My Top Hacks and Tips for Going to Disney World With Toddlers
Disney World can be a bit daunting if it’s your first time, or your first time in a while! Sometimes, you may not even know what questions to ask trusty Google. I’ve laid out my top tips and hacks for Disney World with toddlers so hopefully you come prepared and have the most magical Disney vacation!
If you’re looking for more specific information about rides and attractions, you may be interested in these articles:
Tips for Going on Rides with Toddlers in Disney World
Check height requirements before your trip!
And check your toddler’s height! You don’t want to promise them their very first roller coaster on Barnstormer only to find out they aren’t tall enough when you arrive!
Choose a few “must-do” rides
My family likes to make a “3 things” list before our trip. That’s three things each person wants to prioritize for the entire trip. If they do those three things, it was a successful trip. I’ve heard of other families each picking one thing per day.
However you do it, it’s best to have realistic expectations about what you can actually do in a day at Disney World. Don’t forget to factor in lines, eating, bathrooms, and photo opportunities, transit time between attractions, stroller parking, and any shows or parades you may stop to enjoy!
It’s all magical. And all part of the experience… not just the rides. Though those are fun, too. And for an overview of all the best rides for two year olds in Disney World, luckily for you, I’ve outlined it all in the article Best Disney World Rides for 2 Year Olds at All the Parks.
Utilize Rider Swap
If there are “big kid” rides that your toddler can’t do, or doesn’t want to do, you can use rider swap to make sure all the adults and big kids get to enjoy the attraction. Here's how:
- Approach a cast member at the entrance to the ride. They will scan your magic band (or ticket) and the magic band of the person you want to ride with.
- You will stay with your toddler while everyone else waits in line and goes on the ride. In the meantime, you can go on a “little kid” ride, get an ice cream, etc.
- When they are done, you and the other person whose magic band was scanned will enter the Lightning Lane entrance. You’ll have a shortened version of the line and that other person will end up getting to ride twice!
Find designated stroller parking
Every ride has designated stroller parking. If you don’t park in a designated section, a cast member will move your stroller!
Also, even if you park in designated stroller parking, cast members sometimes rearrange strollers to consolidate the area or to “tidy” it up a bit. So if you exit the ride and your stroller isn’t where you left it, don’t freak out! Look around and it should be near.
Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass
This one could be controversial. I know, it does add up. But with a toddler, not having to stand in long lines will save everyone's sanity. And not having to plan your rides and activities only based on what has a reasonable line will just help with the overall magical experience.
You’ve already paid a Sh-load of money to be there. Don’t waste it by not spending that bit of extra money and then standing in hour long lines all day.
Keep your valuables in a small purse or backpack
You can bring small bags or purses on rides. Bring your valuables in these bags, and leave anything extra in the stroller. Snacks, changes of clothes, and spare diapers don’t need to be lugged on every ride with you!
Tips for Navigating the Parks and Other Attractions
Rent a stroller or bring your own!
A lot of walking happens in Disney World. Just to get from the front of Magic Kingdom to Dumbo is a little less than half a mile. You’re going to want a stroller.
If you bring your own, make sure it’s easy to collapse. Especially if you’re going to be spending time getting on and off buses. And wagons are not allowed in Disney World.
But you do not want to rent a Disney World stroller. They’re clunky to navigate, they don’t provide any storage space, and they’re uncomfortable for the kids.
If you rent from a company like Kingdom Strollers, you’ll end up paying the same amount over the course of a week and you’ll end up with a high quality (think, Baby Jogger), easy to collapse, comfortable, storage-filled, stroller that is yours for the week.
Plus, you don’t need to waste time every day renting one and returning it. Oh, and did I mention they deliver it and pick it up from the airport or your hotel for free?
Their website is really intuitive and easy to use, so for more information about their strollers and pricing, head on over to the Kingdom Strollers website.
Header | Disney Strollers | |
|---|---|---|
Comfortable | ❌ | ✅ |
Storage Space | ❌ | ✅ |
Rain Cover | ❌ | ✅ |
Easy to Maneuver | ❌ | ✅ |
Cost Per Day for 7 Days | $13 | $12.23+ |
Drink Holder | ❌ | ✅ |
Lays Back for Naps | ❌ | ✅ |
Weight Limit | 50lbs | 50-70lbs |
Have a way to identify your stroller
There are a lot of strollers in Disney World. Something as simple as a colorful bow on the handle can make it that much easier to spot in the sea of stroller parking.
Pro tip: I also keep an Air Tag in my stroller to track its location on my phone. It’s very possible for someone to accidentally take the wrong stroller. Or for a cast member to move it if you didn’t park it in the right place. Or for you to get turned around and forget where you even parked it!
Kids under 3 don’t need a park ticket
That’s right! And no, you don’t need to prove it. But be honest please, people.
Kids 3 and under don’t need Lightning Lane reservations
If you don’t have a ticket, there’s no way to make a Lightning Lane reservation! If others in the party are going through the Lightning Lane, your little one comes along, too!
Test the waters with character meet and greets
You really don’t know how your toddler is going to react to characters. Will they run and hide? Will they be hesitant but actually enjoy it? Or will they run up and give Piglet the biggest hug a toddler could possibly give? Or maybe they warm up more and more with each character.
Release all expectations and follow your toddler’s lead on this one.
You really don’t know until you’ve tried it. So test out the waters before dedicating a Lightning Lane to meeting Mickey. It’s meant to be fun, right? You can get a lot of other memorable pictures during your vacation.
Use the My Disney Experience app!
Not only can you book Lightning Lanes, but you can see when the next showtimes are for things like Frozen Ever After, parades, and Festival of the Lion King. You can also see wait time estimates for lines. You can even order quick service meals right from line, and then schedule a pick up for when you get off the ride!
I recommend familiarizing yourself with the app before you go with Youtube videos like this one.
Baby Care Centers Are for Toddlers, too
There is a Baby Care Center at every park. Some are nicer than others. Okay, the one at Hollywood Studios is pretty bad but better than nothing.
All the Baby Care Centers have vending machines or a “store” for anything from diapers, to wipes, to pouches, to puffs, etc. Some even have spare clothes, pacifiers, bibs, etc. for sale.
They also all have air conditioning, diaper changing areas, a movie playing with quiet seating, nursing areas, filtered cold water, and some even have child-sized toilets if your little one is potty trained!
I’ve used it with toddlers to fill up water bottles, change diapers, have a cool lap nap, and just have a break from the crowds and stimulation.
Nursing Room at Baby Care Center in Magic Kingdom
Be aware of Shows and Parade Times
Parades and shows can be a fantastic activity the whole family can enjoy and I’d definitely recommend prioritizing them on your trip! Check your My Disney Experience app to find out showtimes in your park for the day.
That being said, if you’re trying to get to a Lightning Lane or a dining reservation, you want to be aware of these showtimes (especially the parade!) as gathering crowds could slow you down as you’re walking through the parks.
Find the Play Areas
Sometimes, kids just want to be kids. They don’t want to be standing in a line, sitting on a ride, being pushed in a stroller, or contained in a highchair. There are a few areas throughout the parks that allow for some toddler free play.
In Magic Kingdom, check out Tom Sawyer Island or the indoor play area in the line for Dumbo. At EPCOT, head to the playground by the Creations Shop. And at Animal Kingdom, check out the Dino Dig play area.
Indoor Play Area at Dumbo
Take advantage of trains in Disney World
If you have a train loving toddler, you aren’t alone! Luckily for you, Walt Disney was a huge fan of trains himself.
You can, of course, ride the iconic Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom. It’s a fully functioning steam train that takes you to different sections of the park. And it even says “choo choo” and “toot toot” like your kids see in shows and books.
At Animal Kingdom, you can take the Wildlife Express Train. And in EPCOT you can see the model train village at the Germany pavilion.
Plan for Souvenirs in Your Budget and Your Suitcases
Some people recommend buying souvenirs before your trip to get them cheaper. I’m in the camp of arriving and seeing what your toddler really wants and just paying up.
Some souvenirs end up being a bit practical in the moment as well. Bubble wands become stroller entertainment. We once lost a shoe in the middle of the park. So my daughter got some Mickey Native shoes!
Just don’t forget when you’re packing - leave room for these inevitable additions to your suitcases on the way home.
Souvenirs you'll want to leave room for in your suitcases!
Bring Toys for Waiting in Line
Even with Lightning Lane, you may still find yourself waiting in lines on occasion. Or waiting for a show to start. Or waiting for a bus. You get the picture.
Some of our favorites are a small magnadoodle, some small figurines (this Anna and Elsa just love playing hide n’ seek at restaurants… who knew??), or some small cars.
Look for the stroller line at security
Before actually entering the parks, everyone needs to go through a security checkpoint. Luckily, they don’t check everyone’s bags anymore like they used to. But you will still need to walk through a detector with all of your belongings.
When you approach, there is always a dedicated line for strollers and wheelchairs. Only one adult goes through this line with the stroller. Your child can stay in the stroller.
You’ll need to remove all bags from the stroller and carry them through the detector with you. And you’ll need to put the sunshade out so they can check you don’t have anything stashed in there.
If your kiddo is little (like your toddler) they can stay seated in the stroller while you walk through the detector. If they’re bigger (like a 6 year old), they’ll likely be asked to get out and walk through the detector as well.
Bring at least one full change of clothes to the park
You never know when an ice cream will get dripped, when a splash pad will be found, or when a diaper will leak. Bring a change of clothes AND shoes every day!
Ponchos are the way to go
Skip the umbrellas and raincoats. Umbrellas are clumsy and you’ll end up hitting people around you. Raincoats are usually too hot.
I like to buy cheap ponchos like these that pack down small so you can bring them with you every day… just in case. They’re big enough to throw over a stroller as a rain cover. (But if you rent from Kingdom Strollers, they provide a rain cover for your stroller 🙌). And the ponchos are cheap enough to throw away when you’re done with them.
Bring plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
Remember those change of clothes you’re bringing? How about a wet poncho you’re choosing to keep? You don’t want to be stashing that stuff directly into the stroller or your backpack. Bring along some empty gallon sized bags for all the wet and dirties you may accumulate during your day at the park.
Transportation Can Be Fun, Too!
In addition to the trains we talked about earlier, there are a lot of other forms of transportation your toddler could find just as fun as some of the rides!
Don’t forget about the option to take the monorail, a boat, or even the skyliner between parks!
Hit the sweet spot with who you invite along
Sometimes, it helps to have additional helping hands with you. More people to assist with naps and stroller collapsing. And more people to share the magic with! And more adults to go on the “big kid” rides with!
More is not always merrier, though! Sometimes too many people can bring on too many opinions, and your Disney experience becomes a herding cats experience. Plus, it’s harder to get dining reservations and Lightning Lanes with more people.
I don’t know what the sweet spot is for you. But some things to consider could be how willing you are to ask these people for help. How comfortable your kids are with these people. How quickly they’ll want to move through the parks compared to you. Are they okay with splitting up sometimes? Or anything else that may be important to you!
If you can take an “off” day - do it!!
Disney World is a lot. A lot of fun. A lot of magic. But also a lot of stimulation. A lot of new experiences. A lot of changed schedules and routines.
I often find that even when taking afternoon breaks, and trying not to overextend ourselves, we often hit the “Day 4 Blues”. Everyone’s hitting their wall. And even when they’re trying their best to enjoy every moment, it becomes harder on day 4.
It doesn’t always make sense for us to take a break, but when we do, it always does wonders to reset everyone to fully enjoy the rest of the trip.
On your off day, sleep in! Go to the pool. Eat leisurely. Explore the amenities of your hotel (playgrounds, bocce ball, etc.). Rent bikes or go for a boat ride. Or play in your hotel room all day! Whatever you need to set everyone up for fully enjoying the remainder of your days in the parks.
Tips for Beating the Heat at Disney World with a Toddler
Take an afternoon break
I often find that if you push through the hot afternoon just to hit one more ride on your way out… and then one more… and then oh wait the parade is starting - might as well stay! You get the picture. If you do that, everyone (including you!) are going to end up HOT and cranky.
We like to take breaks in the afternoon back at our hotel. We use that time for naps in a cool, comfortable bed. For taking advantage of the pool at the hottest part of the day. Or for getting some nourishing and refreshing foods in our bellies without all the stimulation of the parks.
Then, we return to the parks in the early evenings refreshed and ready for some more fun. Also by then, the day is starting to cool off. And just look around, you can tell which families stuck it out and had marathon days. They look beat.
So, can you leave the Disney World parks and come back?
Yes! If you don’t have park hopper, you can leave the one park and come back to that same park just by scanning your magic band again at the entrance.
If you do have park hopper, you can leave your morning park and return in the evening to any park you want!
Take an ice cream break in the shade
There’s something so reviving about sitting down in the shade and enjoying an ice cream together. You’ll see the difference.
This past trip, we started with a toddler that was sitting in her stroller frowning and not motivated to do any rides. After ice cream? We had a toddler that was singing “Let it go” and dancing in circles around us. A very happy and revived child.
Ice Cream break at EPCOT
Find the splash pads
There are various splash pads and water play areas throughout the parks that are perfect for a quick (or long!) cool down. Just don’t forget the complete change of clothes and a plastic bag for the wet ones!!
At the Magic Kingdom, there’s a “wet zone” outside of Dumbo. Don’t forget about Journey of Water at EPCOT, plus another small one on the main path near Mission: Space. One time my baby brother fell into the fountain at the France pavilion. I don’t recommend that.
Take a break at the Baby Care Centers
I’ll say it again. The Baby Care Centers aren’t just for infants. They all have a little section with a tv and some seating. In the air conditioning. And it’s usually quiet in there. A nice break from the heat and stimulation.
Plus, you can fill up your water bottles with their filtered water. Change your toddler’s diaper somewhere more comfortable and equipped. Or let them use the little kid potty. After you’ve stocked up on a few pouches and puffs, had a quiet sit down, then reenter the park feeling refreshed.
Enjoy a Sit Down Meal
Sit down meals can be a whole (indoor, air conditioned) experience in themselves! Expensive? Yes. Sometimes worth the treat? Absolutely! And they can be a perfect way to make sure everyone’s eating enough (avoiding the hangrys), and to get out of the heat for an hour and a half.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a fun, all you can eat, family style restaurant that is very kid friendly. Both the food and the atmosphere. I mean, the kids ride into the restaurant on stick ponies.
You’re meant to be a toy in Andy’s toy box. So every so often everyone in the restaurant needs to freeze when Andy comes to open his toy box. I never once felt like I needed to “tame down” my kids. And they loved the food… and so did I!
Another thing we love to do is splurge on character meals. Then your meal provides both food and air conditioning and entertainment. Plus, you don’t have to wait in line (in the heat!) to meet some of your favorite characters.
I also love the added bonus that the character meet and greets are very low pressure at a character dining. Your toddler can choose to stay in their highchair and wave from afar, or they can choose to get up and give a big hug. There’s no pressure to perform, get the perfect picture because we stood in a giant line, etc.
Don’t forget to make these dining reservations 60 days in advance, or check your My Disney Experience app for last minute openings! You can cancel your reservation 24 hours in advance, so you may get lucky! This has certainly worked for us in the past. Yes, even for character dining!
Stick pony at Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Have a stroller fan or a spray fan
Wind and water can do so much for an overheating body. I love this fan that clips right on to the stroller, and the charge lasts all day.
We’ve also purchased a spray bottle with a fan from the parks, and it does wonders for cooling you off. But it leaks like crazy if it isn’t completely vertical. So we couldn’t stash it in the stroller or a bag at all. For my next trip, I’m going to look into buying one like this ahead of time.
Take advantage of indoor, sit down shows
Some shows are indoors and air conditioned… and you sit down. Your kids are entertained, but their bodies are actually taking a break. Strategically mix these attractions in between outdoor rides. Especially as the day starts to heat up.
Attractions like Frozen Ever After at Hollywood Studios. Disney Pixar Shorts at EPCOT. Or Carousel of Progress and Monster’s Inc Laugh floor at Magic Kingdom. And do not miss Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom!
Get there at rope drop
“Rope drop” means right when the park opens. Like, they “drop the rope” and let everyone flood in the second the park opens.
I know, it can be hard to get up and out the door early at Disney. But when you’re staying on a Disney property (or partner property), you can get to the parks half an hour before everyone else!
You can really get a lot done in that first hour in the park. Plus, it’s out of the main heat of the day.
Then when it’s time to head back to the hotel for an afternoon nap and heat break, you feel like you’ve actually done enough with your morning to want to take a break!
Hacks for Eating at Disney World with Toddlers
Splurge on a character meal
I talked about this a bit earlier. But character meals provide both delicious food and entertainment for your toddler during their meal. Think: less corralling while you’re actually trying to taste your food.
Plus, for any toddler that’s still unsure of the characters, they can enjoy their character experience with a bit less pressure. They can choose how they want to interact with character. They can opt in or out of the experience a little more than when you’ve stood in a long line to finally meet Winnie the Pooh.
Make your dining reservations 60 days ahead of time to ensure a meal with your toddler’s favorite characters! We love Crystal Palace for meeting Winnie the Pooh and friends. And Garden Grill or Tusker house to meet Mickey and pals.
Bring your own water bottles
The cost of water bottles can really add up in Disney. I mean, they cost more than a popcorn bucket refill. Bring your own water bottles.
This also ensures your toddler can drink from their favorite water bottle without spilling it all over themselves. Just make sure to bring water bottles that don’t leak in the bottom of the stroller - like our favorite Hydroflask Water Bottle.
I recently fell in love with this Camelbak Water Bottle for myself. It can twist on to fully seal, but there's also a magnetic close option for quicker access when the water bottle is in the stroller cup holder. Did I mention it's dishwasher safe?
Trust me, I know the water at drinking fountains in Disney can taste pretty gross. But all of the Baby Care Centers have filtered water available. And any quick service food station will give you free water from their fountains if you ask. Plus, any cafeteria-style place will either have soda stations for refilling your water or bottle refill stations.
Make more dining reservations than you’ll need
You have to make dining reservations 60 days in advance of your trip start date. For full details on how to make reservations, look at this article from Disney Food Blog.
You can cancel 24 hours in advance at no penalty. So if you want to do character dining, but your toddler hates the characters, you have the freedom to cancel. If you have additional meals booked, you can still enjoy a few fun meals out sans characters - like Roundup Rodeo BBQ!
Or if you get there and you realize that your toddler’s Disney nap schedule is going to interfere with a certain dining reservation, you can cancel it. Especially if you aren’t banking on it being your only fun meal out on your trip!
Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Order Groceries to your hotel room
There are a number of grocery delivery services in the Orlando area that service Disney World hotels. Having regular groceries allows for your kids (and you!) to have some “normal” foods aside from all the popcorn and french fries they may be consuming in the parks.
We’ve always used Garden Grocer and have never had a reason to try anyone else! They’re reliable, don’t forget items, don’t pick the bad produce, and deliver straight to your hotel on check-in day. You can plan and place your order months in advance if you want!
Of course, the prices are a bit cringe-worthy compared to you buying it yourself at the store, but it’s Disney World after all! And it's similar to price markups of things like Instacart.
Even if you don’t have a kitchen in your room, all Disney World hotel rooms have at least a mini fridge.
Without a kitchen, you could get groceries for sandwiches, oats, veggies and hummus, fresh fruit, etc. You can also have snacks and alcohol delivered for after the kids go to sleep!
Don’t forget to bring stasher bags for sandwiches and packing other foods for the parks. A spreading knife for nut butters, etc is helpful but you could probably find a plastic one at your hotel. And a knife and cutting board if you’re going to be chopping veggies!
Bring food in your suitcase
I’m surprised sometimes by how few people realize you can bring food - like, real food - in your suitcase! Yes, it gets heavy. But it can be worth lugging the extra suitcase along to have some foods from home.
You can bring anything from snacks to granola bars to pouches. But you can also bring frozen meals! Yes, even on a plane. Probably not internationally, though. I’ve even made homemade hummus, frozen it, and brought that in a suitcase!
We always have a kitchen in Disney, so I’ll cook up a pasta sauce at home, freeze it, and bring it in my suitcase! Then I only need to order the pasta noodles from Garden Grocer for a full, quick, nourishing meal. I’ve also done this with a lentil sloppy joes recipe. Or I’ve brought a bottle of stir fry sauce and ordered frozen veggies and rice from Garden Grocer.
You don’t have to go as crazy as me, but hopefully I’ve opened your eyes to some of the possibilities of BYO food to Disney World!
Order quick service on the app to avoid the line
When you’re standing in a ride line right before you want a meal, you can have everyone peruse the menu on your phone. They can make their selections before they’re hangry. Order the food.
When you arrive at the restaurant, open the app again, and mark that you’ve arrived. They’ll prepare your order. When it’s ready, walk up to the “mobile pick up” line to get your food!
I’ve even done this when there was a long line for Dole Whip at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom. I ordered while I was in line. And it was ready for pickup before I even got to the front of the regular line.
Buy a popcorn bucket
I know this seems oddly specific. And I know popcorn is questionable until age 4. You know your child best, so take it or leave it with this tip.
But popcorn refills are only $2.25 after you buy the bucket. No, you don’t need to buy one of the fancy buckets that seem really difficult to operate. You can buy a simple popcorn bucket for as little as $13.
That is one of the cheapest snacks you’ll find in Disney World! And the perfect thing to chase away the hangrys as you’re awaiting your dining reservation.
Toddlers may eat for free at sit down restaurants
If your toddler is under 3. And if they are eating off of your plate. Even at a buffet restaurant, they are free!
They often charge you for your toddler, so be sure your server knows that your toddler is under 3! There may be certain guidelines they can share with you. Like you can’t order them a drink. Or they can’t even have a small plate off of yours, etc. This is a lesson I’ve found out the hard way.
Bring snacks and/or lunches into the park with you
Believe it or not, sometimes your toddler will want some fresh fruit. Or a simple sandwich. Or even a pouch for some quick fuel. They get hot and dehydrated, too. And may be looking for something more familiar to eat.
Plus, it’s loads cheaper to bring your own snacks and lunches! Then, you can supplement with fun things like ice cream and popcorn in the parks.
Disney World’s main rules are no glass and no alcohol. Other than that, you can bring just about anything!
Pack a small, soft cooler and an ice pack
Disney World doesn’t allow loose ice in a cooler, so make sure you have an ice pack. And when you’re packing your suitcases, don’t forget a cooler! It gets hot in Florida! You’ll want to keep your food cool-ish.
If you’re renting a stroller from Kingdom Strollers, no need! They provide a soft cooler and an ice pack for you.
All restaurants have plenty of highchairs available
There’s definitely no need to bring a portable booster seat or anything with you to Disney World. I’ve never had a restaurant run out of highchairs for little ones. They are definitely used to servicing families!
You can request a high chair for your room if staying somewhere with a kitchen
Some rooms with kitchens will have the highchair in a closet. Check there first. But if not, you can request a highchair for your room for free.
The highchairs at the standing tables for Oga’s Cantina are extra high!
First of all, I highly recommend Oga’s Cantina. Even for kids. Yes, it's a bar. Yes, it's Star Wars themed. I'm not even a huge Star Wars fan and I love it.
It’s just a really fun experience. I don’t recommend eating there, though. But there are plenty of nonalcoholic (and alcoholic, of course) drinks with special effects and delicious tastes.
When you go, if you’re seated at a standing table, they have highchairs that actually reach the top of the standing table! So no need to worry that your little one will be staring at everyone’s legs the whole time.
Tips for Naps at Disney World With a Toddler
Take advantage of stroller naps
If your toddler does fall asleep in the stroller - roll with it! (Pun intended)
Take this opportunity to stroll through shops peacefully, take turns going on “big kid” rides, or just sit down in the shade somewhere and have a snack or a drink!
P.S. The Disney strollers are horrible for napping. If you rent from a company like Kingdom Strollers instead, you'll have a high quality stroller that can lay flat for naps.
Utilize the Baby Care Centers for a cool, quiet lap nap
If your toddler will fall asleep in your arms and you’re hoping for a nap at the park, head to the Baby Care Center. The nursing areas are very quiet, comfortable, and air conditioned. Many of them have plugs for charging your phones. Overall, they can be a nice retreat from the crowds and heat.
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is less of a retreat, and more of a pop in and change a diaper and have a quick feed kind of place. I really wish they’d update that area. It’s small and cramped. It’s outdated and grungy. You have to walk through Customer Service, and when you’re inside, people constantly leave the door open so you hear all the noise from Customer Service desks. But all the other Baby Care Centers are beautiful and relaxing!
Enjoy the break, and both of you will come out of the nap feeling refreshed and ready for some more Disney fun.
Take the time to go back to your hotel for a nap
In my experience, this is the way to get the best nap in for a fully revived toddler. Plus, this goes along with my “beat the heat” tip of taking an afternoon break. They get a nap on a bed in the air conditioning. You get a break in the air conditioning, can have some R&R yourself, maybe hit up the hot top, have a nourishing snack or meal, etc.
Overall, an afternoon nap at the hotel is the best way to hit “reset and refresh” on the day for everyone!
Allow a later nap
I’ve been there. The toddler fought the nap until 4:30… and then they’re out. Try going with it. Maybe this is the night you can actually make it to the fireworks show! Or just get a lot of fun in while the sun is low and the heat is lower.
Communicate naps with housekeeping
If you are napping at the hotel, you can use the “do not disturb” sign until a certain point. It’s Disney regulation to at least eyeball the room every few days.
If they keep trying to come during nap, feel free to call down to housekeeping and arrange a time for them to come when it works for you. And make sure you take the “do not disturb” sign down when it isn’t really needed.
Bring a sound machine or other comforts of home
I know this is a general “when traveling anywhere” tip, but set yourself up for successful naps with portable sound machines. I love this cute penguin one that charges and you can even place it in the stroller if needed.
Plus, don’t forget favorite blankies, stuffies, or anything else needed for their regular naptime and bedtime routines!
Your hotel will have cribs available if needed
If you don’t want to travel with a pack n’ play and if your toddler can’t do a big bed yet, all Disney resorts have cribs available upon request.
Tips and Hacks for Transportation Around Walt Disney World
You will need to collapse your stroller on every bus
That’s one of the reasons why I love the Baby Jogger strollers from Kingdom Strollers. They are the easiest thing to collapse I’ve ever seen.
But because you have to collapse them, keep in mind that you’ll need to remove all bags from the underside, as well as any loose items. You’ll need to remove any sleeping children from the stroller. Make sure you have “spillables” somewhere secure.
Plus, I like to make sure I have someone with me. On other modes of transportation, I’d sometimes head back to the hotel for naptime solo with my child. But on the buses, it can be a bit much to handle collapsing the stroller, carrying the stroller, carrying all the bags, and being in charge of your little one.
You'll have to collapse your stroller before getting on a bus like this
Allow double the time to get to the parks if you have reservations
Especially if you’re taking a bus. They’re unreliable. They fill up in busy times. And they just take a long time.
Even if you don’t have to rely on buses, you never know when security lines will be long, or if you’ll be pulled aside for a bag check. Or even if you need an emergency diaper change.
So whether it’s a dining reservation, a lightning lane, or even a fun tour… Just allow extra time. If you get there early, take the time to check out the shops, get a quick ride in, or just enjoy the ambiance of the park!
Double strollers will need to be collapsed on the skyliner
The skyliner can be a fantastic and (mostly) reliable mode of transportation to get around the Disney resorts and parks! Its route is limited, and there is still sometimes a line at peak times, and it does close down in inclement weather.
All that being said, usually you can push your stroller straight onto the skyliner. Sleeping child? No problem. Bags stored underneath? You can leave them there! (unlike the buses)
But if you have a double stroller, it just won’t fit through the doors and in the little aisle between the benches. You’ll have to collapse it and your kids will have to get out for the ride. I mean, my kids (if awake) usually wanted to get out, anyway. But it is an extra step.
The doors on the skyliner can be pushed open a little more
Even a single stroller can take some masterful maneuvering to gracefully get the stroller on and off the skyliner car. I mean, you are aiming for a moving target. Once the front wheels hit, they start to travel with the moving skyliner while the back wheels are still on stationary ground.
But the skyliner doors can be pushed open just a few more inches to allow you that little bit of extra loading space to work with. Just give a gentle nudge and they’ll open. There is also a green button on the outside of the car that will do the same. I’m pretty sure the button is reserved for cast members, though, and I was never bold enough to push it myself.
You can walk between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Did you know that EPCOT has a front entrance and a back entrance? The “back entrance” is called the International Gateway on Google Maps. It’s near the France pavilion and where you see the skyliner dropping people off.
If you use the International Gateway, you can walk all the way to the (regular) entrance of Hollywood Studios in just 1 mile! That’s the same distance as walking from Oga’s Cantina at Hollywood Studios to the Baby Care Center at the front of the park and back to Oga’s again.
And you’ll get to enjoy a walk along the boardwalk of the Boardwalk Resort on the way! You could even stop for an ice cream, lunch, or a drink if you want.
So if you’re park hopping and have a sleeping toddler, this could be an enjoyable walk. Or if your toddler needs a little less action and stimulation as a transition to the next park, this peaceful walk could be the way to go.
Minnie Vans (Lyft) have car seats
If you’re not feeling like using buses, skyliners, or monorails and just want a good, old fashioned rideshare, head to your Lyft app. Once in the app, select your route. When the estimated fares pop up, make sure you select “Minnie Van” before confirming.
Why the Minnie Van? In addition to the fun, Minnie Mouse themed colors, every Minnie Van is equipped with two car seats at all times. And yes, they’ll install them for you!
Boats and Monorails are fun “rides”, too!
Toddlers and transportation… the obsession is pretty universal. So if you want a fun toddler activity without a line or all the stimulation. Or if you’re looking for a relaxing, entertaining way to get from point to point within Disney World, don’t forget to check out all of your transportation options!
In addition to buses, cars, and walking, you could fly high into the air on the skyliner. The monorail is like a fancy train to toddlers and adults alike. And a boat ride on the water can soothe everyone’s nervous system while simultaneously entertaining yout toddler.
Tips and Hacks for Arriving at Disney World
Kids under 3 are free on Mears Connect
The Mears Connect is a bus service that will take you and your family directly from the airport to your Disney resort. Kids under 3 are free, so this could definitely be an economical choice for your family if you have little ones!
I’ve had all positive experiences with using Mears Connect. It’s reliable. Relatively efficient. And definitely cost effective.
You can request an Uber with a car seat
Once you select your route in the Uber app, you can select “car seat” in the vehicle selection screen. This isn’t available everywhere (like in my hometown), so if you’re looking for it at home, you may not see this option. But it is available in Orlando!
It will cost extra, of course. And the wait could be longer. But the driver is trained to properly install the car seat. And you can get to your hotel knowing your toddler is traveling safely.
In a taxi, legally, kids don’t need a car seat
Legally, on public transportation (which includes taxis… not Lyft and Uber), kids do not need a car seat. So if you feel comfortable with your little one on your lap, on a travel booster, or buckled in regularly, then hop in the taxi line at the airport!
Book private transport or rent a car for guaranteed car seat from the airport
Private car hires are another option for ensuring a car seat. Plus with this one, you’re guaranteed to have enough space for all of your family members and their luggage. And you won’t have to wait for the next available car seat equipped Uber!
Private transportation options also usually have the option (for an additional fee, of course) for a grocery stop. So if you don’t want to use Garden Grocer and you’d rather save money and buy straight from the store, have your shopping list ready in your carryon!
A lot of people recommend Tiffany Towncar or Happy Limousine. Though, to be honest, we usually just use the Mears Connect!
Arrive earlier in the day and take advantage of resort amenities
Even though you won’t have access to your room, arrival day is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of all that your resort has to offer! Other days, you’ll be busy at the parks. Unless you take a break day, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to enjoy everything your resort has to offer.
Go for a swim in the pool, check out your resort’s playground if they have one. A lot of resorts have games like Shuffleboard or Bocce Ball available. Plus, at times, characters will be available for meet and greets!!
You can check in to the resort (not your room) any time on the day of your arrival
Yes, even if you have a morning flight, you can check in and start enjoying your time in Disney that day. They’ll store your bags for you, and you can access them at any time. Though it helps to pack strategically. So maybe, for example, you put all of your swimsuits together in one bag.
So whether you choose to spend the day at your resort, checking out Disney Springs, or even going to a park, you’ll be able to “check in” to Disney any time on the day of your arrival!
If you have a toll pass - use it!
If you’re driving, there’s nothing worse than being so close and then getting stuck in traffic for an hour. Orlando traffic is no joke. Taking toll roads can help.
Orlando toll roads accept SunPass, EZ Pass, Peach Pass, LeeWay, NC QuickPass, I-PASS, and RiverLink.
If you don’t have any of these options, you can get a visitor pass from Visitor Toll Pass for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Disney World With a Toddler
Can you go inside Cinderella’s Castle?
You can walk through the castle in a small tunnel. The tunnel has the well-known Cinderella mosaics lining the walls. It can be closed off at certain parts of the day if there is a show happening in front of the castle.
The only way I know of it go up and in the castle is to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a really expensive meal and the food is pretty bad. But you do get to meet some favorite princesses. And it is very memorable for older kids in your family.
So despite the price and bad food, I still think Cinderella’s Royal Table is worth it for the 5-10 year old range that would really appreciate being in the castle. If it’s you and your toddler, though, stick to the tunnel!
Inside Cinderella's Royal Table inside the castle
Are magic bands worth it?
Your toddler, if under 3, will not need a ticket or a Magic Band!
For all others in your group, though, I think it’s worth it. This could be a controversial topic. But I think it’s too big of a pain to pull out your phone for every Lightning Lane, every park entrance, every rider swap, etc. They’re convenient. They’re waterproof (you can wear them in the pool and have your room key on you at all times!).
I recommend wearing a watch on your opposite wrist, though! Otherwise, you’ll keep checking your Magic Band for the time by instinct. You’ll be disappointed when all you see is a blank Mickey head!
I’ve never had a Magic Band+, but also never wished I had one. And from family members that have gotten one, the novelty wore off pretty quickly and it wasn’t really worth it.
What is the Disney World Bag Policy?
In short, don’t bring a bag that’s bigger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high. Don’t bring glass, alcohol, knives, selfie sticks, or loose ice.
There is no designated space to store very large bags for rides like at some other amusement parks. Stash these larger bags in the stroller and keep your valuables in a small bag or purse to bring on rides with you.
Animal Kingdom has some specific rules to protect the animals. Things like no plastic straws and no balloons.
Yes, you can bring coolers, food, water, soda, etc. No, they don’t limit the number of bags you bring in (but you have to keep track of them all!). No, your bags don’t need to be clear.
There is a security checkpoint at the entrance to every park and cast members have the right to search through any of your bags.
For a full list of prohibited items and restrictions to the Disney World parks, check out this page.
Does Disney World have lockers?
Yes, each park has lockers at the front of the parks. You can go in and out of your locker as many times as you’d like throughout the day. They’re pretty pricey. Check out current pricing here. So especially if you have a stroller, I’d skip the lockers.
P.S. Disney world strollers provide basically zero storage space. You can rent a "normal" stroller with storage underneath from third party companies like Kingdom Strollers for the same cost (or cheaper!) than Disney strollers.
Which Disney World Park is best for toddlers?
If you had to pick one Disney World park for a toddler, Magic Kingdom definitely has the most toddler-friendly rides that your little one will love. All the parks have options, of course. And if you have more than one day I definitely recommend checking out all the parks. But if you just have one day, head to Magic Kingdom.
Are all the Disney World parks good for toddlers?
Yes, all the Disney World Parks have fun rides and attractions for toddlers. You can check out my top rides and attractions for each Disney World Park in this post Best Disney World Rides for 2 Year Olds at All the Parks.
Which park is best for one day with a toddler?
Magic Kingdom is the best Disney World Park option if you only have one day in Disney World.
When is best to visit Disney World with a toddler?
May and October are sweet spots where you’ll have good weather. You won’t have hurricanes. And it will be warm enough to swim in the pools. There are no major school holidays during those times. It will still be crowded, but less than during school breaks.
Is it worth taking a 2 year old to Disney World?
Yes! Your 2 year old is at an age to really start to appreciate all that Disney World has to offer. You will see the magic come to life in their eyes. There are a lot of rides and attractions that they will love in Disney World at 2 years old.
How do I keep my toddler safe at Disney World?
- Always know who is in charge of your toddler - don’t make assumptions.
- Use the First Aid Centers at the parks if someone gets hurt.
- Some parents put AirTags in their children’s clothes to be able to track their location.
- Stay cool and hydrated- see above.
- Take a picture of them at the beginning of every day so you know what they’re wearing and can show it to someone else if something happens.
- If a child does goes missing, don’t call their name - describe who you’re looking for in a very loud voice. “I’m looking for a 2 year old boy! He has a blue hat! He has brown hair! And is wearing a red Mickey shirt! I’m looking for a 2 year old boy! Etc.” People have got your back. They will go out of their way to look. Likely, your little one wandered off to check out some bit of Disney Magic
Tips and Hacks for Disney World with Toddlers - Conclusions
I’m not going to lie. With Lightning Lanes, transportation, strollers, food, rides, shows, hotels, heat, crowds… Disney World with Toddlers can seem a little daunting. But I promise, once you’re there, it’s all worth it! You’ll feel the magic. You’ll see the amazement on your toddler’s face.
There will be hard times. There will be cranky times. Something will inevitably go wrong. But hopefully these tips and hacks for Disney World with Toddlers can help to prevent some of these mishaps.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more information about traveling to Disney World with toddlers, you may be interested in these articles: