Walt Disney World with your Little Ones!
I have a secret to tell you. It may be shocking, but kids do not magically become perfectly behaved human beings when you cross over onto Disney property. I know, I know, I can’t believe it’s 2021 and Disney still hasn’t figured out a way to make a good-attitude forcefield around the parks. On all of the trips we’ve taken with our kids (now 3 and 5 years old), there have been meltdowns and tears—some from the kids, some from me.
Now that I’ve told you the bad news, let me fill you in on the good news. You can still have an amazing time at Disney with your kids regardless of their age! And here’s the even better news: I have some tips to share with you on how to make this happen!
• Baby Care Centers - In each of Disney’s four parks you will find a Baby Care Center! These are wonderful places of refuge for you and your baby. They have changing tables, nursing rooms, supplies like diapers, formula, wipes, baby food, etc., and the best part is that they have air conditioning! This is a great option if you and your baby need a quiet minute away from the busyness (and heat) of Disney. See below for pics of the Baby Care Center in Animal Kingdom!
• Strollers- Has your kid not used a stroller in years? Doesn’t matter. Bring or rent a stroller. Trust me on this one. You will do way more walking than you’re used to, and your kid may not be able to handle it. It’s especially wonderful to have if they get tired and need a nap but you don’t want to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day. Bonus tip: get a stroller poncho and stroller fans. They will help your kids stay cool while on the move and a poncho will keep the stroller dry in case of those pop-up rain showers,
• You know your kid - You know your kid better than anyone else. If you think they will need a break at the hotel in the middle of the day, plan for that. If you think they could only handle half a day in the parks and would want to spend the rest of the day at the resort pool, plan for that. Make the trip work for you and your crew!
• Go with the flow - Disney is wonderful, magical, and amazing, and as exciting as it can be for kids, it can also be a lot. Plan your days how you want them to go but also be willing to adjust and change things if they need to change for the sake of what’s best for your family.
I have loved taking my kids to Disney. Nothing beats their reactions to the magic, and I am a huge advocate that no kid is too young for a Disney trip. Honestly, the really little ones are usually the easiest! You either strap them into a baby carrier or put them in the stroller! They will spend their time looking around and taking in all of the sights and sounds, or they will go to sleep—easy!)
Enjoy your trip and make as many magical memories with your babies as you can!
A blog by Madison Johnson, Disney Genie
