Tips for Traveling with Toddlers to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is an exciting place with so many things to do but when traveling with a toddler or infant there are special circumstances to keep in mind. Guests should consider these travel tips when visiting Walt Disney World with toddlers.
As someone who has traveled with both of my children to Walt Disney World starting at just 2 months old, there are several tips to make your stay more magical.


Photo: Four Seasons
Infants/Toddlers Are Free
Children under the age of 3 are free at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Although some people feel that traveling with infants and toddlers may not be beneficial because they may not “remember it,” I totally disagree. Traveling with infants and toddlers is a great way to experience Disney World. Although toddlers may not remember the trip as an adult, the parents will very much remember their child’s first trip to Disney.


Photo: Disney
Build in Naptime
An important thing to consider when building your travel plans is to allow for naptime. Infants and toddlers are cranky when they miss a naptime. A cranky toddler can ruin the experience for all traveling companions. Toddlers and infants can become over-stimulated in the parks. The Florida heat can also be tiring for little ones.
Choose Your Resort Wisely
Consider staying at a Walt Disney World hotel that has easy access to the parks. If you are spending the majority of your trip at Magic Kingdom consider one of the monorail resorts. A sleeping toddler in a stroller is very easy to roll right on the monorail and back to your hotel.


Image Credit: Disney
My favorite Magic Kingdom resorts for toddlers are Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, and Contemporary Resort.
If you plan to focus a lot of your trip on Epcot and Hollywood Studios I would consider a Skyliner resort or a resort within walking distance to those parks.
Disney’s Riviera Resort, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Pop Century are all connected to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner. A single stroller does not have to be collapsed on the Skyliner making it very simple to roll your stroller on.
Resorts within walking distance or boat ride to those parks include Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Another option within walking distance or boat ride are the Good Neighbor Hotels Disney’s Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve.
Toddler Friendly Pools
Many of the Walt Disney World resorts have a toddler friendly splash pad. Our kids loved to play for hours at these resorts. The best splash pads are at Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village. Yacht/Beach Club are home to Stormalong Bay which is the most popular pool on site. The moderate and deluxe resorts also feature water slides.
Be Prepared
Nothing is more miserable than a hungry and cranky toddler. Disney allows families to bring snacks into the parks. Make sure you pack some snacks to keep your toddler busy throughout the day. Each park also has a well appointed Baby Care Center for any of your baby needs.
Walt Disney World requires a lot of walking. It is essential to bring a stroller for toddlers and babies. Disney conveniently has stroller parking at each attraction.


Photo: YourMileageMayVary.net
Bring a change of clothes for your infant and toddler. Accidents happen so it is important to be prepared. To avoid the extra expense of buying an outfit in the gift shop, make sure you come prepared each day in the park.
Standing in line can be challenging for toddlers so make sure you bring small toys to entertain them in line.
Take Breaks
Florida can be hot, especially in the summer. Make sure you add air conditioned breaks throughout your day. We always enjoy a relaxed table service restaurant for lunch as a nice break from the heat.
The afternoons are a great time to take Disney transportation back to the hotel for swim time. Often our children tell us their favorite part of the trip is playing at the Disney resort pools.
Traveling with a toddler to Walt Disney World is a magical and memory making experience.
Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I also create customized itineraries, book advanced dining, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! Also, did I mention that my services are FREE!!!! Contact me at SLoehrlein@MickeyTravels.com or follow me on Facebook @MickeyTravelsShannonLoehrlein