Sanity-Saving Tips For Walt Disney World with a Baby or Toddler

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort with a baby or a toddler can be a dream vacation…or not. There are many factors that may play into the success of such an endeavor. But the most important one is you (or the adult bringing the child) prepare for it. Taking a few moments (or hours) to plan, prepare, and research can make the difference between the best vacation of your life and a nerve-wracking, stress-filled trip.

Related: Disney Dad Training: 5 Child-Carrying Pro Tips for Every Park Scenario

Strollers are a must when visiting a Walt Disney World Resort theme park. Regardless of which one you visit, a full day is a lot of walking, even for adults. So if you have a baby who doesn’t walk, you’ll obviously not want to carry them the entire day. And if you have a baby or toddler who CAN walk, it’s still likely they will need to be pushed in the stroller at least half of the time.

It’s also important to note that depending on the time you visit, your child may want or need the stroller to escape excessive sun exposure or the unreliable Florida rain.

You can choose to rent a stroller through Walt Disney World or bring your own. Some guests find it easier to bring their own so their little one can enjoy the same comfort level and space as home. However, bringing your own stroller will come with the risk of it getting scuffed, stained, or damaged.

Related: Disney Parks Officially Enforce Stroller Ban

If you rent from Walt Disney World Resort, it will cost you $15 for a single stroller for one day or $31 for a double stroller for one day. (There are discounts for multi-day strollers). Whether you bring your own stroller or rent one from Disney World, it’s always best practice to label it with your name and/or mark it in some way with balloons, stickers, etc. Nothing is more frustrating than exiting a ride or show and being unable to find it because it looks like every other stroller in the park.

And to that point, it’s important to note that Disney cast members will enforce stroller parking as you enter any show or attraction. If you fail to park the strollers properly, you may exit an attraction and find that they have been moved to a designated stroller parking location. This is often due to the cast members having to keep walkways clear for characters, crowds, and sometimes even parades.

Related: Taking a Disney Cruise With a Baby or Toddler? Here’s What You Need to Know.

In addition, strollers are not allowed in most ride lines or theaters, meaning you will have to carry your little one and sit them on your lap during most rides or shows.

Baby Care Centers

Each Walt Disney World Resort theme park has a Baby Care Center location. These helpful facilities provide roomy changing tables, baby and toddler supplies (snacks, diapers, and wipes), nursing areas, and often family restrooms.

Although the “amenities” and size of these care centers vary between the four theme parks, each still provides a useful oasis for families in need. If nothing else, they provide a much better place to change diapers or take your little ones to the restroom vs the public facilities throughout the parks.

Magic Kingdom’s Baby Care Center is located between the Crystal Palace and Casey’s Corner near the end of Main Street, U.S.A.

EPCOT’s Baby Care Center is located between the World Showcase and Test Track in the Odyssey Center.

Related: The Worst (and Best) Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center is inside the theme park’s Guest Services building.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Baby Care Center is in Discovery Island (located close to a Starbucks within Creature Comforts). And sidenote: this is by far the best Baby Care Center at Walt Disney World.

Plan Breaks

Scheduling mini-breaks throughout a Disney Park day can be a lifesaver. This piece of advice is often given to anyone visiting Walt Disney World Resort, but it’s especially useful when visiting with a baby or a toddler. Taking an hour or two to relax, cool down (if visiting in the summer), and decompress can help keep everyone calm and happy.

Related: Travel Expert Passionately Defends Disney’s Value Resorts

There are three good ways to take breaks with your little one. The first is two spend some time at the previously mentioned Baby Care Centers. Certain locations (specifically Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT) provide some play areas, tables to eat at, and some space to move around.

Another way to take a beak without leaving the park is to plan a leisurely sit-down meal. A nice hour-long break while eating at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom or Tiffins at Animal Kingdom can really take the edge off without sacrificing time or stepping outside the Disney bubble.

The third option, is to head back to your hotel room for a little R and R. It also provides something these other locations don’t – a perfect spot to take a nap! Although some people don’t like this idea since it “wastes time” by leaving the park and coming back. But that “wasted time” may make it easier for your little one to stay to park closing when you return and perhaps prevent them from throwing a tantrum or being exposed to the elements without a proper break.

Know Your Child

This one may seem kind of obvious, but is worth mentioning. Knowing your child’s limit you can help avoid a lot of triggers for them. For example, some dark rides or even shows can be scary for little ones. Just because the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean are family-friendly rides, that doesn’t mean your baby or toddler won’t be scared of the darkness, loud noises, or creepy elements.

Likewise, it’s important to know your child’s limits when it comes to how long they can go in the park before needing a nap or snack. Or how long they can last on something that’s not as exciting to them, such as the Hall of Presidents or Spaceship Earth.

Some of this may require a little bit of research regarding which rides are considered scary for young ones, too.

Take Photos!

Take lots of photos! Your children are only young once. Even if you (or they) visit Walt Disney World Resort every year, each time will be different. They will change, you will change, and the park itself will change!

Best Attractions at Magic Kingdom Park for a Baby or Toddler

Magic Kingdom Park offers the highest number of baby-friendly rides out of any Orlando theme park. Many of the classic Disney attractions have zero requirements for height, weight, age, etc. Most rides, including Dumbo, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and The Walt Disney World Railroad, all allow babies and toddlers to sit on their parent’s lap.

Similarly, the littlest guests can enjoy any show. This would include The Country Bear Jamboree, the Enchanted Tiki Room, stage productions at Cinderella Castle, nighttime fireworks, and even daily parades. But among these many attractions, here are a few must-dos!

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Located in the “New Fantasyland” area of the park, this walkthrough attraction/show transports guests into the world of Beauty and the Beast (1991). Enchanted Tales with Belle invites guests to relive the day that Belle fell in love with the Beast. After passing through a magical door, guests are given the roles of characters from Beauty and the Beast, and reenact the story with the help of fellow cast members, in front of Belle herself!

Peter Pan’s Flight

One of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom Park (with one of the longest lines) is this dark ride based off of Peter Pan (1953). Guests board a flying pirates ship and take off high above London and Neverland with Peter and the Darling children. Guests can see favorite characters and locations from the film and truly feel as though they are soaring. Toddlers will love the experience of flying and feeling like they are on board Captain Hook’s ship as he faces off with Peter Pan.

Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

This baby and toddler-friendly ride brings the story of Ariel to life. The dark ride has guests board pink clamshells and move through a series of scenes that retell the story of The Little Mermaid (1989). Little fans of Ariel will love seeing the audio-animatronic versions of her and her friends, as well as hear sounds from the animated movie such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”

“it’s a small world”

This classic attraction can be found in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland just across from Peter Pan’s Flight. Guests are invited to set sail on “the happiest cruise there ever was.” Brightly colored boats bring guests through different rooms, each themed to a different continent or country. Dolls dressed in culturally appropriate outfits appear in every room cheerfully singing “It’s A Small World” while surrounded by brightly colored props.

Best Attractions at EPCOT for a Baby or Toddler

While EPCOT has a reputation for being the most adult-friendly Park at Disney World, it can be just as enjoyable for a baby or toddler. So let’s explore the best attractions for little Disney guests!

Frozen Ever After

Based on the popular movie Frozen (2013), this dark boat ride is a favorite among many toddlers and young children.

It has no height restrictions, so even infants can ride on their parent’s lap. Located in the Norway Pavilion, it takes Guests through a retelling of the movie and features Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven and includes “Let it Go!” But be warned there is a tiny drop or two!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

One of the newest rides at EPCOT, this indoor dark ride is in the France Pavilion. Ideal for babies, toddlers, or any child, it has no height requirement. Guests board little rat-like vehicles and scurry around the kitchen, dining room, and walls of Gusteau’s Paris restaurant from the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille (2007).

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

This slow-moving boat ride is located inside the Mexico Pavilion. Although it is an older ride in the park, it’s not considered a classic and often has a short line. Guests board a boat and sail through scenes in Mexico featuring Donald Duck and his friends from The Three Caballeros (1944). It also has no height restriction, making it appropriate for little ones.

Spaceship Earth

This classic attraction is located inside the park iconic giant sphere. It’s slow-moving, calm, and quiet, and takes riders through the history of communication and technology from around the world. Appropriate for all ages, it has no height restrictions, making it safe for babies (and may perhaps be a good “nap” ride).

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Although some adults may find aspects of this controversial ride dated or annoying, its simple ride system and basic effects may appeal to young children. It explores the five senses through sound effects, visual gags, and scents, and has no height restrictions.

The Seas With Nemo & Friends

Babies or toddlers who love Finding Nemo (2003) will enjoy this slow-moving ride through various aquariums. Guests board little clamshells and meet characters from the film who are projected in natural water aquariums along with actual fish. Like the other attractions on this list, it has no height or age restrictions, making it perfect for a baby or toddler.

Character Meet and Greets

EPCOT is one of the best places to meet characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to classic friends such as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, many other characters can be found within the various countries of the World Showcase.

For example, you may find characters from Alice In Wonderland (1951) in the United Kingdom, friends from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) in Germany, and Elsa and Anna from Frozen (2013) in Norway. And since most families meet characters when visiting Magic Kingdom Park or other parks, EPCOT’s character lines tend to be shorter. And short lines are always good for babies and toddlers.

Best Attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a Baby or Toddler

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is often considered to be a park that appeals to older guests. It doesn’t have quite the scope of attractions for little ones as Magic Kingdom Park. However, you can easily fill an entire day catering to rides and shows appropriate for babies and toddlers. Let’s go through them!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

This newer dark ride at the center of the park has no height restrictions, making it a fun adventure for the whole family. It can be rough at times (so hold onto your child!), it’s a unique experience that most little ones will enjoy (especially if they are fans of Mickey Mouse). But as a newer ride located front and center, it often has a longer wait.

Disney Junior Play and Dance!

This is a fantastic indoor attraction for a baby, toddler, or young child. Characters from various Disney Junior shows hop on stage and teach little ones simple dance moves. It’s indoor location also makes it a great spot to cool off on hot days or escape the Florida rain. Due to its location in Animation Courtyard (a slower area of the park with few attractions) there is rarely a wait. It’s also near many Disney Junior character meet-and-greets.

Toy Story Mania!

This is a fun ride for the whole family (if sometimes a little too overstimulating). It’s a Toy Story-themed arcade ride where guests wear 3D glasses and shoot at screens. It incorporates many visual effects that depict you knocking over bottles and breaking plates like an old-fashioned midway. This too has no height requirements, making it an excellent ride for babies or toddlers.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

This show retells the story of Frozen (2013) with live actors and clips from the movie. It includes all the songs from the classic film and even projects lyrics on screen so guests can sing along.

Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage

This is another live-action show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that retells an animated classic. Shorter than the previously mentioned Frozen (2013) show, it presents a condensed version of Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Fantasmic!

There’s no better way to cap off a trip at Disney’s Hollywood Studios than staying for the nighttime show Fantasmic! If your little one can stay awake for it, it’ll definitely be a wow-factor. The unique presentation uses fireworks, water projections, fire effects, and costumed characters to tell an original story about the power of dreams and imagination.

Best Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a Baby or Toddler

If your baby or toddler loves animals, this may be the perfect theme park to visit. Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides little ones with not only a chance to meet real animals, but also watch some amazing shows and enjoy a couple of simple and safe rides.

Na’vi River Journey

This is a slow-moving boat ride in Pandora – the World of Avatar. Most babies or toddlers may not know much about Avatar (2009). After all, it’s not like The Lion King (1994) or The Little Mermaid (1989). However, it still provides a serene boat ride that includes bioluminescence scenery and interesting special effects. And this ride is also one that has no height requirements, making it safe for all ages.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

This famous attraction of Animal Kingdom also has no height restrictions. Perhaps one of the most popular rides at this theme park, it’s unique setup ensures that no two rides will ever be the same. Even though, it has no restrictions on babies or toddlers riding it, parents will want to keep them secure. There are a few bumpy spots on the ride and kids (of all ages) are required to be securely put in the middle for safety.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! and Festival of The Lion King

This pair of live shows are very different in their executions, music, and style. However, both are must-see attractions for first-time guests, and will undoubtably entertain babies, toddlers, and young kids alike.

While Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! uses expressive puppets to retell the movie, the Festival of The Lion King focuses more on acrobatics and audio-animatronics.

TriceraTop Spin

TriceraTop Spin is an aerial carousel located in Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland, USA section. Similar to Dumbo or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom Park, this simple ride also has no height requirements yet may have just enough thrill to excite young children.

Character Meet and Greets

Similar to EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great place to discover favorite Disney characters. It’s very easy to find and meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and even Moana at this theme park.

Final Notes

I hope these suggestions are helpful to you as you embark on your Walt Disney World Resort vacation! But the best advice will be to listen to your child and his or her needs.

What occupies, interests, or calms down one infant may not affect another. As a general rule, keeping them happy will make for a better vacation. Pushing them (or yourself) to the limit will only cause problems. Keeping them happy is essential to saving you your sanity!

This post is originally appeared on Disney Fanatic.