5 Tips for taking toddlers to Walt Disney World

Toddlerhood is such a fun and exciting time, but what happens when you completely change everything a toddler knows to take them someplace wonderful like Walt Disney World? Smiles, laughter, meltdowns, tears, and memories for all. These tips will hopefully make the memories happy and the meltdowns few.

1. 1. Don’t over Schedule. Disney World is often a once and a lifetime trip for families and as a result families try to fit in as much as possible. Before going to Walt Disney World decide what the goal is. Is it going to be to see all the characters or do just a handful of rides? The special ones that each member of the family has dreamed about going on or seeing. Try to stay on the same schedule you have at home. Toddlers don’t understand time change so if possible try to keep things as close to the home schedule as possible with meal times, nap times, and bedtimes. Another idea to consider is maybe going on multiple Disney World Vacations. 
      

      This is a picture of my daughter that fell asleep in the restaurant because we didn’t make take a nap for a couple of days.

2. Schedule quiet time.  Try to be at the Disney World parks right when they open.  You are able to get rides and characters met before things get really crowded.  Then in the middle of the day go back to your room and either have that nap, play in the pool, or just chill for a little while.  Then return to the parks when they might not be as crowded.  If you can’t get back to your room, there are Baby Care Centers in each park that are quiet and you can just chill for a few minutes.
3. Bring a stroller and a change of clothes.  Yes, my kids like to walk but it was sure nice to let them sit when they get tired and be able to keep moving. Remember that starting May 1, 2019, Disney will be adjusting the stroller sizes that are allowed in the park. No wider than 31” and 52” long or smaller and no wagons. Our umbrella stroller worked great! A change of clothes can save you a lot of time.  Disney World has lots of places to get wet and sometimes there are accidents.

4. Let your toddler eat. Toddlers can have a hard time eating when we would like to especially when there are so many fun distractions.  You can bring food into the parks so I recommend bringing a couple of their favorite snack foods. There are places to buy snacks of all kinds almost everywhere you look, but sometimes you need to have something ready to prevent a meltdown because they just can’t wait.
5. Take Pictures and use the Memory Maker. The Memory Maker is a way to use unlimited digital Disney PhotoPass photos. There are PhotoPass photographers scattered throughout the parks to take pictures of you with your family. It’s great, everyone gets to be in the picture and you get pictures from rides, character greetings, and character dining experiences. Also, take lots of your own pictures. My kids were toddlers when we started going to Disney and they don’t remember a lot, but what they do remember are moments that were photographed. We also have fun reenacting some of those first memories on our repeat visits.

Created by Anastasia Cate

Thanks for checking out our 5 tips for taking toddlers to Walt Disney World. Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments or over on my facebook page. 

Anastasia Cate

My family and I live in Colorful Colorado where we enjoy horseback riding, four-wheeling, and most of all traveling. My favorite destination is Walt Disney World. Let me plan your next vacation. I’ll take care of the hassles and you can just enjoy the memories.