Traveling with Little Ones at Walt Disney World
Even if you’re a seasoned Walt Disney World visitor, traveling with babies and/or toddlers can be a totally different experience that requires a bit more flexibility and patience. Here are some ways to make the trip easier and more enjoyable for everyone when traveling with little ones at Walt Disney World!
Book a DVC Resort
DVC resorts are the perfect place to stay when you have young kids! Many of them have great locations near the parks, so you don’t have to worry about collapsing a stroller to board a bus. For example, if you stay at Bay Lake Tower or the Grand Floridian, you can either walk to Magic Kingdom or take the monorail for easy transportation. This way, you can make a quick exit for an afternoon nap.
DVC villas also provide extra space in the One Bedroom Villas and larger units. With separate rooms, you don’t have to worry as much about making a lot of noise while your child is napping or sleeping. They have full-size kitchens, which are convenient for everything from bottles and formula to easy meals and quick snacks. You can even have groceries delivered to your resort. Villas are also equipped with washers/dryers that can be very helpful with your little one’s messes.
Even if you stay in a Deluxe Studio, you will have a kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. DVC accommodations also have free access to laundry rooms that are located at each resort.
Regardless of which size room you choose, DVC resorts also have lots of amenities for your little one. For instance, you can always request a pack ’n play or a crib. Many of the resorts also have splash pads or playgrounds.
Take Sunshine Flyer for Ground Transportation
Sunshine Flyer provides convenient and affordable transportation between Orlando International Airport and your resort to help make your trip a breeze! The 1920s-rail-travel-themed motorcoaches get you to your destination in under 65 minutes. Staff are also on hand to help with luggage at the airport and your resort. The fare is $30 roundtrip for adults (13+) and $20 roundtrip for children (2-12).
Children 2 years of age and under can sit on the lap of an adult for free. If you use a car seat, it can be fastened with a 3-point harness seat belt at each seat. Car seats that are not being used can also be stowed in the storage compartment underneath the motorcoach.
Don’t Forget About Baby Care Centers in the Parks
If you ever need a place to nurse, feed, or change your little ones at Disney World, stop by the baby care center. There is one located in each of the four theme parks. Each is equipped with changing tables, private nursing rooms, kitchens with sinks and microwaves. This convenient locations also include a shop with baby food, formula, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and clothing for sale. Baby care centers are also nice quiet places for your child to take a break with a seating area and television.
Use Rider Swap
Just because your child isn’t tall enough to ride your favorite attraction doesn’t mean that you have to skip it. With rider swap, one parent can ride the attraction while the other waits outside with the child. Then the parents can swap places, and the second parent can ride without waiting in line a second time. Just speak to a cast member at the ride entrance for assistance.
Also note that infants are able to ride any of the attractions that do not have height requirements like “it’s a small world,” Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Na’vi River Journey. You may want to use a baby carrier since it’s easy to wear your baby on these rides.
Rent a Stroller
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of traveling with your own stroller to Disney World, you can rent one. The DVC Rental Store has a partnership with Kingdom Strollers, so you can get discounted rentals with free delivery and pickup from your resort. Strollers aren’t just for the very young kids either. With all the walking in the parks, even bigger kids can use them when they get tired. This way, you can avoid having overly tired kids, and you have a convenient place for little ones to nap.
Two stroller accessories that you may want to consider are clip fans that can attach to the stroller and keep your kids cool or a carabiner to attach extra items to the stroller instead of carrying them.
Enjoy the Play Areas
There are play areas in each of the four theme parks, and they are great places to take littles while adults and older kids are riding attractions. As a bonus, most of these areas are also in the shade or indoors with AC. Here’s where you can find the play areas:
Magic Kingdom
- The Laughin’ Place (by the Splash Mountain exit)
- Indoor Play Area at Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- You can play here even if you are not in queue for the ride.
- Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station (by Storybook Circus)
EPCOT
- Green Landing Family Play Zone (by Creations Shop)
- Interactive Exhibits at the Test Track Ride Exit
- The Aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Hollywood Studios
- Lightning McQueen Racing Academy Pre-Show Area
- Meet Cruz Ramirez and DJ from Cars 3!
Animal Kingdom
- The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A.
Above all, take your time and avoid overplanning your days since kids can be unpredictable. You likely won’t be able to do as many attractions per day as you may have on adult-only trips. Take the time to do whatever makes your little one happy, whether it’s meeting a favorite character or riding your child’s favorite attraction (repeatedly). Seeing Walt Disney World through your child’s eyes can be a very magical experience.
There are two ways to start planning your trip with little ones at Walt Disney World with DVC Rental Store: Check Availability or Browse Confirmed Reservations that have already been booked by DVC Members. You’ll have the support of the knowledgeable travel advisors at the DVC Rental Store and peace of mind from their Stress-Free Cancellation Policy!
