Posted by: Caitlin Kane August 16, 2022
The Walt Disney World Resort is a wonderful vacation destination that offers Guests of all ages the opportunity to feel like a kid at heart and enjoy classics and thrilling experiences throughout the Disney Parks. While there is magic to be found all around, and seeing the wonder of it all through the eyes of a child is incredible, the thought of making it through a long and hot Walt Disney World vacation with babies and toddlers might seem like more of a nightmare. While it can definitely be stressful traveling with children that small, there are some great tips and tricks that parents can use to help their babies and toddlers (and themselves!) have a magical and fun vacation from start to finish. Let’s check out some simple tips to help make any Walt Disney World Resort vacation with young kids unforgettable!
It might seem obvious to pack extra clothing when preparing at home for an upcoming vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort, but a great way to determine just how much to pack for a baby or toddler can be tricky. A great rule of thumb when thinking about the number of outfits needed is to plan on having two extra changes of clothes per child at all times, plus an extra set of shoes. This ensures that parents are prepared for anything and everything that comes their way, from blowouts to spills and more. Not stressing that you’re down to the last shirt allows parents the chance to relax more and take in the magic of the vacation together. Also, be sure to pack some empty Ziploc bags each day to put any clothes that have become dirty or wet inside!
No one wants to do laundry while on vacation, especially at the Walt Disney World Resort, but sometimes there are just stains and spills with little ones that need to be taken care of. One easy and simple way to avoid having to run laundry at the provided facilities at each Disney Resort is by packing a small (spill-proof!) container of baby detergent to keep in the room. If anything becomes soiled or truly needs a wash while on vacation, parents can easily give it a scrub in the sink or bathtub and hang the item to dry without worrying about wasting time waiting on laundry machines.
Babies and toddlers require a mind-boggling amount of things, and there seems to be an inverse relationship between the amount of stuff needed and the size of the baby. To avoid packing what feels like entire suitcases full of supplies for the kids, parents should plan on using convenient services like Instacart and Amazon Prime to ship bulky items directly to their Disney Resorts. The staff at the Disney Resort can sign for any deliveries and will even hold non-perishables at bell services, making the whole process super easy. Some great items to send ahead to save bulk and weight in luggage include diapers, swim diapers, wipes, sunscreen, snacks, beverages, and more.
Many parents remember to think about swim diapers for days spent splashing and playing in the pool areas at the Disney Resorts, but it’s also a great idea to carry one or two in the Disney Parks on any given day. Babies and toddlers love to play in the water, and there are several splash areas throughout the Disney Parks, including the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in the Magic Kingdom and a small splash area near the walkway that connects World Celebration and World Showcase in EPCOT. These areas are huge hits with babies and toddlers, and parents will be thankful when they have a swim diaper on hand to put on to avoid leaks or issues easily.
The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom all feature a Baby Care Center which is a fantastic resource for parents on so many levels. In addition to cute themes, the Baby Care Centers feature quiet rooms to nurse, changing stations, high chairs, microwaves, rocking chairs for soothing, and so much more. The centers also feature small areas of items for purchase including diapers, wipes, pacifiers, pain relievers, soap, bibs, and more. No matter what the situation, Baby Care Centers are great locations for parents of babies and toddlers to soak up some air conditioning and relaxing atmospheres and comfortable recharge everyone before continuing on with the day.
Babies and toddlers might seem small, but they can be heavy, especially before they confidently walk and need to be carried. Many attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort have no height restrictions, making them wonderful options for the entire family to enjoy together, but those experiences also do not allow strollers into the queues, which can quickly become an issue when having to hold a child. A great way to avoid some serious arm fatigue is by baby wearing a carrier that is comfortable for both the parent and child. This allows for hands-free access while keeping everyone comfortable throughout both the queue and the attraction, and everyone will be much happier for it.
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The final tip that parents of babies and toddlers should definitely keep in mind when enjoying a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is knowing some strategic areas to get those crazy wiggles and bursts of energy out. Whether it’s a toddler who’s a little too wound up or a little one who is just learning to walk and needs to move on their own for a bit, there are some great pathways and quieter areas throughout the Disney Parks where little ones can explore safely on their own under the supervision of parents. Some great options for getting some energy out include the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and the Tree of Life Trails in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Swiss Family Treehouse in the Magic Kingdom (for those who can safely maneuver stairs), the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT, and the Disney Jr. Dance Party, and the street that formerly housed Pixar Place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
DisneyDining.com is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. Official information can be found at DisneyParks.com