Toddlers and Disney World: 10 Must Know Tips

I'll spare everyone the "I've been to Disney over forty times" opening.  If you read my other Disney tips, you'll understand that I know Disney World VERY well.  I went often as a child, and we take our kids just about every year.

Okay, we take our kids every year.  Please don't judge.

Obviously, having four kids, we've taken a baby or a toddler on just about every trip.  We've dealt with the strollers, snacks, diapers, hand wipes and tantrums.

Below I've listed my 10 MUST KNOW tips for any family taking a baby or toddler to Disney.  These tips will calm your "should I be taking a toddler to Disney?!?" nerves.  I promise.

Before I begin, let me say that Disney World was built around the concept of families.  They have made life as easy as possible for parents.  Every park has baby stations, complete with nursing areas and necessities for parents.  And yes, your toddler will LOVE the trip.  I can't promise you they'll remember it when they are fifteen, but you will see enough smiles to know they are having a blast.

1.  Start your day EARLY.  This tip revolves around the concept of naptime.  You can't bring your toddler to Disney World and fly by the seat of your pants.  While you may be able to go all day, your baby or toddler will need a nap after lunch.  Even if your child doesn't nap, they will need the downtime.  Tired, overstimulated kids are a recipe for Disney World disaster.

Get up and out early.  Preferably when the parks open.  Hit the rides and shows, and after lunch, you'll be able to head back to your hotel for a dip in the pool and a siesta.  We like to push our baby or toddler in the stroller by the pool, and usually he/she falls asleep.

2.  Pack your soft lunch cooler.  Disney allows outside food, and this tip will save your wallet and your crying hungry toddler. Don't forget diaper wipes, diapers and a clean onesie for babies.

We turned our carry cooler into our diaper bag.  We bought a cooler with large side mesh pockets and a zipper pocket in front.

3.  Bring a good stroller.  I don't care if you have a three year old or four year old who walks every store in the mall.  You will want and need a stroller.  Not only will your kids get tired, you'll want to move quickly from point A to point B.  Every parent knows toddler legs don't walk quickly.

A stroller will also hold your cooler and any purchases.

4.  Bring a baby blanket.  We use a baby blanket for sunshade.  Or nursing.  Or diaper changing on a bench.  You get the idea.  Pack several if you won't be able to do laundry.

5.  Make an itinerary.  In Disney World, time is money.  I just emailed a mother the other day using that exact term.  You can't afford to not have an itinerary.  Before your trip, make reservations if you have the dining plan.  Look at where you are dining, and then plan your parks around your meals.

No dining plan?  Check park hours, and plan your day around what parks open earliest. 

You can't walk aimlessly when there are toddlers in tow.  Have a plan, and keep the family moving accordingly.

6.  If you're bringing a toddler, take note of where the bathrooms are when you stop for rides.  USE THEM.  We take everyone to the bathroom every few hours regardless of who is crying they have to use the bathroom.   Everyone goes.  Period.

7.  Use the parent swap.  The parent swap is a little known system Disney World has in place for parents of young kids.  If you have a baby or toddler, and you would like to take an older child on a ride such as Space Mountain, take your family to a castmember working that ride.  Ask for a "parent swap."  Look like you are clueless, and they will explain.  You will love me forever after you understand how it works.

Long story short:  The waiting parent can take the child on the ride again by going through the Fast Pass line.  No Fast Pass required.  Mom gets to ride, dad gets to ride, and child who is old enough to ride rides TWICE.  This system allows everyone to enjoy every attraction, and utilize Fast Passes for rides everyone can ride together. 

8.  Pack bright clothes for your toddlers.  There are swarms of children in Disney.  You'll be loving your child in lime green when you're scanning the playground at Hollywood Studios. 

9.  Buy a pack of white label stickers.  Every morning, write your cell phone number on the stickers.  Stick these on your children!  I recommend the BACK of the shirt, or the sleeve.  Better safe than sorry.

Remember to REMOVE these labels BEFORE you wash any clothes. 

10.  Bring LOTS of sunscreen!  Everything is more money in Disney, so bring your own.  This goes for anything you'll need, including diapers, wipes and snacks.  Any extra luggage space on the way home will hold all those Mickey stuffed animals.

Happy Planning!