Traveling to Disney World with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. These parent-tested hacks make park days smoother, easier, and more magical.
It’s every parent’s dream to take their family to Walt Disney World, but there are a lot of factors that scare parents away, specifically those with toddlers. There are a lot of moving parts when traveling with toddlers to Disney World. Aside from mental preparation of what the parks will be like for your little one, the biggest fears and concerns associated with Disney are cost, weather, wait times, park crowds, and, of course, the idea that the trip will be a waste that a toddler (or plural) won’t remember.
I’ve been blessed enough to take my daughter along with me to Walt Disney World since she was barely seven weeks old, and initially, I had the same concerns and fears. After going with my daughter dozens of times, I’ve learned a ton of hacks that I’ve found useful, and it’s not about cost or typical experiences like rides that a lot of toddlers aren’t ready for. Instead, it’s all about working smarter and not harder, making it a trip that is fun, memorable, and as stress-free as possible. Here are my tricks of the trade to savor the magic.
Focus on Character Interactions and Dining Opportunities
Most toddlers are aware of Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang. through books, stuffed animals, and cartoons. It’s one thing for a growing child to see a character on a page or on the small screen, but it’s another for them to experience a life-sized version up close and personal. Their eyes will literally come to life. I guarantee that if your toddler gets to meet their favorite Disney character while at the park, you’re the parent of the year in their eyes.
Photo by Brenda Alexander
Be Selective About Rides
From my experience, it’s too time-consuming and hard for toddlers to understand the concept of a ride, especially because they aren’t true thrill seekers at this age. The lines are long, even with Lightning Lanes sometimes, which can make them antsy. For those who think their toddlers are ready for rides, start off simple with a carousel ride or something similar, and at a slow pace, to not traumatize them.
Photo by WDW Magazine Photography Team
Attend the Live Shows
One of my favorite perks of your WDW theme park ticket is the ability to see Broadway-style musicals live at the parks. From The Little Mermaid to Festival of the Lion King and beyond, there are 20-30 minute theater shows with music, dancing, and storytelling at every park every hour. The shows keep kids entertained, and they are also able to see a different version of storytelling, which can also serve as an educational component. The nighttime spectaculars are great as fireworks are a great way to end the night, and don’t forget the parades!
Enjoy Resort Amenities
This is probably the most underrated hack, especially the first time you go with your toddler. Yes, it would be great to fit in all four main parks in one trip, but that’s not only tiring, but it’s also an unrealistic expectation. It’s so much to fit in while you want your toddler to take everything in. Do adequate research ahead of time and pick one or two parks catered to your toddler’s liking/needs for them to experience instead of trying to do it all in one trip. It keeps kids and parents from getting burned out!
Photo by Danny Shuster
Pack Snacks
Yes, you can take snacks and beverages into the park. A Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bar is a cool treat, but to avoid the cost and possibly your toddler wasting it anyway, pack their faves and go.
Types of Travel Accessories Matter
Bulky travel accessories with multiple parts that are difficult to break down or put together will just be a headache. For toddlers on the smaller side, things like a Doona stroller or umbrella stroller will work just fine. As long as it’s not too heavy and there’s one storage component for a backpack with essentials for the day, you’re good. It saves time in an already hectic environment.
Bubble Wands Can Be Your Best Friend
Yes, Disney World is exciting to kids of all ages (Disney adults included). But it can be very overstimulating and intimidating for a toddler. Have entertaining toys and trinkets, like a bubble machine, that they can play with while they are traveling in the parks in their stroller/travel accessory. If you want to spend money, buy a character balloon at the park.
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Remember, Walt Disney World is supposed to be the Most Magical Place on Earth. You create the memories for your toddlers at this age.
