As parents, my partner and I embarked on the thrilling yet daunting journey of taking our toddler to Disney World. The excitement was palpable, but so were the concerns about managing the chaos of the parks with a little one in tow. Here are my best tips for navigating the magic of Disney World with a toddler, including a list of park essentials.
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Table of Contents
Preparing for the Trip
Choosing the right time to visit was crucial for us, especially considering that toddlers under the age of 3 enter for free. We opted for the summer season as my husband is a school teacher and is on summer vacation as well. Booking accommodations close to the parks is essential to minimize travel time and keep toddlers comfortable throughout the trip. Ordering all of the essentials from Amazon a week before going, ensured we were ready for anything the day threw at us.
Managing Expectations
Setting realistic expectations for your toddler is key. While we were eager to experience everything Disney had to offer, we understood that our little one had limitations. We prepared ourselves for shorter park days and frequent breaks to recharge our toddler’s energy. This involved getting to the park even before it opened to ensure we could get on as many rides as possible with less of a wait time, and prior to our toddler’s naptime.
Navigating the Parks
Choosing toddler-friendly attractions was a game-changer. The park we chose to take our toddler to was Magic Kingdom. From gentle rides like “It’s a Small World” to interactive shows, we curated our itinerary to suit our toddler’s interests. Utilizing FastPass options can help to minimize wait times and maximize your time in the parks, ensuring a seamless experience for the whole family.
Coping with Meltdowns
Despite our best efforts, meltdowns were inevitable. Recognizing signs of fatigue and overstimulation allowed us to intervene before things escalated. Finding quiet spots to take a breather and regroup was essential, whether it was a shaded bench or a peaceful corner in one of the parks.
Making Memories
Capturing the magic through photos and videos became a cherished part of our Disney experience. Seeing our toddler’s eyes light up at the sight of their favorite characters and engaging in delightful meet-and-greets made every moment unforgettable. To commemorate our magical adventure, we created keepsakes like pressed pennies and personalized souvenirs.
Safety Considerations
Keeping our toddler safe in crowded areas was our top priority. We invested in a reliable stroller with plenty of storage for essentials and made sure to apply sunscreen regularly to protect our little one from the sun’s rays. Familiarizing ourselves with the lost child protocols gave us peace of mind, knowing that there were procedures in place to reunite families quickly.
Essentials for Going to Disney World with a Toddler
Stroller: You will 100% want to bring a stroller with you to Disney for your toddler. If you choose not to bring one, you will likely end up spending a fortune to rent one. If your toddler is anything like mine, they will want to do nothing but run around when you first get to the park. However, after a little while in the sun, they will be begging you to carry them. A stroller gives your toddler a place to rest while giving you a break from chasing them.
I highly recommend bringing a stroller rain cover as well, as Florida is unpredictable for rain showers. If it looks cloudy out, put the stroller cover on while you’re waiting in line for a ride. No one wants to come off of a ride and sit in a soaking wet stroller.
Lastly, bring a stroller tag or place something noticeable on your stroller. There will be a lot of other strollers parked outside of rides with yours, and you don’t want to lose track of which one belongs to you.
Portable Fan: A portable stroller fan is essential for your trip to Disney World. It will get unbearably hot without a little fan to cool down your toddler, especially in that stroller seat. I recommend getting one that sprays water as well, for an extra cool down.
Sunscreen: You’ll want to apply plenty of all-natural sunscreen to your toddler before you get to the park in the morning. This will give it plenty of time to soak into their skin prior to sweating or playing in water at the park. Remember also to pack it in your backpack that you’re taking into the park with you so you can reapply throughout the day.
Sunhat: This one is very dependent on your toddler. My son doesn’t keep hats on. Like at all. However, if your toddler is more cooperative than mine, then a UPF-protected sunhat is perfect for giving their sensitive skin extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Bathing Suit and Water Shoes: Water shoes are a must for Disney World as there are splash pads for your toddler to run through. Your toddler will not appreciate soggy shoes, and I’m sure you won’t want them going barefoot. You can also bring a bathing suit for them to play in the water in, or simply pack an extra pair of clothes so when the first set gets wet, you can put your toddler in dry clothes. You may also want to bring a waterproof bag to place the wet clothes into so they don’t get everything else in your backpack wet.
Diapers, Wipes, and Diaper Cream: Depending on whether or not your toddler is potty trained, you’ll want to pack plenty of diapers, wipes, and diaper cream for the whole day.
Sanitizer Wipes: Hundreds of people visit these parks daily, and you never know what is on different surfaces. I recommend bringing sanitizer wipes for your child’s hands especially if they like to hang on the railings while waiting in lines for rides. It’s also a good idea to have in case you can’t get to a bathroom before your toddler demands a snack.
Stick-on Placemat: Speaking of snacks and germs, these stick-on placemats are perfect for when you are going to sit down at a bench to eat. My toddler loves picking food up and then placing it on the table. Using these has helped us to prevent him from putting his food on dirty surfaces.
Cooler: My toddler is one of the pickiest eaters, I swear. He loves rice cakes, pretzels, and fruit. Nothing. Else. It is essential for us to pack snacks that our son will actually eat throughout the day. If you want to avoid spending an arm and a leg for a meal your toddler may not even eat, then pack a cooler with plenty of snacks. It’s also a good idea to freeze a bunch of water and other drinks that you will want throughout the day and place them in the cooler. You’ll have plenty to drink throughout the day, and it will stay cool since you froze them. Don’t worry, the Florida sun is hot enough that it will melt. Remember to bring your child’s favorite spill-proof sippy cup as well.
Small Toys: This is optional since you will be a Disney World, and your toddler may just ask you to buy them toys in the gift shops anyway. However, small toys may be good to have on hand for waiting in long lines or when sitting down to eat.
Cash: You never know when credit card machines may go down. I always like to carry cash on us, just in case we need it.
After the Trip to Disney World with a Toddler
Reflecting on our Disney adventure filled us with gratitude for the memories we created as a family. Adjusting back to our everyday routines was seamless, but the magic of Disney lingered in our hearts. As we began planning future trips with our toddler, we couldn’t help but feel excited about the adventures that lay ahead.
Conclusion
Taking our toddler to Disney World was a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable moments. While it had its challenges, the joy of seeing our little one experience the magic of Disney made it all worthwhile. As we reflect on our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for the memories we created and the bond we strengthened as a family. Disney will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to return for more magical adventures in the years to come.
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