satisfied throughout the day. Disney World caters to its young guests, offering a range of snacking and dining options. From easily accessible snack carts scattered throughout the parks to restaurants with kid-friendly menus, you’ll find plenty of options to keep your toddler satisfied.

Utilize the Disney Genie Service

Use the free Disney Genie Service on the My Disney Experience app to plan park days with toddlers. This service provides personalized ride and attraction recommendations based on your preferences, helping you maximize your limited in-park time. Disney Genie also offers real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and dining reservations. Staying up-to-date on this key information throughout the day allows families to be nimble and make the most of every moment with toddlers in tow.

Be Prepared for Meltdowns

It’s normal for toddlers to experience meltdowns, especially in a stimulating environment like Disney World. Be prepared to handle these situations with patience and understanding. Offer comfort, reassurance, and a quiet space for your toddler to regroup. Remember that it’s okay (and advisable) to adjust your plans or leave an attraction if your child becomes overwhelmed.

Shopping for Toddlers at Disney World

Disney World will be more fun for your toddler with the right gear. There are many stores at Disney Springs where you can buy toys, clothes, and other things young kids like. The whole family will enjoy this shopping trip, and you might even get some Disney World souvenirs to bring home with you.

• At The LEGO Store , you’ll find many fun and interactive LEGO sets that can keep your toddler engaged.
• For a colorful treat, head over to M&M’s and let your child pick their favorite colors and flavors.
• Once Upon a Toy is a wonderland of Disney-themed toys and games, while the World of Disney store is your one-stop shop for all things Disney, from apparel to collectibles and more.

Enjoy these shopping experiences and watch your toddler’s eyes light up with delight!

Conclusion: Disney World with Toddlers

Disney World with toddlers may present its challenges, but with careful planning and flexibility, you can create lasting memories for your entire family. By prioritizing your child’s needs, taking advantage of the many family-friendly attractions and amenities, and embracing the magic of Disney, your trip is sure to be a magical and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Note: While most of the advice in this article is valid for both Disney World and Disneyland, those contemplating a visit to the west coast parks should also read our Best Age for Disneyland article for more guidance.

Book Your Dream Disney World Family Vacation

When planning your Disney World vacation with toddlers, consider booking with The Vacationeer , an elite Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency. With their top-tier industry recognition, you can be confident that you’re receiving the best service and expertise available.

With The Vacationeer , your dream vacation is within reach . Enjoy the personalized touch of working with a dedicated travel agent who will be with you from start to finish . Your Vacationeer agent will answer all your questions, provide insider tips and tricks , and diligently scour their resources for the best discounts , ensuring your family benefits from the lowest rates possible. They understand the ins and outs of traveling with toddlers, providing advice and recommendations that align with your family’s specific needs .

The Vacationeer caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Whether you’re dreaming of an extravagant , celebrity-style Disney World vacation , or a more budget-conscious trip , they’ve got you covered. They can even set up a layaway plan , easing the financial strain by allowing you to pay for your trip over time. With their expert assistance, planning your trip becomes a stress-free experience . The Vacationeer truly makes your Disney World adventure with toddlers an enjoyable and memorable trip.

Best of all, The Vacationeer ‘s services are entirely free of charge ! You have nothing to lose by reaching out to them. Why wait? Contact The Vacationeer today for an instant, no-obligation price quote , and start planning the Disney World vacation of your dreams.

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Disney World for Toddlers (Plans, Tips, Activities) 2023 Update with 2024 planning Dates

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There’s just something so exciting about going to Disney World with toddlers. Maybe it’s the way they see things; everything is still so magical to them. And really, if you look at it through their eyes, you start to see things differently too!

And when it comes to planning a trip to Disney World with toddlers, there are more than a couple things to keep in mind.

First, of course, is knowing which rides are good for toddlers, and which of the Disney Parks are the most toddler-friendly. Second, you gotta know the best times to go. It’s nice to be able to avoid the most crowded times of the day and of the year, especially with a toddler in tow. Planning a trip where everyone wants to skip rides? There’s a lot that you can do at Disney World while avoiding all the rides.

Of Course there’s rides at each of the Parks for 2 and 3 year olds, you can see all the Ride options (and the best ones to go on) in this Guide for Rides at Disney for 2 year olds.

And then, there are all sorts of neat little tips and tricks for making the most out of your Disney vacation with a toddler. You can celebrate their birthday , you can get a Firework Dining Package so you don’t need to wait in line, you can go to character meets (but if you want to just skip to tips for taking a 2 year old, you can do that too)

This post may contain affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.

Best times to go to Disney World with a Toddler

Walt Disney World is such a popular resort that it can get a little crowded.  

I’ve been on some of the busiest days of the year, and while it is still magical, it’s not very fun waiting in a two hour line… especially with little kids! What you can do is check the best weeks to go and pick the week that works best for your family!  

Whenever you choose to go (according to the best times, or just the best time for your schedule) consider a Tracking Device for your Toddler’s person, and also for the Diaper Bag and Stroller. The Stroller Airtag is especially helpful as Disney Cast Members move strollers around to accommodate crowds.

The Very Best Weeks to take the young kiddos to Disney World are…

Ideally, you’ll avoid April, which has RunDisney, Spring Break Crowds, and High School Competitions at ESPN Center.

Thankfully, Disney World is large enough that you can move around the resort without having too many issues… but certainly avoid Spring Break and Christmas Break if you can help it.

Remember to book park passes *with* your tickets (this is a new thing!) or you wont be able to get into the parks.

Packing For Success on a Toddler Disney Vacation

I highly recommend getting a packing list together- at least a month ahead of time, so that way you can get everything you need. This especially helps when you’ve got a toddler to pack for, too!

The top 3 items I recommend to Toddler Parents and Caregivers:

1. Portable Phone Charger – your phone WILL go dead using the MyDisney App, and some of the rides will drain your battery as your phone looks for signal. The alternative is good ole pencil and paper- just make sure you can access your plans and reservations for the day!

2. A Good Stroller with a Rain Cover (just in case!). You can average up to 10 miles a day on a Disney World trip, and a good quality stroller (not an umbrella one) will be a life saver for you and kiddo! If you aren’t able to bring your stroller, rent one from Kingdom Strollers (as they have great prices AND you get a complimentary rain cover!)

For Reference… here’s the strollers you’ll find at Disney World. Not exactly toddler friendly.

Related: See what age you’ll no longer need to plan for a stroller at Disney World

3. Activities for your toddler. We actually carry a little ‘toy’ bag full of goodies to the theme parks. There’s crayons in there, WaterWow books and Magic Marker Coloring sheets, and little dinos and sticker books. You’ll want a large array of items and make sure that they are newer items to keep them entertained for longer.

One underrated ‘activity’ is a bubble wand or light up toy. You can see all of the current options for Bubble Wands at Disney in this guide.

Plus screens are great if you decide to bring them in. We don’t *only* because I’m worried about them getting stolen/lost so we use our phones when needed. Yet another reason to have a portable charger available.

You can find the full packing list of recommended items at the Disney World Toddler Packing list. Must have Disney Toddler + Preschooler Packing List

Things for toddlers to do at Disney World

Here’s a quick list of some of the things for toddlers to do at Disney World . Unlike other Orlando Theme Parks (looking at you Universal) Disney World is extremely kid friendly and most of the parks can be enjoyed by toddlers.

• Meeting Characters
• Shows (Lion King at Animal Kingdom, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast in Hollywood, Beauty and the Beast Sing Along in EPCOT, and Philharmagic in Magic Kingdom)
• hunt for hidden mickeys
• play on splash pads
• Enjoy the play spaces and playgrounds

And because there’s so much to do, and Toddlers have such big personalities, it’s recommended to have at least three days in the parks, plus one rest day, in addition to arrival and departure day.

You won’t be able to see and do everything, but that helps with making the most of a vacation with a toddler without loosing your cool keeping track of them.

Specific Disney World Activities for Toddlers

There are some actually activities for Toddlers to do at Disney World. In EPCOT, you will find the Kidcot stations. There are little areas in the World Showcase that offer a postcard and sticker for each country. There is also a coloring station to fill in your postcard, and the kids love to color with the markers!

Collecting Stickers is another huge thing that my toddler LOVES at Magic Kingdom. We have a little book that we store all her stickers in… but character signatures are also super fun too! See all the best Disney World Character meets for Toddlers (plus some tips ) in this handy up to date guide.

Speaking of little books, the Wilderness Explorer Program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wildly fun for toddlers to do. You can see the book and the other free things to do at Disney World in this guide.

Lastly, Pressing pennies! Pressing Pennies is a fun way to get my toddler involved in looking around and observing, decision making skills (as there’s 3-6 available per machine and we typically get 1-2), fine motor skills as they place the pennies in the penny book, and memorization as they have to recall which pennies they’ve already collected.

Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddler

Download the My Disney App! 

This handy little app is so useful for planning your trip! Once you’ve got the basics down about the parks, restaurants and transportation, you can begin looking at ADR’s (advanced Dining Reservations) and booking your fast passes (they are free! It’s how you get to skip the line on rides). Super helpful, especially with a toddler!

Please DON’T make plans until you decide what parks you are visiting on what days. WHY? Because you might accidentally make a reservation for a park that you don’t have a reservation for.

With the new Park Passes required for entry, you can park hop (if you purchased that) at 2 pm. Otherwise you’ll stay in your entire park for the day.

Go ahead and pick either the parks you want OR the restaurants you want, get the reservations and then match up the second half of your required reservations. (Disney also offers a walk up wait list option in the app, for the day of)

Plan Photos for the Mornings, or when you first get to the parks

This helps to ‘capture the memory’ you want to put on the wall. But also capture the photos throughout the day- because thats what real life looks like!

We love getting the photopass, but the value has gone down a lot. They are using photo stands in some character greets that really suck. See examples here.

Good news is that photographers can use your phone, and you can have them take pictures and purchase the print afterwards for 20 dollars.

Plan downtime- most touring plans are made by adults for adults

Toddlers are going to need a lot of downtime- especially because they just don’t have the capacity mentally and physically that adults do. Plan downtime into your day with naps, going to the hotel/resort for pool time, or doing only an 8 hour day instead of a 12 hour day.

The park that has the best (and most!) rides for toddlers

This award easily goes to our favorite and most popular park, Magic Kingdom. At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find so many parks for the younger ones to enjoy. (Though Haunted Mansion could be scary- depends on your kid, My 2 yr old is NOT a fan!)

Some of our favorites include the Dumbo ride, (especially because it has a hidden playground inside!), and the Jungle Cruise.

We also love to go on the Pirates of the Caribbean and you absolutely HAVE to do the people mover.

The people mover is Walt Disney’s gift to those people that want a solid 10 minutes to do nothing and just relax!

The Best Disney World park with the most play places for toddlers

We all know that kids love to play. And while Magic Kingdom has quite a few smaller hidden areas for the littles to run around, they are often small and tucked back.

But if you want an actual playground that you don’t have to catch a boat or jump through a ride to get to, head to Epcot!

Yes! Epcot, which is world renowned for festivals catering to adults, actually has a lot of great stuff for the little ones. You’ll find most of the larger play spaces in Future World. There’s a full-fledged outdoor playground in the middle of the world showcase.

There’s also two splash pads in this area (more in splash pads in a bit!) AND if you go in the back entrance to Mission Space, there is a playground indoors with A/C.

I’d recommend these Play Spaces for toddler and preschoolers while the older kids, teens and adults enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy. While some toddlers may be tall enough for Cosmic Rewind, here’s why I don’t recommend Guardians of the Galaxy for younger children.

The Best Disney Park for a Low Stress Visit with a Toddler

I don’t know about you, but after lugging around this stroller and this diaper bag and chasing after too many kids, mama needs a break.

That’s when we get lost in the rain forest and other foreign cultures at Animal Kingdom.

This park is so laid back and easy to explore, with lots of animals and walking paths. There are some super fun and cute shows, and an entire area dedicated to kiddos at DinoLand USA which also has a giant play area!

The Best place to meet toddler friendly characters

Meeting characters is so incredibly fun for the little kids! While I’m a big fan of doing character meals with my food allergy babies, I also know it’s fun to meet characters at the parks!

The best place to do this is also the home to all things Star Wars, Hollywood Studios. Here you’ll find lots of crowd favorites like Mickey and Gang, plus the only place you’ll find our lovable snowman Olaf.

AND this is the ONLY place you’ll find some of the beloved Disney Junior Characters to get their signature and a big hug!

On that note, let’s talk more about character meets with a toddler!

First off, timing matters.

You know this because you’re probably trying to get 5 minutes of sanity to read a post about how to make this vacation more magical for your little tike that you’re trying to get 5 minutes of peace from.

Nap time? Bad idea to meet characters.

Evening time? Probably even worse.

So, the best time we’ve found between our three kids and watching other people with theirs is in the morning time, when the characters first come out (and it helps to be at the best parks for character meets too!)

Because it’s less time for meltdowns and crazy outfit changes. More time to meet the characters without feeling rushed. And this ties directly into my very last tip for getting the most out of your character meet.

Prepare for long lines (or go to character dining)

Something that many people aren’t expecting are the lines to see characters. Especially at places like Magic Kingdom where it’s mostly in the A/C, character meets can get well over an hour even on the slower days.

Then if you think about somewhere like Epcot , or Animal Kingdom, where many of the meets are totally outside, and it’s no surprise why people pick the A/C!

It’s also one thing to wait in just one 20 minute line to meet one character.

But most people aren’t going to want to meet just one person- what’s Donald without Daisy? And Goofy really is one of the funniest characters we’ve ever met!

So the alternative to the longer lines is to:

• Go to Character Meals where you can meet 3-5 characters while you eat (yes, you can go to character meals with food allergies !).
• Go to a special additional ticket event like the Halloween and Christmas Party.

Take advantage of the Splash Pad

While there are a few splash pads throughout the Parks, the best one is in Magic Kingdom. You can walk here through Fantasyland towards the Dumbo Ride (which also has a great indoor playground) or take the Train to the Fantasyland Exit.

Called the Casey Jr. Splash Area.

Free Stuff for Toddlers to enjoy at Disney Springs- no park ticket required

While Orlando has the Lego Theme Park (with all it’s fun things to do!) Disney Springs has some pretty fun things at the Lego Store. There’s little interactive things, from building stations with Duplo blocks to more complicated stations for the older kids. There’s little interactive computer stations, places to build mini Legos, and Lego RACES!

Conclusion: Toddlers + Disney World = Fun!

With the right planning and the right know-how (which you now have:) you can have an awesome time at Disney World with your toddler. It truly is a magical time for all ages, but when they’re that little and everything’s so new and exciting, it’s that much more fun!

Have you been to Disney World with toddlers? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Disney World With Toddlers: Best Rides and Shows 2024

By: Author tanialamb

Posted on Published: January 18, 2024

One of the questions I answered most often when I was on the planDisney Panel was what are the best rides and parks at Disney World with toddlers? Is it worth it? Will toddlers like Disney World and what are the best tips for Walt Disney World with toddlers? This ultimate guide to Disney World with toddlers will answer your questions about what rides are best for little ones.

I have traveled to Disney World with toddlers, preschoolers, elementary aged kids, and teens. Although I have 5 kids, they did not love the same things. Here are the best parks at Disney World with toddlers. 

Ultimate Guide to Disney World with Toddlers 2024

What can toddlers do at Disney World? Walt Disney World has four theme parks, and the best park for toddlers is Magic Kingdom park, no contest. However, there’s still plenty for little ones to enjoy at the other theme parks.

Many of my friends ask me when is the right age to take your children to Walt Disney World. I think every age is the right age. It all depends what you want from your Disney World vacation.

Is it worth taking a toddler to Disney World? I say yes! I love the toddler stage. Sure, it’s hard work, because toddlers can be demanding tiny humans. But toddler faces are the best when they’re experiencing Disney magic first-hand.

One of the best things about 2024 is that Disney World no longer requires park reservations if you buy regular theme park tickets. If you are an Annual Passholder. Sorry, you’re still making reservations. And park hopping is available all day, huzzah!

Best Time to Visit Disney World with Toddlers

If you only have toddlers, I recommend visiting Disney World when school is in session. Avoid all holiday weekends as crowds tend to be heaviest. The best times I’ve found are visiting after a Hollywood weekend. Weekdays are usually best. However, visiting around holiday times are fun, because of extra decor. 

Try visiting in the beginning of September so you get to see the Halloween decor and want to visit during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party . If you want cooler weather and Christmas decor, then I’d recommend mid-November before Thanksgiving, early December, or right before winter vacation for schools, so around mid-December. January generally tend to be lower crowds, but weather is very fickle. 

It’s rare to find a completely slow time at Walt Disney World anymore, so as long as you have a plan, you should be able to manage the crowds. 

Magic Kingdom for Toddlers

Like Donald Duck, Magic Kingdom Park is #1 for toddlers! If choosing one park to visit at Walt Disney World, choose Magic Kingdom Park with little ones. Planning for Disney World with toddlers is a breeze at this park, because there is so much for them to do.

You can also get baby or toddler’s first haircut on Main Street, USA!

The attractions and characters available for the little ones far outweigh the other parks. In fact, I often recommend visiting Magic Kingdom at least two days during your vacation.

Anything without a height requirement is fantastic for toddlers in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. Fantasyland was designed for the littles, and there’s so much for them to experience.

From character meet and greets everywhere, rides galore, an air-conditioned play area inside the waiting area for Dumbo the Flying Elephant , to a water play area in Storybook Circus,  and the most amazing snacks, Magic Kingdom is a toddler’s dream land. Okay, it’s my dream land, too.

If you’re unsure what your toddler will like, start off with something tame, like “it’s a small world” or Dumbo the Flying Elephant . Once your child feels the excitement, then work them up to The Barnstormer . The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is cute, too, but there is a little scene with Heffalumps that can be a little scary. If they want something even more exciting, try Seven Dwarfs Mine Train .

I remember when Snow White’s Scary Adventures was still around and friends would start their toddler there, because it was usually a shorter line. Then their kids were too scared to try other things. I know you’re excited, parents, and they’re excited, too, but start them off slow.

As far as scary rides go, I would watch out for Pirates of the Caribbean (some kids don’t like the loud sounds like cannons shooting or the darkness), and Haunted Mansion (my kids are mixed, some love it, some don’t). While Haunted Mansion isn’t terribly scary, there are ghosts and murderous brides.

Also the cannons in the water have gotten extra big on Pirates, so there’s a good chance you’ll be surprised with getting wet on the sides.  Astro Orbiter makes me motion sick, but my more adventurous children love it.

I recommend purchasing Genie+ for Magic Kingdom with toddlers. With as many rides as they have for little ones, the more you can reduce wait times, the better – even with the additional cost.

For DISCOUNT TICKETS or  Hotel Packages to Walt Disney World , check out prices with my partners from Getaway Today . 

Character Meet and Greets for Toddlers in Magic Kingdom

Thankfully more meet and greets have opened back up in Magic Kingdom. You can meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater and the princesses in Princess Fairytale Hall. Also, no more masks required, so your photos don’t look like the one below.

Now you can even see Mirabel from Encanto during the Adventure Friends Cavalcade! My kids were so excited to see her and Miguel from Coco!

Air-conditioned character meet and greets at Magic Kingdom include Mickey Mouse (Town Square Theater), Princess Fairytale Hall (with several Disney princesses), and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck and Donald Duck at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus. Meeting Ariel at her Grotto is semi-inside. 

Pete’s Silly Sideshow is a circus-themed character-greeting area in the Storybook Circus part of Fantasyland. You can get some fun photos of characters in unique outfits! 

When my kids are toddlers I’m willing to wait for pictures, because they are so excited to meet them. It melts my heart. Not all toddlers are the same though.

Start with someone they recognize (like Mickey Mouse) and see how they react. Some of my girls loved fur characters more than face characters and vice versa.

Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddlers : Try a character breakfast first, like the Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast .

Magic Kingdom Park really is a 2-day park, and it’s my favorite, but I’m a kid at heart.

You can also wave to all your favorite characters during Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade. The costumes, music, dancing, and characters are mesmerizing even for little ones. The picture of my daughter below is one of my all-time favorites when she’s watching the parade.

TIP: Also use the My Disney Experience app to see where your favorite Disney characters are meeting. 

Best Rides at Animal Kingdom for Toddlers

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park was my #2 park for toddlers, mostly based on the presence of animals and The Boneyard in DinoLand, U.S.A. The Boneyard is an open air play space where kids can run around in a playground setting designed to look like a fossil dig site, and it’s open again! There are ropes, bridges, tiny slides, and more. There’s a dig site in the back where they can dig, dig, dig, dig, dig dig…the whole day through.

It’s a great place for toddlers to burn off some energy. All of my girls have loved exploring here, and it’s always the first thing they want to do. Slow your roll, kids, we have attractions to ride first.

Speaking of attractions, I recommend Kilimanjaro Safaris (a safari jeep ride where you can see tons of animals) and Triceratop Spin (a Dumbo-like ride) for toddlers. 

Watch out for It’s Tough to Be a Bug . It’s a 3-D movie, and I find it hilarious. Little children often do not. There are some creepy crawlies on the seats (not real ones), and a giant animatronic bug (Hopper) that pops out.

Also, Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom makes it even better for toddlers. The Na’vi River Journey is a slow-paced boat ride with beautiful scenery and music.  Animal Kingdom is definitely a great addition for Disney World with toddlers.

Best Shows at Animal Kingdom For Toddlers

Will your toddlers like the shows offered at Animal Kingdom? That depends on the attention span of your toddler, but it’s worth a try. Festival of the Lion King is our family’s favorite.

We enjoy the music, costuming, and huge floats of favorite characters from The Lion King. Now they still invite a few lucky participants from the audience to take part in the festivities.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! opened and it replaced Finding Nemo the Musical. I think the reimagined show is fantastic! With all the bright colors, costumes, and music, I think little ones will love it. And if they get wiggly, you can exit early. 

Character Meet and Greets at Animal Kingdom

You can meet your favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost at Animal Kingdom including  Mickey and Minnie Mouse in safari outfits. And now you can meet MOANA at Animal Kingdom on Discovery Island. Again, look at the My Disney Experience app for meet times, because Moana does have specific showtimes. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Toddlers

So I was hoping with the opening of Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be bumped up to number 2. However, I’m leaving it at #3 or it can be tied with #2, especially if your toddlers are Star Wars fans.

Don’t get me wrong, Toy Story Land is fantastic! However, there’s really only one additional attraction created for toddlers -Alien Swirling Saucers – but the whole land will be a visual feast for Toy Story fans. 

There aren’t a ton of rides for toddlers at Hollywood Studios, but Mickey’s Runaway Railway is one of my favorites and perfect for little ones! It replaced the Great Movie Ride. 

Disney Characters at Hollywood Studios 

The Disney Junior characters are back to meet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and Fancy Nancy in the Animation Courtyard! 

You can also see   Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and meet Pixar Pals like The Incredibles and Edna Mode at Pixar Place. Also there’s an outdoor line for meet and greets with Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear around Toy Story Mania!

If you have a tall toddler, they may be able to ride Star Tours . And if you have Star Wars fans, then they’ll love Star Wars Launch Bay.  You can meet Chewbacca!

The  Disney Junior – Live on Stage show  has been replaced with Disney Junior Dance Party ! 

Disney Junior Dance Party for Toddlers

I was excited that the Disney Junior – Live on Stage show was getting a makeover. The puppets were a little outdated. And when I heard the new name – Disney Junior Dance Party! – I thought it would be just that, a dance party! 

 The Disney Junior Dance Party! is not exactly a dance party where the characters are on the dance floor with the kids like other dance parties in the parks. It’s still a cute show that little ones will definitely enjoy! 

There are set showtimes throughout the day, so be sure to check the Times Guide or your My Disney Experience app. The show lasts about 25 minutes. Kids come in and sit on the floor while the show begins! A DJ comes out and gets the show started with music, lights, and fun!

Preschoolers and toddlers will get to see their favorite Disney characters on stage like Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Timon, and Mickey Mouse. When Vampirina came on the stage, the crowd erupted in screams. I thought Beyoncé had come in. 

Kids who are big fans of Disney Jr and shows like Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, and Vampirina will have a blast! The kids do get a chance to stand up and dance while learning some dance moves, so it’s a good time to get those wiggles out. 

There is also great audience participation and some kids are called on to help push a button and others can see themselves on the big screen! And just wait until the bubbles and snow come out. Disney Junior Dance Party! is a fun addition for toddlers at Disney World!

Rides for Toddlers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the best ride for toddlers at Hollywood Studios! It’s fun and colorful and it doesn’t have any drops.  In Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, get transported to another planet and galaxy as you land on Batuu. You can go for a ride on the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run if you are least 38 inches tall. For Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance you must be at least 40 inches tall.

There are 3 rides in Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash , Alien Swirling Saucers , and Toy Story Mania! They moved the entrance to Toy Story Mania! inside Toy Story Land and Mr. Potato Head is back, which is always fun for toddlers.

Alien Swirling Saucers has a minimum height requirement of 32 inches. It’s a super cute ride if your toddler is tall enough! You spin (but not crazy spin like the Tea Cups) and can smush up against your neighbor. The music is upbeat and fun!

Slinky Dog Dash has a minimum height requirement of 38 inches. It’s a fun family coaster that appears bigger than it is. Check out this Ride POV of my daughters riding Slinky Dog Dash.

Disney With Toddlers Tip: If you have a nervous rider, have them sit on the right side of the ride and near the front. 

Best Hollywood Studios Shows for Toddlers

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is so, so fun!

The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a good chance for kids to see Anna and Elsa on stage. They don’t appear too long though, and you won’t get any pictures with characters. It’s a funny show with current pop culture jokes and a chance for the audience to sing the songs from Frozen  together.

Also Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage is back and has all the songs your kids love. 

Don’t forget about Muppet*Vision 3D, especially if you need a break in the air condition. 

I wouldn’t completely recommend Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular for toddlers unless they really love Indiana Jones. It gets really hot in the amphitheater and the show is slow-paced, especially if you’re in the back.

Best Rides at EPCOT for Toddlers

EPCOT is probably my last choice for parks at Disney World for toddlers, but they have been adding more activities for them. There are a few rides and some games they can play, but it’s hot, and may not keep their attention.

I was heartbroken when Maelstrom left, but I have to admit, I love Frozen Ever After . Your little Frozen fans will adore this ride. Plus Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a fun addition for toddlers in Epcot!

As far as rides for toddlers go, you can add Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion, Living with the Land (I love it, but it’s a tad boring for some), Spaceship Earth and The Seas With Nemo & Friends .

If your toddler is tall enough, she can ride Soarin ’ . Just make sure they’re tall enough before the measuremement check if they have their hearts set on it. One time a daughter did not make the cut and had a massive tantrum. 

Also, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is not the most kid-friendly option for a really tall toddler/preschooler, but it is very fun for thrill seekers!

Also, they have now opened Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana , which is a beautiful walk-through space and also has water features for kids to play with and explore.

One of my favorite character meals is in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall . I prefer it over Cinderella’s Royal Table for princess interaction.

Also, there are always festivals going on at Epcot, and they usually have a game or scavenger hunt to find Figment that some kids love! For example in the spring there’s the Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt for Flower & Garden Festival and in the winter, they have Epcot International Festival of the Arts and the Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt . You can also hunt for Remy in Remy’s Scavenger Hunt during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival during the fall. 

There are also KidCot stations in each country pavilion in World Showcase where toddlers can do a craft or color.

Fireworks for Toddlers at Disney

If your toddler or preschooler doesn’t like fireworks perhaps it’s better to watch Happily Ever After from Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. I think they’d love the projections on Cinderella Castle and the music since it’s from a lot of Disney films, however, the fireworks are loud. 

If they do love fireworks, then the hub in the center of Magic Kingdom is the best place. Just a heads up: it’s crowded in the hub and people start waiting at least an hour or more before fireworks begin. 

Is Walt Disney World Worth it for Toddlers?

In my opinion, there is plenty to do at Disney World with toddlers! That’s why we continue to spend our vacation dollars here, because I can be part of the action with kids of all ages. There are rides and attractions for my entire family to enjoy – together!

Disney World does require some more planning now with the need for park reservations. You can’t just wake up and decide where you want to go that morning. And with more specified pricing, it’s getting a little crazy. But if you’re willing to put it in the work (or better yet, use a Disney travel agent), then it’s worth it. 

Some may say that toddlers won’t remember their vacations. This may be true, but I’ll sure remember that joy in my toddler’s eyes when she meets Mickey Mouse or when she shot an arrow waiting for Merida. It’s the extra touches that makes planning for toddlers at Disney World fun! Check out my 7 must haves packing list for Disney World and toddlers .

Although we have been many times, we experience family firsts EVERY time. As Disney’s Imagineers keep imagining, we’ll continue making magical memories. Don’t hesitate to go to Disney World with toddlers and remember to travel at their pace. And if you need inexpensive souvenirs, try the Character Warehouse Outlets by Disney World.

Friday 7th of October 2022

Thanks for the tips! Wondering how long in the day were you able to stay at the Magic Kingdom park with young kids? We are planning early morning entry and wondered if we could expect to be there all afternoon/ evening? How was it for your family? Thanks!

Saturday 8th of October 2022

Yes! Take advantage of early entry! I think it just depends on your kids. You can do park open to park close, but not if you’ve been doing to days in a row. Also crowds get heavy in the early afternoon so sometimes we would go back and swim or take naps, then go back. But if you only have one day and then I say go for it and shut it down. Just know you and the kids will be tired!

Underrated Disney World Experiences (That Won't Cost Extra!) - Lola Lambchops

Friday 25th of February 2022

[…] This is something you can do while you are inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom when lines are crazy long. Walt Disney Presents is sometimes a preview center for future Disney films, but the default show is One Man’s Dream, a 15 minute presentation about Walt Disney’s proof positive approach to making dreams come true. The best part, however, is the museum of artifacts along the multimedia journey through Walt’s life that leads up to the show. And air conditioning is a bonus, especially when you have toddlers at Disney World. […]

7 Packing Necessities for Walt Disney World with Toddlers - Lola Lambchops

Tuesday 1st of June 2021

[…] firsts. With all that magic, you also have to be prepared to travel with young children.  Traveling to Disney World with toddlers can sometimes can be tricky, but these 7 packing necessities for Disney World with toddlers can be […]

Best Tips to Plan Your Multigenerational Family Vacation to Disney World - Lola Lambchops

Monday 11th of February 2019

[…] take them while mom or dad take others to ride a ride.     Check out this Walt Disney World for toddlers guide, so you can know the best things to do for toddlers and teens can hang at Pandora- The World […]

A Guide to Toy Story Land For Kids and Families - Lola Lambchops

Saturday 30th of June 2018

[…] I feel like I’ve been waiting for this land for a long time since they first announced it. Toy Story Land was meant to be enjoyed by families, and they certainly accomplished that mission. I feel like this was the missing puzzle piece to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It used to rank last on my best rides and parks for toddlers at Disney World. […]

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Guide 2 Disney World with Toddlers - Updated for 2023!

The complete guide to taking toddlers to walt disney world..

One of the iconic images of modern childhood is a little kid donning Mickey ears and spinning around in a flying elephant on Dumbo. Taking a toddler to Walt Disney World can be full of these magical moments. But it can also be daunting. What is there for a toddler to do? What rides will they like best? What should I pack for my toddler at WDW? How do I manage their nap schedule? And, most importantly, should I even bring my toddler to Disney World?

In our 2023 Disney World Toddler Guide , we are giving parents essential information to plan the best vacation ever for their little ones. This guide will give you helpful tips on navigating the parks, prioritizing the best rides for toddlers, and finding amazing toddler-friendly activities that are easy to miss.

Update 5-22-2023: We’ve just added a Disney World Toddler Packing Guide to our site, with in-depth recommendations on what to pack for Disney World. We’ve also included a new section on whether you should buy Genie+ on your trip with toddlers.

Table of Contents

Should I bring my toddler to Disney World?

Yes! Disney World can be a magical place to visit for all ages, but toddlers are an especially fun age to bring a kid to Disney for the first time. As toddlers, children are endlessly curious about how the world works. Disney World is a one-of-a-kind environment where a toddler can have new, stimulating experiences. That makes experiencing WDW through a toddler’s eyes a great thrill for a parent.

What rides or shows your toddler will be most drawn to will be unique to them. When I first brought my son to Disney as a 1 year old, I would have never predicted that his favorite attraction would be The Enchanted Tiki Room. Now, months after the trip, he still smiles and dances when I put the soundtrack on, and two of his first words are “tiki” and “tweet.”

While he won’t remember his first time in the Tiki room, but it’s been so much fun as a parent to share this experience and discover new ways to play with him.

Here are a few other reasons why Disney World is awesome for toddlers:

• Kids under 3 get in for free:  That’s right. You don’t need to buy a ticket for a child under 3. Getting into Disney World is free for most toddlers. Additionally, you don’t need to purchase Genie+ for them, and some dining locations are free for kids under 3.
• There’s a ton of great rides for toddlers:  From it’s a small world to Dumbo to the train to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway , Disney World has a great lineup of rides that have no height requirement.
• Awesome toddler-friendly activities will make the trip extra special : From the country’s second-largest aquarium in EPCOT to a petting zoo in Animal Kingdom  to the Disney Jr Dance Party in Hollywood Studios , Disney World is packed with activities that will engage and delight toddlers. Be sure to consider a Disney World character meal , which is one of our favorite ways to meet characters at WDW without a wait.
• So many photo ops:  Whether you’re posing with Mickey Mouse or in front of the castle, Disney World is filled with places perfect for capturing memories. If you’re planning on doing regular visits to Disney World as your child grows up, these pictures are easy to repeat each trip and will make for a great photo album. That’s why PhotoPass is popular with so many parents, as it gives you unlimited downloads of pictures taken by Disney’s professional photographers.

Which Disney World park is best for toddlers?

After deciding to take your toddler to Disney World, you’re going to have to figure out which parks to visit. Whether you’re only going for a day or visiting for a week, picking the right parks can be the difference between an awesome vacation and an underwhelming time. This has been made even more important with the Disney Parks Reservation system, where you have to make a reservation for a specific park ahead of time. When planning a multi-day trip, you’ll want to make the right mix of park reservations, even if you have a park hopper.

While all four parks have a lot to offer, Magic Kingdom is by far the best park for toddlers at Disney World . It has the most toddler-friendly rides, shows, and some great activities. This is one of the reasons why it’s WDW’s most popular park. If I could only visit one day, I’d bring my toddler to Magic Kingdom. For a longer trip, I would make the most park reservations for Magic Kingdom.

EPCOT and Animal Kingdom are a close second choice, depending on what your toddler is into. EPCOT has more toddler friendly rides than Animal Kingdom, and it has an aquarium, a few play areas, and interactive activities in each of the World Showcase pavilions. However, Animal Kingdom features an entire zoo’s worth of animals , plus a petting zoo, a train, and a dinosaur dig-themed playground.

Hollywood Studios is my last pick for toddlers at Disney World. Most of the best rides at Hollywood Studios have a height requirement. However, there are still some great things to do with toddlers at Hollywood Studios.

If I was visiting Disney World for five days with a park hopper, my plan would roughly look like this:

• Magic Kingdom – 2.5 days
• EPCOT – 1 day
• Animal Kingdom – 1 day
• Hollywood Studios – .5 days

If I did’t have a park hopper, my plan would look like this:

• Magic Kingdom – 3 days

For longer trips, I would add more time to EPCOT or Animal Kingdom. Of course, the plan would change if I was also visiting with older kids or teenagers, who would enjoy Hollywood Studios more.

What to pack for bringing toddlers to Disney World.

There are a few essential items that you’ll want to pack when bringing your toddler to Disney World. In fact, packing the right gear can prevent potentially stressful moments. Here’s a quick list of items to help you best navigate the parks with your little one.

• Favorite Comfort Items:  Pacifier, blanket, and a stuffed friend can make the new environments feel more comfortable.
• Diapers / Pull ups
• Changing pad
• Multiple changes of clothes for each day of your vacation
• A stroller that easily folds up. We use the Britax B-Lively , which works great because it has plenty of storage space and folding is very easy.
• A carrier (optional). We loved using a carrier for our toddler at Disney, which gave him great views without being confined to a stroller. We highly recommend this carrier by LILLEBaby .
• Leak-proof sippy cups.  Keeping your toddler hydrated is super important, especially in the Florida heat. We love these Munchkin 360 cups for toddlers , because they feel like magic. They’re easy for your toddler to drink from, but won’t spill, even if you flip them upside down.
• Hand Sanitizer and Hand Cleaning Wipes 
• Medicine and a First Aid Kit
• Toddler Fruit/Veggie Puree Pouches – You can bring your own food or snacks into the park, and having pouches in your bag is great for giving your little one a snack while waiting in line.
• A costume – This will be so much fun for you and your little one.

For more in-depth information and recommendations, check out our Disney World Toddler Packing Guide , which features over 50 recommendations for a magical family vacation and a free PDF checklist.

Should I rent a stroller or bring my own to Disney World?

A stroller is a must for any family going to Disney World with small children. Bringing your own stroller to Disney World will save you money, but it will take up a significant amount of space in your car, and it’s one more item to navigate the airport with.

If you don’t want to bring your own stroller, you can rent them from Disney World directly or through a third-party company. We always recommend a third party company like Kingdom Strollers for these reasons:

• They will deliver the stroller to your hotel.
• They feature popular brands like Britax or Baby Jogger.
• You can use the stroller anywhere during your vacation.
• Disney strollers aren’t as comfortable.
• Disney strollers can only be used in the parks – you have to pick them up and drop them off every time you enter or exit the park.
• Third party companies are typically cheaper for the entire week.

You can rent a stroller directly from Kingdom Strollers here.

If you want to learn more about bringing strollers to Disney World, check out our Disney World Stroller Guide.

The Best Toddler Tips for Disney World

• Don’t only focus on rides  – It’s easy to go to Disney World and think that the rides are the only thing worth doing. This is completely not true, especially with a toddler! There are a ton of great shows, activities, and playgrounds throughout each theme park. The best part is that many of these don’t have any line at all. Patience isn’t a strong suit of toddlers, so having something fun to do without a wait is a game changer. Check out each of our WDW theme park toddler guides for a complete list of these activities.
• Don’t miss the Baby Care Centers – Each park has a baby center, and it can be relatively easy to overlook. However, these spaces are great for parents with toddlers. They have full changing stations that are much nicer than the changing stations in the restrooms. They also have high chairs and other amenities if you need a quieter place to take care of your little one’s needs. Read all about Disney World’s Baby Care Centers here, including maps for where to find them in each park.
• Take a break in the middle of the day –  This is one of our favorite tips for anyone visiting Disney World, but it’s especially important with toddlers. Disney World is a ton of stimulation for a toddler, and all of the new things can be exhausting. Try to stick to your toddler’s nap routine as much as possible. It might be tempting to “get your money’s worth” and power through the afternoon to do as many rides as you can. But this will just lead to a cranky toddler and a dreaded “Mickey Meltdown.” Go into the parks early, head back to your hotel during the afternoon when the parks are the hottest and most crowded, and then return for some fun in the evening.
• Pouches are your best friend in line –  Toddler pouches are a great way to easily give your little one a snack on the go. My wife and I found it to be a helpful distraction while waiting in lines if our son was hungry.
• Place an identifier on your stroller –  Your stroller will be moved around at some point by a Cast Member who manages the traffic flow around stroller parking areas. This means that your stroller could get lost in a sea of black and gray. Place a brightly colored ribbon or luggage tag on your stroller so it’s easy to identify from afar.
• Know the ins and outs of Rider Swap –  Rider Swap lets everybody in your party experience rides with height limits  without the person or people who watched your toddler having to wait extra in line. From Disney: “If a Guest doesn’t meet the boarding requirements or doesn’t wish to experience a particular attraction, it’s not a problem for family and friends who do!  With Rider Switch, one adult or supervising Guest (14 years or older) can wait with non-riders while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. Then, they simply switch roles to allow the supervising Guest to experience the attraction without waiting in the regular queue again.” Simply approach the cast member at the entrance of the ride and say that you’re interested in Rider Swap, and they will take care of you. This also works on rides that have Individual Lightning Lane like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Avatar: Flight of Passage.
• Character Strategy –  Seeing characters can be a joy for some kids. But others can find the characters intimidating or even scary. Every child reacts differently to the characters at Disney World. Ease your toddler into seeing characters. The currently-distanced character sightings and cavalcades are actually great for kids who might be a little freaked out by hugging a giant Winnie the Pooh. Character meals are also a great way to introduce your toddler to characters. Because the characters make appearances and roam around the room, some kids react better to the characters than just a sudden meet and greet.
• Best spot for Magic Kingdom fireworks – If your toddler has stayed up all the way until the fireworks, here’s a tip that will be awesome at Magic Kingdom. It’s actually better to watch the fireworks from the back part of Main Street, by Town Square. The booms from the fireworks are not quite as loud, and you are closer to the exit as everyone leaves the park. As a side note, try to hold your toddler at your side instead of putting them on your shoulders if possible. This way they have the same view of the fireworks as you, but you aren’t blocking anyone behind you. I found this to be a more comfortable position than having my wiggly son on my shoulders.

Should I buy Genie+ if I’m visiting Disney World with a Toddler?

Genie+ can sound like a no brainer for parents of toddlers. A way to skip long lines with a squirmy little human who has no understanding that we shouldn’t just hug the legs of that random person in front of us? For many parents, this would be worth any cost.

But toddlers can’t go on many of the rides that have Lightning Lane, and if you are a family with only small children, you may want to think twice about Genie+. Once you remove those big thrill rides from consideration, it’s a tougher value proposition.

In Is Genie+ Worth It For Toddlers at Disney World?, we break down the pros and cons of using Genie+ with toddlers, as well as analyze the ride lineup in each park. We have in-depth recommendations in that article, but here is the tldr:

• Magic Kingdom: Strongly Recommend Genie+
• EPCOT: Maybe Buy Genie+
• Hollywood Studios: Skip Genie+
• Animal Kingdom: Skip Genie+ if you can get to the park early

If you’re park hopping, that changes to a recommendation for some days of your trip. Just keep in mind that visiting Disney World with a toddler is sometimes best if you don’t try to cram in as many rides as possible, which is a bit incompatible with the Genie+ value proposition.

Disney World Toddler Guides By Park

Magic kingdom toddler guide – what to do with toddlers at magic kingdom.

In our Magic Kingdom Toddler Guide , find out all the best rides without height restrictions, favorite activities, and where to find all the characters at Disney World’s best park for toddlers.

Must-Do Rides and Attractions: it’s a small world, Dumbo the Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Enchanted Tiki Room Favorite Activities and Shows:  Tom Sawyer Island, Casey Jr Splash ‘N’ Soak, Festival of Fantasy Parade, Character Cavalcades

Read the full Magic Kingdom Toddler Guide here.

EPCOT Toddler Guide – What To Do with Toddlers at EPCOT

EPCOT has a reputation for being an adult’s theme park, but it’s awesome for toddlers. With several boat rides, a few play areas, and a whole aquarium, it’s easy to have a blast with your toddler at EPCOT.

Must-Do Rides and Attractions : Gran Fiesta Tour, Frozen Ever After, Living with the Land, the Seas with Nemo and Friends Favorite Activities and Shows:  Explore the aquarium, EPCOT Kidcot activity stations, Green Landing Family Play Zone, World Showcase entertainers

Read the full EPCOT Toddler Guide here.

Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide – What To Do with Toddlers at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has Disney World’s best lineup of e-ticket thrill rides. But that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing for toddlers to do. From the only Mickey Mouse ride to a Disney Jr. Dance Party, there is tons of fun for little ones at Hollywood Studios . This park is great for families who also have bigger kids, and it’s an ideal place to use rider swap.

Must-Do Rides and Attractions: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Favorite Activities and Shows: Disney Jr Dance Party, Lightning McQueen Racing Academy, Frozen Singalong

Read the full Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide here.

Animal Kingdom Toddler Guide – What To Do with Toddlers at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is more than just a zoo! There are some amazing rides, shows, and activities that are perfect for the whole family. But it’s also an incredible zoo, which toddlers will adore. Animal Kingdom is awesome for toddlers.

Must-Do Rides and Attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Triceratop Spin Favorite Activities and Shows: Affection Section Petting Zoo, Animal Trails, Kite Tails, The Boneyard Playground, Wilderness Explorers Scavenger Hunt

Read the full Animal Kingdom Toddler Guide here.

How to plan the best Disney vacation ever for your toddler

Going to Disney World with a toddler can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Each section of this Disney World toddler guide gives you everything you need to plan out an amazing vacation with your little one. Follow these tips and recommendations, and you’ll be able to pack in each day with incredible memories.

If you want more help, get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer . Their travel agents are Disney experts who can help you plan a vacation full of magical moments for your toddler. Plus, they’ve helped tons of families, so they know a ton of advice for taking kids to WDW.

We want to hear your thoughts!

What’s your favorite thing to do with toddlers at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.

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James Grosch

James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror. James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.

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How to Visit Disney World With Toddlers

While there is no one perfect age for a first trip to Disney World , every year millions of families choose to visit with little ones in tow. And since theme park admission is free for kids under age 3, many families try to come at least once before a child's third birthday. 

Visiting Disney World with a toddler? Here are tips for getting the most magic out of your trip.

Stay Near the Magic Kingdom

Of all of Disney World 's theme parks, the Magic Kingdom is the most toddler-friendly, with myriad rides and attractions geared to little ones. (Seriously, you could spend an entire day exploring the new Fantasyland  alone.)

Since this is where you're likely to spend most of your theme-park time, choosing a nearby hotel makes it easy to nip back to your home base when everyone needs to unwind and recharge. Three deluxe hotels are moments away on the monorail , and budget-friendly Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a quick water-taxi ride away. 

There's no need to lug all of your baby gear with you. Pack ‘n Play cribs and bed guardrails are available upon request at each Disney Resort hotel , and every restaurant has plenty of high chairs.

Go During the Off-Season

One huge advantage of traveling with kids under 5 is that they're not yet tied down to a school schedule. The upside is that you can visit when big kids are in school and  Disney World is less crowded .

Measure Your Child

Before you leave home, measure your child's height in the shoes she'll wear at the parks. Check online to see attraction height restrictions , so you don't accidentally book FastPass+ for an attraction your child can't experience. Don't worry—there are myriad attractions with no height restriction at all.

Bring or Rent a Stroller

Wear your comfiest shoes because you're going to walk for miles and miles. Even if your child is outgrowing her stroller at home, you'll be grateful to have one at Disney World. You can bring your own or rent a stroller at the entrance of each theme park. Need a stroller for multiple days? A length-of-stay rental rate knocks a few bucks off the per-diem price. 

Lock in Times for High-Priority Experiences

Want to make the most of your time? An innovative new planning tool called  MyMagic+  combines a smartphone app with wearable MagicBand bracelets containing a computer chip that holds all the components of your Disney World vacation—theme park tickets, room key, ride times, dining reservations—and it also acts as a resort charge card.

The result is a truly seamless experience that starts with your pre-trip planning, letting you  schedule FastPass+ and dining experiences , and continues during your stay at Disney World. 

Take in Some Live Shows

Disney World offers a phenomenal array of live entertainment that features familiar characters and sensational music. And, since shows are typically less than a half-hour long, they are perfect for toddlers' short attention spans. If you have to pick just one, make it the Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom, which combines fabulous costumes, wonderful songs, and an incredible mix of pageantry, puppetry, and acrobatics.

Take Advantage of Baby Centers

Each of Disney World's four theme parks has a Baby Care Center where you'll find changing and feeding stations and private nursing rooms with rockers. You can also buy essentials such as disposable diapers, baby bottles, formula and other baby supplies at a nominal cost. In addition, there are baby-changing areas in all restrooms, including men’s and family ​restrooms.

Build in Downtime

Want to enjoy the parks when crowds are lightest? Plan to arrive at the parks early and take a break in the middle of the day for lunch, afternoon naps, and downtime at the pool. You can head back for a second stint in the parks in the afternoon after everyone has decompressed.

Pack Wisely

Be prepared for the Florida sunshine and heat. In your day bag, bring extra sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a sweatshirt for chilly, air-conditioned theaters. Every park has splash pads or misters where little ones can cool off—so think ahead and bring your child's swimsuit or an extra change of dry clothes.

Add an Pinch of Pixie Dust

Take the time to research other experiences that are extra special for toddlers, such as getting a first haircut (and commemorative mouse ears) at Harmony Barber Shop or meeting favorite Disney characters , as well as choosing a  character dining experience .

Book a Sitter

If parents are looking for a night out without little ones, in-room babysitting is available for children ages six months and up through the independent childcare provider Kids Nite Out. For information and reservations, call 1-800-696-8105.

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31 Helpful + Easy Tips For Walt Disney World With Toddlers

We have visited Disney World more than 5 times over the past few years. But traveling to Disney with a toddler is a completely different story, and not for the faint of heart. After our most recent trip to Disney with our 2 year old, I wrote this blog post to share all of the best tips and tricks that worked for doing Disney with a toddler. I hope this post helps your trip run so much more smoothly at the most magical place on Earth! Walt Disney World is a crazy place to be . Don’t get me wrong, I love it. It’s fantastic and exciting and full of magic (too cliche?).  But, it really is crazy.

And you know what makes it even crazier? Toddlers. Toddlers. Are. Wild! But, they also are a blast. If you have the right Disney World with toddlers tips…it is amazing! Toddlers are the ones who scream with excitement when they see their favorite characters. They are the ones who wave frantically at parade-goers and chatter incessantly while riding rides. Toddlers have eyes that light up at the fireworks, and they are the reason we keep visiting Disney World. Plus, they’re free under 3!

Going To Walt Disney World With Toddlers (and Pregnant!)

A few months ago, at 31 weeks pregnant, my husband and I took our two-year-old to Disney.  I knew that I was insane going to Disney at 31 weeks pregnant with a toddler, but we were going with extended family, and we were not going to miss this trip . So, I spent months reading tips and joining Facebook groups, looking for all of the best ideas for how I could possibly make our trip even a little bit easier.  I planned and planned and planned… And our trip was fantastic! I’ve rounded up the best tips and tricks, including must-have travel items , that we used to have the most magical Disney World vacation ever so that you don’t have to do all of the work searching like I did. Read on below for the best tips for Disney World with a toddler.

Getting to Disney World With Toddlers

Planning ahead can make the actual travel piece of your trip so much more enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend you do as far as travel day goes:

1. Plan your Travel Day to Disney World Well

This is the biggest mistake that I made ….Do not take a super early flight unless you’re sure your kid will nap. We took an early flight to Florida (5:40 AM). When I booked it, I did not even think about the fact that we live an hour from the airport and would also have to be there 2 hours earlier than our flight departure time.  The 2:45 wake-up was NOT kind to our 2-year-old, and we suffered MANY meltdowns that day with our normally incredibly pleasant toddler since he would not nap in the car or on the plane.  DO NOT plan a full travel day to Florida and expect your toddler to wake up ready to enjoy Disney. It just won’t happen. Give them some downtime if you can!

2. Pack Airplane Snacks!

Hangry toddlers are miserable. And they make mommies and daddies miserable too. You need snacks for the plane, and the best way I found to do that was to bring a Snacklebox! This is a small container with separate compartments for food. My husband was so annoyed that I splurged on a Snacklebox for our son, Colton, for the plane. And that man ate his words.  The Snacklebox not only kept Colton eating throughout the ride, but he also loved holding it and opening it himself and seeing what was inside. In terms of packing, it contained everything for us, didn’t spill, and easily slipped inside my carry-on backpack.

3. Arrange Transportation to Your Walt Disney World Resort (Or Other Accommodation) Ahead of Time

If you fly into Disney, it is not enough to assume you will just hail a cab to get to where you’re staying. And, trust me, this isn’t something you want to figure out on the spot with a tired toddler. Luckily, you have a few options for how to get to your hotel from the airport.  This, of course, is complicated by the fact that with a toddler you need a car seat. We tried out Tiffany Towncar for our drive to the resort and the new Mears Express for the ride back to the airport. I’d recommend both of them, as they were cost-effective and efficient.  Tiffany Towncar picked us up right at baggage claim, took us to our private van, and dropped us off at the resort. They included two car seats for us for free , and they were already installed and ready to go! A feature I love about this company is that they offer a complimentary grocery stop if you’d like one! (Highly recommend using this stop to grab snacks for your kiddo!) Mears Express was also great (I was worried after reading some less-than-stellar reviews). They were on time to the front of our resort and didn’t make any other stops on the way to the airport. The bus was clean, and the driver was friendly and helpful! These were the best options we found (most cost-effective and efficient) for our family, though you could definitely rent a car and pay for a car seat there as well. Renting a car would make more sense if you are staying off of Disney resort property. 

How to Stay at Walt Disney World Resorts With Toddlers

How to get the most out of your resort stay with your little one!

4. Know How Your Room Will Be Set Up

We stayed in a Disney Vacation Club studio room at Saratoga Springs. I was initially worried about the space and how our son would sleep. However, he slept in the pull-down Murphy bed (almost like a sofa bed), and we just folded it right up and out of the way each morning!

⭐ Tip: If this is your toddler’s first time sleeping in a real bed, try these packable, inflatable bed bumpers! I was terrified that Colton would roll right out because he moves around so much at night, but these worked out wonderfully to keep him in place!

5. Know Where You Are Staying In Your Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World resorts are HUGE . If you are staying in one, you want to know exactly where you are located. Lugging a stroller and a toddler and whatever else you have with you to a bus stop that is a 10-minute walk away is not the look. You can request certain resort areas in the My Disney Experience App. For instance, you can ask to be close to a pool or a bus stop. Pick what’s best for you!

⭐ Saratoga Springs Tip : We love the Congress Park area . Our room was right across from the bus stop and pool. It was also MAYBE a 10-minute walk to Disney Springs . It was perfect!

Tips For Visiting Disney World Parks With Toddlers

Taking toddlers to the actual parks in Disney can be the most stressful part of the trip. Don’t worry- the hacks below saved us more than once, and they’re easy to implement!

6. Have a Plan, But Be Flexible

You definitely need to have a plan of attack for each day. Which park are you going to? What rides are you heading to first? Where will you eat? All of these things factor in. For example, you want to hit the most popular rides early in order to avoid lines ( no one wants to wait in line with a toddler). And you don’t want to have to walk halfway back across the park in order to get to your lunch spot. Plan this out ahead of time! But, overall, you still need to be flexible.

For example, one thing that we were seriously worried about was that Colton wouldn’t be “Disney tired” and would refuse to sleep in the stroller.

Most days, he fell right asleep in the stroller. One day, we even decided mid-meltdown to leave for a nap.

By the time we had walked up Main Street in Magic Kingdom, he was passed out, and we spent 2 hours sitting outside the gates where there wasn’t music blaring.

BUT- we got our nap in! There’s no way to plan for how your toddler will manage each day. So, plan ahead, but be flexible, too. It’ll make your trip more enjoyable!

7. Capitalize on Early Entry to the Parks

One of the best perks of staying on Disney property is that you gain early entry to the parks on certain days. And you should absolutely use it as much as possible! Let’s not beat around the bush- you’re up already with a toddler- lol. They aren’t sleeping in. So, you might as well make the most of that early day. Entering the parks early means shorter lines and the ability to get more rides in. This is an easy way to maximize time in the parks prior to possibly needing to leave for naptime.

8. Bring Your Own Stroller

You can rent strollers ( most rent from Kingdom Strollers ), but we prefer to bring our own.   This way, we have our stroller with us in the airport and don’t have to coordinate the pickup or dropoff of a rented one in our busy schedule. It is also worth bringing your own stroller because you already know your child is comfortable, you know how it works, and you know how you prefer it to be organized.   If necessary, you can use a stroller bag to keep it safe during the flight.

9. Figure Out How You Will Organize Your Stroller For Disney World With Toddlers

Believe me, you’ll be taking a LOT of buses during your Disney World Vacation. 🚨 Here’s the thing…You have to have your stroller for your little ones, but you also have to be able to quickly fold up your stroller in order to jump on and off Disney World transportation buses. To help make this process more manageable, we used a large Marshalls reusable bag with separate zipper pouches thrown inside. One of us would carry the stroller and full Marshalls bag through security at the parks, and the other person took our toddler through the much shorter person-only line. We received a ton of compliments from Disney staff because checking our items was so seamless! Once inside the parks, we would take a moment to unpack. We’d fold the Marshall’s bag on the bottom of the stroller and put all of the pouches on top of it. When we were ready to hop on the next bus, this setup allowed us to pack up easily. We’d throw everything into the big bag to get onto a bus, but we still had SO much organization in the smaller pouches.

10. Organize Your Stroller Pouches

This set of pouches made it so simple to organize our stroller well. Here’s how I recommend you use them: ✔ 1 large zipper pouch  A change of clothes and shoes for your toddler ( Natives are perfect for when it rains!) as well as a raincoat. ✔ 1 medium pouch for snacks ✔ 1 medium pouch for extras Kid utensils for eating , a portable noise machine , a portable battery pack , suntan lotion, etc) ✔ 1 medium pouch for diapers and wipes (To Help With Quick Changing) Having a separate pouch for diapers and wipes makes it so simple to grab and run into one of the baby care center s. No rooting through a diaper bag and forgetting something!

⭐ Tip: Disney has amazing Baby Care Centers at every one of their parks. Inside are private nursing areas, a changing room, and so many other amenities. You can find a list of where they are located here!

11. Have a Small Bag to Take on Disney World Rides

When you’re visiting Disney World Parks with a toddler, you come with a LOT of stuff. But, you can’t take your entire stroller and all of your pouches into rides or restaurants at Disney. The best way I found to combat this is to just take your valuables with you . I bought a Disney Loungefly bag (super cute, and so many styles!) to take with us on rides and into restaurants. The Loungefly bags are much more spacious than they look, and I usually packed my small wallet, my toddler’s hoodie, his water bottle, our rain ponchos, and his toddler-sized eating utensils in the bag in case we needed them.  At one point, we walked off of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and it was POURING. It worked beautifully to have these things with me immediately and not have to sift through the stroller in the rain to find our ponchos.

12. Bring Water Bottles and REFILL Them for Free (with filtered water) at Disney Parks!

Bring reusable, stainless steel bottles and hang them from your stroller. We hung two adult water bottles and a toddler water bottle with no problem from our stroller hook .  The best way to get ice water that is filtered (because, no, we aren’t drinking dirty park fountain water unless we absolutely HAVE to) is to fill your bottles in the morning at your resort or room. Then, throughout the day, each time you are at a quick service or counter restaurant, ask for cups of water (they’re free!!) and dump them in your bottle to refill!

13. Bring a Portable Charger to the Parks

Disney is quickly moving everything to mobile platforms, so you will use your phone constantly throughout the day. Reservations, tickets, Genie+, dining, mobile ordering, wait times, MemoryMaker… it can ALL be done on the My Disney Experience app. Your phone will die. Grab a compact charger that you can use throughout the day at the parks.

14. Cover Your Stroller!

Ya’ll think I’m joking. But this is a major tip that saved us MORE than once. You need a stroller rain cover. AND-If there’s ANY chance of rain, and I mean ANY, use your stroller rain cover when you go on rides in the parks. Three or four times, we came off of a Disney World ride to see that it had sprinkled (or poured) while we were inside. Since we had thought to cover our stroller, my toddler could still sit in a dry seat. If we hadn’t. we’d have been out of luck or soaking wet for the rest of the day.

15. Toddlers at Disney World LOVE Bubble Wands

Look…apparently at Disney the bubble wands are A THING . Especially at night for parades. In well-prepared mom fashion, we bought the Disney character wand on Amazon ahead of time. It worked for one day and broke, so we ended up out the $30 for the one at the parks anyway. Awesome. If the bubble wand is going to be that important to YOUR kid, I’d say be prepared to pay $30 for the working one that will last. But, BRING EXTRA BUBBLES! You will run out!

16. Buy the $15 Balloon at Magic Kingdom

Prior to Disney, I was that mom who was all “ There’s no way I’m paying $15 dollars for a BALLOON! Are you crazy?” Welp, our little one wanted the balloon as his souvenir. Didn’t ask for one thing the entire trip…no stuffed animal, no pins, no ears. But, dang it if he didn’t want that dreaded balloon. So, naturally, I caved. And I’m just here to tell you it was the best $15 I spent on the entire trip. It was my kid’s favorite thing. Sure, it was annoying on the bus. He hit tons of people with it accidentally (lol), but he was SO happy . And, BONUS, it does really help you find your stroller easily. We could see our stroller clear across the packed Toy Story Land, which is something!

17. Mark Your Stroller in Disney World Parks

Disney is basically a sea of strollers. And they’re almost ALL black. SO, you really need to figure out ahead of time how you will find your stroller easily when you come off of a ride or out of a show. The best way I found to do this was to use stroller marker Pom poms . These clipped right around our stroller handles and were small enough that they weren’t in the way, but big enough that we could see them easily to identify where our stroller was. A lot of people also have success at night with looping battery-operated string lights around their strollers. I didn’t personally try this, but I saw lots of families who did!

18. Proactively Care For Your Feet

You will walk a ton at Disney . We walked more than 30 miles during our week-long trip. Did you read above where I said I was 31 weeks pregnant? Yep- 30 miles at 31 weeks pregnant. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that my feet were KILLING me. Prior to this trip, I had no idea how much of a life-saver Epsom salt was….but it’s amazing. Each night, I used Epsom salt foot lotion before bed. It worked wonders. I will never travel anywhere without it again. Ever.

19. Get To Walt Disney World Parks EARLY!

With toddlers, you’ve gotta get up and go. And, when I say go, I mean earlier than the posted early entry. We often left our resort 1.5 hours ahead of the supposed park entry time. Every time, without fail, we got a bus earlier than they were supposed to be running.  Disney generally says that there will be buses running to parks  “1 hour before opening.” We found that they ran even earlier. Jumping on these early buses allowed us to be in the first group through park security. We did wait a bit, but we were ALWAYS let through the front park entrance gates earlier than the park was supposed to be open, and we were able to go in and get on rides right away.

20. The Ratatouille Hack at Epcot Park (My Personal Favorite Tip For ANYONE!)

Ya’ll- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride (in Epcot) is a hot commodity. It’s a newer ride, and it has SUCH long lines. But we waited ten minutes for it. MAYBE. Here’s how we did it: ✅ Take an early bus to Hollywood Studios (It doesn’t matter if Hollywood Studios is open). ✅ From Hollywood Studios, jump on the Skyliner to Epcot. ✅ The Skyliner will drop you off at the back gates of Epcot (near France in the World Showcase.) ✅ They open this back entrance at the same time as the front entrance. Since you’re right outside of France, you can literally walk to your right and get in the queue for Ratatouille. ✅ You automatically cut off everyone running to Ratatouille from the front entrance, so the only people there are those who also knew to go in the back (World Showcase) entrance.  They ended up letting us into Epcot early, letting us jump in the ride line early, and opening the entire ride early. 

⭐ Tip: Go earlier than you think you need to. The posted early entry for Epcot the day we went was 9:00. Early entry for resort guests was supposed to be 8:30. We were already in the park and off of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure by 8:20 (before the park was even supposed to be open!).   By the time we walked off of the ride, the line was already at over a 90-minute wait, and the park technically hadn’t even OPENED yet.

21. Use the Secret Castle Photo Spot at Magic Kingdom Park

This is the best way to get unobstructed views of Cinderella’s Castle without anyone else in your photos! Head to one of the small buildings on either side of the castle (circled on the map above). The angles feel strange at first, but the pictures come out beautifully!

22. Take a Portable Noise Machine For Naps

A noise machine is an extra thing to bring with you each day, but it definitely prolonged naps for our little guy. This rechargeable one was hooked inside our stroller to help drown out the noise. Even when we tried to find quieter spots in the parks during nap time, they really weren’t all that quiet. The noise machine helped cover that so well.

23. If You Care About the Photos, Buy the MemoryMaker

I am a photo person, so we DID do the MemoryMaker. And it was honestly way better than we expected it to be for two reasons: ✔ Only one of us paid for it (and then split the cost), but all 12 of the people in our group could use it. The key here is to have all of your guests connected on the My Disney Experience App.  Once you’re all connected on the App, no matter who scans their MagicBand, the photo goes to your MemoryMaker section. The only catch here is that only the person who paid for MemoryMaker can download the photos without the watermark. At the end of the trip, this just meant that I had to download all of the photos and disseminate them even though I wasn’t in some of them.

✔ There are lots of places to get photos taken. Disney photographers are basically everywhere. We have photos at the front of parks, at the back of parks, in front of important Disney buildings (Ex: Beauty and the Beast’s castle), with Disney characters photoshopped in, on rides, and even randomly at the park where we got family photos. This allowed us to have photos we probably wouldn’t have taken otherwise, and it was nice not to have to awkwardly ask a random person to take our photos for us.   We would absolutely do this again.

⭐ Tip: If you do buy the MemoryMaker, make sure you allow your Disney app to access Bluetooth . This is how they track you on a ride to link your photos. There are a few older rides where you have to physically scan your MagicBand by your photo on the way out, but the only one we saw was Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park.

24. Take Advantage of Visiting Theme Parks In the Rain

If you’re prepared for the rain, it isn’t so bad. We did Magic Kingdom Park on a day when it closed early for a cast member celebration AND it rained. Best. Decision. Ever. There was legit like no one there. We walked onto rides all afternoon. You’ll be wet, but you’ll have the best memories from it. If you have the chance, do it.

25. Stay for the Fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom

I have to admit… I was so on the fence about this one initially. Who enjoys having a toddler up past their bedtime? No one. But, we rallied and went to both the Epcot and Magic Kingdom Park fireworks shows. They were the highlight of my son’s trip (as you can see from his face in the photo!). He still talks about them to this day.

⭐ Tip : If you are going to stay for fireworks, have a plan of exit ! I recommend leaving 10-15 minutes before the end of the show if you can. Otherwise, plan on waiting a while to get out of the park and back to your resort.

Disney Food Service With Toddlers

Here are a few easy tips for making meals at Disney a little bit more peaceful with kids!

26. Use Mobile Ordering (ESPECIALLY in Toy Story Land)

Using mobile ordering for lunches and snacks made our lives so much easier . Trust me, the lines for the quick service counters are B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Do not get stuck in those lines. One of the most popular counter services is Woody’s Lunchbox in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. If you want to eat here, grab your mobile order window AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO THE PARK . I snagged our 12 PM mobile walk-up time around 9:30 AM. By 11:00 AM, all of the mobile pick-up windows for the entire day (both lunch and dinner) were gone.  On the plus side, this was the only mobile window we had to grab ahead of time.

27. Book Dinners Where There is Something for the Kids to Do

Our best Disney dinners were at places that had unique scenery which kept the kids engaged. We loved the following restaurants: ✅ T-Rex (Saratoga Springs): A restaurant with prehistorically decorated rooms, dinosaurs that move and roar, and a lightning rain show during dinner. ✅ Ragland Road (Saratoga Springs): An Irish pub that has Irish dancing, singing, and other entertainment. ✅ San Angel Inn (Epcot): A Mexican restaurant inside the World Showcase pavilion with a starry night sky and river ride nearby. ✅ Biergarten (Epcot): A German Biergarten restaurant with German dancers, musicians, and other entertainment. ✅ Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot): A Norweigan restaurant where Disney princesses come around and talk to tables.

⭐ Note: These are NOT my recommendations for the best dinners in Disney. They are simply my recommendations for places your toddler will not be bored out of their minds because there is something to look at.

28. Bring Kid-Friendly Activities Into Restaurants

Don’t hesitate to bring some of your child’s favorite activities with you into the parks and to meals. Just make sure they pack well! We always bring travel reusable sticker play sets , travel board books , and water wow booklets to keep Colton entertained while we are waiting for our meals. This makes life a lot more peaceful for us!

29. Book A Character Breakfast (And Get Into Animal Kingdom Early!)

We did the Tusker House character breakfast before Animal Kingdom opened, and it was AMAZING. The service was fantastic, Disney characters came around multiple times, and the food was probably the best meal we ate at Disney. Tusker House is family-style, so keep in mind that kids under 3 eat for free (winning!), and it is all-you-can-eat. As a bonus, breakfast-goers get into the park for early reservations. Because of this, we scored family photos in an empty Animal Kingdom and were already in the back of the park by the time the front gates opened to the public. This meant we were the first ones in ride lines!

30. Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast Restaurant) May or May Not Be Worth It 

This one is a toss-up, and people argue adamantly on both sides whether or not Be Our Guest is worth it. There’s no way around it… the meal comes with a hefty price tag . It is the most expensive meal I have ever eaten (I don’t know what that says about my palate, but hey). My little guy LOVES Beauty and the Beast right now, so doing lunch at Be Our Guest was worth it for us.  I also have to say the food was incredible. Each person gets a three-course meal (appetizer, entree, and dessert). Colton got an adorable cheese and fruit board to start and loved painting his own “Chip”-themed dessert.

⭐ Tip : If your child is NOT afraid of lightning and darkness, ask to be seated in the West Wing! This is the most decorated part of the palace, and there is a lightning storm during your meal. We loved it!

31. Have Breakfast in Your Hotel Room

Do a grocery run when you first get to Disney so that you can have breakfast in your hotel room! We picked up breakfast items (oatmeal cups, drinkable yogurts, bananas, granola bars), bottled water, and snacks to take with us into the parks. This alone saved us a ton of money and time! We were able to grab food, jump on a bus in the morning, and not waste any time finding breakfast. 

Is It Worth Going to Disney With a Toddler?

Absolutely. And, look. I, too, was a skeptic at first. My in-laws are Disney Vacation Club members, and they always asked us when we would first take Colton to Walt Disney World. We always said something like “Oh, probably not until he is like 5 so he can rememer it!” (After all, you spend all that money, right?) But, no. Taking our son to Disney at 2 years old was the perfect time. Toddlers are so full of energy and zest and excitement during these years. The way their eyes light up at the smallest thing makes it so worth it. Even if your little one won’t remember every detail, you will. And, plus, you’ll have about a thousand pictures to show him, too!

Is Disney Toddler-Friendly?

Yes! Disney is incredibly toddler-friendly. I was worried that having a two-year-old and being 31 weeks pregnant we would have nothing to do. If anything, it was the opposite. There are so many age-appropriate rides, shows, favorite Disney characters, and parades, that you will never get bored.

What Disney World Park is Best For Toddlers?

Magic Kingdom is the best Disney World Park for toddlers. Although each of the four parks has a few things that are toddler-friendly, Magic Kingdom has the most. The entire park of Magic Kingdom is geared towards younger kids, including many of the rides, characters, parades, and even the design of the areas of the park such as Frontierland. Little ones will have a blast at Magic Kingdom, and there are only a few choice things that they will be unable to participate in.

What is There To Do In Disney World Theme Parks For Toddlers?

Here are some of the top things to do in each of the Disney Parks for little ones:

Things for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

✔️ 17 different rides that have no height requirement (Including Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight & Pirates of the Caribbean). ✔️ Character Meet and Greets With Mickey Mouse, Belle, and others! ✔️ Character Dining at Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Table, and Crystal Palace.

Epcot With Toddlers

✔️ Amazing family-friendly rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, and The Seas With Nemo and Friends. ✔️Akershus Banquet Hall Princess Dining! ✔️Playgrounds and Splash pads ✔️ The World Pavilion Kidcot Fun Stops, shows, and rides ✔️ Character meets with countless Disney World favorites like Anna and Elsa, Belle, and Princess Jasmine.

Animal Kingdom For Toddlers

✔️ Second-best park for toddlers ✔️ Exciting rides like the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Na’vi River Journey, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug! ✔️ So many animal encounters! ✔️ Festival of the Lion King show.

Rides and Attractions for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios

✔️ Toy Story Land! ✔️ Rides like Minnie & Mickey’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania!, and For the First Time in Forever: Frozen Sing Along. ✔️ Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage! ✔️ Other shows: Muppet-vision, Lightning McQueens Racing Academy, Disney Junior Play and Dance Party.

Conclusion: Walt Disney World Theme Park Tips With Toddlers

In order to enjoy Disney with a toddler, you have to go with the flow . Do not ruin your bucket list trip by stressing over the little details. Hopefully by now this post has provided you with some epic hacks and tips to help you take your toddler to Disney…and enjoy it! Try not to stress- this trip should be enjoyable for you, too! Be as flexible as you can, and roll with what your toddler needs! Everything else will fall into place.

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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The Family Vacation Guide

Top Tips for Visiting Disney World with Toddlers

posted by James Brockbank on November 20, 2021 // last updated on November 20, 2021

Disney World has long been a top destination for family vacations. With four unforgettable theme parks and two water parks to choose from, there’s something fun to do for everybody. Even toddlers can tag along to what’s known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth” for an unforgettable holiday. In fact, kids under age three get into parks for free.

While there’s plenty for young kids to do at Disney, navigating the parks with a toddler in tow can still be a challenge. Read on to learn all of the top tips and tricks for visiting Disney World with toddlers to make the most of your next family vacation.

Get Excited Before the Big Trip

Familiarize yourself with the maps, bring in-line entertainment, take advantage of lightning lanes, include rest time in your schedule, use a stroller, make dining reservations, pack snacks, stay and play at a disney hotel, beat the lines with early entry, stop by a baby care center, book in-room babysitting, capture memories with a photopass, download disney apps, schedule your trip off-season, the bottom line.

The best time to start preparing for your Disney vacation is well before your trip. Getting kids amped up and excited can make the parks a little bit more magical for everybody involved. It also ensures that your toddler will recognize all of the familiar faces they see at the park for meet and greets and autograph signing. 

One of the best ways to get toddlers excited for your trip is by watching Disney shows or movies together. Doing this will introduce them to the classic characters and stories featured in rides around the park. There are also plenty of age-appropriate Disney books that you can read together with your toddler. 

You don’t necessarily have to stick to the classics when introducing young kids to Disney. At Disney World, they’ll also see some of their favorite characters from some of Disney’s newer shows, such as Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First.

Before you head out the door of your hotel, you should be familiar with the layout of all the theme parks and water parks that you plan to visit. Doing this will help you plan out the route of least resistance and minimize walking throughout the day. 

Looking through park maps also gives your family a chance to discuss which rides and shows are a must during your trip so that you don’t miss out on anything. You should sit down together and discuss different attractions to plan out a rough schedule for the day. Doing this not only helps the day run more smoothly, but it can help to ease any anxiety about your trip.

Make sure to include the youngest family members in your planning to ensure that no one gets left out on the big day. Some rides have minimum height requirements that young toddlers won’t be able to meet. Make sure that you explain ahead of time to your toddler why they can’t go on certain rides to avoid a meltdown at the scene. 

Fortunately, Disney World is home to more than 100 different attractions with no height requirements . Some even have a maximum height requirement. Check before your trip to see which rides allow toddlers to ride in a car or on your lap. Some popular classics include Dumbo the Flying Elephant in the Magic Kingdom, the educational Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the Triceratops Spin at the Animal Kingdom, and many more. 

While Disney World itself is a blast, all of the lines and wait times are undeniably not. During the height of tourist season, lines for popular rides can have hours-long wait times. Unfortunately, most toddlers aren’t the most patient, and a long wait can quickly lead to a meltdown.

Some rides geared towards younger children come equipped with interactive activities and entertainment in the waiting line. For example, the Dumbo the Flying Elephant line received recent upgrades and now has a full indoor play space to distract restless kids. 

Unfortunately, not every line at Disney comes equipped for a bored toddler. It’s a good idea to come prepared with your own bag full of fun activities to keep kids occupied as you wait. You can bring small coloring activities, handheld games, books to read, and more. Your bag of goodies may also come in handy during any downtime you have throughout the day. 

If you want to cut back on wait times, you may want to consider purchasing Lightning Lane access for Disney’s most popular attractions. You can schedule an entry window for up to two rides a day where you can bypass the line and save time.

If you want even more fast pass access, you can sign up for the Disney Genie+ service. Doing this allows you to select your Lightning Lane arrival window on demand for unlimited attractions all day long. You can squeeze in more rides and shows each day to make the most of your Disney vacation. 

As any parent knows, disrupting the napping schedule can lead to trouble later in the day. While it can be tempting to try and power through Disney parks all day, nonstop action can be exhausting and overwhelming for young toddlers. You should make sure that your daily schedule includes a designated time for a little bit of R&R.

Try to follow your home schedule as closely as possible to keep toddlers calm and happy during your trip. You can let your kids nap in their stroller at the park, or you can head back to the hotel for an hour or two in the afternoon. While this might cut into some of your Disney time, a well-rested toddler makes for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.

If you’re concerned about making the most of your visit, the adults and older children in your group can keep the fun going even as your toddler naps. Many rides feature a Rider Switch program where you can swap off with others in your group. 

Rides that offer Rider Switch boast comfortable, air-conditioned rooms where parents can wait with their toddlers as they nap. Others in the party stand in line for the ride, and once finished, can swap places with the parent in the designated waiting area to ensure that their toddler is never left unattended.

Even if you map out your route ahead of time, there’s no way to avoid walking at Disney parks. You could end up walking miles in a day as you tour around to catch all of the different attractions. Little legs can often find it difficult to keep pace.

Any parent with a child under eight should always have a stroller handy on a Disney vacation. Otherwise, you may end up having to carry your toddler all of those miles around the park once their legs get tired.

You can bring your own stroller from home, but keep in mind that it has to fit in Disney’s designated stroller parking areas. Any stroller that you bring should be 31 inches wide and 52 inches long or smaller.

If you choose not to bring a stroller or simply don’t have the packing space, Disney’s stroller rental is available throughout all four parks. For a small daily fee, you can rent either a single or a double stroller to carry your kids. If you pre-book, you may be able to save on the grand total. 

Having a stroller lets your toddler rest while you continue to make your way through the park. You won’t have to slow down and adjust your schedule, nor will you throw out your back carrying a cranky toddler. What’s more, a stroller gives you a convenient place to store items such as jackets, snacks, and toys to help free up space in your day pack. 

Disney is home to a wide variety of themed restaurants that are sure to delight your toddler. However, many require a reservation for meals, and spaces fill up fast. It’s a good idea to make reservations at Disney restaurants as early as possible in the booking process to ensure that your family gets a table. 

While Disney doesn’t require park reservations for guests under three, restaurants need an accurate headcount to seat your entire family. Always make sure to include toddlers when making a lunch or dinner reservation. 

If you want to save some money on your trip, keep in mind that kids under three can enter Disney parks and eat for free. Parents can opt to “share” their plate with toddlers at any buffet or family-style restaurants for free. Doing this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to let your children pick off your plate; they can eat whatever they like on their own plate.

Some Disney restaurants offer character dining experiences where your child can enjoy a meal alongside their favorite Disney friends. These opportunities book up fast, so it’s important to reserve your family’s seats as soon as possible if you want to get up close and personal with classic characters.

When toddlers get hungry between meals, it’s a good idea to have snacks on hand. Otherwise, you may be facing hunger-induced meltdowns until your lunch or dinner reservation. All of the action and excitement is sure to have kids burning more calories than usual.

You should always pack plenty of healthy snacks to keep your kids full and happy throughout the day. It’s best to pack foods packed with protein to keep toddlers going throughout the day. Granola bars, cheese sticks, and peanut butter crackers all make good snack options for toddlers.

Most Disney hotels allow guests to order groceries from food delivery services if they don’t have time to shop for snacks. You can stock up on whatever snacks you need as well as essentials like diapers and toiletries.

Disney parks also offer plenty of fun snacks for kids, including special themed foods such as the Mickey soft pretzel or the Cheshire Cat roll. You can find snacks in most gift shops, or you can try one of Disney’s walk-in restaurants to see their children’s menu.

You may want to consider staying at a Disney resort for your trip to make your trip even more memorable. You can choose from more than two dozen different themed hotels, cabins, and campsites that span a range of different budgets. 

Staying at a Disney hotel can make the experience more immersive for your toddler, as they’ll get to see classic Disney scenery and even live characters wandering the halls. Hotel guests also enjoy perks such as early park entry, extended hours, and discounted dining plans.

Parents with infants and toddlers can request a crib, high chair, or a Pack n’ Play for the duration of their stay free of charge. Some hotels also have laundry machines and kitchenettes in guest suites.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of staying in a Disney hotel is the proximity to the parks. The resorts make it easy for families to get to and from the park, which can be a lifesaver for parents with a fussy toddler in tow.

Hotel guests can use the complimentary Disney bus service or take the monorail to all parks with ease. The recently added Disney Skyliner lets you and your family soar from the hotel to the parks in a gondola with a bird’s-eye view of Disney World. If you have a car, you can park for free at Disney hotels as a guest.

One of the perks of staying in a Disney resort is that you can take advantage of early entry to the park. Doing this means that you can get more done in the morning when toddlers are still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, leaving everyone to rest and relax as needed in the afternoon.

Each day, you can get a 30-minute head start on other guests at any of Disney’s four parks. You’ll get the chance to make sure that you fit in any rides that your toddler might have their heart set on. It’s best to hit the most popular attractions as early as possible since lines are bound to be longer later in the day. 

Early entry also gives you more flexibility in your schedule, especially when it comes to rest time. With an additional 30 minutes to enjoy yourselves each day, your family will have more time to stop and relax without missing any attractions. 

All four Disney theme parks offer fully equipped Baby Care Centers for parents with infants and toddlers. You can find nursing changing rooms, nursing stations, and even a feeding area complete with high chairs for younger toddlers. There’s also a kitchen and a restroom with toddler-sized potties for kids still training. 

You can stop by a Baby Care Center to ensure that your toddler is clean, fed, and ready to tackle the next leg of the park. Baby Care Centers also offer a good place for families to stop, rest, and let kids nap. There’s a television playing kid-friendly Disney movies in the main room and plenty of seating for both parents and children.

Disney’s Baby Care Centers are also a one-stop shop for any childcare essentials you may have forgotten in your hotel room. You can purchase items you may not find in gift shops, such as baby food and formula, diapers, baby wipes, juice, sunscreen, and even certain OTC medications.

If you and your partner want a day at the parks by yourself, you can arrange for in-room babysitting services to take care of your toddler. Disney World partners with Kids’ Nite Out, a child care provider that provides professional sitting services for children up to 12 years old. 

You can hire babysitting services to watch your kids in your room, or you can hire an extra helping hand while you’re out at the park so that nobody misses out on a day of action. All child care professionals are over the age of 18 and certified in basic first aid as well as child CPR.

You can leave toddlers over the age of four at one of Disney’s Children’s Activity Centers , where they’ll enjoy snacks, movies, board games, and more with other kids. Each Children’s Activity Center is supervised at all times by trained staff, and you can find facilities located in both resorts and parks. 

When you’re juggling kid duties as you travel through Disney parks, the last thing on your mind is probably photo ops. However, if you come home with your trips with no pictures to show for it, you’re bound to regret it. 

Disney’s Memory Maker Photopass makes it easy to capture memories in high-quality digital detail with no effort on your part. You can rely on professional Disney Photopass photographers to help you document your family vacation. Photographers are stationed around iconic locations around the parks, such as Cinderella’s Castle or the Tree of Life. 

With the Memory Maker Photopass, all of your photos get sent to a Disney account that you can access via your MagicBand, your PhotoPass card, or with a personal QR code. You can download all of the photos either from a single day or from your entire trip.

In addition to professional photos, the Memory Maker package includes pictures and videos from rides and attractions. You can add magical effects to all of your pictures using special PhotoPass lenses. 

Disney offers a couple of free apps for your smartphone that can help you to better plan your trip and navigate the parks. With the My Disney Experience app, you can find information such as park hours, showtimes, and wait times in real-time. You can even order food for a contactless dining experience. 

The My Disney App comes with a free, built-in feature called the Genie Service that can be an invaluable tool for parents trying to plan the perfect trip. The app can automatically help to create an itinerary for your family that includes everyone’s favorite ride. You can even find help planning a schedule based on general interests. Whether your toddler is into princesses or villains, the Genie service can help you to arrange for an unforgettable day. 

The Genie service also offers a tip board with helpful hints that let you make the most of your vacation. If you want to avoid long lines, you can track wait times to hit your family’s favorite attractions when the line is the shortest.

If you plan on saving time with the Lightning Lane service, you can purchase the Genie+ package with just a click through the app. You can seamlessly sign up for arrival windows from the convenience of your smartphone.

If possible, it’s always best to schedule a trip to Disney World with toddlers during the park’s off-season. While the parks get visitors year-round, there tend to be far more guests in the summertime when schools are on holiday.

Between late fall and early spring, Disney World tends to be less packed. Not only will you enjoy smaller crowds and shorter wait times, but you’ll also escape the heat and humidity of summer in Orlando. Just remember to bring jackets for the whole family, as it can get chilly during the winter months.

Since toddlers don’t have to worry about school schedules, it may be possible for you to book a trip during Disney’s off-season. If you also have school-aged children, however, this can be more of a challenge. In this case, you can try to schedule your trip for their winter break, which usually lasts a couple of weeks. Just try to avoid Disney World on Christmas eve, Christmas, and New Year’s, as they experience high levels of traffic on those holidays.

Visiting Disney World with toddlers can be a challenge, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. There’s plenty for toddlers to do at all of Disney’s parks, from shows and character performances to classic rides. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make sure that your family vacation to Disney World goes without a hitch.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Parks with Babies, Toddlers & Young Children

We are very spoiled. As a family, we have visited the Disney World parks nine times in the past 12 years. But that means we have LOTS of experience visiting Disney World with a baby and doing Disney with toddlers . We all have our own opinion on which is the best Disney park. Of course, since there are four of us, we each love a different one best!

Each of the Disney World parks has their own personality. And it’s really tough to say which is the best Disney park for babies or toddlers, since there’s something special about each one. Really, it comes down to which stories or characters you connect with the most.

We know that Disney World vacation planning is not to be taken lightly. For many families, a Disney vacation is the trip of a lifetime. Even the most laid-back traveler should put in a little work to make the most of their trip.

Tips for Visiting the Disney World Parks with a Baby or Toddler…

If you’re staying at a disney resort:.

Staying at a Disney resort may seem like a splurge, but some of the benefits are priceless. Staying “on-resort” (as they say in Disney-speak) gives you perks like “Extra Magic Hours” that allow you to take advantage of your child’s early riser-ness or night owl tendencies.

Plus, you don’t need a rental car for your park visiting days, as Mears Connect makes it easy to get to the resorts from the airport. And there are any number of ways to get from park to park and hotel to hotel via Disney ‘s internal transportation system.

If you’re doing a longer vacation in Florida outside of visiting the Disney World parks, I would recommend clumping your Disney days at the start of your visit, staying at a Disney property. Then, arrange for your rental car and travel to your next stop straight from your Disney resort .

If You’re Staying “Off-Property”:

Orlando is one of those places where you have an incredibly wide range of accommodation options. If you’ll be staying “off-property,” visiting the Disney World parks will require a bit of extra effort and expense.

Many of the “Good Neighbor” hotels in the nearby Orlando area will offer complimentary shuttle service. They will likely need to be booked in advance. It’s also likely they will not drop off to the individual Disney World parks, but at the main Disney Transportation and Ticket Center . This hub serves Magic Kingdom and Epcot directly. Those wishing to visit Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios should take the ferry to the Magic Kingdom docks and take the bus to either park from there.

If you decide to drive to the Disney World parks from your hotel or vacation rental, remember that parking will cost an additional $22 per day or $45 per day (for preferred parking). When we were there between Christmas and New Year’s — one of the busiest times times at Disney World — the parking lot for Magic Kingdom was full and they had to close it.

Basic Tips for Visiting the Disney World Parks with a Baby or Toddler:

• don’t overschedule your days….

Another perk of staying on-resort is it’s much easier to pop back for a swim or a nap if everyone needs a break. And that much easier just to head back for the fireworks or Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios after a leisurely dinner.

• Consider adding the Park Hopper option…

If you plan to stay for a couple of days, invest in the Park Hopper option. The freedom to bop from park to park means you can pick and choose your must-do attractions (and later fireworks and shows) with more flexibility, and it’s also great to head into Epcot if only just to eat at the World Showcase dining options.

• Book your FastPasses ASAP…

At first I thought it was crazy to do this, but having FastPass+ rides and attractions arranged in advance makes such a a huge difference. Just a small amount of structure to the day allows you to take it easy and explore the parks, knowing your must-do ride or show is in the books.

If you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel , you’re able to begin your FastPass+ selections as early as 60 days before your check-in date. You may reserve up to 3 FastPass+ experiences per day, per park.

• Book your dining reservations ASAP…

One of the great things about the Disney World parks is you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks, which is super handy when traveling with toddlers or picky eaters of all ages. That’s likely because they know that eating at Disney is not unreasonably expensive and there are lots of healthy and not-so-healthy options that will appeal to most. I used to pack a lot of snacks but now I don’t bother. There are lots of water fountains around all of the parks for refilling bottles.

If you see a deal where the Disney dining plan is included in park tickets, grab it! It’s decent value when you pay for it but a great deal if it’s included.

However, if there is a special dining experience or character meal you want to do, book that reservation asap. All guests, whether staying at a Disney resort or not, can make dining reservations as early as 180 days prior to their trip. You do not need to purchase theme park tickets or stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel in order to make advanced dining reservations.

Don’t promise dinner with Cinderella unless you have that reservation confirmation. Don’t ask me why I know this 🙂

You may need to guarantee your reservation with a credit card that will be charged if you don’t show up.

• Consider a stroller…

Even if your toddler rarely or never sits in one at home, or you think your child is too old… There is A LOT OF WALKING at Disney . We even wish we had a stroller for my six-year-old nephew. He was exhausted but was too big to be carried for any length of time.

You can bring your own stroller , rent one when you arrive in Orlando, or rent one at Disney if you realize you really, really need one. (You will.)

The strollers to rent at Disney are the hard plastic molded ones. They are not suitable for babies. A single stroller rental is $15 per day, and a double  is $31 per day. Purchasing a rental for the duration of your trip works out to $13 per day for a single and $27 per day for a double. Keep your receipt!!

• Consider when you’re visiting…

Summer in Orlando is HOT. Really, really HOT.

January can be quite chilly but the parks are very quiet. November, before American Thanksgiving, is an ideal time to go. It’s not too hot, not too crowded. They often have really great park passes + free dining options around the quieter times as well.

There are lots of factors in working out the best time to go to Disney World . If you have any flexibility in your vacation time, definitely try for those quieter times.

Park-Specific Tips for Disney World with a Baby, Toddler, or Young Child:

Each of the Disney World parks has their own personality. We love every one of them for different reasons.

Here are more detailed articles for visiting Walt Disney World parks with a baby or toddler. There is individual information on stroller rentals and the famed Walt Disney World Baby Care Centers.  

Plus, each article breaks down the rides, attractions, and dining options for each of the Disney World parks with a baby or toddler in tow.

Guide to Magic Kingdom with a Baby or Toddler

It is the crown jewel of the Disney World parks… Magic Kingdom is an absolute must-visit. If you will only be able to visit one of the parks, this should be it.

All of the classics are here, and Magic Kingdom has the most Disney World rides for toddlers . But some of those rides might too scary. And some of the lines for those rides might be really, really long.

That first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle is a magical moment. It’s tough to make concrete plans when you’re traveling with a baby or toddler but you may regret not making some arrangements here. Our Guide to Magic Kingdom with Babies & Toddlers will help you get prepared, and I share a secret tip on where to get the best family photo with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.

Magic Kingdom is my favourite Disney park.

Guide to Animal Kingdom with a Baby or Toddler

It’s the biggest of the Disney World parks, but also a great starting point if it’s your first trip to Walt Disney World . Animal Kingdom is typically a less-intense experience and may be a less overwhelming way to experience Disney with toddlers.

With the addition of Pandora: The World of Avatar , there is a lot more going on these days at Animal Kingdom . The park is now open after dark, for example. Because of the distance, it’s tough to combine a visit to Animal Kingdom with another of the Disney World parks, so make a few plans for your trip here. A quick tip: the Dinosaur! ride is awesome, but might terrify your toddler (or six-year-old nephew. Sorry, Nate!). Maybe think of doing the Child Swap here.

Animal Kingdom is my son’s favourite of the Disney World parks.

Guide to  Epcot with a Baby or Toddler

There are just a few rides for baby and lots and lots of walking. But, Epcot is surprisingly toddler-friendly with its gardens and many areas where kids can just be free to wander.

The best and most varied options for quick service dining are at Epcot . You’ll make great use of the Park Hopper option if you stay in a nearby resort on Disney’s Boardwalk .

Lots of people don’t bother with Epcot , or at least they didn’t always. The addition of our Frozen friends makes Epcot with toddlers kind of a must.

Epcot is my husband’s favourite Disney park.

Guide to  Hollywood Studios with a Baby or Toddler

There are probably the fewest Disney World rides for babies here, but the addition of Toy Story Land is making Hollywood Studios much more of a draw to those with little ones. The shows here and access to the  Disney Jr. characters is a big plus for the toddler crowd. And make sure to arrive early if you’ve a 4+ year-old who is ready to take on Darth Vader with Jedi Training .

We are enjoying Hollywood Studios more and more now that our kids are older. However, seeing your little ones watch Disney Jr. Live on Stage and Frozen: Sing-Along Celebration might well be worth the visit right there.

Hollywood Studios is my daughter’s favourite of the Disney World parks.

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More on Visiting Disney World with a Baby, Toddler, or Young Child:

• Character Dining with Toddlers
• Disney World Tips & Tricks for Visiting with Three Young Kids
• Tips for Disney with Toddlers
• Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy Cruise
• Can You Enjoy Walt Disney World If You Hate Theme Parks?
• Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• A Complete Guide to Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler

disney , disney world , walt disney world

20 Responses to The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Parks with Babies, Toddlers & Young Children

Great tips for those planning their first trip with small children. And don’t underestimate the value of a stroller!

I wouldn’t say to “consider” a stroller. I would say TAKE A STROLLER. If your child can fit in one, take it. You will thank me later. 😉

We’ve just visited Orlando for the first time and loved it. My kids are 15 and 10 and we were all exhausted by the end of our trip – I can’t imagine doing it with little ones!

We are planning to take our two boys to Disney next year and I have found this post very helpful. Thanks again.

This was great… it’s our first time to Orlando with our 3 and 4 year old and I have no idea about these resorts/Kingdom’s.

Can you tell me what’s best for our girls between: Sea World, Busch Gardens or Animal Kingdom?

we have 2 full days where we’d like to go to parks (and a day in between for pool, shopping, relaxing). Magic Kingdom is a must for one day 🙂

Animal Kingdom all the way! They have a wonderful section of rides and attractions for little ones. And the shows are fantastic.

Hey Corinne ,

With small childrens visiting some place is always some bit difficult.But the tips shared here are very helpful.Definately will follow these as coming new year I am planning a trip to disney with my two small childrens.

Traveling with Toddler is really very difficult because they are dont have knowledge about anything ….really share great and useful tips which are very important to travel with toddler

What are your thoughts on taking little ones before they get vaccines? I’m just not sure now with all these measles outbreaks if I should take my little one.

Certainly you are smart to be concerned. Here babies get their first round of vaccines at 2 months, but don’t get the MMR until 18 months. I breastfed both my kids and felt confident that they benefited from my immunity, and I also was hyper-vigilant about handwashing and wiping down any surfaces they could touch. If they’re really small you can more easily control what and who they come into contact with, so I took a bit of comfort in that too. We traveled during H1N1, and most recently to NYC just after the first Ebola case was reported there. I try to take a deep breath and take precautions, but still live and enjoy our lives. I in no way mean to sound glib about this, and if you are worried please consult with your doctor. Good luck!

I am a pediatrican. you can get mmr..measles mumps and rubella vaccine from age 12 months and actually 6 months but you have to repeat again. Breast feeding is wonderful but it will not give immunity against measles unless you recently received vaccines while breast feeding.

I don’t know how old the post is, but when we go to Disney it’s FOR the kids so we plan accordingly. I agree with the other comment that says to bring a stroller. My youngest will be 6 in June and we still take an umbrella stroller for him. And the OP’s comment about taking an infant is spot on. I would still ask your pediatrician, but I feel the risk is minimal. Yes, there area lot of people. However, 99.9% of them will not come into contact with your baby. We had already planned a trip for September before I knew I was pregnant. Our baby will be a month or less and I still plan to go. The nice thing is we’re renting a house for the week so I can take a few days off and not be bored senseless.

This is such a great guide – it can be so overwhelming knowing how to start when you’ve never been before but this is a perfect starting point.

when we visited when my kids were 3 and 6 – the best advice we received was to NOT do park hopper – just do one park a day. worked for us. Oh and a stroller! Definitely a stroller! At that point my 3 year old would hve been in one, but we got a double so the 6 year old could use it!

Recently I visit Disney world with my 2 yer kid. In my experience, I think if you bring your own stroller you will be able to make a comfortable trip.

Disney no longer offers the Magical Express. There are other options but the complimentary airport transport offered by Disney is no longer.

Oof — what a bummer. Thanks for the heads up!

I am planning to visit Disney with my husband and our 3yrs kid for the first time, and I surely had no idea of what to expect or what to do, and how to the experience would be especially with a kid, but thank god your post helped me so much <3.

We will visit Disney with our half japanese baby SOPHIE.

RICK TAKASHI IKESAKA

Let’s do the rice ball-faced baby trend on SOPHIE, our half japanese baby. It’s really funny!

CAROLINA GOLDMAN BERGMANN

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The Best Disney World Itinerary for Toddlers

There’s nothing quite like seeing the magic of Disney reflected in a child’s eyes, but planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming!

We’re going to dive into a 5-day Disney World plan to help prioritize your must-do attractions, your core memory opportunities, and some pretty epic meals, all while balancing the needs of a toddler .

There’s a lot to cover at each of the four Disney World parks.  But we’re going to go through each park to give you an idea of the best restaurants, attractions, and events that you might consider checking out with your tykes.  While you may not get to  everything  on each itinerary, it will definitely help get your plans in motion!

Kid-Specific Planning

And we’ll preface this by saying that you know your kid best . We might recommend some typically kid-friendly attractions, but if you know your child is deathly afraid of bears — then the Country Bear Jamboree is probably best skipped. You know what we mean.

And similarly with your kid’s specific schedule. You’ll want to keep them as close to their home routine as you can in terms of meal times, naps, and bedtime to keep them at their peak happiness levels and avoid some potential meltdowns. This might get tricky with time zone changes and that added excitement of being in Disney World, but plan ahead and just do your best — and give your kid (and yourself!) some grace! So, manage those expectations of what you think you can get done in a day, and don’t push little ones (or yourself) too far, thinking you can get in one more attraction before the nap, because, trust us, that doesn’t end well.

Remember your kid’s taste palate. Disney is filled with restaurants with amazing food. But sometimes kids prefer the familiar, and would rather eat their traditional Goldfish crackers than try Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries (more for you, though!), so be prepared with some of their tried-and-true (and travel-friendly) snacks on hand.

Finally, be aware of the resources in the parks for you. Disney has bathrooms galore, for those potty-training emergencies. And even though your child might proclaim regularly that they are a “big kid,” the Baby Care Centers at each park can be a lifesaver for having to change out of soiled clothing, or even a less-stimulating environment for tykes to find their inner-chill.

Basic Disney Planning Tips

There are some decisions you’ll need to make before you skip down Main Street, U.S.A., like whether or not you plan to use Disney’s Genie+ planning tool or are willing to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for those high-demand attractions. Your budget and your priorities will be the ultimate deciding factor in whether or not this tool will work for you. The two parks we think you can get the most value out of the Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane options are in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, which are both heavy hitters in terms of attractions.

Though, you can still get a lot accomplished without it, if your goal is complete as much as each park has to offer, you’ll want to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours  if you can.

If you’re traveling with little ones who might not meet some of the height requirements for some attractions, you’ll also want to take advantage of Disney’s Rider Swap , so no one has to miss out on their favorite attractions while someone stays behind with the tyke or folks who just might not some of those thrilling rides.

You’ll also want to pre-plan any table service meals you plan to enjoy during your Disney World vacation. Advanced  Dining Reservations for Disney World table service restaurants open up 60 days prior to your vacation, and the most popular dining locations books up quickly!! 

So, that means not only do you want to figure out which spot you want to eat as early as you can, but you may also want to set an alarm on your calendar to book those reservations as early as 6AM (EST) on that 60-day mark!

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is where you’ll find classic Disney attractions, iconic snacks, and loads of Disney characters.

For many guests, this is the most magical theme park at Disney World! This park has the  most attractions, so if you only have one day to spend here, it might be worthwhile to splurge on getting Genie+ to make the most of your time here. And you’ll also want to make sure you get here as early as you can!

Here are some of our favorite must-do’s at Magic Kingdom.

Attractions

Now, we’re not going to list every, single attraction in Magic Kingdom, though we certainly love them all for different reasons. Here’s a quick overview of the ones we think you should prioritize, and of course, your mileage may vary based on your family’s interests and potential restrictions .

The most popular are the more “thrilling” rides, which are also the ones that will often have the longest lines. If you’re planning to utilize Rider Swap so the adults can experience these more thrilling rides, then you’ll still want to plan to hit those up, first.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Splash Mountain
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• TRON: Lightcyle Run (opening in 2023)

Another option is to split up! Dad can take Junior over to ride the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, while Mom gets her thrill on at Space Mountain. Just make sure you have a plan and a place to meet up once you’re done. Once you’ve mastered those big hitters, then you’ll want to fit in some of those classic Disney rides:

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
• Jungle Cruise
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• “it’s a small world”
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Mad Tea Party
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

If you’re going to opt into the Genie+, then these attractions are the ones you’ll want to plan for. If this is gonna be your kiddo’s first experience on any kind of attraction, we’d recommend checking out some ride videos on YouTube ( we have several ), so your little one has a bit of an idea of what to expect. And again, be aware of their sensitivities. If they’re super afraid of the dark, then Haunted Mansion probably isn’t their jam.

Once you’ve marked all of these iconic rides off your list, there are other “filler” attractions that you can work into your day. In our opinion, the PeopleMover is a MUST.

• Astro Orbiter
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover

If it’s a hot day, you may especially want to plan for a show or two, so you can get some much-needed air conditioning and time off your feet. We highly recommend Mickey’s Philharmagic and Carousel of Progress!

• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Hall of Presidents
• Mickey’s Philharmagic
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Carousel of Progress
• Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor

The hits with toddlers are Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor and Mickey’s Philharmagic. Sometimes the loud thunder in Enchanted Tiki Room can frighten little ones, and their little wiggles get activated in Hall of Presidents. However, if you can hit Hall of Presidents or Carousel of Progress around nap time, you might be able to entice a drowsy toddler to sleep in those comfy, air-conditioned shows.

The Best and WORST Rides in Magic Kingdom

And while you’re in this magical kingdom, you may want to make time to meet some of your favorite Disney pals!

• Meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
• Meet Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
• Meet an assortment of Princesses (usually Rapunzel , Elena of Avalor, Cinderella , and Tiana ) at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Meet Mickey & Minnie at Town Square Theater

You can sometimes find other characters roaming the park, like spotting Peter Pan near his attraction, Pooh & Tigger near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Aladdin & Jasmine in Adventureland, so keep your eyes out or check My Disney Experience App for who you might see!

If you don’t want to wait in line, you can always wave at characters as they pass by in cavalcades or the Festival of Fantasy Parade .

Now that we’ve addressed all of the attractions you need to prioritize and some of the characters you might want to see and where to find them let’s talk about FOOD!

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: The Festival of Fantasy Parade is BACK in Disney World!

Dining & snacks.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most popular restaurants, too. If you’re dying to eat  inside a castle, then you’ll want to make sure you earmark your 60-day window to book reservations at either Be Our Guest (dining in the Beast’s Castle) or Cinderella’s Royal Table (inside THE Cinderella Castle)! Just be aware that in addition to being super popular, they are also pretty pricey and can eat up some serious park time, so plan wisely!

Some other table service restaurants we enjoy (dare we say even more!) are Crystal Palace for a buffet with Winnie the Pooh and friends ,  or Liberty Tree Tavern , if you’re craving some homestyle cookin’. If your tyke is still under 3, they eat for free at all you care to enjoy options, so that’s a sweet deal to consider (if you don’t mind sharing your mac and cheese with your little kiddos)!

If you don’t want to spend your precious park hours sitting at a table service and are looking more for a meal on the go, there are some great quick service options that keep us coming back time after time! We love having a cinnamon roll for breakfast at Gaston’s Tavern , corn dog nuggets over at Casey’s Corner , or the scrumptious Nutella Fruit Waffle from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.

But some other quality eats can be found at Columbia Harbour House , if you’re looking for a nice salad or some fish and chips options. Pecos Bill delivers if you want something to fill that Tex-Mex craving, Cosmic Ray’s has those theme staples of burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets.

Also keep in mind that you can exit the park and take the monorail to a resort to eat. If your toddler is needing a break from the park, heading to a resort for lunch or dinner could be a great option. Check out these posts for more info on monorail resort dining options:

• What to Eat at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• What to Eat at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
• Why You Should Leave Magic Kingdom to Eat (And Where You Should Go)

The Best And Worst Restaurants in Magic Kingdom

Nighttime shows.

Can you imagine any other way to end the day in Magic Kingdom than with an epic firework show? Disney Enchantment is currently dazzling the Magic Kingdom sky, but we recently learned that a reimagined Happily Ever After will soon be returning !

The fireworks are magical and amazing, but they’re also loud. If your tyke is sensitive to loud noises, you may want to plan to view the show from further back, closer to the Train Station, and maybe even plan to bring some headphones or earmuffs to help shield those sensitive ears.

VIDEO: Watch the DEBUT of Disney Enchantment Fireworks in Magic Kingdom

Soared on Dumbo — Check! Sang along to “it’s a small world” — Check! Hugged or high-fived some Disney friends — Check!? That wraps up our perfect day in Magic Kingdom, and now time to prepare for our next perfect day in EPCOT!

EPCOT is home to  Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ,  Frozen Ever After , and the newest attraction to open in Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind .

It also has World Showcase, the best place at Walt Disney World for food and drinks. This park is large and very spread out, so be sure to have your stroller A-game ready, because you’re gonna need it!

There is a lot to see and do in EPCOT, but not a ton of attractions. So though you can definitely use Genie+ here to skip some of those longer lines at the most popular attractions, you probably don’t need it to check off everything on your list.

Guardians of the Galaxy , Soarin’ Around the World , Mission: Space , and Test Track all provide some decent thrills and have height requirements, so if these are on the list of must-dos for adults in your party, be sure to take advantage of Rider Switch or plan for where to meet up afterward.

Disney World’s newest attraction opened here in Spring 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a groovy indoor coaster with an even groovier soundtrack. It’s currently using the Virtual Queue or Boarding Pass system , so you won’t be able to just hop in line here, you’ll have to study up and have quick fingers on your phone to secure a spot in the Virtual Queue at either 7AM or 1PM. Your other option is to come out of pocket and pay for an Individual Lightning Lane .

The most popular rides you should prioritize are:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Frozen Ever After

After you’ve completed these must-dos, there are some other classic EPCOT attractions you should make time for:

• Living with the Land
• Spaceship Earth
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Mission: Space
• Journey into Imagination with Figment

If you need an escape from the heat or maybe a spot to sit down and enjoy a show, resting your weary tootsies, there are some beautiful shows that capture the education, culture, and creativity EPCOT was built on:

• Awesome Planet
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• American Adventure
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Each show tends to run about 20 minutes long, so you won’t have time to do them all in one day plus all of the rides and pavilions you’ll want to be sure to check out. But these are nice and entertaining respites from the walking and the heat and might help give you some time for digesting in between snacks around World Showcase. Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along are probably the most toddler-friendly shows. And we definitely recommend Turtle Talk with Crush , which is part show, part character meet, and completely fun for everyone!

After you’ve found Nemo on The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and learned how to speak Turtle with Crush, exploring SeaBase Alpha is another great experience for toddlers. Plenty of “controlled” space for them to wander at their own pace and explore the aquariums, and explore this underwater wonderland!

There are also plenty of other interactive experiences you can see throughout EPCOT, so keep your eyes open and scroll through the My Disney Experience App in case something appeals to you and your family. And there’s more coming soon, like Journey of Water and the Play! Pavilion !

And, of course, you’ll also find various entertainment around World Showcase like the Mariachi Cobre in the Mexico Pavilion and Sergi in the Italy Pavilion. These entertainers don’t just add some zip to their pavilions but are amazingly talented and worth stopping to appreciate.  Each World Showcase pavilion has a Kidcot Station for kiddos to learn a bit about that country’s culture and do a fun little activity. So your tyke might really enjoy visiting each one!

AllEars TV: The BEST and WORST Rides in Disney World’s EPCOT

EPCOT is also home to some of our favorite Disney Pals. Check your My Disney Experience App to see who’s out and about and where you can find them!

• EPCOT Entrance: Goofy and Pluto rotate shifts in Future World
• Imagination Pavilion: Joy from  Inside Out  and Vanellope von Schweets from  Wreck It Ralph
• Morocco Pavilion: Princess Jasmine from Aladdin
• Norway Pavilion in Royal Sommerhus : Anna & Elsa from  Frozen
• United Kingdom Pavilion: Alice and Mary Poppins
• France Pavilion: Belle and Princess Aurora
• Mexico Pavilion: Donald all decked out in his Mexican attire
• World Showcase Gazebo: Minnie Mouse
• China Pavilion: Mulan
• Germany Pavilion: Snow White

If you’d rather avoid standing in line to meet characters,  you can always book a Character Meal.   Garden Grill has Mickey , Pluto , Chip , and Dale in their farmer’s outfits greeting their guests. And Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is host to a number of rotating Disney princesses where you can usually find Ariel , Snow White , Aurora , Belle , and Jasmine .

You might find some characters wandering the grassy knoll outside the Imagination Pavilion, near the International Gateway in between the UK Pavilion and France, or on the outskirts of the American Adventure Pavilion. So keep your eyes open!

PHOTOS: The HIDDEN Disney Characters You Can Find Around EPCOT!

There is no shortage of dining options in EPCOT, whether you’re looking for luxury table service meals or quick snacks, you can find a wide variety during your day at EPCOT. And luckily, there’s such a wide variety, that your tyke will find something to enjoy, too!

Since EPCOT is host to some of the most popular dining experiences, this is another situation where you’ll want to mark your 60-day calendar to book those reservations. For those must-do table service meals, we recommend   Space 220 (for an immersive and truly unique experience eating in space), Via Napoli (for authentic pizza and Italian cuisine), Biergarten (for an all-you-care-to-enjoy Oktoberfest celebration), and we’ll always sing the praises of Garden Grill for its food and its character interactions!

If you want something a bit quicker, Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the American Pavilion delivers some tasty BBQ; Les Halles in France is a great spot for a sandwich, quiche, or pastry; Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK offers classic fish n’ chips; and Connections Cafe & Eatery has a very broad menu!

If you do visit EPCOT during one of its four festivals, explore the menus to find some tapas-size snacks. You can make a meal out of just snacking around the world. Its also a manageable way to introduce your kiddos to some new foods without spending a fortune or potentially wasting uneaten food, since the portions are snack-sized. EPCOT is home to some of our favorite snacks as well, like the School Bread at Kringla Bakeri Og in Norway or the caramel popcorn from Karamell Kuche in Germany.

What to Eat on a $50 Budget at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Night time show.

Now that you squeezed in all of those must-do attractions, enjoyed some classic shows, and filled your tummies with international delicacies, what better way to end the night than with a celebration of cultures, music, and fireworks!

And it’s not just fireworks. This show includes pyrotechnics, lasers, LED screens, lights, and moving fountains. It’s all choreographed to classic Disney songs sung and accompanied by artists from more than a dozen different countries and cultures from around the world.

The show is put on in the center of World Showcase Lagoon, so there are plenty of spots to get a view, And we’ll reiterate that if your kiddos have noise sensitivity, you may want to venture away from the lagoon or bring those headphones to soften the fireworks. Or you can skip the fireworks altogether and just enjoy the Beacon of Magic show that lights up Spaceship Earth.

How to Get the Best View of Disney World Fireworks and Shows

Your family has met some characters, expanded their palates with some international flavors, and ridden some fun rides! That wraps up our perfect day in EPCOT, and now time to prepare for our next perfect day in Hollywood Studios!

Hollywood Studios

Welcome to the Hollywood that never was and always will be, as the idealized version of Hollywood in the 30s and 40s. At Hollywood Studios, your family can travel alongside your favorite movie heroes through an immersive adventure!

This park contains some of Disney World’s most popular rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ,  Tower of Terror , and  Slinky Dog Dash , and is the other park that we’d recommend you consider getting Genie+ for if you want to fill in all of the attractions. But it’s an option you can skip if you’re focusing exclusively on toddler-friends attractions. We’ve listed some of the must-do experiences you’ll want to prioritize for your day in this park.

Hollywood Studios is packing some thrills, well, Disney-style thrills, so if you’re traveling with a family, you’ll want to review those height requirements and Rider Switch options .

The big hitters in this park are:

• Rise of the Resistance
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Of these popular attractions, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the only one without a height restriction and is fully toddler-friendly. The others can utilize Rider Swap if the adults want to experience some thrills while someone hangs out with the tykes.

Once you’ve secured your plan for fitting these into your day, there are some other attractions you’ll want to add in:

• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
• Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Toy Story Mania
• Alien Swirling Saucers

All of these have height requirements as well, except for Toy Story Mania . So measure your tyke and prepare your expectations for what they can and can’t do. And it couldn’t hurt to prepare them as well, so you can try to avoid a meltdown for not being able to ride Tower of Terror or Alien Swirling Saucers .

And since this is Hollywood and all about “on with the show,” then, of course, there are some amazing shows to consider, and lucky for you — no height requirement for shows, so everyone can enjoy them all. Or parents can take the toddler to enjoy the Lightning McQueen Racing Academy while the other adults take on Rock N Roller Coaster .

• MuppetVision 3D
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Frozen Sing Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Mickey Vacation Shorts
• Beauty & the Beast Live On Stage

Once again, these shows can run from 20 to 40 minutes, so they offer a nice break from the heat and hustle of park touring, but also take up a huge chunk of time. Our universal recommendation is MuppetVision 3D . Even though the 3D effects are a bit dated, the Muppets are classic, and we never pass an opportunity to visit!

Ranking the Rides of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While visiting Hollywood, it just makes sense to run into some celebrities!

• Red Carpet Dreams : Meet Mickey & Minnie
• Celebrity Spotlight : Meet Olaf from  Frozen
• Star Wars: Launch Bay : Meet BB-8 , Darth Vader , and Chewbacca
• Toy Story Land : Meet Bo Peep , Jessie , Woody, and Buzz Lightyear
• Disney Junior Dance Party! : Meet Doc McStuffins , Vampira , and Fancy Nancy
• Walt Disney Presents : Meet Mike & Sully from  Monster’s Inc

And though you won’t necessarily get time for a photo and autograph, you can several Star Wars characters in Galaxy’s Edge, like Kylo Ren , Rey , Stormtroopers , and Chewbacca . You may also spot some classic Disney characters like Pluto , Goofy , or Chip and Dale around Echo Lake.

Hollywood and Vine offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with character meetings, if you prefer to dine with celebrities. Breakfast hosts characters from Disney Junior , so perfect for pre-schoolers and the little tykes. Lunch and dinner switch up for Minnie and friends in seasonal outfits.

A Few Beloved Characters Are Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios SOON

Hollywood Studios may currently hold the title on Disney thrill rides, but it is not known for providing thrilling food. There are some noteworthy snacks that we keep coming back to, and some fun restaurants where we honestly enjoy the experience more than the food.

For those fun dining experiences and pretty good food, there’s 50’s Prime Time Cafe , where you dine on down-home cookin’ with your “relatives;” Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater , where you eat classic diner food in a stylized drive-in theater show quirky film clips; and, as we mentioned above, Hollywood & Vine for a character buffet perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

For quick bites, the selection here is pretty standard, nothing super noteworthy. Woody’s Lunchbox has some tasty sandwiches, but limited seating, so be prepared for that. The Ronto Wrap in Galaxy’s Edge is really good (we like the breakfast version, too!). If you like hot dogs, Fairfax Fare has you covered. And for snacks, we gravitate toward the Carrot Cake Cookie at Trolley Car Cafe , Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express , and Lunchbox Tarts over at Woody’s Lunchbox .

You can find some good food here, but it doesn’t really compare with the selection available at EPCOT or Disney Springs.

Eat Here, Not There in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Nighttime show.

Fantasmic! has a huge fan following, but honestly, not many of them are toddlers.

This epic nighttime spectacular returned after a long hiatus with some new music and new scenes! This packs in the action with Disney characters, water projections, laser shows, and good triumphing over evil.

But it doesn’t really resonate with toddlers since the action is so far away and little attention spans go wandering. Still, there is a great scene near the finale with dozens of Disney characters waving to the audience from a riverboat. It’s cute, and tykes will like that part, but that one scene might not be worth trying to wrestle your wiggly or exhausted toddler for 20 minutes or so.

Here’s What CHANGED at Fantasmic! in Disney World

You caught the shows, the fun, and met the unique Disney Junior characters, so that means you’ve had a COMPLETE day at Hollywood Studios for tykes. That wraps up our perfect day in Hollywood Studios, and now time to prepare for our next perfect day in Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom

It might actually be a toss-up between which park toddlers prefer, Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is colorful, has some fun rides, and has friendly characters. But Animal Kingdom has amazing animals, beautiful landscapes and trails, and space that allow toddlers a bit more freedom from their stroller restrictions (and we all know the “stay in your stroller” struggle is REAL).

Animal Kingdom isn’t overflowing with rides, but there’s plenty to see and do.  Similar to EPCOT, if you keep your eyes open and let yourself wander, you never know what hidden treasure you might stumble across.

The main attractions here are… well, the animals (hence the name, we suppose), but there are some you’ll want to hit up bright and early to avoid some long lines.

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Na’vi River Journey

Only Flight of Passage has a height requirement from this list, so you can easily Rider Swap this one or plan to slip and reconnect if adults want to SIVAKO! Tykes will enjoy the Na’vi River Journey , which is a boated dark ride (think “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, or Gran Fiesta Tour) gliding through the rainforest of the Mo’ara Valley. Colorful and pretty, but dark.

Some other attractions might sporadically have long lines, but usually, they’re pretty moderate:

• Expedition Everest
• Triceratops Spin
• Kali River Rapids

Triceratops Spin is the only one free of height requirements, it’s essentially a Triceratops-themed Dumbo ride.

If adults can’t pass up an opportunity to challenge the Yeti on Expedition Everest, there is Rider Swap or a Single Rider line to….er….expedite your expedition.

Take time to explore the Discovery Island Trails , Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails , or Maharajah Jungle Trek to see all of the unique animals, creative theming, and storytelling and chat with a Cast Member in the area to learn about these amazing animals. This is where your tyke can stretch their legs and spend some time exploring the habitats.

And for a full range freedom experience, take them over to The Boneyard , where kids under 10 can climb prehistoric theme jungle gyms, slides, or dig up “bones” in the sandbox, while parents can watch and sit at shaded picnic tables.

Then finally, the shows!! Animal Kingdom shows rival those over at Hollywood Studios (and we might even like Festival of the Lion King better than anything because — TUMBLE MONKEYS!)! Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!  are both Broadway-style musicals with beautiful costumes, impressive puppetry skills, and fun, toe-tapping tunes.

The two other shows in Animal Kingdom, It’s Tough to be a Bug and Up! A Great Bird Adventure immerses guests in the worlds of these fascinating and talented animals. Up! A Great Bird Adventure is thoroughly charming, but It’s Tough to be a Bug deals with creepy-crawlies in a dark theater. Unless your kiddo absolutely LOVES bugs, you prolly wanna skip this one to avoid a lot of tears!

AllEars TV: The BEST and WORST Rides in Animal Kingdom

We all know that the animals are the big stars of the show here, and though you can’t hug a tiger here, you can still spot your favorite Mouse for a hug, high-five, or quick howdy.

• Adventurers Outpost : Mickey and Minnie in their safari outfits.
• Donald’s Dino-Bash : Donald , Daisy , Goofy , Chip, and Dale make regular appearances
• Discovery Island : Kevin, that precocious bird from Up, wanders around regularly.

You’ll also be able to wave at characters as they cruise around the Animal Kingdom waterways on  flotillas . We’ve classic and unique characters on these festive barges like: Mickey , Minnie , Chip and Dale , Pocahontas and Meeko , Russell  and Dug , and Baloo and King Louie .

Though not a traditional meet-and-greet, it’s fun to see some Disney friends sometimes when you least expect it!

Kevin from Up! Spotted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has a strong game when it comes to unique dining options and experiences! The table service options might be a little too unique for young palates, unless you visit Rainforest Cafe . Not bagging on Rainforest Cafe, but since you can find them in so many cities nowadays, it’s not exactly a Disney-exclusive experience.

Yak & Yeti offers a huge menu of Asian-fusion inspired dishes. If you’re looking for something a bit unique, you can find it here, but for those pickier eaters, there are also some more familiar eats. Tusker House is the character meal with Donald and the gang greeting diners in their safari outfits. As a buffet, this is also a good spot for picky eaters to wander through and get those familiar foods, while also having the opportunity to try some African-inspired dishes. Tusker House (as a character meal) is super popular, so make sure you secure that dining reservation right at that 60 day mark.

For quick service, picky eaters can find their bliss at Restaurantosaurus (for burgers, sandwiches, and fries) and Flame Tree BBQ has some tasty smoke BBQ that you can literally smell all around Discovery Island. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, Satu’li Canteen (for those delicious cheeseburger pods and protein bowls!) or Yak & Yeti Local Local Foods Cafe has some familiar Asian-inspired meals (like fried rice and sweet & sour shrimp). And so many snacks!! Eight Spoons Cafe has baked mac and cheese we can’t get enough of! Isle of Java has a Tiger Tail pastry for sweet tooth cravings, Mr. Kamal’s has some seasoned fries that are shareable (but you won’t wanna share), Pongu Pongu has a Pongu Lumpia sweet pineapple cheesecake style eggroll that is different but delicious. Or for other pineappley cravings, Tamu Tamu is the spot for those Dole Whip lovers.

Are you hungry, yet? See? We told you, Animal Kingdom packs in the flavor!

Review: Satu’li Canteen lunch on Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Because of the animals at Animal Kingdom, you won’t find any fireworks here. This might work well for toddlers as well for a mellower (but still beautiful) way to end the day.

But we do recommend staying after sunset to watch the Beacon of Light projection show on the Tree of Life. The park icon lights up, and a projection show tells the story of some animal friends as they come to live from the tree and interact together. It’s a peaceful, magical show that is the perfect way to wind down after your day exploring nature and appreciating all of these amazing creatures.

AllEars TV: The Secret to Having the Best Day in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

You’ve toured through Mo’ara Valley in Pandora, and coasted down the Na’vi River, flew high on the back of a Triceratops, and seen some amazing animals on the safari and trails, so you’ve had a COMPLETE day at Animal Kingdom. That wraps up our perfect day in Animal Kingdom, and now time to prepare for our next perfect day in Disney Springs & the Resorts!

Disney Springs

Sometimes considered a fifth park for all it has to offer, Disney Springs won’t require any Genie+ access, though you may still want to have your phone handy for Mobile Order at some of the dining locations.

But just because you won’t find classic dark rides or thrilling coasters, doesn’t mean that there aren’t some fun attractions here. let’s take a look at how you can spend some of your day at Disney Springs!

There are actually a few “rides” in Disney Springs, but you will have to pay to ride these options:

• Amphicars at The BOATHOUSE

If you looking to cruise the Sassagoula waterway in a unique way, head over to The BOATHOUSE and snag a ticket to ride in one of the zippy Amphicars. Or if floating through the air is more your style, the Aerophile balloon will lift you up 300 feet in the air for sweeping views of the Disney World property. Will your toddler enjoy these? Well, the Amphicar, probably, but as much as warrants the cost? Prolly not. They’d probably get just as much of a thrill on the free boat transportation from Disney Springs to Port Orleans.

If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, Disney Springs has some great shows for you, as well.

• Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
• AMC Dine-In Theater

If you don’t want to set aside several hours for these shows, you can also catch live music all throughout Disney Springs in the evenings. Or, if you’re up for a bit of friendly competition, check out Splitsville , which not only has an extensive menu but is also a bowling alley!

And there is no limit to the shopping and dining opportunities in Disney Springs with some one-of-a-kind shops and the world’s largest Disney Store!

There’s no shortage of restaurants at Disney Springs! The only limit is the size of your stomach (and the depth of your wallet). Some restaurants in Disney Springs that you and your toddler might enjoy are

• Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith
• Raglan Road
• The BOATHOUSE
• Rainforest Cafe

T-Rex Cafe is much like Rainforest Cafe , but with dinosaurs (mindblowing, right?), but be aware that during your meal, as the threat of extinction looms near, a meteor shower thunders through the restaurant which can be loud and scary for little ones. But it’s a fun and vibrant experience for kids with familiar meals that are super approachable for kiddos.

But there’s so much to see and do, maybe you just want a quick but quality meal? Well, buckle up because Disney Springs brings their A-Game with quick service options like:

• Earl of Sandwich
• Chicken Guy!
• D-Luxe Burger
• Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

To satisfy your sweet tooth, Disney Springs has everything from over-the-top donuts, to cookies so good they require a virtual queue, and Dole Whip flights.

• Swirls on the Water
• Gideon’s Bakehouse
• Everglazed Donuts
• Salt & Straw
• Amorette’s Patisserie

If you crave it, Disney Springs has it!

Every Restaurant In Disney Springs And Who Should Go There

Disney resorts.

If you’re spending the money to stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, you may as well make some time to enjoy some of the amenities that you’re paying for, right?

Some come with an extra charge (like carriage rides or horseback riding), but other things you can do for free! Let’s see what some of the resorts have to offer!

Each Disney Resort Hotel has a different theme and story, and some of those amenities are uniquely themed to fit into those environments. All the resorts have pools , gift shops , fun-themed lobbies , dining areas , movies under the stars , and expansive (and immaculate) grounds and jogging trails. Depending on your resort level, you could also have access to fitness centers , lounges or bars , coffee shops , meeting areas , outdoor firepits , and live entertainment .

Visit Fort Wilderness for archery lessons, horseback riding trails, and carriage rides at Tri-Circle D Ranch. Visit Saratoga Springs or the Grand Floridian for spa treatments and  massages.

20 Best Things to Do in Disney World Without a Theme Park Ticket

When you’re dining with toddlers, you’re probably looking for a meal that 1) they’ll eat, and 2) they’ll sit still for while you eat. Cue the character meals and engaging dining experiences at the Disney resorts!

The Disney Resorts have some of the best dining experiences (yeah, we just said that about Disney Springs… and EPCOT… and Animal Kingdom… and we mean it every time)!

For those magical Character Meals, you can always count on Chef Mickey’s (at the Contemporary Resort), Cape May Cafe (at the Beach Club), and Story Book Dining at Artist Point (at Wilderness Lodge).

If you have some big eaters and need an all-you-care-to-enjoy experience, check out Trails End (at Fort Wilderness),  Whispering Canyon (at Wilderness Lodge), Boma (at Animal Kingdom Lodge), and ‘Ohana (at the Polynesian).

For more casual quick service options, some of our go-to’s are:

• Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• BoardWalk Deli   at the BoardWalk Inn
• Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary
• Primo Piatto at the Riviera
• Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian
• Capt Cook’s at the Polynesian
• Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans French Quarter
• Geyser Point   at Wilderness Lodge
• Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge

So whether you’re staying at one of these resorts, or just passing through, don’t pass up the opportunity to grab an epic meal at one of these locations!

The Ultimate Guide to Disney World with Toddlers

PHEW! That’s four perfect park days, plus a bonus day at the Disney Resorts and Disney Springs. These are our top picks for how to construct the perfect Disney World trip for you and your toddler. We’ve given you all of the pieces, and now you can put it all together in a day that works for you and your family!!

Keep following AllEars for the latest Disney news, tips, and travel info, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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What is your toddler’s favorite thing to do in the Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

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21 Hacks for Visiting Disney World With Kids, According to Travel Experts

Whether you're traveling with toddlers, preschoolers or elementary-aged children, these insider tips will help you plan a stress-free trip with lifelong family memories.

Consider booking a hotel room with more space

Sleep is essential for kids (and parents!) while visiting Walt Disney World, so a suite or villa is a great option if you're worried about having the whole family share one sleeping area. Villas are located in the Deluxe Resort category (i.e., the most expensive hotels) and have full kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. Suites are available within all hotel categories (including Value Resorts, the least expensive).

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, check out Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (pictured here; it's a Deluxe Villa Resort with tons of kid-friendly amenities, but isn't located adjacent to any of the theme parks) or Disney's Art of Animation Resort (a Value Resort that has family suites with pull-down beds, a kitchenette and impeccable Disney theming throughout). If you're willing to splurge and want to be closer to the parks, I recommend villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (near Magic Kingdom) or Disney's Beach Club Resort (near EPCOT).

RELATED: The Best Hotels at Walt Disney World

Don't feel like you must wait till kids are "old enough"

I get the appeal of wanting to wait until elementary school for the first visit because it's easier to travel, and they'll remember more. That being said, I first took my kids to Disney World when they were 6-months and 3-and-a-half-years old, and I am so happy that I did. My 6-month-old didn't require a paid ticket, and everything was pure magic to my 3-year-old. From a developmental standpoint , preschool-aged children typically don't understand the difference between fantasy and reality, so I got to experience the magic of believing through my daughter's eyes. And while they don't remember everything firsthand, they love looking at the photos from the trip.

Ask questions on PlanDisney.com

This Disney-owned question-and-answer forum provides advice from a panel of experienced Disney guests. Unlike social media groups where you'll get a wide range of answers to your questions, you can trust these responses to be accurate and up-to-date because each panelist has been selected by Disney. You can also browse answers to other questions that have been asked.

RELATED: Major Updates Are Coming to Disney

Be flexible with dates

...especially if you want to save money (on both park tickets and hotel rooms) while also avoiding crowds. Holiday school breaks are going to be the most expensive and busiest times to visit Walt Disney World. If your kids are young enough that they can easily miss a few days of school without added stress, it's worth prioritizing an off-peak travel time. Check out the Disney website for special offers on park tickets and hotels, which are sometimes available during off-peak times.

Determine how long to stay

It's no secret that park tickets are pricey, but keep in mind that the cost per day decreases as the length of your visit increases. The price varies based on dates, but a one-day theme park ticket can cost well over $100. However, the cost of going from a five-day park ticket to a six-day park ticket could be just around $20 extra.

Familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app

This do-it-all app is going to be your guide throughout the trip, so it's a good idea to get used to it before you go. Use it for everything from making dining reservations, checking attraction wait times and accessing your family's photos to getting directions within the parks and checking showtimes. When it comes to your Disney hotel, you can even open the door with the app and check bus times when heading to the parks.

Prioritize the right dining reservation

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can book dining reservations for your entire stay 60 days prior to your check-in date. That means you get early access for dates that are more than 60 days away, so try booking the hard-to-get restaurants towards the end of your trip. One of the most high-demand meals is the character breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort (pictured here). Others include Space 220 at EPCOT and Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom.

Find the unobstructed backgrounds for your photos

Though it can be tempting to take your family photos in front of the iconic backdrops right when you enter the parks, you'll find that it's nearly impossible to get a shot without a crowd in the background. Instead, look for the spots that Disney refers to as "hidden gems," including an overlook between Asia and Africa in Animal Kingdom for the Tree of Life (pictured here) and the bridges to Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom for Cinderella Castle.

RELATED: How to Take the Best Photos at Disney World, According to Cast Members

Bring a stroller to the parks

Even if your kids are past the stroller phase, it'll make your visit so much easier. Not only will you be walking several miles each day, but it also allows you to have some extra storage space to carry the essentials. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller for free; just note that it needs to be collapsible if you plan to bring it on Disney transportation. If you prefer not to travel with a stroller or rent from a third-party platform, you can also rent one at the Walt Disney World parks.

Optimize Genie+

If you're willing to spend extra for Genie+ , Disney's service that lets you access Lightning Lanes (i.e., shorter lines for certain attractions), make sure you learn how to use it before you go. Some kid-favorite rides book up quickly and have consistently long wait times — like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure , Slinky Dog Dash and Peter Pan's Flight — so make sure to prioritize these attractions when you book your first Genie+ reservation of the day.

Stop by the Baby Care Centers

They're not just for babies. While they do have facilities that make traveling to Disney World with an infant easier (like changing tables and nursing rooms), they're also great for young kids. You can find a Baby Care Center in each of the four parks for when your toddler needs a break, and there are quieter restrooms (sometimes even with smaller toilets!) if the public restrooms feel too overwhelming.

Use the Rider Switch feature

If your child is too short or too scared for certain attractions, Disney offers a Rider Switch option so everyone else can ride without having to wait in line twice. And if you don't want to ride alone, you may bring one guest from the party on with you after you switch (e.g., if you have an older child going on the ride, they can ride with each parent while the other is supervising the younger one). Make sure to tell a Cast Member when you're in line that you'd like to use this feature.

Mobile order your food

Trust me on this one. Even if you're already in the dining location, ordering from your phone is going to save you a ton of time, especially during peak meal times. You can find mobile ordering at a handful of quick-service restaurants and snack kiosks throughout the parks. The menus have pictures of the food, and you can choose between ordering in real time or scheduling for a later pick-up.

If you've got early risers, take advantage of the morning hours in the parks. It's calmer with fewer crowds and the weather is cooler, which is especially helpful in the spring through fall. I personally prefer to prep outfits and pack our bag the night before so we can get to the park before it opens. Even if you don't plan to "rope drop" the most popular rides, you'll find lower wait times throughout the parks. Plus, there's a fun welcome show at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom with favorite Disney characters right before the park opens.

Stay organized

It's hard to pack light when you're spending a day at the parks, and it can be difficult to find what you need in a fully-packed bag. Zippered mesh pouches like this one on Amazon have been a total game-changer for my family, separating out snacks, sunscreen , autograph books , accessories and more.

Save time for the playgrounds

Believe it or not, there are spaces at Disney World where kids can run free. Though it may feel like you want to stick with the can't-miss attractions, young kids will love the opportunity to let loose at these sites. Pictured here is The Boneyard at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a shaded complex of slides, bridges, climbing areas and a dig site. Other favorites include the circus-themed (and air-conditioned!) indoor playground in the Dumbo The Flying Elephant queue at Magic Kingdom and the Green Family Landing Play Zone at EPCOT.

Take advantage of Disney's (free!) PhotoPass Studios

This is one of my kids' favorite activities and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated experiences. There's no reservation required, and we've never had to wait in line, plus there's no cost for the session itself; the images are included in Disney's Memory Maker packages. Pictured here is the Royal Portrait Studio inside of Sir Mickey's at Magic Kingdom (right behind Cinderella Castle); it has plenty of props for kids to pose with. If you head to Disney Springs, check out the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs , which offers virtual backdrops, including scenes from theme parks or favorite movies.

Choose Entertainment Wisely

Walt Disney World offers a variety of daytime shows and parades along with nighttime spectaculars to pick from. If an evening show is on your wishlist, but you're worried about the late night with a young child, I recommend opting for Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It takes place in an outdoor theater so you get a seat, there's a concession area for snacks, and it's easy to exit at the end. It was also more engaging for my young kids than the fireworks at other Disney parks.

Don't overlook the kid-friendly hits

You've probably heard about a ton of "must-do" attractions at Walt Disney World — especially thrilling rides and nostalgic experiences — but some of the most memorable attractions for kids aren't talked about as much. Pictured here is the Affection Section at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where kids can interact with animals. Also check out Living With The Land at EPCOT , a boat ride through greenhouses that's filled with plenty of hidden Mickeys in plant form.

Research your favorite characters

One of the most common questions I get asked by first-timers with young kids is how they can meet characters from favorite movies and TV shows. The characters vary by park (and some even by day and time), so if there are any that your child is eager to meet, make sure to plan in advance. You can find the characters available for meet and greets at each park on the My Disney Experience app, as shown here for Magic Kingdom.

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Tips and Itinerary for Toddlers at Walt Disney World

Many families hesitate to plan a trip to WDW when their kids are super young since an 18 month old (or even a 3 year old) isn’t going to remember the vacation. As a mom who loves Disney vacations, I made sure to take my girls to Disney World even when they were only a few months old. I was sure that my baby and toddler weren’t going to recall the trip; however, I knew that my husband and I would.

The memories you form at Disney World with a toddler are totally different than the ones you make with big kids. Yes, taking a toddler adds a whole other element of stress onto the trip. But, you really get a glimpse of the Disney magic when you see it through your two year old’s eyes. In this post, I will provide a tips for visiting Disney World with toddlers, including a guide on where to stay, eat, and play!

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a Toddler

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, you may be wondering which rides your toddler can go on. Each of the parks at WDW offers lots of rides and attractions for even the smallest kids. But one of the best parks at Disney for toddlers is Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom truly makes you feel like you have entered the jungle with its lush landscape and exotic atmosphere. If your toddler is an animal lover, they will adore this well themed park at Disney World.

My husband and I love Animal Kingdom because it seems so much more relaxed and more spacious than the other parks. You don’t notice the crowds as much, and you almost forget that you are in a theme park. If you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family!

Rides and Entertainment

If you are visiting Animal Kingdom with a toddler, the rides and attractions below are perfect for little ones. (Note that these activities all have a height requirement of 36 inches or less.)

• Affection Section
• The Boneyard
• Fossil Fun Games
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug (may scare some toddlers)
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Mahajarah Jungle Trek
• Na’vi River Journey
• Triceratop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train
• Donald’s Dino-Bash
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo The Musical
• Meet Mickey and Minnie

In addition to the list above, you will find animal viewing areas throughout the park. Animal Kingdom is a great place to stroll because it’s well-shaded and you see so many different types of animals.

6 Best Animal Kingdom Rides for Toddlers

If you are looking for the BEST toddler attractions at Animal Kingdom, these are our top picks:

• Finding Nemo- The Musical

If you are unsure whether or not your two year old will sit through two shows (Lion King and Nemo), I recommend choosing Festival of the Lion King. This show has a shorter running time, so it will not require your toddler to sit as long. Also, it’s AMAZING!

Toddler Itinerary

We like to start with Kilimanjaro Safaris when we visit Animal Kingdom. If you are visiting during the hot summer months, the animals tend to be out and about more in the morning. This is the itinerary we typically follow if we are going on a toddler centered Disney vacation:

• 9:00 Arrive at Park/ Kilimanjaro Safaris
• 10:00 Festival of the Lion King/ Meet Mickey and Minnie
• 11:00 Triceratop Spin/ Donald’s Dino-Bash
• 12:00 Lunch/ The Boneyard
• 1:00 Nap (Use Rider Switch to ride big rides while your toddler naps.)
• 3:00 Snack/ Finding Nemo
• 4:00 Na’vi River Journey/ Mahajarah Jungle Trek
• 5:00 Dinner/ Wildlife Express Train
• 6:00 Affection Section/ Back to Resort

Best Genie+ Options for Toddlers at Animal Kingdom

When visiting Animal Kingdom with toddlers, these are the Genie+ options that are most useful.

• Navi River Journey

However, if you are planning to utilize the Rider Switch option mentioned above, you may want to save some of your Genie+ opportunities for these bigger rides.

Epcot with Toddlers

You may have heard that Epcot is the least toddler friendly park at Disney World, but it happens to be one of our favorites. The Future World section of the park offers toddler friendly rides and attractions, and the World Showcase is a great area to stroll around with a toddler.

These are the most toddler friendly rides and attractions you can find at Epcot:

• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Coral Reefs, Sea Turtles, Fish, Sharks, Rays, and Manatees
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Meet Mickey Mouse
• Meet Anna and Elsa
• Meet Alice in Wonderland
• Meet Donald Duck
• Meet Minnie Mouse
• Meet Aurora
• Meet Jasmine
• Meet Ralph and Vanellope
• Meet Snow White

6 Best Toddler Rides at Epcot

If you are looking for the BEST rides and activities for toddlers at Epcot, these are the ones you don’t want to miss:

• Coral Reefs and Animals
• World Showcase

I included the World Showcase on this list because my two year old loves the simple experience of grabbing dessert at one of the countries and exploring the area. The different countries offer outdoor entertainment that is fun to watch with your toddler. Just check the daily schedule so you don’t miss the performances your toddler will like best!

Epcot Toddler Itinerary

If you are spending the day at EPCOT with your toddler, this is a sample itinerary you could follow.

• 9:00 Frozen Ever After/ Meet Anna and Elsa
• 10:00 Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along/ Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• 11:00 The Seas with Nemo and Friends/ Turtle Talk with Crush/ Coral Reefs and Animals
• 12:00 Lunch/ Nap
• 1:00 Use Rider Switch to ride big rides.
• 3:00 Snack/ Tour World Showcase/ Gran Fiesta Tour
• 4:00 Journey into Imagination/ Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• 5:00 Meet Characters on Your List
• 6:00 Dinner/Back to Resort

My family and I usually skip the nightly entertainment and fireworks when visiting Disney World with our toddler. If your little one can handle staying up for these shows, you can add them to the itineraries provided.

Epcot Park Hopping Itinerary

We tend to use park hopper tickets for Epcot, mostly because it’s the only way I can talk my husband into going to Magic Kingdom! When we are park hopping between Magic Kingdom and Epcot, we utilize the itinerary listed below. In the morning, we head to Magic Kingdom to experience toddler attractions there. After our toddler falls asleep in her stroller, we leave Magic Kingdom and take the monorail to Epcot.

You can push your stroller straight onto the Monorail without having to fiddle with folding it up. This is nice because it allows your toddler to remain napping while you switch parks. If you are planning to park hop between Magic Kingdom and EPCOT with your toddler, this is the itinerary we like:

• 9:00 Arrive at Magic Kingdom/ Peter Pan’s Flight/ The Barnstormer
• 10:00 Dumbo the Flying Elephant/ Pete’s Silly Side Show-Daisy and Minnie
• 11:00 Pete’s Silly Side Show- Donald and Goofy/ Enchanted Tales with Belle
• 12:00 Lunch/ Move It! Shake It! Street Party (check times)
• 1:00 Nap in Stroller/ Head to EPCOT
• 2:00 Use Rider Switch to ride big rides at EPCOT
• 3:00 Snack/ World Showcase
• 4:00 Frozen Ever After/ Meet Anna and Elsa
• 5:00 Dinner/ Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• 6:00 The Seas with Nemo/ Turtle Talk with Crush/ Coral Reefs and Animals
• 7:00 Back to Resort

Best Genie+ Options for Epcot

If you purchase Genie+ for Epcot, you’ll want to snag a reservation for Frozen Ever After. You can grab reservations for other options like The Seas with Nemo, but the line usually isn’t long for this attraction even without Genie+. The lines for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also get really long, so try to get a Genie+ for this as well. If your little one would prefer this ride over Frozen Ever After, you’ll want to make Remy’s your priority for Genie+ at Epcot.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a Toddler

I find Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be the most difficult park to plan for a toddler. You will find that Hollywood Studios offers lots of great live entertainment and shows; however, my toddlers struggle to watch show after show after show. The addition of Toy Story Land provides a lot more attractions for little ones at Hollywood Studios. You will also find many characters here that are popular with 2 or 3 year olds.

These are the attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that are most appropriate for toddlers:

• Alien Swirling Saucers (32 inches and above height requirement)
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Toy Story Mania
• Vacation Fun
• Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage
• Disney Junior Play and Dance
• Frozen Sing Along
• Indiana Jones
• Meet Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy
• Meet The Incredibles
• Meet Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear

7 Best Toddler Attractions

These are the BEST toddler rides and activities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Disney Junior Dance Party

If you are planning to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios with your toddler, this is a sample itinerary you could use:

• 9:00 Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway/ Alien Swirling Saucers
• 10:00 Toy Story Mania/ Meet Toy Story Characters
• 11:00 Disney Junior Dance Party/ Meet Disney Jr. Characters
• 1:00 Use Rider Switch to ride big rides while your toddler naps.
• 3:00 Snack/ Frozen Sing Along
• 4:00 Meet Olaf/ Vacation Fun
• 5:00 Muppet 3D/ Lightning McQueen
• 6:00 Dinner/ Back to Resort

Toddler Genie+ Options

Your top priority for Genie+ at Hollywood Studios would be Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. After this popular choice, you may want to consider using the Genie+ reservation for Toy Story Mania or Alien Swirling Saucers. Although, it’s important to note that if you’re planning to use Rider Switch to take turns riding attractions while your toddler naps, you may have different priorities for Genie+ Options.

Magic Kingdom with Toddlers

I have so many thoughts on Magic Kingdom that I’m not even sure where to begin. This park is the main one most people think of when imagining Disney World. Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella’s Castle, Main Street USA, and many of the super famous attractions you think of when you plan a WDW vacation.

That being said, Magic Kingdom is a crazy place to visit! It is almost always packed with people, so a good touring plan is a MUST here. Despite the fact that Magic Kingdom is quite crowded, I personally feel like it’s a park you HAVE to visit on a Disney World vacation.

If you are traveling with a toddler, this park is full of rides and attractions perfect for little ones! My biggest piece of advice when visiting Magic Kingdom with toddlers is to TRY to relax. You will notice that there are so many options of things to do at Magic Kingdom that it can easily feel overwhelming. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to visit this park twice during one vacation.

If you are planning to visit Magic Kingdom, these are the rides and attractions that are suitable for toddlers. I have categorized them based on their location inside the park. Also, note that I am only including rides with a height requirement of 36 inches or less; although, most of these have no height requirement.

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Monster’s Inc, Laugh Floor
• Tomorrowland Speedway (32 inches or taller)
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
• Meet Buzz Lightyear

Fantasyland

• The Barnstormer (35 inches or taller)
• Casey Jr. Splash Pad
• Cinderella Castle
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• It’s a Small World
• Mad Tea Party
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s Philharmagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Carousel
• Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Meet Cinderella and Elena
• Meet Donald and Goofy at Pete’s Silly Side Show
• Meet Daisy and Minnie at Pete’s Silly Side Show
• Meet Gaston
• Meet Merida
• Meet Peter Pan
• Meet Rapunzel and Tiana
• Meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger

Frontierland

• Country Bear Jamboree
• Tom Sawyer Island

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Meet Characters from Aladdin

Liberty Square & Main Street Area

• Haunted Mansion
• Festival of Fantasy Parade
• Let the Magic Begin
• Meet Tinker Bell
• Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
• Move It! Shake It! Street Party

As you read through the lists above, you can probably immediately mark off certain attractions based on your toddler’s preferences. My two year old does not know who half of the characters are, so we would not stand in line to meet someone she doesn’t know. If your toddler does not like to sit through shows, you may want to mark those off the list. Likewise, if your little one is leary of rides, you can remove the attractions like The Barnstormer from your itinerary.

8 Best Toddler Attractions

If you are wondering what are the BEST toddler rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, these are our top picks:

• The Barnstormer
• Meet Characters at Pete’s Silly Side Show

Scary Rides

These are the rides and attractions that toddlers could potentially find scary:

• Astro Orbiter (like Dumbo the Flying Elephant only higher and faster)
• Under the Sea (the eels can scare little ones)
• Jungle Cruise (I LOVE this one, but my toddler is terrified of the fake animals rising out of the water.)
• Haunted Mansion (The line you move through before boarding the ride can be a bit spooky.)

Magic Kingdom Itinerary for Toddlers

I suggest creating a touring plan and attempting to stick to it. But, tell yourself that it is OKAY if your plan doesn’t work out. My toddler gets distracted so easily at Magic Kingdom that we often don’t get to fit in all the attractions we want. And that’s fine. If your toddler notices ducks walking down the street and wants to follow them, embrace the moment without trying to rush to the It’s a Small World attraction. (I’m including that from personal experience!)

Below is a sample of an itinerary I would use at Magic Kingdom for my toddler. Note that I typically plan for two attractions per hour. No matter how hard we try to move quickly, two activities per hour seem to be the max for us.

• 9:00 Arrive at Park/ Peter Pan’s Flight/ The Barnstormer
• 11:00 Pete’s Silly Side Show- Donald and Goofy/ Lunch
• 12:00 Move It! Shake It! Street Party (check times)
• 1:00 Nap in Stroller (Use rider switch to ride big rides while your toddler naps.)
• 3:00 Snack/ Enchanted Tales with Belle
• 4:00 Under the Sea/ It’s a Small World
• 5:00 Jungle Cruise/ Magic Carpets of Aladdin

I started the day at 9:00 even though Magic Kingdom often opens at 8:00 AM. We are never able to arrive at the gates for opening when I have a toddler in tow. Getting dressed, eating breakfast, and traveling to the park always take longer than I anticipate. If you are staying at Disney’s Polynesian Resort , the Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, or Wilderness Lodge , you may have an easier time arriving early at rope drop since you will have multiple options for transportation.

Best Genie+ Options at Magic Kingdom

The most popular Genie+ options for toddlers at Magic Kingdom would be Peter Pan’s Flight and Jungle Cruise. After those attractions, Barnstormer and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are good options. If you can arrive at Magic Kingdom early, try to fit in some of these popular rides first. Then you won’t need a Genie+ for them.

Best Park Touring Plans

You may have noticed from my sample itineraries that we really strive to stick to our toddler’s regular schedule even while visiting Disney World. You may not mind changing up your child’s regular schedule or you may be traveling from a completely different time zone, which could affect your itinerary. In any case, it’s difficult to create a park itinerary for toddlers that is one size fits all. Because of this, I recommend finding touring plans that meet the EXACT needs of your family.

The Touring Plans website is an awesome resource for families visiting Disney World. It really helps to take out all of the stress from planning your daily itineraries. For example, you can specify the park that you plan to visit on a particular day of your trip. Touring Plans will automatically upload the park hours and show times for that date. Then, you can go through and choose each of the activities you would like to experience with your family.

After you add all of the rides, attractions, and entertainment options that you want, Touring Plans will generate a personalized itinerary for your day. The itinerary will include typical ride wait times and walking times from one ride to another. I find Touring Plans to be super accurate, and I never go to Disney World without using this amazing resource.

You can visit the Touring Plans website to sign up. It costs less than twenty dollars, and your subscription is good for an entire year. Note that I am in no way affiliated with the Touring Plans website, nor do I get compensated for you purchasing a subscription. I just highly recommend this resource to anyone I know visiting Disney World, and I personally couldn’t vacation without it!

9 Tips for a Toddler Vacation at Disney World

These are my top tips for taking a toddler to Walt Disney World:

• Use the Disney World App – The My Disney Experience App comes in really handy at Disney World with toddlers. You can use the map to easily locate dining options, rides, restrooms, and baby care centers. You can also see show schedules and ride wait times.
• Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel – You can easily find a Disney resort hotel that is in your price range. If you choose to stay off site, you will more than likely be charged a resort fee AND a parking fee at your off site hotel. The Disney resorts are much more magical and much more convenient for your visit.
• Use the Shuttle Service – I recommend using the resort shuttles if you stay at an on-site hotel. This way, you don’t have to fiddle with car seats, driving directions, parking fees, parking spots, etc.
• Don’t Go without a Plan – Make sure you have a rough itinerary to follow at each park. This way you don’t waste time trying to decide which attraction to experience next.
• Use Genie+ – If it’s in your budget, we recommend purchasing Genie+ to bypass some of the longer lines at the parks. While older kids may understand the need to be patient in lines, toddlers don’t always comprehend this.
• Maintain Your Toddler’s Schedule (within reason) – Sleep and nutrition are tied to behavior, so make sure your toddler gets enough rest and good food during your trip to help manage melt downs.
• Use a Stroller – Even if your toddler does not use a stroller at home, they will want one at Disney World. My five year old still rides in a stroller at Disney! I recommend using a stroller that is comfortable for your toddler’s naps. You also will want one that folds up and unfolds super easily for the shuttles.
• Be Flexible – It’s so easy to get frustrated when plans don’t work out. Visit each park assuming that something is going to need to be tweaked on your itinerary. Don’t let a temper tantrum or a ride shut down ruin your whole day at the park!

Toddler Packing List and Hacks

If you are wondering what to pack for your toddler at Disney World, this packing list with hacks is a great place to start! You will want to make sure your toddler is dressed comfortably for a day at Disney World. I also put a change of clothes in my diaper bag in case my little one soils her shirt or outfit.

If you are planning to allow your toddler to play in the water play areas in some of the parks, you may want to include an extra set of water shoes as well. These are the items you would find in my toddler bag for Disney World.

( Note that the links in the list are Amazon affiliate links that take you to the product that my family uses on our trips. )

• changing pad
• toys that can be wiped off
• pre-packaged snacks
• rain ponchos for the whole family
• fan necklace (if visiting during hot months)
• sun hat/ sunglasses
• coats, gloves, hat (if visiting during cold months)
• gallon Ziplock bag (for soiled clothes)
• change of clothes
• comfortable water shoes
• disinfectant wipes

As mentioned above, taking a two year old on a Disney vacation can be a bit stress inducing. However, when that toddler is FREE to get into the park, it suddenly lifts a bit of weight off of your shoulders. One of the biggest perks to traveling to Walt Disney World with babies or toddlers is that you don’t have to pay for their park tickets as long as they are under 3 years old.

This is a HUGE way to save money on your trip! In addition, you do not have to pay for those children who are 2 years old or younger at dining venues and character meals. Instead, your toddler can eat and enjoy character interactions at no additional cost to you.

Note that if you want to order a separate meal for your toddler, you will be charged. However, if you are dining at a location that charges per person, you do not have to purchase a meal for your toddler if he/she is eating from your plate. If you would like to find the best deals on Disney World tickets for your vacation, we highly recommend checking out Undercover Tourist .

This reputable company offers great discounts and is always our go-to spot for WDW park tickets. If you’re looking for additional ways to save money on your Disney vacation with a toddler, we love to book rooms through a DVC rental site . As explained in that article, you can score a super reasonable rate on on a deluxe Disney villa by renting vacation club points.

Just use the cost calculator to price out a room for your trip. This method allows our family to stay in deluxe resorts like the Polynesian, Beach Club Villas, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and more for a fraction of the price! The deluxe hotels are great for toddlers because they tend to be conveniently located to the parks, and they offer lots of dining options and amenities.

What do YOU think….which Disney World park is best for toddlers? Comment below and let me know!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Great post, we don’t have children but I can appreciate how hard a trip to Disney must be!

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12 Key Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler for the First Time

We just got back from our first trip to Disney World with a toddler and I have SO many tips (personal insights and best recommendations and tips for visiting Disney world with a toddler) to share with you guys. If you’re planning your first trip to Disney World with a toddler , you came to the right place! While Disney World is without a doubt the happiest place on earth, it can also be totally overwhelming for parents to try and understand and plan a trip to!!! Which is where I come in. I’ve compiled these game-changing tips for traveling with toddlers at Disney World to ensure that your trip to Disney World with your little one is as smooth and memorable as possible! So you can spend less time worrying about planning, and more time soaking up the memories!! From choosing the right time to visit to selecting the best places to stay and eat with a toddler, to the best Disney World rides for little ones to keep at the top of your list, here are my top t ips for a magical family adventure at Walt Disney World in Orlando .

1. Choose the Perfect Time to Visit Disney World

Visiting Peak Season vs. Off-Peak Season

Especially when traveling with a toddler to Disney World for the first time, visiting Disney World during the off-peak season when crowds are lighter, and wait times are shorter, is a huuuge plus. This allows for a more relaxed experience with your toddler, and will make the experience a little less overwhelming to them versus tons of crowds. Peak seasons are usually from March to April and June to August. While shoulder season is around December to February, May, and the most off-season is September to November.

And don’t forget to think about the weather!

Orlando is in Florida which means it is HOT and humid in the summertime. The best time to visit Disney World for cooler weather and less rain is from early December to early March. And, if you’re looking for warmer weather, I’d aim for April-May. August-October you are in hurricane season so that’s always a risk.

And, while December and January may have some chilly days, this time of year usually avoids the rainy days before December. I would also try to avoid spring break since that will be some of the highest crowds.

2. TODDLERS ARE FREE AT DISNEY! But Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Adult Tickets in Advance

You read that right, toddlers and babies under 3 are free at Walt Disney World. So, while you don’t need to get an entrance ticket for your little one, make sure you get your adult tix! Getting your Disney World Orlando tickets ahead of time is always a smart idea and you can buy them up to 360 days in advance.   Here’s a rundown of how you can get your tickets:

Book at the Official Disney World Website Go to the official Walt Disney World Resort website ( https://disneyworld.disney.go.com ).

There, you can explore the different parks and ticket options Go to the “Parks & Tickets” section of the website where you can explore the various theme parks and ticket options available. Take your time to decide which parks you want to visit and how many days you plan to spend at Disney World.

After receiving your confirmation, I’d recommend linking your tickets to My Disney Experience To make the most of your Disney World trip, download the “My Disney Experience” app and link your tickets to it. This app will help you manage your whole vacation, from FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, and more..

And that’s it! You’ve successfully booked your Disney World Orlando tickets in advance, and you’re ready for a magical adventure. Be sure to check the latest updates and guidelines on the official Disney World website before your visit to stay informed about any changes or requirements.

3. Choose the Right Park for Your Family

Here are the different park options to choose from at Disney World and how to choose the best one(s) for your trip. 

Magic Kingdom – The Best Disney Park for Toddlers and Little Ones!

If you have just one day to do a Disney World adventure with your toddler, then I would head straight to Magic Kingdom! It’s the ultimate playground for the little ones since many of the rides here have no height requirement and are more relaxed – no scary drops or wild spins makes these rides for your tiny adventurers!! And they’re going to love keeping an eye out for their favorite characters like Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, or Buzz Lightyear wandering around! 

Animal Kingdom

Think of Animal Kingdom as a big zoo mixed with the fun of a theme park where your kids can see real animals like lions, monkeys, and elephants like stepping into a storybook jungle or a wild safari. There are also various paths in parts of the park named Africa, Asia, and Discovery Island where you and your kids can walk around at their own pace and see animals and plants from all over the world!! While some rides are made for bigger kids, there are plenty of gentle rides and shows perfect for toddlers that are fun and not too fast or scary.

It should come as a surprise to no one that EPCOT was my favorite park growing up ( I ammm a travel blogger now, after all) so although this is built more for the older audience, parents with toddlers visiting Epcot at Disney World can still enjoy a delightful mix of activities and attractions tailored to the younger crowd, You can visit Kringla Bakeri for delightful pastries, and try the Frozen Ever After ride, where you’ll board a Viking ship and journey through the enchanting world of Arendelle.

Hollywood Studios

I think of Hollywood Studios as a bit more for the ‘big kids’ in terms of rides. Yep, a bunch of those are best for the older group and the taller crowd. But there are still some fun parts you can do with your toddler here like a meet and greet with their Disney heroes or Mickey or Minnie!

Blizzard Beach Water Park & Typhoon Water Park

These will be ideal once your kiddos are a little older, but wouldn’t be what I prioritize for the toddlers.

4. Plan Your Itinerary Around Nap Time

When planning your Disney World Itinerary, it’s good to have a flexible schedule that accounts for your little ones usual nap time. You know your toddler best and they more than likely thrive on their routines! So try to stick (somewhat) to their regular schedule if you can. That all being said, on our first trip to Disney World with a toddler, my 19-month-old son fell asleep at 11:30 (his usual nap time is 1pm) from such an exciting morning!!!), it ended up working out well, as we breaked for lunch and he slept in the stroller until it was time to go-go-go again! But if your tot doesn’t love to nap on-the-go, you can always head back to the hotel for nap time, and come back after!

Also, I’d recommend you either do counter-service for lunch (you can order via the app – super fast and easy!) or make advance dining reservations to avoid long waits with a hungry toddler. Don’t forget, character dining experiences or themed-restaurants are always a great option and enjoyable for your toddlers!! Highly recommend planning out your day(s) on the My Disney Experience app!

5. Purchase Lightning Lane via “Genie+” in the app

Lightning lane is basically ‘fast pass’ and it means you get to go in a MUCH shorter line for a ride, versus spend your whole day waiting in lines! It’s seriously worth its weight in gold and only costs $25 per adult (toddlers are free under 3). It’s SO WORTH IT, you guys. You do not want to be standing in an hour and a half line with a toddler.

But, something to know, that I didn’t know before we went through it, is that you can ONLY do one lightning lane at once, which means first thing in the morning (7AM) you need to sign up for the lightning lane you want the most, because if you don’t use it on your first one, you might miss the windows as they might fill up (this is what happened to us with Jungle Cruise – it’s a VERY popular ride and we didn’t choose it for our first lightning lane, so by the time it was time for our second lightning lane, the times for Jungle Cruise were all gone). I would recommend choosing the most popular and busiest line rides as your first lightning lane for this reason! Then, when it’s time to book your next lightning lanes (the app will tell you your time), I would look at where has the longest lines outside of the lightning lane currently (this is an AMAZING app feature, it tells you real-time line times), and choose those (and go standby in the meantime to the rides that have easy and quick standby lines!)

Here is what it looks like in the app on the day of your trip:

6. Make a Hit List of The Best Toddler and Baby-Friendly Attractions/Rides

Since there’s so much to see and do at Disney, you’re going to have to prioritize! (Probably on of the most important tips for visiting Disney world with a toddler – no kidding!) I like to make a ‘hit list’ of which rides we want to hit and map it out ahead of time! 

The Best Disney World Rides for Little Ones Under 3

Disney World offers a host of toddler-friendly attractions, including “It’s a Small World,” “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” and “The Seas with Nemo & Friends.” 

Here are my top recommendations for the best toddler-friendly rides at Disney that are perfect for your little ones and even older kiddos too!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Magic Kingdom This one’s a childhood rite of passage and was first on our hit-list for our first trip to Disney! My son loved it so much.

“It’s a Small World” – Magic Kingdom This dreamy boat ride that takes you around the globe in just 10 minutes was always my favorite as a kid (are you surprised I’m a travel blogger now?!). Imagine your little ones waving at all the happy, singing children from different countries. It’s a sweet, peaceful ride with that catchy tune we all love.

Jungle Cruise – Magic Kingdom This relaxing boat ride featuring all kinds of wild “animals” (that aren’t real but DEF will be to your kids!!!) is great for toddlers and young kids! Your little ones will love pointing out all the animals and the skippers MAKE the cruise – they are so funny and entertaining!! This one is a MUST (and I recommend getting a lightning lane fast pass for it, because it’s one of the most popular rides that always has a line!) 

Prince Charming Regal Carousel – this carousel doesn’t have a height requirement and will be a magical experience for any tot. This may have been my son Harrison’s favorite ride at 19 months old!!!!! He LOVED it!!!! And the best part? The waits usually aren’t long at all! (5-10 mins in our experience)

Frozen Ever After – Epcot If your kiddos are obsessed with Elsa and Anna, this one is a must-do! Glide through Arendelle, sing along to “Let It Go,” and maybe even get a warm hug from Olaf.

Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom Fly over London and off to Neverland! This enchanting ride in a pirate ship will make your toddler feel like flying! And your little ones will definitely be mesmerized by the twinkling lights of this ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom Get ready for an adventure! This safari ride is like stepping into a real African expedition. Elephants, giraffes, lions – oh my! It’s a wild ride (but totally safe) that’s perfect for animal-loving toddlers and babies.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom This interactive comedy show is a hoot! Watch your toddler enjoy and interact with the Monsters, Inc. gang.

Tike’s Peak – Blizzard Beach: For a pool day, head to Tike’s Peak. It’s a polar-themed paradise with mini-slides and wading pools, perfect for the littlest of jetsetters to splash around

What we did not like as much with a toddler : The Magic Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – This Magic Kingdom ride wasn’t the soft, sweet, storybook Winnie the Pooh ride we were expecting! It’s quite dark and twisted, and is over-stimulating for little ones, IMO!!! Some people love it, but maybe it’s better suited for older kids and older toddlers.  Character Meet-and-Greets

Choose character meet-and-greets that are focused on your child’s favorite characters, this way you’ll save up on energy enjoying rides rather than waiting in line! You can use Character Experiences or Disney Genie+ to book your favorite shows or meet-and-greets with your child’s beloved Disney character to reduce wait times. We did this to meet Mickey and it was SOOOO special!!!!!! One of the (many) highlights of our toddler’s day, for sure. It feels very VIP and one-on-one, too, which I appreciated. 

Also, don’t forget to get your toddler their first ‘ears’ – you can do this right by the Mickey Meet & Greet at the Main Street Theater! So cute and such a great souvenir. 

6. Take Advantage of Disney’s Baby Care Centers

Disney World features Baby Care Centers in each park, offering changing tables, nursing rooms, and quiet spaces to feed and rest with your toddler. Forget wipes or run out of diapers? You can purchase them here (and they’re not upcharged, which I think is nice!). You can check the locations of Disney World’s Baby Care Centers here.

7. Utilize The Mobile Order to Order Food Ahead of Time at Restaurants Throughout the Park (save time & skip the line!)

Mobile Order is available to Walt Disney World guests within the  My Disney Experience app ! Mobile Order allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating Counter Service restaurants around Disney World. You can either choose ASAP but I highly recommend you can schedule your order early in the day for later. The restaurants can get backed up and there will be less windows available, so if you have your order placed ahead of time it’s a huge time saver! Another plus? You can see pictures of menu items within the app – that app really makes everything super easy & seamless. 

Here’s where you can use Mobile Order at MK & AK!

MAGIC KINGDOM

Casey’s Corner Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe The Friar’s Nook Main Street Confectionery Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Pinocchio Village Haus Columbia Harbour House Tomorrowland Terrace The Lunching Pad Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Sunshine Tree Terrace

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Harambe Market Pizzafari Satu’li Canteen Flame Tree Barbecue Restaurantosaurus Zuri’s Sweets Shop

8. Stay Close to the Parks

For ease when traveling with a toddler to Disney, you’ll want to stay near the parks! The best option is to actually stay within the Parks (which no doesn’t mean you’re IN the Magic Kingdom, but you’re in the metropolis, meaning from your hotel you’re a walk or a quick easy free shuttle away from your favorite entrances.

Here’s where to stay at Disney World:

For Luxury & Convenience: Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for the best luxury and relaxation near Disney World, FS is going to be the move. This is where we stayed and we had a BLAST!!!!!! They have an incredible golf course, and an oasis-like pool area, character brunches and a DELICIOUS rooftop restaurant called Capa, as well!

They also have a complimentary easy shuttle service (that was more like a big limo, seriously) to the parks making sure your Disney park hopping with your family is seamless. (Don’t have to worry about parking? YES PLEASE!)

If you’re planning to stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando and have tickets to the theme parks, you can enjoy extra time in the parks with the EXTRA MAGIC HOURS benefit!! aka less crowds and more fun memories!

Check rates for your dates here

JETSET TIP: if you reach out to my travel agency with the referral JETSET CHRISTINA , they don’t charge anything to book (as long as you use my referral code) and will book you at this hotel at the best rate, and sometimes can get free awesome perks at the resort! Ask her about it and mention JetsetChristina!

Or Stay at a Disney Resort

Staying on-site offers a multitude of advantages, including convenient transportation, early park access, and having that immersive theming experience best for toddlers and young children. Here are some of the best Disney World Resorts to book for your on-site accommodation:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort This Disney resort is closest to the Magic Kingdom and have easy monorail access. Imagine being able to walk to Magic Kingdom in just 5 minutes!! If you’d like to be back in a jiffy from your toddler’s nap or a short break between park adventures, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the best option. Definitely a big convenience for parents with toddlers and small kids! 
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Complete with a luxurious, Victorian-themed charm, the Grand Floridian is also famous for being a top choice for celebrities. Choose this resort if you want to enjoy spacious rooms, fine dining, and even live orchestra music in the lobby. The resort also comes with easy monorail access, making it a breeze to reach the Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Great for an immersive African wildlife experience complete the African architecture. Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers direct view of exotic animals right from your balcony!! You can also enjoy African cuisine, and daily cultural activities. Plus, the resort also provides shuttle service to the parks, and early park entry is available.
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort  The best tropical getaway resort in the heart of Disney World. You’ll enjoy the South Pacific vibes with island-themed rooms, ‘Ohana dining, and enjoy it’s sandy beach. Monorail access to the Magic Kingdom and easy transportation to Epcot are added perks.
• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts  Enjoy nautical theme accommodation and the best pool on Disney property! These sister resorts offer a seaside experience, and share use of the Stormalong Bay pool. They’re conveniently located near Epcot and Hollywood Studios that you can enjoy with a boat transportation!! 
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas Experience the charm of a seaside boardwalk and enjoy live entertainment and dining options inspired by Atlantic City-style boardwalks. This place is just a walking distance to Epcot and has boat access to Hollywood Studios that’s also very convenient!!
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort  Enjoy a nostalgic immersion in pop culture with amenities of a value resort that features colorful rooms!! You also have quick bus access to all Disney parks which is a major plus for parents traveling with their little ones.
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Get more Mexican and Southwest American experience if you stay in this resort. Their newly renovated rooms at the Gran Destino Tower and is also conveniently located near Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, with bus transportation to the parks making it super easy for park hopping!

9. Don’t Forget to Pack The Essentials For The Day

Here are my essentials for what to pack for a day at Disney World with a toddler:

Hand Sanitizer 

Sanitizing cleaning wipes 

Wipes/Diapers of course

Belt Bag or Backpack – I love this one! 

Extra charged battery charger for your phone ( I like this one) bring one so that you don’t end up like me and have to buy one for $30 at a vending machine in the park. The Disney app (plus taking all the photos you’re going to want to take) eaaaaats up your battery, FAST! 

Some plastic bags to keep valuables dry on wet rides

A sharpie (if you plan on getting character autographs) 

Glow sticks (if you plan on going to the night shows and want to avoid your toddler begging for the $20 ones they’re selling!)

A cute outfit!!!

How cute is this? You can personalize it with your toddler’s name! 

Shop my exact Disney mom outfit and what I dressed my baby boy in here! 

I ironed on a Mickey patch for him on this Amazon toddler baseball cap and it turned out SOOO cute! you could do Minnie too or any of their favorite characters. It was a cute, one-of- a-kind hat that he LOVED wearing.. He kept saying it was his mama hat – he knew I made it!! He doesn’t normally love to wear hats but this one he didnt want to take off all day – It melted my heart. And it was great for sun protection too! 

10. Bring a GOOD stroller!!!!

While I love and swear by our travel stroller, we decided to bring our sturdier all-terrain jogging stroller ( we looooove this one) for Disney World and I’m SO glad we did. You are pushing this thing A LOT throughout the day, and you’re already sore and tired enough as it is, you want the stroller that’s going to be the easiest to maneuver around and is going to keep your kiddo nice and comfy for some on-the-go naps! This jogging stroller has amazing storage, too which of course came in handy for all the snacks and waters we packed! This jogging stroller still folds up easily and travels pretty well, so it was a great choice for us. I don’t recommend bringing a flimsy stroller – you’re going to want something sturdy! If you don’t want to bring your own from home, you can also rent one on-site which would cost you about $13 to $31 per day depending on the length of stay or type of stroller (single or double). You can read more about stroller rentals here .

11. Make Advance Reservations for Sit-Down Dining

The best toddler-friendly diners and restaurants in disney world, be our guest, magic kingdom.

If your toddler loves Beauty and the Beast, then this themed restaurant is a must visit! Set in Beast’s castle, their dining options include a three-course, fixed-price menu that also comes with child-friendly selections like chicken breast and mac and cheese!

Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant, Hollywood Studios

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an ideal dining spot for families with toddlers, featuring not only a unique and immersive atmosphere but also accommodating the needs of your little ones. Families will enjoy car-shaped booths while watching classic movie clips. (The area can be a bit dark for some people because of the movie showing but it’s also lit well enough for families to enjoy a meal.) The restaurant also ensures comfort for toddlers with high chairs available, making it a stress-free experience for parents. Plus, the menu caters to all ages with kid-friendly favorites meals and desert options.

Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom

Complete the whole Disney Princess experience for your little one by dining at this fantastical Cinderella-themed restaurant. Although not guaranteed, kids between the ages of 3 and 9 can receive princess wands and prince swords as special gifts (!!), and a photo package can also be included with the meals. You can always ask the staff to confirm the free stuff! You will also get a chance to take photos with Cinderella and her friends, which is a huge plus. This character dining experience requires advance payment, however, it’s completely complimentary for little princes and princesses who are under 3 years old.

Casey’s Corner, Magic Kingdom

Casey’s Corner is a huge hit, so it’s common to see lengthy lines and a packed outdoor eating area. A smart move is to use Mobile Order on the app and choose to eat when it’s not so crowded. You can also grab your food and head over to the public grassy hub section. Be warned, it doesn’t have tables though but it’s perfect for a quick picnic snack where the whole fam can stretch and relax a bit after a day of walking!!

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, Magic Kingdom

Pecos Bill is a good spot for a quick Tex-Mex meal with customizable dishes like tacos and rice bowls. This is where we ate!  It wasn’t anything amazing – but no theme park food is. I liked that it was a healthier option than fried foods and I got some good protein in me for the day! Also, it’s super accessible while touring the park making it a convenient stop for a meal or a snack without having to go out of your way. And since it’s a counter-service restaurant, this means you can get your food without a long wait, a crucial factor when dining with toddlers who might not have the patience for a longer sit-down restaurant.

Pinocchio Village Haus, Magic Kingdom

Pinocchio Village Haus’ menu caters to kiddos, featuring menu items like kid-friendly flatbreads and chicken strips. Also, the restaurant is inspired by the beloved tale of Pinocchio. And a unique highlight for families is the seating overlooks the “it’s a Small World” ride, where toddlers can wave to travelers!!

Chef Mickey’s, Contemporary Resort

This character dining experience features the Fab Five – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto, making it a dream come true for little ones eager to meet their favorite Disney characters. The restaurant’s buffet-style setup offers a wide range of options including classic breakfast items like Mickey waffles, as well as dinner favorites like roasted chicken and various seafood options, making sure even picky eaters find something to enjoy. Additionally, its convenient location, just a short walk from Magic Kingdom, makes it an ideal stop either to kick-start a day of adventure or to wind down with a magical meal.

(Photo from disneyworld.disney.go.com)

(Photo from themeparktourist.com)

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals – Ravello in the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®

This iconic character brunch is held every Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. Here, you can you can enjoy a buffet with traditional breakfast favorites while meeting Goofy and his pals! A photographer will also be on-site to capture your memories with these always-entertaining stars.

*In addition to every Thursday and Saturday, character breakfast will be offered on the following Tuesdays in 2024: March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, May 28, July 2, July 9, July 16 and July 23

Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a healthy menu tailored to all ages, including customizable bowls where you can choose your protein, base, and sauce!! It also has kid-friendly options such as cheese quesadillas and all-beef hot dogs wrapped in dough with sides like vegetable chips and mandarin oranges. Satu’li Canteen also caters to various dietary needs with an allergy-friendly menu. The nice indoor and outdoor seating areas provide a comfortable space for families, and the refillable drink stations are great!

(Photo from D23.com)

Space 220 Restaurant, EPCOT

This restaurant is super cool. Toddlers and kids will enjoy a simulated elevator ride to a space station!! The atmosphere here is quieter compared to other Disney park restaurants, which might be more suitable for families with slightly older toddlers or kids interested in space and science. The kids’ menu offers familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken tenders, and macaroni. Additionally, the restaurant offers coloring pages and other activities to keep toddlers happy while dining.

Biergarten Restaurant – EPCOT, Germany

Families can enjoy a live band and polka dancing in Biergarten creating an environment that’s both entertaining and engaging for all ages. Their buffet-style dining means there’s a variety of food options suitable for everyone, including kid faves like the traditional macaroni and cheese, German spaetzle and steamed veggies like carrots and peas. The family-style seating at long tables promotes a communal dining experience and makes Biergarten an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a meal together in an energetic and festive setting.

Via Napoli, Epcot – Italy

Via Napoli in Epcot is another great choice for families with toddlers. The place provides an authentic Neapolitan atmosphere and the star attraction is its pizza, acclaimed as one of the best in Walt Disney World, with ingredients, imported from Naples, Italy, to ensure authenticity and quality. The open-floor plan of the restaurant is also great for families, with a view of the pizza-making process right before your eyes, which can be such an entertainment for young children. The menu also offers a variety of wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes, and the children’s menu includes appealing options like Spaghetti & Meatballs and Kid’s Cheese Pizza.

(Photo from DisneyFoodBlog.com)

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, Hollywood Studios

The restaurant is set within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land, immersing guests in the Star Wars universe. Toddlers will be excited by futuristic surroundings making it an exciting dining experience for kids. Plus, It’s conveniently located near attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, making it easy to grab a meal before or after enjoying these popular attractions.

Tiffins, Animal Kingdom

After a day of exploring the park, Tiffins provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment where families can relax and enjoy their meal in a quieter setting, which can be a relief for tired toddlers. While Tiffins offers a diverse menu with global flavors, they typically have options suitable for children, such as pasta, chicken, and grilled cheese sandwiches. This ensures that even picky eaters can find something to enjoy.

The Boathouse, Disney Springs

The restaurant is located on the waterfront, offering a beautiful view of the lake and the vintage boats on display. Toddlers may enjoy watching the boats. The place offers outdoor seating options, allowing toddlers to have more space to move around and explore while their parents enjoy the meal.

Their children’s menu offers a variety of selections suitable for young diners, such as chicken tenders, barbecue meatballs, macaroni and cheese, smoked pork sliders, and sliced smoked turkey breast. The restaurant also provides high chairs and booster seats for toddlers, making it more convenient for parents.

California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is known for being one of the finest dining experiences in all of Walt Disney, this restaurant is not the best choice for toddlers or younger kids but offers amazing view and is equipped with child-friendly amenities like a high chair. 

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Definitely a fun place for families that offers offers a mix of family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy platters and single-serving entrees which includes a  Kids’ Create-Your-Own Entrées    Plus, your toddler will enjoy entertainment and shows from the staff (tip: never ask for ketchup). 

Ravello at the Four Seasons character breakfast (offered Thursdays and Saturdays!)

We loved this, it’s a great buffet and the characters come to every table and photos are included!!! This is a great thing to do, whether or not you’re staying at the FS!

12. Stay Hydrated and Rested

We should have brought more waters!!! They allow you to bring water into Disney World (and all the snacks you want!) so definitely don’t be shy! Pack some!! Don’t forget to keep yourself and your toddler well-hydrated throughout the day, and take regular breaks to rest and recharge!! Make sure your little one is also sun-protected with appropriate clothing and sunscreen if it’s in the warmer months.

A lot of people ask is it okay to bring in outside drinks to Disney World, and you can absolutely bring snacks and a water bottle with you into the Walt Disney World theme parks, including Magic Kingdom. Just make sure it’s not a glass bottle, but other than that it’s completely fine (and you can bring snacks too!)

13. Prepare for Rain (just in case!)

Florida is a tropical climate which means there definitely are rainstorms that roll through Disney World throughout the year. But, the good news is there any many attractions at Disney World that are INDOORS!  Some even have covered areas for lines. You just need to know which rides to go to when it rains and not all parks are created equal when it comes to stormy weather.

By the way, Disney World is a year-round, 365-day operation.  It stays open, even for rain, with one exception – if there’s a hurricane. (August – October are the biggest risky months for that).

Things to bring if you’re traveling to Disney World in rainy season: A stroller rain cover, ziploc bags, a poncho, proper footwear, and a rain jacket! 

14. Capture the Magic and Memories!!!

Make sure to snap photos and capture videos to treasure those magical moments. A lot of people have asked how we managed to get family photos at Disney World and we just asked strangers!! I like to set them up as well as I can with exactly what we want the shot to be – and it worked out!!

I’d recommend purchasing Memory Maker for access to professional photos taken throughout your trip (such as at character meet & greets!) so you’ll only think about enjoying the rides and making the best out of your Disney World trip with your little one. They show up right in your app! 

If this is your first time traveling with baby or a toddler, check out my other blogs where I talk about baby travel hacks and essential travel tips for moms/parents!

The Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide - Jetset Christina (Updated 2024)

The Best Trips to Take with a Toddler - All of the Family Travel Destinations that Should Be on Your Family's Bucket List this Year!

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Three Day Disney Itinerary With a Toddler

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If you’re a Disney newbie or are planning your first trip to Disney with a Toddler, you’re in the right place. I LOVE vacation research and I really wanted to make sure our daughter had a great time at her first trip to Disney World. Since we’d never been, I felt like I scoured the internet trying to figure out how to make the parks successful and find a Disney itinerary with a toddler.

If you want to check out how to plan for your trip to Disney, read this .

This article is full of all the tips and tricks of having fun at Disney with a toddler, including our Disney itinerary with a toddler for three different parks . Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. We also went to Orlando to visit Harry Potter, but that’s a separate post! If you have any questions, feel free to hit the contact button and send me an email. I’m always happy to help!

Epcot with a toddler

  I’m going to start by saying that we have a daughter and her goal in life was to meet Anna and Elsa. Therefore, we had to do Epcot. I did find it to be a more “adult” park but there were still tons of things to do with a toddler. However, if you’re only going for one day and you have a toddler – it’s Magic Kingdom or bust. Out of the three places we went, Magic Kingdom hands down had the most options for a toddler.

At Epcot (and every park) you’ll want to use your Fast Passes on the rides you really want to go on, that typically have long lines. Fast Passes are “reservations” that allow you into shorter lines during your time window for each ride. Since some of the lines at Disney World get crazy long, you’ll definitely want to make your Fast Pass reservations in advance. If you can’t make them in advance, no worries. There are kiosks available in each park so you can make reservations the day of. However, you run the risk that a ride you really want to go on won’t have any Fast Passes available.

Our three Fast Passes at Epcot were on:

• Frozen Ever After*
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush

We also did The Character Spot, Royal Sommerhaus with Anna and Elsa, and The Land without Fast Passes.

*This is a “must” Fast Pass if you want to go later in the day. However, at 30 days out our only available option was 4 p.m. One day later none were available. Lines were 80 minutes mid-day on a “yellow” crowd calendar day. If you don’t get a FP, you’re still in luck. Go at the VERY beginning of the day –we only waited for about 20 at 9:15 a.m.

There is no Fast Pass to meet Anna and Elsa at Sommerhaus. The line was 20-45 min the entire day. Lucky for us, we walked in after lunch and it was no more than 15 minutes.

We were able to get morning FP reservations for Nemo. We went to Turtle Talk with Crush right after The Seas with Nemo and Friends and didn’t even need to use our Fast Pass.

The character spot lines were longest for us, but since she hadn’t ever met Mickey or Minnie we didn’t mind waiting 25 minutes. The great news is that there are cartoons in line at the character spot so your kiddo stays entertained while you wait.

I was exhausted and hot so we took an afternoon break because we had dinner reservations at the Nine Dragons. We came back to the park and went to “The Land” right before dinner at 5:30 p.m. and walked right on without even waiting for a boat.

The Nine Dragons may have been our best meal at Disney. If you like Chinese – it’s a great option!

Disney Tips for Park Success

Before I go any further, here are some general tips we learned about Disney:

• So many of the lines said 10-15 minutes and we walked right on. You can’t always trust the timer.
• Put on sunscreen even if it’s cloudy and cold in the morning. My husband and I both got burned on a day that had very little sunlight.
• Bring snacks! You can bring in food to all the parks (in plastic containers, no glass) and we saved ourselves a bundle bringing snacks for our daughter.
• Tie something to your stroller handle so you can find it in the crowd. The stroller parking at Disney gets nuts, and they sometimes move your strollers around. We tied a pink ribbon to our handle, and it was a lifesaver. The hot pink stood out really well in a sea of black strollers.
• Bring ponchos. Florida rain is unpredictable. You can get stuck in a torrential downpour even if rain wasn’t predicted that day. Don’t be caught unprepared and have to buy an expensive poncho in the park. You can get them at the dollar store. We got ours at Target for $2 each, and I still thought it was totally worth it.
• There are a lot of debates about bringing a stroller or not. We couldn’t have survived without ours and frankly, I’m not sure why anyone with a kid under the age of five would even want to try.
• You can refill water bottles at water fountains but sometimes they’re a little harder to find. However, it’s worth scouting them out if you’re not into paying $3.50 for a bottle of water.
• At Epcot, we spent $100 for a family of three, splitting everything all day. We ate at The Nine Dragons for dinner and had the fried rice and honey sesame chicken. Little lady ate off our plates and while it was delicious, without alcohol still ran ~$60. Lunch was at a stand in Mexico and hubs and I split guacamole, two tacos, and a margarita, running ~$30, plus an $8 gelato we all shared.
• We brought in a peanut butter sandwich, pirate’s booty, crackers, and granola bars for little one’s lunch and snacks. She housed it all (along with half the gelato) and was a happy camper.
• Take your own pictures! My husband kept saying the pictures the photographers were taking were coming to his Disney account. Somehow it didn’t register that we’d need to pay for them. They were $70 a DAY and $200 for the vacation. No way was I paying that, so we don’t have pictures with Mickey and Minnie or Anna and Elsa in Epcot.

Magic Kingdom Tips

  In the Magic Kingdom there are tons of choices for a toddler. However, some of the lines are really long. For instance, if you want to go on the Dumbo ride in Fantasyland, use a fast pass. It was a 45-minute wait by 9:15 a.m.

Our three Fast Passes in the Magic Kingdom were on:

• Winnie the Pooh
• Under the Sea (Little Mermaid)

Winnie the Pooh was one of our daughter’s favorite rides, but my husband and I hated it. It also lasted approximately 2 minutes. The standby line was 40 minutes. If we hadn’t used a fast pass, I’d have been VERY disappointed

The Under the Sea Little Mermaid ride was awesome. We did use a Fast Pass here, but the line wasn’t as long. We were also able to meet Ariel after waiting less than 20 minutes. I’d recommend waiting to meet all the characters if your little one is young. She seemed to like the rides ok, but her favorite part of the trip was meeting the Disney Princesses. She talked about it the ones she met each day.

Magic Kingdom Dining

We ate at Tony’s Town Square for lunch on our way out before squeezing in a nap, and I wouldn’t recommend it. In general, we did a good job splitting all our entrees at Disney and this was a little ridiculous. At Tony’s we ordered an entree that was supposed to be a big portion of three things to share, along with an appetizer. Our daughter had been eating the food we brought for her all day, so I knew she wasn’t super hungry. The entree, app, and one soda were about $60 once we included a tip – and no one left super full. I was envisioning something like Olive Garden’s tour of Italy, and the portion we got was closer to half that size.

Of course, Cinderella’s Castle or Be Our Guest restaurant are the traditional fancier restaurants you won’t want to miss. The caveat here is that you can’t be on a budget and you need to get reservations in time. Be our Guest lunch is much less expensive, but we couldn’t walk in. We didn’t have many reservations available when we went to look a few weeks before the trip.

For reference the Be Our Guest adult buffet was $60/person, and for kids, it was almost $40. I think I read on another blog when we were planning our trip that character breakfasts at Cinderella’s Table were $70. Prices aren’t listed on the menu and I couldn’t find it referenced again so if I’m wrong here please let me know!

Magic Kingdom At Night

We wanted to get in a good nap at the hotel since I knew we’d be out late watching the closing fireworks show. Since we were already off property, we ate an early dinner on our way back to the park. This was one of the main reasons renting a car was huge for us. We really wanted to be able to come and go as we pleased, and not have to trek across all the Disney transportation. As an off-property hotel, we only got shuttle drop off in two locations.

In the evening we were able to go meet Belle in the library. We didn’t realize the attraction was a skit at first, and both my daughter and husband were able to participate. They loved it and that evening was one of the most fun things we did on the trip. Even though we had been waiting in the rain, Belle still hugged our girl, and she was impressed.

Finally, the fireworks show at the end of the day (at 8:00 p.m.) was amazing. It rained the entire time and we all ended up soaked – but it was awesome. Our daughter asked who was singing in the castle about 45x and now every time we watch a Disney movie, we can tell her we went to the castle on the front of the screen. Highly highly recommend. Bonus points if it’s not raining.

A Magic Kingdom Watch-out

The downside: Ok, here’s a big downside. It took us nearly 2 hours to get home after we saw the firework and light show. About 15 minutes of that was due to user error putting in the wrong information in the GPS. The biggest downer was that we were waiting for at least 40-45 minutes trying to get on the Ferry back to the parking lot. The monorail lines were insane, and people directed us toward the Ferry.

I’m not sure what would have been a better call. Luckily for us, we made it under the awning to wait but it was brutal, and there were TONS of people who were stuck fully outside in a pretty serious rain. I wrapped our little in a poncho around her raincoat and laid her down, but she never fell asleep. It was probably close to 9:30 before we got back to get on the tram to our car.

The good news is that experience taught us that we weren’t willing to do the parks in the rain, and we’d planned to alter our schedule since it was projected to rain the following day. Luckily, the weather held so we went to Universal the next day, but barely made it to our car before an actual torrential FL rain. We are all for theme parks but standing in a downpour and then trying to walk around in soaked clothes and shoes is not my idea of fun. Check out our review of Universal with a Toddler, coming soon!

Animal Kingdom

So Animal Kingdom was our least favorite park. We went on a “green” crowd calendar day and it still felt way more crowded than the other two parks, probably because it’s smaller. We reserved our fast passes 30 days out (to the day) and were only able to reserve times in the afternoon starting at 3 p.m. If you’re traveling with a toddler, you know this isn’t ideal.

Get to Animal Kingdom Early

We thought we’d use the same strategy we used in Epcot and Magic Kingdom. We’d get to the park when it opens (meaning before 9 a.m. so you can get through the lines and park) and would just hit the Kilimanjaro Safari first so we wouldn’t have a crazy line. Nope. Didn’t work. Just after 9 a.m. the standby time was 65 minutes, where it remained all day. We strolled over to Pandora for the Avatar rides and those were already long as well. Apparently, they just get worse throughout the day. When we made it to Pandora for our Fast Pass close to 6 p.m. the lines were 120 min+ on both rides.

I’m sorry, but there is almost nothing on earth I’ll wait in line for two hours for with a toddler.

We stayed about a 10-minute drive away, and it took us about 45 minutes to get into the park every morning from the time we left our hotel. When we left by 8:15 we were in at 9 when they opened. Magic Kingdom took about an hour because of the extra transport into the park via Ferry/Monorail from parking. Apparently, people wait outside the Animal Kingdom at 8 a.m. to get through security, etc. and then run to the rides so they don’t have to wait. The hottest attractions are in Pandora and the Kilimanjaro Safari in Africa. That really wasn’t our style, but since I heard that was the way to beat the long lines, I thought I’d leave that here as food for thought.

What to do in Animal Kingdom

We regrouped and realized we could watch the Festival of the Lion King show that began at 10 a.m. We DID wait in the standby line beginning at 9:30. However, I don’t think it sold out so we could have showed up way later and still gotten in. The attendant did tell me that they fill up every show but occasionally the first one isn’t totally full. We didn’t want to risk it and just took our place in line. It was a great excuse for me to take little lady to the bathroom and lather up with sunscreen while daddy waited in line. Win win.

We LOVED the show. It’s a must-do and will entertain both the adults and kiddos, and the best part is that it’s 30 minutes! What other Disney ride lasts that long for the wait? Highly recommend, unless your toddler wouldn’t be entertained by a show for that long and can’t sit still.

We then walked the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. It was great to be able to stop in and show her the monkeys, gorillas, zebras, etc. She loves looking at animals, so this was a great way to spend some time when we didn’t have a fast pass lined up.

We’d planned to let her blow off some steam at the Boneyard (a playground in the park) but didn’t actually have time to do this. We’d also wanted to check out Finding Nemo the musical, but because we left the park for lunch it really wasn’t possible to squeeze in anything else.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Experience

We decided we wanted to eat outside the park and headed to the Animal Kingdom Lodge since we’d heard you could see safari animals from the lobby. This was true, but unfortunately there were no giraffes or cool animals in view when we went. We had a nice lunch and were ready to head back for our afternoon activities. However, the one hang-up is that our little one still hadn’t napped. The shuttle to the lodge is via bus, so of course, we had to pack the stroller up both times.

We left the parks to nap two days and left for lunch one day (so three of our four Orlando park days) so I have no experience with taking a toddler on a marathon 12-hour park excursion. Getting to the lodge for lunch still took us about an hour between the transport time, getting to the bus, waiting in line, etc. We didn’t stay on property so I didn’t know how long Disney transport would take. While it was convenient to be able to hop on a bus and just end up where we wanted to go, it didn’t really cut out that much time for us.

She didn’t have time to really relax between the transfers and rushing back and forth so by the time we were in line at the character spot she was exhausted. And slept the entire line and through meeting Mickey and Minnie.

Yes, we tried to wake her. No, it didn’t work. She then slept an entire hour in the stroller, and we had to wake her so we didn’t miss our next Fast Pass and could go on the Safari!

Animal Kingdom Fast Passes

Our three Fast Passes in the Animal Kingdom were on:

• Meeting Mickey and Minnie at Adventure Outpost
• Kilimanjaro Safari in Africa
• Navi River Journey in Pandora

Mickey & Minnie at Adventure Outpost – We used a fast pass here in the afternoon and still waited 25 minutes. Per above, this wasn’t an issue since she slept the whole time. However, I don’t know if I would have waited to meet Mickey and Minnie again (we met them at Epcot) for more than 30 minutes if we hadn’t had a Fast Pass.

Kilimanjaro Safari – Would recommend if you’re into animals. This is also a longer ride, so it feels “worth” the wait. You go on a safari truck and get to see all the animals in Africa in the wild. It’s probably one of the only times you’ll be able to go somewhere without fences between you and wild animals – so it’s pretty cool.

Navi River Journey – The special effects here were cool, and I will caveat by saying I haven’t seen the entire Avatar movie. It was our last ride of the day and I do feel like the effects on some of the other rides were just as good in the Magic Kingdom. I 100% would not have waited two hours to take the five-minute raft ride, but to each his own.

Here’s a great site with lots of info for planning your trip to the Animal Kingdom: https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/

I know this was a TON of information, so feel free to reach out if you need more clarifications. I hope this helps if you’re planning to go to Disney World with a toddler.

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Tips for Taking Kids to Disney World

Parents planning their child’s first trip to Walt Disney World often have a lot of questions, as visiting Walt Disney World with kids is uncharted territory that can be intimidating. This guide answers some of those questions with helpful advice to avoid mistakes and common planning pitfalls. ( Updated December 17, 2023 .)

Let’s start with the latest update, which comes as we’re reviewing this guide for the first time as parents ourselves. When we last covered this topic ~5 years ago, we were the dreaded Disney Adults without kids. The tips & tricks were written based on a mixture of firsthand experiences with friends and their kids, seeing families meltdown in certain scenarios, and reader feedback. The goal was fresh advice from an outsider perspective.

Admittedly, we’ve long worried that some of the strategy here would come back to haunt us. That our expectations would be unrealistic or idealized. As we now look update this after visiting Disney(land) for the first time with our baby–while planning her first Walt Disney World trip–most of the recommendations here still strike us as pretty reasonable. Perhaps we’ll feel differently in the future, though!

Since there are gaps in our knowledge concerning visiting Walt Disney World with kids, we’ve enlisted the help of our brilliant and attractive readers, who provided us over 100 tips for traveling to Walt Disney World with kids. You can find their quotes scattered throughout the article. The great thing about these quotes is that they often provide a sharp contrast to our opinions (and one another)–even parents can’t seem to agree on things–so they provide multiple perspectives from which you can determine what will work best for you.

This guide is meant to supplement other guides (including our own Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide ) and provide a reasonably informed (hopefully) perspective parents might not otherwise hear. All in all, we think this is a pretty decent resource to read as you plan that trip with the kids to Walt Disney World!

We’ll be back for far more comprehensive updates after we have baby’s first trip to Walt Disney World under our belts. And probably many more times in the years to come as we make mistakes and learn from them. For now, here are some things that we think are good to know before your first visit with children.

The biggest piece of advice we can offer is to know your limitations. We’ve seen this scenario time and time again, in a variety of forms: parent pushes kid’s limits in one way or another, and everyone has a bad time. For many families, Walt Disney World trips with are a once in a lifetime thing, and a rite of passage for the kids.

We understand that these trips are really expensive, and with that comes higher stakes and more pressure to “make as much magic” for the kid as possible. Our strong advice–and this goes equally for couples or solo travelers–is to disabuse yourself of this notion. Think about the money when budgeting, but once it’s already spent, think about the trip only in terms of enjoyment.

Kids get cranky after too much stimulation. Everyone knows that. However, adults can too. Parental crankiness manifests itself in a variety of ways, but the unseen way is the most common: in the stubbornness of wanting to keep pushing when they normally would not in “normal” parent mode.

This in turn causes crankiness in the child who is beyond their breaking point, which in turns causes more crankiness in the parent, who keeps thinking about how much the trip cost, and how much fun they “need” to “make” their kids have. It’s a vicious cycle, and before you know it, there’s a full-blown meltdown.

As a parent, attitude is everything. Don’t go into the trip with the expectation that you need to do 17 attractions per day and must have X, Y, and Z done before 11:30 am. There is no magic number of rides for a great and memorable trip. Four hours per day of quality time in the parks is better than 2 hours of quality time and 6 hours of miserable time.

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World before having kids, don’t expect to go at your old pace or to do the same things you once did. The trade-off for seeing the magic through your children’s eyes as they light up with joy upon meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time is that you can’t do marathon hours in the park (unless you bring grandparents!).

Approaching the trip with realistic expectations and a positive attitude is the most important element of planning a trip to Walt Disney World with kids. A plan of attack for hitting rides in the most efficient order is a great thing to have (as you’ll read below), but parents should be prepared to abandon those plans immediately once the kids on the trip are beginning to approach that wall.

What Age is Right

One of the most common questions when planning a child’s first trip to Walt Disney World is: “what age is right?” This is a loaded question that really depends on your circumstances.

For many adults who take their really young children, the experience is not about the memories of the kids, but for the parents. It’s about watching their kid’s face light up as they touch Eeyore for the first time, or it’s about getting that first photo in front of Cinderella Castle. Obviously, infants are not going to remember any of that. But they’ll be indelible memories for the parents.

Our advice here would be not to let other people talk you out of the decision you’ve already made concerning when is right for that first trip. It seems like a lot of parents find themselves thinking that they want to take a trip with their toddler for whatever reason, and then turn to other people, almost as if they want to be talked out of the crazy idea.

In this area of planning, your individual instincts and gut feeling should trump all else. If you want to wait until the kids are old enough to walk, wait. If you want to take them as soon as it’s safe (experts advise that you limit a newborn’s exposure to large groups of people so that they don’t get sick, so they’re the only group we’d rule out definitively as being “not” the right age), more power to you. You know what you want more than I know what you want.

Since this section is more or less, “when to go to Disney World with kids,” we’ll lump time of year in here too. If possible, don’t go when school is out of session–especially if your kids aren’t yet in school. There are actually two reasons for this, the first of which should be pretty obvious and intuitive.

Walt Disney World’s key demographic is families, and school breaks are the time when that demo is most inclined to visit. This actually is not quite as bad as you might expect in summer. Many families do take vacations to Walt Disney World from late May through mid-August, but since that’s a multi-month break, the attendance and crowds are diluted.

By contrast, the weeklong or shorter breaks are far worse–especially when  everyone  is out of school at the same time. There’s only one Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and so forth. Even fall break and spring break occur for many school districts around the same time, so those weeks and long weekends are bad. This is to say nothing of the many lesser known holidays or breaks that have an outsized impact on crowds. Things like Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Jersey Week, etc. Suffice to say, see our  2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars . 

The underappreciated component of this is weather. Summer is the worst time to visit Walt Disney World not because of crowds, which are “only” above-average, but because of crowds plus the worst weather of the year. The heat and humidity makes those congestion and crowds feel so much worse. Even the late summer and early fall off-season, which has the lowest crowds of the entire year, is arguably not worth it due to the weather .

This could all probably be reduced to “comfort.” Lower crowds means greater comfort, as does better weather. Less comfort increases the chances of a meltdown, whereas the opposite is true of more comfort. Everyone should optimize for comfort–minimizing crowds and maximizing weather to the greatest extent possible. That’s even more true for families with small children, who are more meltdown-prone. See our list of the 10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 for the sweet (and not-so-sweet) spots.

Where to Stay

Where to stay really depends upon personal preference. Common advice for families is to stay at the most compact hotel in each price tier. This means French Quarter out of the Moderates, Contemporary out of the Deluxes, and All Star Music out of the Values. The advantages are more pronounced at French Quarter and the compact Deluxes than they are at All Star Music–pretty much all of the Values are equal in size.

Other families may want to stay at resorts with interior hallways (Deluxe Resorts plus Art of Animation suites and Gran Destino Tower). Some may want to avoid resorts without elevators (Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside). Then there are the resorts with internal bus loops and multiple stops, which is related to sprawling size but slightly different.

Speaking of which, transportation is really a big one. We strongly favor resorts that offer non-bus transportation to at least 2 parks. Typically, this means the Magic Kingdom area (monorail loop, boats, walkways), Crescent Lake/EPCOT area (boats, walkways, Skyliner) or Skyliner gondola resorts.

Buses are the least-predictable or reliable form of Walt Disney World transportation, and being able to use non-bus transportation can make things easier on families. Less stress with strollers, lower commute times, and a greater likelihood of actually taking a midday break. (This is advice that is not unique to families with kids, but it’s more pronounced for them.)

Resort pools should also be a consideration, as midday breaks at the pool seem to be popular and well-remembered by kids. See what pool theme appeals most (the best pool by far is Storm-Along Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club) to your kids, and factor that in the decision.

Picking the “right” hotel seems to be one of those “YMMV” things. Different themes will appeal to different families. You might not mind being farther from the parks, or relying on bus transportation. But over the years, we’ve receive a ton of feedback from parents who think the spread out resorts are awful because of how inconvenient they are to navigate with kids. In any case, see our Rankings of All Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World from Worst to Best for recommendations of where to stay for all parties and travel styles.

Where to Eat

Certain restaurants are more fun for kids. Namely, restaurants with cool and kid-friendly themes. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater ranks at the top of this list. I still remember eating here as a kid, although I don’t really remember any other restaurant (besides Hoop De Doo Revue, and that’s only because we went there every year, so something was bound to stick to my memory). Our list of the Best Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World is a great resource for making Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).

We have a List of Best Character Meals at Walt Disney World , and we’d strongly recommend booking at least one meal at these far in advance of your trip. This is a great climate-controlled way to meet several characters, and eat while doing so. Kill two birds with one stone. (For some families, character dining experiences are the highlight of the trip–they do one every single day!)

Our other recommendation for places that many families should avoid is Signature Restaurants. These restaurants do allow children, and a lot of parents bring their kids to the restaurants. However, they’re upscale restaurants that definitely skew towards adults, with adult ambiance, adult cuisine, and adult prices.

If your kids are often loud or unruly during dinner, it’s probably not the best of ideas to bring them to these restaurants. We mention this because a lot of “for kids” guides written by actual parents try to justify taking any children to these restaurants with the mentality that “it’s Disney World, the place was made for kids, they are okay ANYWHERE.”

Speaking for the adults without kids who form the main clientele of Signature Restaurants: this isn’t true . Walt Disney World is not solely “for kids” (there are tons of convention-goers, honeymooners, businesspeople, couples, etc.) and other patrons will be irritated by the presence of unruly children during their nice, expensive meal.

Not only that, but you’ll probably be less comfortable and feel out-of-place at a Signature Restaurant if your children are unruly. The meal is pricey and neither the menu nor the atmosphere are aimed at families. Frankly, it’s hard to see how this is more enjoyable than just eating at a more family-friendly restaurant.

However, it’s important to emphasize that this pertains to unruly children. If your kids are well behaved, by all means take them to any restaurant (besides Victoria & Albert’s , where they flat out are prohibited). It might be an expensive way to feed kids, but there’s not necessarily a problem with taking them. Other people won’t give side-eye at the mere presence of children–only misbehaving ones.

As for counter service restaurants, most places in Walt Disney World have pretty tame options that will appeal to children. World Showcase in Epcot is a notable exception to this, but that’s really about it. Otherwise, almost every counter service restaurant at Walt Disney World will offer something that’s suitable for even the pickiest of eaters.

Our final recommendation with dining is to go early to avoid the crowds. We recommend everyone do this, but it’s especially important with kids. Some restaurants get really busy around noon, to the point where it can be difficult to find a table. Juggling the kids and trays of food during these times can be difficult (we’ve seen plenty of families struggle with it), and it’s just much easier when things aren’t so busy. The opening times for restaurants varies, but most start serving lunch at 10:30 am or 11 am.

Attractions

The salient recommendation here is to not take kids on rides that they’re not ready to experience. For starters, read our Disney Parks Ride Guides that describe, rate, and provide other info for each ride. Beyond that…how can you know whether they’re ready? Well, the best way is to gauge their reactions or what they say when they approach an attraction.

Lots of kids are scared at the prospect of the Haunted Mansion, and just because a Cast Member tells you that it’s mostly comical ghosts doesn’t mean your kids will pick up on that nuance of the attraction. To them it might be the case that a ghost is a ghost is a ghost, and all are equally scary. You may also find they’re scared of things that seem innocuous.

Kids won’t even be able to ride some attractions due to height, and you should  not  attempt to circumvent these rules to get your child on an attraction before they’re the appropriate height. Those restrictions are not arbitrary–they’re for the sake of safety.

It also important to remember that height is no guarantee that a child will enjoy an attraction. It seems like everyday we’re in Walt Disney World, we see parents trying to coax their kids to “be brave” and go on a particular attraction. This probably stems from the mentality that the vacation was expensive, and parents want to get their money’s worth.

Also don’t be surprised if these fears change and “evolve.” One day they might be fine with Haunted Mansion or whatever attraction, the next day they may not. Just roll with it. Heck, if they are reluctant to go on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, don’t force them. Some of these fears might defy logic, but it is what it is.

If the attraction is going to traumatize the child and make them nervous about experiencing subsequent attractions with which they otherwise wouldn’t have had an issue, what is gained by forcing them to “be brave”? Nothing. Their memories of the trip will form around those negative experiences, and there will be issues for the rest of the day or rest of the trip. So why force it?

The rationale kids have for wanting to do or not wanting to do things perplexes even the smartest scientists, so there’s no sense trying to rationalize or reason with them about experiencing an attraction. Karin J. offers solid advice in this regard: “Do not take young children on attractions they aren’t ready for. I’ve heard many stories from others who did that and it can ruin the trip, because the child is miserable and then can be fearful of everything afterward. Test them with tamer rides first if young and see what they like and can handle.”

Of course, you know your kids better than a guide written by some stranger, and there’s always the chance that your kids have initial hesitation but are typically fine once they actually engage in the experience. If you know this to be the case with your kids, disregard the above advice, and encourage them to go on attractions about which they’re nervous. But if you don’t know, and find yourself just pushing them because you want to do as much as possible, rethink the strategy.

As for what attractions are best for kids, that depends on the kid. We’ve seen kids like and dislike just about every attraction at Walt Disney World, and any list you see elsewhere is going to be based on what the list writer’s kids enjoy. Their kids aren’t your kids.

I absolutely loved Country Bear Jamboree as a child (and still love it), but I read parents all the time who call it a snoozer that puts their kids to sleep. What different people and kids enjoy may be shocking. Erin S. illustrates this point with her daughter: “You can’t plan for everything, so be prepared to go with the flow. Who knew my daughter’s fave ride would be the transportation bus?”

To get an idea of what your kids will like in advance, we recommend watching YouTube attraction ride through videos; just search for the attraction name plus “ride-through” and you’ll find plenty of results. You might even watch these with your kids so you can see their reaction to specific attractions (like we said above, they may be scared by things that surprise you and they may like things that you thought would’ve scared them).

It’s also important to remember that, for kids, character meet & greets are an important part of the experience. Doing a character meal can be a great way to see several characters without waiting in line, and while eating in the air conditioning. We highly recommend character meals. If you don’t want to do character meals, indoor meet & greets are typically better options.

Chris T. has a recommendation for meet and greets that proved polarizing: “Skip the stupid autograph books. If you have an outgoing child who’s not afraid to talk, get them to interact with the characters. They’ll have a lot more fun.”

Like so many things, we disagree with this as one-size-fits-all advice. For some kids, the autograph book might be a conduit for an interaction that they might’ve not had otherwise. For more social kids, the autograph book might be wholly unnecessarily–and prevent an organic interaction. (One thing we  do  recommend in our Unique Packing List for Walt Disney World is an autograph book replacement.)

No matter how much you prep yourself and them, there’s always the possibility (nay, probability) that your kids will surprise you once you visit. To this day I remember being scared senseless by the Universe of Energy as a child and hiding on the floor of the ride vehicle when I saw the dinosaurs…and I loved dinosaurs as a child. This was no fault of my parents, but it made for a bad experience that I still remember. Unpredictable things like this happen, and the best you can do is damage control once they do happen.

Plan of Attack

If you’re like my dad, you teach your children life lessons through maxims and colloquialisms. A popular one is always “the early bird gets the worm.” A trip to Walt Disney World is a great time to really hammer this one home. (Okay, maybe not in the sense that the trip is really the time for teaching them life lessons, but you should follow it on the trip.)

Tackling Walt Disney World with kids is so much easier if you’re up early and to the parks before they open. Ideally, you want to arrive 15-30 minutes before official opening time, and you want to have a plan of attack for at least your early morning. If you’re eligible for Early Entry , you absolutely want to take advantage of that.

Usually this will involve experiencing several attractions in Fantasyland, most of which are quickly experienced and can get long lines later in the day. In these cases, the difference between being to the park at 8:30 am versus 10:30 am can be a 5 minute wait for Peter Pan’s Flight versus a 60 minute wait. The importance of arriving early cannot be understated.

We’d also recommend reading itineraries in advance of your trips and making some notes. However, we do not recommend creating binders, spreadsheets, and scheduling every step of their day. People get serious and obsessive about this, which is a mistake. (See above about parental expectations leading to meltdowns.) The best laid plans often go awry, and when that inevitably happens (and it absolutely will if you’re traveling with small children), it can be disappointing if you’ve over-planned.

As with most things in life, balance and moderation  are key. We have the following  flexible  step by step plans for each park that cover our perfect days using standby-only:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Epcot Itinerary Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Animal Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Hollywood Studios Park Itinerary

Do NOT expect to stick to these plans if you have small children. Use those as a broad strokes outline, not as a strict schedule. Kids may become tired, irritated, or they may spontaneously see something they really, really want to do. We’re not suggesting that you should always let kids call the shots, but at Walt Disney World… there are a lot of circumstances where you should let kids call the shots.

It may sting to skip your Lightning Lane return time for Frozen Ever After because your kid can’t get enough of the interactive water in Moana’s Journey of Water, but don’t fight it. Embrace the joy and spontaneity–forcing them to stop having fun to do a “higher-priority” ride likely won’t end well.

This was advice multiple parents shared with us, and the recurring theme of this advice was that it’s important to slow down and not over-plan. Sharlene M. said this: “The youngest member of your group is always going to determine your touring style. Slow down, take a nap, and keep them on as close to their normal schedule as possible, especially for meals. You will have a better trip and everyone else will too. A melt down is no fun for anyone.”

Beyond arriving early and having a loose plan, you may want to consider using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. Genie can be confusing, but everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our  Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World . We do not recommend using Genie+ every day or for every park.

Another similar time-saving option is the Rider Switch Pass (more commonly known as a “Child Swap”), which can be obtained from Cast Members outside attractions with height limits. This pass allows one parent to stay with the kids who don’t meet the height requirement for an attraction while the other parent (or group of above-height people) waits with the kids. When the riding parent/group is done, the waiting parent/group can use the Lightning Lane.

Midday breaks are another popular recommendation, and these are something we advise taking advantage of for both parents and non-parents. The middle of the day is not only the busiest time at the parks, but it’s the hottest, too! A midday break allows you to return for nighttime fun, so definitely leave the park during the middle of the day.

When it comes to a “plan” for preserving memories, Karin J. reminds families that photo time should be early in the day on the plan: “Take pictures early in the day when the kids are happy and not worn out…have a current photo that shows exactly what they’re wearing if you get separated during the day.”

Even now, we have a knowledge gap here. Even though we own a stroller, we’ve never used it. (Well, aside from “practice” runs.) We use a  BabyBjörn Baby Carrier everywhere– including during day trips to Disneyland. We are huge fans/advocates of baby-wearing, and hope to continue doing so for as long as possible, and avoiding strollers to the greatest practical extent.

It may be impractical to baby-wear for a weeklong trip to Walt Disney World, especially during hotter times of the year. The jury is still out on that for us. While we love the idea of not taking or using a stroller, and having to deal with folding it up on crowded buses, parking, navigating through crowds, etc., it simply may not be reasonable to baby-wear all day every day during the heat and humidity from April through October.

With that in mind, we are of the opinion that strollers are often a necessity. The parks are huge and small children simply cannot be expected to traverse World Showcase or Animal Kingdom without some assistance. However, strollers might be overused.

When you look back at photos of Walt Disney World from past decades, you notice far fewer strollers. This isn’t because more children are visiting now–it’s because a greater segment of children are using strollers. When visiting the international parks, we’ve noticed shockingly lower use of strollers by guests. There are still strollers, but not nearly as many. Part of this might be due to the active lifestyles of Europeans and Asians as compared to Americans, but that’s just a guess.

Anyway, our first piece of advice when advance planning would not be to plan on renting a stroller for older kids, but would instead be to work on increasing their stamina before the trip. Strollers are just as much a hassle as they are a convenience, so why take one if you really don’t need it? Of course, this won’t be practical advice for everyone, and we recognize that.

Reader Rhonda B. agrees: “Have your child walk. We took our children to Disney back in the days when children were not obese, went outside to play, and exercised. They were 2 and 4 years old….now 22 and 24 (currently a cast member). My youngest, age 2, did just fine.”

However, not everyone agrees. “Rent a stroller! Even for your kids that have outgrown them…Something that’s comfortable for the kids, we had an lightweight break and had to call Orlando Stroller Rentals they got us one that day. Amazing. It cost the same as our stroller we bought and it was a double, had lots of room for bag and a big sun shade,” says Jill M.

It’s about a 50/50 split as to whether you should bring a stroller or rent one at Walt Disney World. Megan R. shared this: “TAKE your own stroller! Totally not a hassle in the airport (can be gate checked for free) and so much nicer and cheaper than renting the plastic ones from Disney.”

On the other side, many parents recommend renting a stroller because what you’ll want at Walt Disney World might differ from what you’d normally use at home. Again, a YMMV situation. The overwhelming recommendation other parents shared with us was to use an umbrella stroller.

Dawn B. said this: “When my boys were younger, we always brought umbrella strollers (if it reclines for naps, that’s a bonus–not all umbrella’s recline). The umbrella stroller was nice because it folds easily for bus rides to parks and helps save grown ups from carrying little ones from the parking lot into the park.”

Kayla E. shared a few additional tips: “Bring a poncho or rain cover for your stroller…if you’re in a ride or eating when an afternoon rainstorm breaks out, that will help. Tie a scarf, balloon, something identifying on stroller. It will probably be moved from the time you park it to picking it up.” She further added, “think in advance how you’ll ride the bus. If you have two or more kids, a stroller, and a few bags, boarding the bus can be a mess.

Know how to fold the stroller, and if you can, fold it before the bus arrives, not as you’re stepping aboard. The bus advice is something to consider when deciding which stroller to use in the parks. On the one hand, a Cadillac-sized stroller can be nice to use, but the drawback is transporting it when there aren’t kids in it, which can really be a pain. Weigh the pros and the cons before settling on one stroller.

Enhancing the Magic!

A lot of people look for little ways to make the trip more “magical” for their kids. We’d advise parents not to fret too much about adding more “magic” for the kids, as it seems more likely to put pressure on the adults than to really result in that much of an enhanced experience for the kids. Really, if you’re a kid at Walt Disney World, that’s already about as magical as it gets.

There are ways to make the trip more “interactive” for the kids. Ben H. summarizes some of our favorites: “ Hidden Mickey books go over well, too. And prizes to daily winners, if you can afford. The books have different Mickeys at different point values, as do the apps! Disposable cameras are an inexpensive way to let a kid be a photographer without risking their iPod Touch or your iPhone to damage. Zip-top bags are a must for electronics… they’ve saved my butt more than once in a surprise rain storm!”

Buying Disney pins in advance of the trip to trade with Cast Members was another piece of popular advice. Here’s what Bernadette G. had to say: “Pin trading was a huge hit for our three kids (teen through six year old) on our first trip to WDW last year – great for helping shy ones muster up the courage to interact with cast members, etc. I second (third?) buying them in advance on ebay – we doled them out a bit at a time over the vacation to spread out the fun.”

The over-arching advice regarding souvenirs is to always buy before leaving home, as things are much more expensive in the parks. Rosalie gives another example: “Bring your own costumes, never buy them at the parks. Buy your Princess dresses right on or immediately after halloween from Disney.com, they will be on sale, or wait for any of the numerous sales shopDisney.com has. Never pay full price, if you like it, wait and it will go on sale.”

A recommendation of something that might make the trip a little more special for parents is shared by Darleen L., who writes: “Many people don’t know about the Main Street Barber Shop. It is NOT just there for looks/atmosphere. They do an AMAZING “baby’s first haircut” there! By amazing, I mean, take your tissue and camera!”

Another miscellaneous tip comes from Sara S., who recommends taking a lot of photos (we agree!): “Another tip that was great for our family is take pictures of everything. My husband loves photography and snaps pictures constantly. It’s not uncommon for him to take over 6,000 in a 10 day trip…. He took tons of shots of our kids, but also took lots and lots of pictures of the parks themselves. There are so many details that I missed because I was so busy looking down at our youngest. I was so grateful to have to pictures when I came home, even the ones that were a little out of focus!”

We’ll close out this article with perhaps the best piece of advice and something that’s always worth remembering from reader Anthony G., who writes, “BE A KID TOO! All the prep tips are awesome. But enjoying Disney with your kids as a kid is the best part of going to Disney with Kids!”

We agree. A trip to Walt Disney World with kids can seem overwhelming and it might sound like a lot can go wrong…but way more can go right than can go wrong. Roll with the punches and remember to lighten up and have fun!

As our own experience increases, we’ll undoubtedly be back with many ( many)  more pieces of advice. For now, if you need personalized help with planning any aspect of your vacation—we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” (Disney’s term for a travel agent) to get a quote and to help you plan. They get their commission from Disney, so none of the authorized (key word) planners will charge you for booking their trip and helping. Here’s one such recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What tips do you parents think are most important? Which advice we shared do you agree with? Where do you disagree? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

This piece of advice is coming from something my parents did for me that left a huge impression. I was an older sibling, with a 9 year gap between me and my sister. We went when she was 3 years old and I was twelve. Because of that, the ride priorities for me were completely different and I didn’t want to be with my boring parents, anyway. Instead, we worked out a plan together that let me go by myself most of the day with check in points (this was before cell phones.) Getting the responsibility to chose my own path…what to do, where to eat, when to rest…was one of my first really independent moments and made a huge positive impact on me. Plus, I felt like an adult and like my parents trusted me. The advice I’d give from this is, if you know your kids want it and can handle it, consider letting them have some free time away from the group. They’ll have a blast on their own, and will appreciate being back with you that much more because of it.

as a parent with kids who have just reached the point of no strollers, i’ve caught myself saying more than once “i miss the stroller to store all our stuff”. having to carry my own bag after a decade of not having to was a rude wake-up call.

Awesome tips all around! We visited the first weekend of December with our 6- and almost 8- year old kids. This was our second trip this year, and even as an experienced Park-goer I learn things every time– like how the Olaf scavenger hunt was cute, but navigating bachelorette parties and festival day drinkers in World Showcase on a Saturday was a mistake. Too hot, too much walking, and we even got stuck for 20+ minutes at a drawbridge closure on our way from Germany to Norway as they brought in the barges for Epcot Forever, without any sort of crowd traffic control as they use for parade exits and navigation. If we’re visiting on a festival weekend again someday, we’ll rope drop Remy, LL Frozen, and catch the boat ride in Mexico, then stay closer to the front of the park. Or just stay away on weekends. Big Epcot hits this time were meeting Figment (ask him to make an imaginative pose!) and playing with the water fountains at Moana. Moana was greeting guests under an umbrella at the attraction’s exit, but with no shade for the line, we skipped it. We also did some favorite rides at DHS and MK in our 4-day trip (3 days with single park tickets), though the most memorable and fun vacation moments might have been at the water slides at Caribbean Beach. Our whole family loved the fifth-sleeper Under the Sea rooms and Spyglass was a life-saver (thanks for the advice, Tom!) but we’ll request rooms closer to the Skyliner or Old Port Royale next time. Even with a Disney rented stroller in the parks, the walking just added up for the kids. Unrelated but still disappointing, both our toilet and air conditioner malfunctioned, so we had many visits from maintenance and the whole AC unit replaced. Twice.

On the strollers, this was our first trip to try the park stroller rentals; previously we’ve done third-party drop-off strollers at the resorts and have been very happy overall. When the kids were younger, we brought foldable umbrella strollers for the airport and resorts and went with the heavy duty rentals with more storage and cup holders for the parks– though we learned after renting one super jumbo double jogger that it was just too big, heavy, and hard to fold; the smaller models steer more easily and fold more quickly, even with doubles. We thought we’d get by this time with just the park stroller and walking at the resort, but we should have heeded the “compact resort” advice or at least requested a more conveniently located room. By day 2 we were carrying 6yo and hearing lots of complaints from 8yo as we moved about the resort. By day 3 we got a double rental for MK, “just in case.” (She used it and didn’t say a word.)

Love the blog! I read DTB all the time even when we’re not “trip planning”– but we all know that we’re always Disney trip planning, right? Have a Happy Holiday with your family and sweet baby!

We find the stroller key to our family’s trip success. Sure, when our kids were 3 or 4 years old they could walk but navigating crowds quickly was so much easier when they were strapped in and in front of us. There’s a time to slow down and enjoy and a time to get from point A to point B in a timely manner.

i also think it’s just safer at that age. you don’t lose them in a crowd.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler in the party, don’t hesitate to drop in to the Baby Care Center, one in each WDW park. They are clean, well staffed, and are a great quiet spot for toddlers and babies who are a bit over-stimulated. My kids are grown now, but we often sent one parent to the Baby Care Center with the youngest while older sibs rode a ride with the other parent. There are quiet private breast feeding areas, high chairs, changing tables, and when we were there, you could purchase supplies like diapers and juice. 30 minutes of peaceful recharge, clean diapers, and a quiet meal made a huge difference. Once when we were there, Mickey and Minnie stopped by for photos with the little ones. I highly recommend them.

I agree, the baby care centers can come in clutch. The breastfeeding rooms are quiet, softly-lit, and comfy. And the cast members there are so helpful if you forget or run out of something during the day.

Òn a recent trip to Disneyworld, my wife was hit by so many strollers that I forced to contact my friends back home with the sad news that my wife suffered a death by stroller. Only kidding, not by getting hit by strollers, but the death of my wife.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Toddlers in Disney World

By Lydia Storks Leave a Comment

Ready to take your toddler to Disney World, but you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Cinderella Castle

We feel ya. There’s a lot of planning involved with any regular Disney trip, but add a toddler into the mix and things get instantly more complicated …especially when it comes to packing . Kids need quite a few things when traveling, and today we’re sharing our ultimate packing list for your little ones — so nothing gets left behind!

First of all — we say this often — there is no “right age” to bring a kid to Disney World . It really depends on you and your family. Some wait until they’re big enough to actively participate while others are cool with bringing their kiddos as newborns! A magical trip can be magical at ANY age and what works for one might not work for another. BUT, if you’ve decided to take your toddler to Disney World (and take advantage of not buying them a ticket until they’re 3!) you can have an AWESOME time. We’re gonna give you some packing tips to make it easy peasy.

Before we get started, if you are worried about how may items you are going to need to pack for your little ones, we have a simple solution. BabyQuip is a baby rental service where you can rent things from car seats to toddler beds. Then you don’t have to worry about packing it all from home!

Let’s start by talking about the important things — food!!! Your child is inevitably going to get hungry during your trip, and there’s the chance that they won’t like the food options that Disney has to offer. Even worse, toddlers love to get hungry at the most inopportune times (like while ON a ride or RIGHT after the bus takes off from your hotel!). You’re on vacation and your schedule is understandably different than at home.

What time is it? It’s SNACK O’CLOCK!

A lack of naps and bedtimes, travel, and overstimulation can mean your kid’s eating habits could do a 180 on you so be ready for it. Sometimes the best eaters won’t eat a bite for days or that favorite snack is suddenly a turn-off to them. Have options (and backup options) ready to go. If you pack their favorite snacks, you’ll help prevent problems that may arise.

Bring your favorite snacks with you!

Portability is key so opt for pre-packaged portioned snacks or invest in some small Ziploc baggies. With such a busy schedule in the parks, you may be eating at unpredictable times, so having snacks will help avoid hunger-induced meltdowns.

Extra Clothes

If there’s one thing we know about toddlers, it’s that they can get into messes no matter where they go! And at Disney World, there are dozens of ways to get messy. Throughout the day, your child could have an accident (oh the joys of potty training!), they could spill food on themselves, or they could get wet from rain or playing in splash pads. 

Wonderful World of Disney Kids’ Shirt

Like many other things, it’s better to have extra clothes and not need them than to be without in an emergency.  Throw an extra set of clothes (don’t forget socks and undies too!) in your bag just in case. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way when you’re rushing in a gift shop to spend $$ on the first kid-sized shirt you can find!

Practical Shoes

And speaking of wet clothes, wet shoes can be even more uncomfortable! That’s exactly why we recommend choosing shoes that don’t cause problems in the rain or water. 

Make sure you pick shoes that are practical!

If you can, make sure to get your child shoes that they can wear without socks, but that are still comfortable to walk in. We’re big fans of enclosed-toe kid sandals. Their toes aren’t wiggling out the front and they’re really more like velcro shoes but with ventilation and water-friendly materials. These unisex sandals by Keen have worked really well for some of our kids! Bonus points — they’re easy to clean!

We Wore Crocs in Disney World — Click Here to See How it Went!

A stroller fan.

Next up, let’s discuss the things you may need to purchase before your trip. A stroller for a toddler is a must but it’s up to you if you want to bring one from home or rent one for your visit. Either way, Florida is known for being incredibly hot and humid, so a fan that attaches to your stroller would be a great investment!

Here’s a great option that you can purchase on Amazon right now. It has adjustable legs to attach to your stroller and is battery-operated, so no charging is necessary. You may want to pick up some extra batteries — because you could be using that little fan A LOT! This is a LIFESAVER in the warmer months (so, you know, basically year-round!) to keep your kiddo cool and makes napping in a stroller MUCH more comfortable.

In the same vein, along with being hot and humid, Florida also gets regular rain! We recommend bringing a few ponchos with you .

Rainy Day in Hollywood Studios

This can be handy to wear to keep the rain off, but they’re also useful to protect your stroller from getting soggy from a rain shower passing through. Trust us, we’ve been there. We’ve parked our stroller to experience an attraction as a family with not a cloud in the sky, only to return it to find that it was rained on while we were gone! No toddler wants to sit in a soggy seat (and we don’t blame them) so have that poncho handy, just in case. And buy them ahead of time to save yourself from paying a premium in the parks!

Stroller Cover

Speaking of covering that stroller, if you have a double stroller or just want to really ensure your kid stays dry in there, invest in a dedicated stroller cover.

These are basically just giant ponchos fit to your stroller! Many come in universal sizes meant to work on most strollers. There are options for a universal single-sized cover and a double stroller cover.

Hat and Sunglasses

They’re not just stylish, they’re practical too! You’ll definitely want to pick your child up a hat and some sunglasses before your trip to help shield them from the sun . And to add to the magic…there are plenty of Disney options to choose from.

Something like a bucket hat is nice because it offers quite a bit of protection from the sun!

Anyone who has a toddler knows how helpful wet wipes can be. Whether you choose disinfecting wipes or baby wipes, you’ll want to pack something to help eradicate the sticky messes. And believe us, Disney World’s surfaces can get pretty sticky!

You may even spot disinfecting wipes in high-touch areas.

With hundreds of people sitting at the same tables each day and Mickey ice cream bars that drip all over, you’ll likely encounter several moments throughout the day where you need to clean up a table or — more likely — your kid. These Amazon brand wipes are cheap, you get a lot of them, and they work really well! We were constantly shocked by how many times we were whipping out the wipes with our little kids in Disney World. Sticky hands and messy faces are a toddler way of life but in Disney World, that seems to get cranked up to 11!

Here’s How to Tackle EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival With Kids!

Did we mention that Florida is HOT? If so, we can’t say it enough! The sun is really intense here in the Sunshine State, so you’re going to need that sunscreen — especially for toddlers with more sensitive skin.

Protect you (and your child’s) skin!

If you don’t pack some, there are places where you can purchase it all around the resort (you’ll be spending more money than at your local store, but it’s a necessity) . Just make sure that you don’t go without…you and your child will regret it later if you do! Pro tip: invest in sunscreen powder! This little miracle is super portable, works great, and best of all — is easy to apply. If you’ve ever wrestled with a screaming slippery toddler trying to get an even coat of sunscreen on them, you know the struggle is REAL. We especially love this sunscreen powder for delicate faces and scalps (bonus — it seems to last forever!).

Their Own Cup

We tell our readers all the time that it’s incredibly important to stay hydrated in the parks. With all the sweating and walking, it’s easy to start feeling faint before you even realize what’s going on. And for the little ones, that means that they should get their own water bottle as well.

If the kiddos have their own bottles, then it’ll be easier to keep track of how much water they’ve had throughout the day and they won’t be depleting someone else’s supply. Most toddlers haven’t mastered drinking out of an open bottle, so opt for sippy cups with built-in straws or designs that don’t leak when (inevitably) tossed out the stroller, on the ground in the restaurant, in a queue, etc. This design by Munchkin is super easy for toddlers to drink out of without a straw, doesn’t leak, and is easy to clean. Prefer a straw? This sippy cup is great. 

Favorite Comfort Items

Just like at home, your child is likely going to want their favorite comfort items. Whether that’s a stuffed animal, blanket, or favorite toy, don’t forget to bring it along!

Don’t forget your child’s favorites at home!

New and uncomfortable environments can be pretty overwhelming, so having a piece of something familiar can help prevent meltdowns during your trip . It’ll be something that keeps them happy and grounded and allows you to keep your sanity!

What Happens When Things Go WRONG in Disney World? Click Here!

Activities for waiting in line.

It’s no secret that you’ll be waiting in quite a few lines at Disney World. Everything from restaurants to rides to restrooms have queues , and it’s really easy for children to get bored during those long waits.

Jungle Cruise’s Wait Time Can Get Loooooong….

That’s why we suggest packing some activities! Handheld games , coloring books, stickers , and any other small item that can be stored in a backpack would be great to keep your kids occupied during the most tedious parts of your day. We loved keeping a coloring book and crayons in our bag for restaurants too — those Disney menu/coloring sheets get really boring and repetitive real fast for kids!

Toys/Souvenirs

Okay, let’s face it…gift shops with children can be tricky. Inevitably, they’re going to spot something that they want you to buy and you may have to say the big N-O. However, we’ve got a solution!

They’ll definitely see something that they want!

Purchase a few souvenirs online ahead of your trip . Then, when you arrive, you can hand them out throughout your visit to help mitigate the desire for things in the stores. You can even make it into a fun game or surprise each day! This obviously doesn’t work as well for bigger kids that have their eye on specific goodies. But for your younger set, they’re much easier to please!

Any Medicine They May Need

While Disney World is home to several First Aid stations with many different options for medicine, they may not have exactly what you need . If your child is used to taking a certain brand, dosage, or type of medicine, then your vacation probably isn’t the time to switch things up.

First Aid may not have exactly what you need.

Set aside some medicines that your child may need and pack them in your park bag. Even common over-the-counter medicines like children’s Tylenol can be good to stash away in your luggage — just in case you need it, you won’t have to hunt for it!  Once again, it’s one of those “better to have it and not need it” scenarios. Don’t forget kiddo shampoo/baby wash and kids’ toothpaste too if needed!

Here’s How to Handle the BIG Issues You Face in Disney World

Bubble wands.

Oh no, the dreaded bubble wands! They’ll all over the place in the parks and your child is surely going to see another kid with one and beg you for their own. But, the ones at Disney World are pricey! Save your money and buy one online ahead of time.

Bubble wands are overpriced in the parks!

And if you purchase one, don’t forget to buy the extra bubble solution . This pack is cheap and large! If you leave it running all day, it’s going to empty itself FAST and then you’ll have one sad kiddo. Or even worse — a sad parent that just shelled out a lot of money for soapy water refills! ( Click here for a great bubble wand from Amazon! )

A Kiddie Camera

And if you’re looking for something more fun to add to the packing list, may we suggest a kiddie camera? Think about this — all week long your child will watch you snap pictures during your vacation and they’ll likely want to take a few of their own! Save the stress of your toddler running around with your phone in hand trying to take pics and get a camera just for them!

Plus, at the end of your trip, you’ll have a whole series of photos from your toddler’s point of view. Whether or not they turn out well, it’ll certainly be fun to check them out! 😜

Autograph Book

And last but not least, make sure to pack an autograph book. Once character meet-and-greets come back in a traditional sense, you’ll want a way to remember all the character interactions that you enjoy throughout the week.

It’ll be a wonderful souvenir to look back on years from now, and you can even take the time to add photos to the book!

Plastic Bags

It may sound random, but plastic or ziplock bags can come in SO handy with toddlers, or let’s be real, they’re just handy. Period.

These are so cute!

Bringing a few with you can help you store wet, soggy clothes, protect items from water rides or rain, or store any leftover snacks that your toddler can munch on later in the day. We always try to carry some with us because they’re so universal!

If you’re in the park and you lose something — whether it’s a shoe, blanket, pacifier, bottle, or anything else — make sure to check on top of the trash cans! That’s where most Cast Members place items before they take them to lost and found. So, your first course of action should be to head to the area where you lost the item and check the tops of trash cans. If it’s not there, then check with Guest Services at the front of the park.

We spot lost items on the trash cans all the time!

If you’re taking your little one to Disney World soon, the best thing to remember is that you should relax. You’ll need to remain flexible and patient throughout your trip, and as long as you do that, you’ll have a great time! For more traveling advice and tips for the parks, make sure to keep following along with DFB!

Here Are the 50 Most Important Things to Know Before You Go to Disney World!

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Have you ever taken a small child to Disney World? What are your best tips?

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Best 8-day Itinerary Disney World for Families

Last Updated on May 18, 2021

The best 8-day Disney World itinerary for families (where to stay, dining suggestions, how to tour)

Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a pilgrimage many families make sooner or later. Primetime for visiting tends to be when kids are four through 10 — old enough to remember the trip, yet young enough to be thoroughly absorbed in the magic.

But the sheer number of ways to experience that Disney magic can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping, and entertainment district (Disney Springs), and kid-approved pools at the Disney resorts, it can be intimidating to plan an itinerary.

There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed in the planning stages. Taking kiddies along for the ride and you can start to feel trapped by their slow pace and need for naps.

Here we will show you how to make the perfect  Disney World itinerary for families, including where to stay, what to eat and how to tour.

If you are going on a Disney Vacation with kids or considering one, make sure to check out all of the posts in our Toddler series .

How to tour

Keeping in mind that your 8 days at Disney consist of an arrival day, departure day and at least 1 rest day, that leaves you with 5 park days. Deciding which day you want to explore each Park, when to balance your break and still get the most out of your time can be challenging.

The itinerary below is just an example. You’ll need to rearrange your days according to the best parks on your days. Many of the things mentioned below are quite popular and should be booked 180 days in advance.

Suggested Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival day.

Take it easy, explore the resort.

There are so many character dining experiences at one of Disney’s resort restaurants , why not take this opportunity to explore at least one of them and make this a terrific start to your Disney Vacation. Head to Storybook Dining at Artist Point for dinner to kick off your trip with classic characters. (This reservation should be made 6 months in advance.)

Take a spin on the monorail, do some resort hopping and then head back to your resort to get ready for your first day in the parks.

For more arrival day click here .

Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

Head to the Magic Kingdom bright and early for an 8:00 breakfast at Be Our Guest . This is only a Quick Service restaurant in the mornings but still requires a 6-month reservation.

If you have reservations for Be Our Guest (BOG) before park opening, you can queue for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train before the gates are even open. This means you will literally be amongst the first to ride, and you didn’t have to sprint across the parks at rope drop.

This only works if you visit when Extra Magic Hours is NOT at the Magic Kingdom. As a whole, we tend to avoid the parks that are offering EMH that day.

After breakfast, head to Fantasyland right when the park opens. While everyone, in general, tour from right to left in the great Hub that is the Magic Kingdom, we don’t suggest going against the grain this time. The kids will want to have some sort of immediate satisfaction, and the lines for Fantasyland rides can get a little crazy in the afternoon.

Have FastPass+ reservations made in advance for Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise and most definitely for Buzz Lightyear Ranger Spin.

Fantasyland

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer
• Casey Jr Splash n’ Soak station
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Popcorn and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at 10:30 am
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Mickey’s Philharmagic

We were finished with Fantasyland and ready to each by Noon exactly.

For lunch, you might want a Quick Service restaurant after having a big breakfast. Pinocchio Village Haus and  Columbia Harbour House  are good choices that are nearby.

We bring a stroller on all of our Disney trips, whether the kids think they need them or not. Find a central parking spot, lock the wheels together (not to the frame of the parking lot, that’s a major Disney no-no) and get it a little later when the kids are tired.

Many people will take this high-crowd period to head back to the resort for a nap/swim. That is also an option, though we tend to have the children nap in the stroller and we use rider swap / single rider for adult rides.

Tomorrowland

• Carousel of Progress
• Buzzlightyear’s Ranger Spin

If someone needs a nap, right after Buzz is a great time. This should take you to around 1:30 pm and take the stroller over to Main St for a decent spot at the parade.

If others want to keep going, Tomorrowland Speedway and Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover will have lower lines during this time.

The daytime parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade , starts at 3 pm but takes roughly 15 minutes to get to Main St USA.

Adventureland

• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Jingle Cruise
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Mobile Order Dole Whip
• Pirates of the Caribbean

The children should be getting hungry at this point, it’s dinner time. Pecos Bill and Tortuga Tavern are great Quick Service options in the area.

In the evening stay for fireworks, Happily Ever After . The show starts at 8 pm every night and lasts about 15 minutes. Since the park doesn’t close until 10 pm on most nights, there is still plenty to do afterward, but many guests will be leaving right away.

After this, you are welcome to stay a little longer and try to get a few night time shots of the Castle while the crowds are leaving. The shops are also open for about an hour afterward, but they can get crowded as everyone tries to buy last-minute souvenirs.

We found that even leaving the parks with everyone else, the buses aren’t Super full. The All-Star resorts share a bus so they will be crowded but all other resorts have their own bus.

Day 3 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is a tricky one. With Rise of the Resistance opening and boarding groups being filled shortly after opening, you will want to get there at least 1-2 hours before the gates are scheduled to open.

We say this because Disney has been opening Hollywood Studios early every day this month due to crowds. And all guests wanting to join a boarding group need to be scanned into Hollywood Studios before gaining access to the system. For more information on joining a boarding group for Rise of the Resistance , check out our latest article.

If you have no intention of getting up that early for a single ride, which many people aren’t, then feel free to sleep in a little and enter Hollywood Studios around 9 am. This will give you plenty of time to signup for Jedi Training while making your way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Droid Depot
• Savi’s Workshop
• Oga’s Cantina

Don’t forget that Jedi training registration is available and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can register your kids at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost located between the  Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular ! and the  50’s Prime Time Café , and they must be between 4 and 12 years of age to participate.

Jedi Training has timings throughout the day but you need to be back for robes and check-in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled training session. We choose the 1 pm training, so we had to be back at Indiana Jones for 12:30 pm. Grab some Galactic popcorn on your way out.

• Jedi Training
• Muppet Vision 3D

We scheduled lunch for 2 pm at Hollywood and Vine (with the Fantasmic and Pixar dining package) in order to make sure we have plenty of time to explore Grand Avenue and Galaxy’s Edge without doubling back.

Why are we pushing character dining so hard? Because the kids will be waiting in line long enough as it is for rides, they don’t need to add character meet and greets to their laundry list of things to wait for. And you need to eat, and rest your feet/brain. Why not do it all and save yourself some time in the process.

You will have made FastPass+ reservations ahead of time for Slinky Dog Dash , Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Just a reminder, Hollywood Studios has a 2 tier Fastpass system and guests can only get 1 attraction in the Tier 1 category.

• Slinky Dog Dash
• Toy Story Mania
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (also has single rider )
• Tower of Terror

Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers tend to have smaller lines, roughly 30 minutes each, so we strongly recommend trying to get Slinky Dog Dash as your single Tier 1 Fastpass.

There aren’t a crazy number of attractions at Hollywood Studios but there are a lot of shows and the queues for Toy Story rides do take up a lot of time. Try out Woody’s Lunchbox for a quick snack while you are there.

Plan on having the big rides during your kids’ general nap time, or shortly after lunch, when their bellies are full. Rider swap is a great invention. We were pleasantly surprised at how much the kids loved Slinky Dog so don’t automatically discount the rollercoasters just yet.

For dinner, you can go one of two ways; quick service at ABC Commissary or another sit down at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant . There are other restaurants, of course, but the kids won’t nearly be as interested in the theming and therefore it’s money lost.

On your way out, don’t forget to stop by An Incredible Celebration and have a visit with Edna Mode.

End your Hollywood Studios day by viewing  Fantasmic!  or Star Wars fireworks. Unless there is a second showing for Fantasmic!, there is a good chance you will have to choose one of these nighttime spectaculars, as they are timed too close together to physically see both on the same night.

Day 4 – Rest morning, Hollywood Studios afternoon

That was an incredible 2 days at Disney World and your feet need a break. Sleep in, enjoy the morning and take it easy.

Once the fog has lifted and the children are awake, head over to Bon Voyage  Adventure Breakfast at Disney’s BoardWalk. This is probably going to be a late breakfast reservation, but that’s ok because they are open from 7:30 AM – 12:05 PM.

From here, you need to make a choice; Water Park , Disney Springs, or Resort pool day. With little ones, they want to buy and touch everything so Disney Springs is potentially a tantrum and bankruptcy waiting to happen. And in terms of water parks, if they don’t know it exists, they will be more than happen to explore the pool area of your resort and save yourself a few hundred dollars in entrance fees (’cause that’s not included in your Magic Your Way package).

There are so many things to do outside of the theme parks, we dedicated an entire article about it; 40 things to do outside the theme parks without park tickets.

This is also the perfect opportunity to check out Animal Kingdom Lodge . They have great restaurants; table service and quick service, as well as scavenger hunts and such. You don’t even need to be a guest of this hotel to enjoy.

If resting for a full day isn’t your style, then head back to Hollywood Studios and finish off Animation Courtyard. With all that waiting in Toy Story Land, there wasn’t much opportunity to see the Disney Junior characters before they went home for dinner.

• Disney Junior Dance Party
• Animation Courtyard character greetings (this is 4 separate queues, but they are fast)
• Launch bay character meet (again, 4 queues, but still fast)
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

If you haven’t tried 50’s Prime Time Café yet, now is a great time to visit. The kids will love dining in Grandma’s house and the food is incredible.

Frozen Singalong is also another great Tier 1 option. They are limited to a handful of showings per day, but the kids will love it. Morning – 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM Afternoon – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM Evening – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM

The Star Wars fireworks are going to be projected onto the Chinese Theatre, so the area does tend to get fairly crowded. We found the best place to wait was along the back wall, just off center stage. It is far enough to get a good view of the fireworks and the kids can stand on the stone ledge/seating area without blocking anyone’s view.

Day 5 – Animal Kingdom

Tusker House is available for an 8 am breakfast reservation if you want to have breakfast with the characters instead of lunch. This is a great way of getting your feet in the door before everyone else. You won’t be missing too much of rope drop time but then you will not be stopping for 1.5 hours in the middle of the day for lunch either.

This experience is available for the Rivers of Light dining package (for a small extra fee when paying out of pocket) or covered with your Disney Dining Plan. And don’t forget to check out our Tusker House dining review .

If 8 am is too early for your blood, don’t worry. We have your back. Quiet breakfast in the room, arrive at Animal Kingdom for 9 am ish.

This is also a great time to stop by the Wilderness Explorers main station on Discovery Island. They will explain the process and give your booklet and first sticker/badge.

• Gorilla Falls Exploration trail
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Kilimanjaro Safaris FP
• The Festival of the Lion King

This is where the schedule gets a little choosey – if you decided to sleep in and have Tusker House lunch, that’s 1-1.5 hours out of your schedule. Something is gonna have to be taken off the list. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is cool, but it takes time. We recommend sacrificing this in order to catch the Festival of the Lion King.

Your other option is to stop at Harambe Market for a Quick Service lunch and have it all. Forgoing Tusker House altogether.

• Kali River Rapids FP
• Expedition Everest (single rider available)
• Maharajah Jungle Trek

If there is no time to keep up with the schedule, we suggest eliminating the Maharajah Jungle Trek. It is a self-guided walking tour to see the Asian animals and is honestly very cool, but it does take a lot of time and energy from the children.

Asia is a very quick Land to pass through and the children won’t be too interested in the architecture.

• The Boneyard
• Finding Nemo – The Musical (this is a 40-minute show)

We aren’t a huge fan of Dinoland, mostly because it’s all carnival rides and the ones the children will like most require vouchers at an extra expense. If they haven’t seen it, or don’t know it exists, feel free to skip this land.

Finding Nemo – The Musical is a long show and ends fairly early in the day (the last showing is 4:30 pm) so I would add this to the MAYBE list if there is time.

Discovery Island

• Adventure Outpost (9 am – 7:30 pm or 5:30 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday)

Don’t forget to Mobile Order from Flame Tree BBQ while waiting in line for Mickey and Minnie. The queue for characters is also never as long as they claim it to be; 20 minutes turned out to be second in line.

If you have planned on skipping Dinoland USA, then this is an early dinner and you will have plenty of time to visit Pandora before Rivers of Light . Choose the second showing (7:45 pm) and you won’t have to rush your way through Pandora.

• Flight of Passage – FP (44inch height restriction)
• Navi River (only if the queue is short, not worth 1-hour wait)

Grab some popcorn on the way back and head back to Rivers of Light. The Fastpass entrance is in Asia, 39a on the map. While Dining Package entrance is in Dinoland, across from Finding Nemo, 39b on the map. You may enter 30 minutes before the show starts.

If you didn’t take advantage of the Rivers of Light dining package or Fastpass, then maybe the Rivers of Light desert party may be of interest. Of all the dessert parties, this one looks to be the most worth your money and most enjoyable by adults and kids alike.

Why all the bells and whistles for seats to the show? The majority of the seating here is reserved for guests with FastPass+ reservations and Dining Package reservations. There is a section for standby guests but this can be hit or miss, depending on the crowd level and if there are two showings (there are only two showings during the high season summer months).

Unlike Epcot Forever and Happily Ever After, there is a clear front to the show and not much can be seen outside of the sitting area. The bridge perhaps, but you and your kids are going to want to sit and be comfortable without having to wait an hour in line to get it.

Day 6 – Epcot

You will want fast passes for Frozen Ever After , and Epcot Forever. Sadly, both are Tier 1 Fastpass options that can not be booked 60 days in advance. However, after using your initial 3 fast passes (reserving and using), then you are able to select Epcot Forever for that night. We, on the other hand, decided to have 2 Epcot days and spread out our Tier 2 selections accordingly.

Normally, we would suggest eating in the hotel room or at a Quick Service location like your hotel or Sunshine Seasons for breakfast. But every once in a while there are special occasions at Epcot that warrant a change of pace. During holidays and special festivals, Epcot releases Dining Packages with its many Table Service restaurants. This is no additional charge while on the Disney Dining Plan but does cost a few extra dollars if paying out of pocket.

This is when we would suggest Garden Grill Character breakfast first thing in the morning. Scheduling breakfast for 9 am during low-season means you will be out within 45 minutes, having been visited by all 4 characters and still enough time to ride both Living with the Land and Soarin’ without much hassle.

It’s still early, so head out to The Seas with Nemo and Friends and check out Seabase . There is a small playground where the kids can play in a sunken ship and take a photo with Bruce.

On the other side of Future World, ride Mission; Space. If it’s early enough in the morning, the queue will be fairly short. Don’t forget to grab some merch at Mouse Gears (and have it sent to your room).

• Garden Grill Restaurant breakfast
• Living with the Land
• Soarin’
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Mission: Space

After you have completed Future World, grab some popcorn and head over to World Showcase, starting with Mexico, and make your way around the Pavilions.

Feel free to download the Play Disney Parks app or stop by a kiosk to sign up for  Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure . Note that this does take a bit of time within each pavilion and can easily suck up your phone’s battery life. May we suggest Kid Cot instead.

World Showcase

• Kid cot in every pavilion
• Grand Fiesta Tour
• Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
• Frozen Ever After – FP
• Snack at Norway bakery
• Cotton Candy in China
• Sommerfest lunch in Germany
• Gelato and wine in Italy
• The American Adventure

For Lunch, snack your way through the World Showcase. Especially during festival time, there is so much to eat and snack on that you won’t have much time to do anything else.

America Pavilion is halfway through World Showcase and is a great time to call it quits. This is probably going to be around 5 pm if your kids run around as quickly as ours do. During festival times, there will be a second evening show, Candlelight Processional for example, that you will want to schedule into your touring plan.

Head back to Italy for some nice Pizza at Via Napoli for dinner. Have a swim in the pool and take the evening off.

Find a nice restaurant, either Coral Reef or the new space-themed restaurant they are building near Mission Space. Dinner is a nice time to have forced rest with the kids and let them recharge before heading back out for Illuminations or anything else planned for the evening. They can also have a little nap in their chairs if they are so inclined – sadly, strollers are not allowed into the dining hall and we don’t recommend leaving your child unattended at the entrance (pretty sure that’s not legal).

From here, you can continue on your Epcot journey and schedule a second Tier 1 Fastpass for Epcot Forever, or you can use your Day 7 free-day and have a much more relaxed Epcot part 2.

Day 7 – Repeat your favourite park – probably the Magic Kingdom or Epcot

Day 7 is a big day. It is your last full day in the parks, your last Park Ticket and you have already experienced each of the Parks once. This can be another Non-Park day or a chance to re-explore your favourite park and do a few rides over again.

Magic Kingdom Option

On the other hand, if your kids are fairly young and want to explore Fantasyland again , why not. You don’t need to be super early but early enough that you beat the majority of the crowds. (You can always split up and do what you want independent of your spouse and let the kids decide which parent they want to tour with today, it’s your vacation).

Since this is a repeat day, I have no problems suggesting you leave the park for a break or meal at a nearby resort. Both Parks are near enough to Disney’s Contemporary Resort that Chef Mickey seems like a great way to end the day.

Epcot Option

Instead of staying out too late, we left the schedule open to having a second day at Epcot.

Take the Skyliner and arrive through the International Gateway. Characters start arriving at 9 am but since World Showcase is closed from the other side until 11 am, this is a fairly quiet spot until then.

• International Gateway character
• Grand Fiesta (because the kids like it so much)
• Japan, Morocco look around
• Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in France
• Yorkshire County Fish and Chips for lunch
• Canada: Far and Wide (coming January 17, 2020)

This is a slow day and without many rides. Feel free to visit Journey into the Imagination (it closes at 7 pm). Head back to the resort for a nap or a swim. Being back for 6 pm means you now have time for a quick eat at Electric Umbrella, ride Spaceship Earth and check out the Epcot Experience before queuing for Epcot Forever.

Day 8 – Departure day.

On your departure day, pack your bags and head out for one last Disney experience. If your flight is late enough, take in a late morning character breakfast at a resort restaurant.

Just a reminder that Disney’s Magical Express takes you to the airport 3 hours before your flight. A 3:30 pm flight leaves Disney at 11:45 am. Be sure to have any reservations starting at or before 9:30 and give yourself some room for late entrance into the restaurant.

‘Ohana is a great choice. Lilo, Stitch and Polynesian Mickey make their appearance and the Polynesian resort has a lot of great offerings. But any resort restaurant will do.

Like any system, Disney buses are only as good as the people around them. Crowds and traffic happen. We suggest taking an Uber or Minnie Vans to and from your breakfast reservation unless they are in your resort or walking distance.

You can also head down to Disney Springs for one last shopping spree, or visit the Disney’s Character Warehouse . It’s not on the resort so you will need to find alternative transportation but they have last year’s merchandise for a steep discount.

As you can see, we have no paired two large parks together before having a rest, and there is a little something for everyone.

Have you been to Disney with kids? Share your photos with us on Facebook.

Your Thoughts...

Please share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on social media...We would love to hear from you.

Follow Mouse Travel Matters for Disney Parks news, the latest info and park insights, follow MTM on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

You May Also Like…

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Itinerary
• Star Wars Guided Tour
• Magic Kingdom FastPass Recommendations and Itinerary for Families
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival | English Tea Garden Tour
• Biergarten Restaurant Epcot World Showcase

Jill Taylor

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Do you have any itineraries, articles and/or tips for families with children who have autism?

Christine Leger

I don't have one at the moment but we are in the process of creating one. We are working on creating a guide for those using the DAS system.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

15 Drama-Free Tips for Taking a Toddler to Disney World

I t's easy to understand why so many people love taking their families on vacation to Walt Disney World ; after all, it's a pretty magical place (some might even say the most magical place on earth). But as a self-proclaimed Disney adult who has been visiting the parks frequently both before and after becoming a mom, I can't pretend like a vacation there while chasing around a toddler or preschooler is easy. It's still fun, but it's definitely not as relaxing as drinking around the world in Epcot without pushing a stroller was before my daughter was born!

Now that she's 3 years old and we've taken double digit trips to Disney together, it's a lot easier because I've figured out a lot of tips and tricks along the way to make it a less stressful adventure. Just showing up and hoping the day goes well doesn't work, but if you're willing to plan ahead, you can cut down on a lot of the drama that comes from family vacations with little ones.

Planning a family trip to Disney soon? Learn from my mistakes and take these tips into consideration. I promise, you can have just as much fun on this vacation as your kids do, too!

More from CafeMom: 20 Disney World Hacks for the Best Vacation Ever

Download the My Disney Experience App

As soon as you start planning your trip, be sure to download the My Disney Experience app. This is your key to everything (including your hotel room, if you decide to stay on Disney property). Through the app, you can look at a map, make dining reservations, book Genie+ reservations (more on that later), and more. It's going to make your life a lot easier both during planning and during your visit to have this resource in your pocket!

Plan Meals Ahead of Time

If you're a parent to a toddler, there's a good chance you have a list of foods they will eat ... and a much longer list of foods they will not. It's always recommended to make your dining reservations for Disney World ahead of time (up to 60 days in advance of your trip), but it's also important to check out the menus of anywhere you might want to eat to make sure something your child will be interested in is offered.

The good news? This is Disney World, a kid's paradise. Almost every restaurant offers options like chicken tenders, pizza, hot dogs, and mac and cheese.

Pack Double the Clothes

However many outfits you would have packed for your child normally, go ahead and double it — and yes, it will be worth the extra space it takes up in your suitcase. It's hot in Florida, and the snacks can be messy, so assume that your child will need to change outfits at least once each day. It can't hurt to bring yourself some extra clothes, too, since it's nice to go back to the room and put on nice, fresh clothes for the second half of your day after getting sweaty.

You can also do laundry on site at the Disney resorts, which helps if you need to travel as lightly as possible.

Bring Snacks

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the parks (except for alcohol), so feel free to pack snacks and bottled water for the day. You might also want to bring your child's favorite snacks to have on hand in your hotel room, and that way, you'll know that no matter what happens, you have at least a couple of options of things they'll definitely eat.

Stay on Site

While it's true that you can save money by staying off Disney property, when your kids are little, it's worth the extra cash to stay on site if you can. You'll have access to Disney transportation, including buses, the monorail, the Skyliner, and boats, making it easy to get back and forth to your resort for naps and breaks.

If budget is a consideration, the value resorts at Disney are actually really nice, and many times of the year, you can find them for well under $200 per night.

Prepare for the Journey

In my experience, one of the hardest parts of traveling with a toddler is the "getting there" part. Whether you're flying or road tripping, you'll want to be prepared. Bring more snacks than you think you need! I've also found it works really well to stop by the dollar store or somewhere like Five Below before the trip and stock up on a few cheap surprises that go a long way when travel boredom hits.

More from CafeMom: 16 Tips for Going to Disney World This Year

Have a Low-Key Arrival Day

There's a very good chance that your travel day is going to be a bit stressful, and even if you just have a short flight to take, it's probably going to be exhausting. While some like to maximize their time by going straight into the theme park, in my opinion, it's actually a better idea to plan for that day to be a chill day. Go hang out at your resort, go to the pool, get the lay of the land, and go to bed nice and early. If you want to shop and eat a yummy meal, go to Disney Springs — there's even a splash pad.

Bring a Diaper Bag to the Parks

Even if your kid no longer requires a diaper bag when you go places at home, trust me on this — you will want to bring one to the parks, even if it's just a backpack stocked with the essentials. You'll need sunscreen, maybe even a change of clothes, diapers and wipes for those who aren't potty trained yet, and it's a good idea to throw in some snacks and maybe a simple toy or two to keep the little ones entertained while waiting in line.

Use the Genie+ Service

The Genie+ service comes at a separate, daily, per person cost, but it's so worth it if you want to save time waiting in line. You can make reservations for one attraction at a time, allowing you to skip the line and save a lot of time. You can learn more about it here (and it's worth reading up before your trip so you can make the most of it while there).

Follow the Same Schedule You Do at Home

So many toddlers thrive on routine — mine included. It can be helpful to keep your child's schedule as close to what it looks like at home while you're traveling — or at least, the same general wake and bedtimes. If they usually take a nap, try to keep that nap around the same time of day, too.

Plan a Pool Day

It may be tempting to jam pack constant activity into every day of your trip to make sure you can see and do as much as possible, but if you're going to Disney for more than a few days, make sure to use one of those as a rest day. You'll probably be walking upwards of 20,000 steps per day, and that can become exhausting, so taking a day off to sleep in, go to the pool, and chill can make the second half of your trip much better.

More from CafeMom The Top 25 Vacation Spots in the US, Ranked

Know Where the Bathrooms Are

Whether you've potty trained or your kiddo is still in diapers, you already know that being a mom to a child in this age range often means needing to get to a bathroom —  fast. It can be helpful to look at the park map and familiarize yourself with where the bathrooms are, and many of these locations do offer a family bathroom with changing tables that come down from the wall for a bit more space and privacy.

Schedule In Daily Rest Time

If your child still takes a nap, it's a great idea to go back to the room and let them nap in the air conditioning. But even if they don't nap, it can be good for everyone to take a midday hotel break. It's when the Florida sun is at its hottest, and everyone can hang out a bit and regroup before enjoying their evening.

Use the Baby Care Centers

Each Disney park has a baby care center, which is stocked with any baby essential you could think of for purchase, along with private breastfeeding areas, TVs playing Disney movies with plenty of child-sized chairs to go around, bathrooms with toddler-sized potties, and actual changing tables that are free to use. Even if your kid isn't a "baby" anymore, this is a great area to catch your breath and take a break, so use it!

Follow Their Lead

When a vacation is this expensive and takes this much planning, you're naturally going to want to get the most bang for your buck and do everything and see everything. But when you have a toddler along for the ride, it's not going to happen — and what's the point of running around to do everything if you and your kid are miserable the whole time?

Let your child set the pace, and pick a few priority attractions for each park. Sometimes, they're going to want to run around for 20 minutes with a bubble wand. Use this time to get a cocktail or an iced coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. I promise, it's all worth it.

Disney World with Babies, Toddlers, or Preschoolers

Sharing is caring!

We visited Disney World with a toddler for the 1st time this year and had a blast. We’ve learned several lessons, so we decided to write a guide to help parents plan a trip to Disney World with toddlers.

Disclosure: Kindly be aware that certain links provided below may be affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s important to note that I am an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. For the comprehensive disclosure statement, please click here .

Trust us; you’ll want to save this page for later. You may need to reference it a few times as you plan to take your little ones to the most magical place on Earth.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting Disney World with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers .

I’ll start by saying, we aren’t Disney experts. We’ve been to two parks this year, but we are travel experts when it comes to traveling with babies and toddlers.

We’ve been traveling since our son was 8 weeks old, and he’s now 3 years old. Plus, being full-time travelers, we’ve picked up some quick tips that make going anywhere with a toddler easier, which is crucial at Disney.

Read More: Visiting Animal Kingdom with Toddlers

Table of Contents

WHEN TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD WITH TODDLERS

We’ve been to several theme parks over the last few years, so we’ve learned that the best time to visit any busy theme park is during the week while kids are in school.

The best time to visit Disney World with toddlers is typically the middle of the week during the school year.

Since kids have school and most parents have to work, the middle of the week is the best time to visit Disney World with toddlers.

If possible, avoid Mondays and Fridays because many people take long weekends and turn them into mini-vacations.

There weren’t too many people during our visit to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom with our toddler . We went on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, which was perfect.

Read More: How Many Disney Parks are There?

A great time to visit Disney is in the spring, but avoid April, which is when most kids have a week off school for spring break.

Since spring break is different throughout the country, I recommend skipping April and visiting in May.

The weather is enjoyable, and crowds are moderate, except for Memorial Day, but holidays are always busy.

Related Post: Enjoying Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with Toddlers

Summer is also a no-no because it gets HOT in Orlando . We went to Magic Kingdom in June for my birthday and were lucky that the weather is the high 80s.

The heat can get unbearable, which isn’t exactly the best condition for a baby or toddler.

Read More: The 12 Best Waterparks for Toddlers

The fall is the perfect time to visit Disney with toddlers. School-age kids are back in school, the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Take advantage of the fall and head to Disney with your toddler. After Labor Day to mid-November is perfect, just before the holiday rush.

If your little one loves Halloween, I recommend attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party . It’s lots of fun for little ones and adults.

Read More: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween with Toddlers

Although it will be relatively warm, it’s going to be hectic, even with the reduced capacity.

The busiest time at Disney World is Christmas and New Year’s. If you want to avoid crowds these are not the times to go.

If you really want to go to Disney World during the holiday season, I recommend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event at Magic Kingdom on select nights throughout November and December.

The event is from 7 pm to 12 am, but you can enter the park at 4 pm to get a jump on the rides.

Related Post: Hershey Park| The Best Theme Park for Toddlers

WHICH DISNEY WORLD PARK TO VISIT WITH TODDLERS

There are four different parks at Disney World. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

In our experience, the most toddler-friendly parks at Disney World for toddlers are Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

We had a blast at Magic Kingdom, and it’s a lot more manageable than I thought it would be, in terms of conquering one section at a time.

We explore more in our post on Magic Kingdom with toddlers and Animal Kingdom with toddlers, so if you need more information check them out.

Read More: 15 Things to Buy Before Visiting Disney with Toddlers

TODDLER-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY WORLD

Magic Kingdom

Here are my favorite toddler-friendly rides in Magic Kingdom:

• Mad Tea Party
• Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel 
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• It’s A Small World
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Under The Sea – Journey Of The Little Mermaid
• The Walt Disney World Railworld

Keep in mind that while Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion don’t have height requirements, these rides can be scary for some toddlers.

If you manage to get through part of Haunted Mansion before your little one gets too afraid, cast members are always nearby to escort you through a “chicken door” to leave the ride. 

Read More: Are MagicBands Worth It?

Epcot isn’t exactly the type of theme park with rides like Magic Kingdom. Instead, the park takes you around the world through themed restaurants, iconic sights, and country-specific Disney characters.

One minute you’re eating a strudel in Germany as you look at the model trains, and the next you’re shopping for authentic souvenirs in Morocco. 

Here are my favorite toddler-friendly rides in Epcot:

• Frozen Ever After
• Spaceship Earth
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment
• The Seas With Nemo & Friends
• Living With The Land
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Hollywood Studios

Some say Hollywood Studios isn’t toddler-friendly, but our little one loved it. Our son’s favorite part was the Disney Junior dance party.

Here are my favorite toddler-friendly Hollywood Studios rides:

• Toy Story Midway Mania (no height requirements)
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (no height requirements)
• Alien Swirling Saucers (32” height requirement)
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run (38” height requirement)
• Slinky Dog Dash (38” height requirement)

Animal Kingdom

If you have an animal-lover toddler, you have to visit Animal Kingdom. The most iconic activity at this park is the Kilimanjaro Safari , which is a 20-minute safari around the park’s African Savannah.

With no minimum height requirement, people of all ages can see Africa’s wild animals in real life, including hippos, giraffes, lions, elephants, and more.

Each safari trip is different, so if you plan on visiting Animal Kingdom more than once, definitely take the safari trip multiple times! 

My other favorite toddler-friendly rides and activities at Animal Kingdom are:

• Na’vi River Journey
• Wildlife Express Train
• TriceraTop Spin
• Kali River Rapids (38” height requirement)
• The Boneyard (an outdoor dinosaur-themed play area)
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch (particularly the petting zoo)
• Shows (Finding Nemo – The Musical, Festival of the Lion King, and UP! A Great Bird Adventure)

Read More: The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Animal Kingdom with Toddlers

PLANNING A VISIT TO DISNEY WORLD WITH TODDLERS

There are a lot of things to consider when planning a trip to Disney World with toddlers.

One of the most important things is deciding where to stay. Here are the things to keep in mind when looking for accommodation for your Disney trip.

Staying at a Disney Resort

Staying at a Disney resort for most families is a once and a lifetime experience. The Disney properties are very expensive, especially for larger families, so I am not promoting staying at a Disney property.

I am only here to provide information so you can decide what’s best for your family. Here are a few advantages of staying at a Disney resort.

• Magic Hours – As a guest at a Disney property, you get to take advantage of magic hours, which means getting into the park 30 minutes early and staying 2 hours after the official closing time. This perk gives you even more time to enjoy all of the fun rides, but keeping a little one up that late isn’t ideal.
• No rental car needed – Another great perk of staying at a Disney property is that you don’t need a car. You can take the complimentary Disney Magical Express from the airport (must book in advance) directly to your resort.
• Easy access to the parks – There are several convenient ways to get to the Disney World Parks that don’t include dealing with parking and walking a mile to the entrance.
• Mid-day naps – You can get back to your room during the day for your little one to take their nap comfortably plus you can get a little rest. You can always return and stay a little later to catch some of the rides you missed during naptime, but sometimes those naps or breaks are much-needed.

Alternative Accommodation

We prefer to stay in alternative accommodation because we love to travel on a budget. Many hotels offer a quality stay at a fraction of the price of Disney resorts.

We elected to stay at an Airbnb, which was inexpensive and had a kitchen to cook on our non-Disney days.

Here are a few things to consider when staying off-property.

• Parking  – The cost of parking can add up quickly. The price is $25 for regular and $45 for preferred.
• Shuttles  – If your hotel is near Disney World, your hotel may offer a shuttle bus to and from Disney World. Be sure to ask, as they may require reservations.
• Magic Hours – Certain hotels offer magic hours for guests. You can get some of the benefits for less money.
• Driving time  – You have to factor driving time into your estimations when you stay off-property. It will likely take you 20-35 minutes to get to the park from your hotel or Airbnb. If you want to get to the park early, be sure to leave by 7:30. You also have to factor in the drive time when leaving Disney World. It took us nearly 45 minutes each day to get back to our Airbnb, and that’s with no traffic.

Here is a list of hotels that have magic hours for their guests.

• B Resort Located in the Walt Disney World Resort
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

Be sure to present your key at the entrance to confirm you can enter earlier or stay later.

TIPS FOR VISITING DISNEY WORLD WITH A TODDLER

After traveling with a toddler full-time for nearly 2 years, visiting every LEGOLAND Theme Park , and spending 3 days at Disney World with our toddler, here are our tips for visiting Disney World with toddlers.

1. Bring a stroller (or rent)

Walking around Disney World is a lot for a little one, so bringing a stroller will make your life easier.

Trust us; this is not the time to only have a carrier unless you are visiting Disney with a baby (under 7 months old).

A stroller makes it easy to hold everything you need while waiting in line for a ride. Our Zoe stroller has been all over the world with us, so we brought it to Disney with us instead of renting one.

I would throw my backpack in the stroller while we waited in line for rides. Plus, the storage was perfect for our water, which we needed because we brought an entire gallon.

Related Post: Best Strollers for Disney

2. Download the Disney App

Everything you need can be found on MyDisneyExperience. There are wait times, mobile orders, Genie, Genie+, Mobile Pass, and so much more on the app.

Get an idea of the wait times for the rides you really want to hop on with your toddler. We found that most of the rides geared towards toddlers didn’t have much of a wait.

With toddlers, mobile ordering comes in handy. You can order your food ahead of time, and get a notification when it is ready for you to pick up. No waiting in line with a hangry toddler, which is no fun for anyone.

3. Use the Baby Care Centers

If you aren’t staying at a Disney Resort, the next best place to go when your baby or toddler needs a break is the baby care center at Disney World.

The baby care centers have everything you need to enjoy Disney World with a baby. There are wipes, clothes, baby formula, juice, and even over-the-counter medication for sale.

For parents needing warm water for bottles, there is a microwave available for use. If you are breastfeeding, there are private nursing rooms with rockers, so you can comfortably nurse or pump on the go .

Honestly, if you need a break on a hot day, take a trip to the baby care center to get some AC or just relax for a few minutes without the crowds.

Related Post: Top 15 Portable Breast Pumps for Pumping on the Go

4. Bring plenty of fluid & snacks

You will spend a lot of time walking with your toddler at Disney World, so you need plenty of fluid and snacks.

We weren’t prepared for the first day at Magic Kingdom with our toddler because the airline lost our bags , and the shuttle took nearly an hour to pick me up from the airport.

Our first mistake was not having snacks, so we spent a lot of money on food at Magic Kingdom on the first day, but it was fun.

On the second day, we were prepared with lunch. We had included sandwiches, fruit, chips, jerky, tea packets, fruit snacks, and a gallon of water.

We also travel with Pedialyte packets to keep from getting dehydrated it’s a must when out and about with toddlers exerting a lot of energy,

Related Post: Our Favorite Travel Snacks for Toddlers

5. Find toddler-friendly rides

Disney World has something for everyone, so no worries, there are rides that your toddler will love.

Our son met the height requirements for a few rides, but we weren’t prepared for them to be as fast as they were.

Although our little guy was a trooper, it would have been great to have known ahead of time, and we may have skipped that particular ride.

Check out the articles below to find the best rides for toddlers at Walt Disney World.

• Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
• Animal Kingdom with Toddlers
• Epcot with Preschoolers
• Hollywood Studios with Kids

Toddlers can get on some of the rides, but they may be scary to a 2-year-old, so that’s something to consider.

Read More: Things to Buy Before Visiting Disney with Toddlers

6. Split up

To take advantage of short wait times, my wife and I split up a few times, so she could get on a few rides while we watched shows or went on a more toddler-friendly ride.

Splitting up allowed us to get on the rides we wanted without making our toddler wait in the long line.

We’d rather keep him busy, plus it was his birthday, so we didn’t want to waste time in long queues for us when he could be doing something fun.

7. Go before their 3rd birthday

We went to Magic Kingdom a week before our son’s 3rd birthday to save several hundred dollars.

It worked out perfectly because he was tall enough for everything we wanted to ride. He understood better and was a little more mature than when we visited LEGOLAND California , so he had a lot of fun.

Toddlers under 3 can still get on several rides at Disney World, so don’t think they are too young. You are never too young for Disney!

8. Download a few shows on your phone

The lines at Magic Kingdom weren’t bad while we were there, but for a 2-year-old, 30 minutes is a long time to stand in a queue.

We downloaded a few of his favorite shows on Nextflix to keep him occupied while we waited in line for some of the rides.

This strategy worked better than having toys because he would set them down and walk away, so letting him watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse kept him entertained until we got to the front of the line.

8. Skip the Hopper Ticket

Several bloggers recommend getting the hopper ticket, but for toddlers, it’s simply not worth it.

A day at Disney World is exhausting for an adult, let alone a toddler, so sticking to one park a day will be less stressful.

With that in mind, I recommend at least two days at Magic Kingdom and one day at the other parks.

Having two days lets you take your time, so you don’t have to stay until closing both days, and you have a better chance of conquering all the rides.

Related Posts

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The Ultimate Guide to LEGOLAND Florida with a Toddler or Preschooler

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I’m taking my kids to Disney World for the first time next week, and my friend suggested that we get the private VIP tour to make it more worthwhile. It helped when you suggested we stay at a Disney resort during our trip to let us go back to our room during the day if our little ones need rest before checking out more rides. I’ll be sure to consider this when I call to inquire more about Disney VIP tours before our trip.

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• FootGolf at Disney's Oak Trail
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM)
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• Admission to each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.
• Valid from April 2 through September 22, 2024. Ticket must be used within 7 days of selected start date.

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• Valid from April 2 through September 24, 2024. Ticket must be used within 5 days of selected start date.

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Theme park ticket.

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Park Hopper option : Visit more than one theme park on the same day. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations.

Water Park and Sports option : Visit one theme park per day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows two visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

Park Hopper Plus option : Visit more than one theme park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows 2 visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations.

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public. Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures or may close for other reasons. On certain dates a water park may only be open for special events or to limited groups. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability. FootGolf is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during select afternoon hours, subject to availability. Miniature golf valid for one round. Round must start prior to 4:00 PM. Only one miniature golf visit per day. ESPN Wide World of Sports admission valid only on event days; some events require an additional admission charge; there are no events on certain days; days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions vary. Visit espnwwos.com for more information.

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Separate vacations: wealthy parents are paying perfect strangers thousands to take their kids to disney world.

Posted by: Becky Burkett June 5, 2024

The Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida is one of the most popular family vacation destinations on earth. Of the nearly 50 million people who visit the four theme parks every year, 83% are families with children under the age of 18 .

So it largely goes without saying that if you’re planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth–and you can’t stand kids–you’re going to want to rethink your summer vacation plans. Immediately.

Related: The Lines at Disney World Are Insane, and It’s All Your Fault

Credit: Christian Lambert/Unsplash

The truth is that the four theme parks at Disney World can get very crowded, especially during the holiday seasons and over the summer months when school is out. If you don’t have children–or don’t   like children –those crowds can quickly become too much to handle when you consider that a majority of the individuals making up those crowds fall into that “under the age of 18” category previously mentioned.

But while childless guests can decide to scrap their Disney World plans and try instead to book during a less crowded time of the year, parents are often limited in their options when it comes to scheduling a family vacation, especially if their home states enforce strict statutes regarding school attendance. For them, the options are narrowed down to two main seasons: summer and the Christmas holiday break from school.

Related: Family Fined For Taking Kids Out of School For Disney World Trip

Credit: Flickr/Inside the Magic

Kids in Tow at Disney World Can Be a Tough Gig

Full disclosure: corraling your own kids at Disney World can be a chore on a good day and a feat of mammoth proportions on those not-so-good days when the little ones are tired from missing naps and out of sync with reality because their schedules have seemingly flown the proverbial coop.

And for families with multiple children, the order grows even taller because though the children may seem to multiply, the “hands on deck” do not, and, speaking from experience, once you have three little ones in tow, you’re already wildly outnumbered–especially in a magical place that serves a daily buffet of sensory overload to littles who are already pushed to their tiny limits, thus pushing Mom and Dad to their limits as well.

Credit: Disney Dining

Now imagine the overstimulation that will begin to mount when not only your kids but everyone else’s kids are screaming, exhausted, fussy, inconsolable, cranky, and lying on the ground in protest of taking a single step further. What part of that vacation is magical?

And what is a family with children to do when they really want to visit the parks?

An Unconventional Solution Arises

If you’ve wondered this yourself, you’re not alone. In fact, at least half a dozen new entities have sprung up recently to answer that very question, and the answer they’ve arrived at is simple: hire a nanny to help navigate Disney’s theme parks during your next visit (and to have an extra set of hands to help with the kids).

A theme park nanny with a child at Disney’s Hollywood Studios/Credit: X/Nannyland LLC

While it might sound unconventional to a lot of people, some parents are opting to hire nannies to accompany them on their family Disney vacations, and it’s a growing trend, especially among higher-income families with young children.

In fact, the demand for such services has increased, prompting the cropping up of several specialty agencies that exist to provide nanny services to families visiting Disney World and Disneyland, as well as to families gearing up for a Disney Cruise.

Theme Park Nannies

Dubbed “theme park nannies,” these professional caregivers are hired to ensure that family Disney vacations remain as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.

Not exactly like the practically perfect Mary Poppins , these theme park nannies are specialized caregivers who accompany families to Disney World, offering assistance in looking after the children while parents enjoy the attractions, rides, and shows at their leisure.

These nannies are well-versed in managing the high-energy environment of theme parks, ensuring the kids are entertained, safe, and happy throughout the visit, and the list of services they offer is vast–but varies from agency to agency.

Credit: Nannyland, LLC

The responsibilities of a theme park nanny extend beyond those of a traditional nanny and often include the following:

• Entertainment and Engagement : Keeping children entertained with activities and games while waiting in lines or during quieter moments.
• Safety : Ensuring the children’s safety at all times, particularly in crowded areas and during rides.
• Logistics : Managing schedules, including ride times, showtimes, and meal breaks, to maintain a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Health and Comfort : Attending to the children’s needs, such as applying sunscreen, ensuring hydration, handling bathroom breaks, and addressing any discomforts.
• Communication : Keeping parents informed about the day’s progress and any potential issues that arise.
• Photography : Capturing magical moments with photos so parents can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about documenting every memory.

Credit: Becky Burkett

And while all of this may sound like a little piece of Heaven for weary traveling parents, it’s important to note that these kinds of services don’t come cheap–not by a long shot.

Convenience Like This Comes With a Hefty Price Tag

The payment for theme park nannies varies depending on their experience, the duration of the trip, and the specific requirements of the job. On average, parents can expect to pay $25 per hour and higher–and usually with a minimum of three hours per booking. Some higher-end services charge premium rates, with nannies earning as much as $100 per hour for their expertise and dedication.

Blizzard Beach Water Park/Credit: Disney Parks

Some theme park nanny agencies charge an extra fee if parents want nannies to swim or go to Disney’s water parks with the kids. Other agencies employ special nannies dedicated to showing up at the crack of dawn to your Disney World Resort hotel room to take the kids off your hands so you can get a few extra hours of rest.

Yes, parents have the freedom to choose from a myriad of available nannying services–and every single one of them only adds to the total price per booking.

But the costs don’t stop there, as nannies may receive tips and bonuses for delivering exceptional service. But considering the demanding nature of the job, these rates reflect the value and peace of mind they provide to families. Tips paid to a nanny for services rendered during your Disney vacation are not only at your discretion, but they’re also your responsibility. Agencies are not responsible for such payments.

Growing Demand: Why Are Families Opting For Theme Park Nannies?

The trend of hiring theme park nannies has significantly increased in recent years. According to industry reports, several factors contribute to this growing demand:

• Busy Parents : With many parents juggling demanding careers, the ability to enjoy a stress-free vacation is highly appealing. Theme park nannies allow parents to relax and recharge while ensuring their children have a memorable experience.
• Special Occasions : Families visiting Disney World for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions often prefer to have a nanny manage the children, enabling the adults to participate fully in celebrations.
• Large Families : Families with multiple children find it especially beneficial to have extra hands to manage different age groups and interests.
• International Visitors : For families traveling from abroad, having a nanny familiar with the park and fluent in multiple languages can be invaluable.

Credit: Becky Burkett/Canva

Several agencies and independent caregivers report a steady increase in inquiries and bookings for theme park nannies. Some larger agencies manage dozens of bookings per month, indicating that this service is becoming a staple for many Disney-bound families.

What Else Do Parents Gain From Hiring a Theme Park Nanny?

For many families, the decision to hire a theme park nanny comes down to maximizing the enjoyment and minimizing the stress of their Disney World vacation, and the fact that the nannies are professional caregivers can give parents an added measure of peace of mind. But there are other perks that come from hiring a nanny to accompany you on your next family Disney vacation, including, but not limited to:

• Expertise : Theme park nannies are often well-acquainted with Disney World’s layout, peak times, and hidden gems, making them excellent guides for an optimized experience.
• Flexibility : Parents can enjoy some adult time, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a thrilling ride that’s not suitable for young children.
• Enhanced Experience for Kids : Nannies can focus entirely on the children’s needs and interests, ensuring they get to meet their favorite characters, participate in age-appropriate activities, and avoid long waits for rides.
• Peace of Mind : Knowing that a professional is dedicated to the children’s welfare allows parents to relax and fully immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios/Credit: Disney

Other Options

For families who aren’t interested in hiring a nanny during their Disney World trips but would like to have a few kid-free hours during vacation, the planDisney panel has a few suggestions.

The Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t offer childcare or babysitting services, but there are options available to parents who relish the idea of stepping out for dinner at their favorite Disney World restaurant –perhaps dinner that doesn’t come with character meet-and-greets.

One option, depending on the age of the children in the traveling party, is the Children’s Activity Center—Camp Dolphin . At this fun club, located inside the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel , kids can enjoy supervised activities, video games, crafts, snacks, movies, and more between 4:oo p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Advanced reservations are required for Camp Dolphin and can be made by contacting Guest Services at the Dolphin Hotel.

Camp Dolphin/Credit: Disney

Additional options are also available, per planDisney :

Another option is Kid’s Nite Out. This childcare provider offers in-room sitter options direct to your resort for children ages 6 months to 18 years. Doing their best Mary Poppins impression, a Kids Nite Out team member will appear at your hotel door with their bag full of age-appropriate toys, books and games that will keep your child entertained all evening. Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made up to three months in advance.

Whether parents need an extra set of hands to help keep the kids together, happy, and entertained in the parks or someone to take the reins while they step out for dinner together one evening during their visit, there are options tailor-made to fit those needs.

Credit: Disney

And though it might seem unconventional to some–the thought of taking a family vacation, only to separate the family during the vacation–the fact is that such services are quickly becoming the new trend among families at Disney World that are comprised of young children.

Maybe it’s not for everyone, but for those looking for these services during their visit, it’s nice to know they’re available, albeit at a hefty price.

About Becky Burkett

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June 9, 2024

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