Tips for Taking Small Children to Disney World
Advice for Bringing Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers to Theme Parks
Jan 30, 2009
A child’s first trip to Disney should be magical for everyone, and it helps when parents can control some of the less-kid-friendly aspects of theme park visits. In a January 2009 interview, certified Gifted and Special Education teacher and 7-year Disney season passholder Amy Moreland shares the secrets she and her husband Thomas have discovered through 25 plus trips to Disney with babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Baby Care at Disney
If a family only has one day at Disney, the Magic Kingdom is a must. When it comes time to change a diaper, nurse a child to sleep or warm up a meal, Moreland recommends the baby station located near the front of the park. Special dimly-lit rooms with rocking chairs are available for breastfeeding mothers and several clean, comfy changing tables mean no waiting to swap out a diaper.
Says Moreland, “There’s a wonderful lady who staffs the place. She will hold your baby if you need to go to the bathroom or warm up a bottle for you.” Another area sports high chairs and toddler-sized furniture and tables with a Disney movie playing in the background. “It’s a great place for a pit stop,” says Moreland. “Well worth the trip back to the front of the park.”
Moreland offers another tip to fellow mothers of nursing infants and toddlers: “The People Mover in Tomorrowland is another good nursing spot. It’s a smooth, quiet ride and toddlers and preschoolers seem to love it.” Some of the other rides may be too crowded or jerky for comfortable nursing.
Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom offer baby stations as well, and don’t worry about forgetting the sunscreen or running out of diapers or wipes. Almost any baby product imaginable is available for sale right there. Another important piece of baby information: kids under 3 get into the parks for free.
Tips for Waiting in Long Lines with Small Children
When asked how she keeps her kids happy in the long lines for character greetings and rides, Moreland says, “I let the kids decide if they want to wait in line to meet a character.” Sometimes her four-year-old daughter will be willing to wait, sometimes not. With her two-year-old son, sometimes Moreland and her husband will split up. She’ll wait in line with the older child while Thomas takes the little one out of line to do something else and meets up with them closer to the front.
“The Winnie the Pooh ride is by a little playground,” she hints. There are several little playgrounds around Magic Kingdom where even older preschoolers like to romp for a change of pace. “You have to be pretty selfless when you go with your toddlers,” admits Moreland. “It has to be about them.”
Fastpasses are available at most of the major rides to help alleviate long line waits. Ticketholders simply approach the fastpass area at the beginning of the ride and swipe their tickets. A slip of paper will emerge with a time window when they can come back and walk right onto the ride.
Parents who want to ride the bigger attractions, but need to split up for childcare reasons can approach the Fastpass attendant for a babysitter pass. One parent can go on the ride while the other stays behind with the kids. Then the babysitter pass allows the second parent to skip the line for her turn.
Strollers and Slings at Disney
Visitors are always welcome to bring their own strollers to Disney, and there are single and double strollers available for rental at the entrance of every park. Single strollers cost $15 a day and doubles cost $31. Families visiting multiple parks in a day will only need to pay one rental fee.
The Morelands find their sit and stand stroller to be a lifesaver. Even though their four-year-old can walk most times, when she needs a break she can hop on the back for a ride. Slings are a great way to tote a baby or toddler around as well. Since strollers aren’t allowed on rides or in many shows, having a sleeping child strapped to dad or mom’s back allows everyone else to keep on going.
Food Choices for Toddlers at Disney
Moreland admits that kids’ meals at the Magic Kingdom have improved over the years. Choices now include peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, applesauce, carrot sticks and grapes, and there is even a kid-sized salad with chicken option. Moreland recommends splitting one meal between two small children. “The meals are big and sometimes the kids are too excited to eat very much.” The Magic Kingdom also has several fruit stands around the park for a healthy bite later in the day, although eating strictly in the parks can be pricey. Check out tips for saving money on food at Disney World without sacrificing fun.
As far as the best rides to take the little ones on and where to see Mickey or the Disney fairies, Moreland offers her advice on these must-see toddler attractions at the Magic Kingdom. There are also special events throughout the year geared at toddlers and preschoolers and lots of attractions for them at Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom as well.
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