Tackling Disney With Toddlers #Tips
Headed to Disney with a baby or toddler in tow? Here are some tips, tricks, and info about visiting the Magic Kingdom that might help your day(s) go smoothly. We will start before you even get there, setting you up for an enjoyable trip. This is a wonderful family vacation spot and even if you little one doesn’t remember it, you can show them pictures and tell stories about your trip and recreate the wonder.
Fly Friendly Skies– If you are flying be sure to pack all baby/toddler essentials in a carry on, just in case an unfortunate flight or even luggage delay happens. Pack ample diapers, wipes, toys, snacks, and formula if needed. These things can of course all be restocked later no problem but until you get to your destination give yourself a supply cushion.
Keep it Short and Sweet– I wouldn’t recommend going for more than 3 days with a toddler, anything above that is so much stimulation that the last part of the trip will simply be meltdown after meltdown. 3 days is a great length of time to enjoy multiple trips to one park or hop around.
Start Bright and Early– Start early and have plenty of time to enjoy as much of the park as you feel like exploring. This is also the cooler part of the day-Florida is known for it’s heat and humidity and arriving early gives you chance to visit your favorite attractions before the crowd sets in.
Pack Well– If you can bring your own I recommend your own stroller, if not the park does have them available for rental. You will also want 1-3 changes of clothes, sunscreen, a sun hat, and ample diapers/pullups, wipes, formula/food. If you have to purchase any of these things in the park they are going to cost WELL above normal prices. You may also want to include a special lovey-blanket or stuffed animal as comfort for you little one.
Take Breaks– Even if they cannot nap in the excitement of the park find a quiet shady spot to rest several times throughout the day. Refuel them with healthy snacks and plenty of water. Also, there are Baby Care Centers located throughout all 4 parks where you can purchase baby items and they offer private nursing rooms with rocking chairs, high chairs, microwave, oven, sink, TV’s, and more. Make a midday plan to stop by one of these for a good rest period. If you are traveling with older children one parent can rest with the little one here for a bit while the other visits the rides that the toddler cannot go on in the immediate area with the others.
Eat Frequently– Snack on a combo of healthy and indulgent snacks throughout the day to keep everyone happy and banish the cranky hunger pains. Sit down ( in air conditioning) for one good meal to give everyone a chance to decompress and re-energize.
Catch it on Camera– The chins covered in Mickey Mouse ice cream, happy smiles waiting for their turn on the Dumbo ride, bashful faces ducking away from characters, or their giant hugs. Don’t forget to pull out the camera often and make sure that YOU are included in at least some of the photos. Take advantage of the photographers in the park, they will give you a ticket to look at your pics before you leave- no obligation to buy unless you love them.
What so great sounding tips, I can imagine it is hard going but wonderful to go with a toddler.
We are way past toddler stages here but I will past these tips on to my friends who have younger children.
Those are great tips. a lot of pictures is good too because they probably won’t remember!
I think a lot of those are common sense, but I am sure they will help lots of parents 🙂
We went to Disney with our 3 girls…the youngest was 3 and we did okay. Taking breaks is a huge help and great suggestion. She was so excited, ready to go, but needed a sit down every few hours. Plus, she slept great at night! lol
You are so right about taking breaks during the day. Otherwise, there’s likely to be a meltdown! I enjoyed staying on site so it was easy to get to the hotel for a couple hours in the afternoon for naps and downtime.
These are great tips and suggestions. We took our kids back in 2010 and they enjoyed it. My youngest hasn’t gone yet but I’m hoping we can make it back to Disney in a few years. We always ate breakfast outside the park but then again we didn’t stay in property either.
My toddler is too young to know what Disneyland is, but funnily enough my husband seems to want to go pretty badly! He brings it up from time to time. I’m conflicted though! On the one hand, it would be interesting to see in person, but on the other hand the expense is such a turn-off for me! And I don’t know how I feel about the VIP tickets you can buy to skip lines for rides. Great tips to know in case we ever do decide to go, though!
Great tips! And I agree on starting the trip early. Last time we went to Disneyland, we were there before the gates even opened, haha!
All of those tips are great! I love the last one. Capturing the moments are very important. I have a few friends that took their children at a young age. They have always had a great time. I would prefer to wait till my girls will remember it.
All these are great ideas. Disney is our favorite picnic spot for my whole family. Your tips are very helpful to learn much on how to handle our toddlers during an enjoyable trip. Thanks a lot for sharing it.
These are great tips indeed to use while at Disney with little ones. It is so import to stay hydrated and to take frequent brakes in between adventures. The one thing I think is a must is for the kids to get the Mickey or Minnie mouse ears while at Disney too. Thanks for sharing.