Baby on Board: Walt Disney World Trip Prep
Like many couples, my husband and I were accustomed to traveling alone. We had very set routines, especially for Disney trips.
We had established methods for planning, packing, and structuring a Disney itinerary for two adults. We could plan trips in our sleep.
Photo: Moby
Now that we have a little Mouseketeer, we know our next trip will differ. As a result, I’ve been scouring the internet for tips, tricks, and packing lists.
I know bringing a baby to WDW will have its challenges, but with a little preparation and realism, I’m optimistic.
Photo: LILLEbaby/Moby
Check out the best “baby-friendly” suggestions I’ve found so far! Here’s to hoping they help preserve magic… and sanity!
Book a Hotel Room with Room
For years, we were content with original Value resort rooms. The lack of floor space was fine, even if it meant stepping over luggage.
With a baby in tow, we’ll also have a stroller, a pack n play/portable crib, baby carrier, stuffed diaper bag, and miscellaneous supplies. Many people advised me to splurge on a bigger or more versatile room.
Deluxe rooms do have the largest square footage. However, newly refurbished Value rooms could work if they include a second bed that converts into a table. (Confirm this beforehand!)
In general, it seems like avoiding smaller, permanent two-double bedrooms is wise. (Actually, many Moderate rooms have this design.)
Photo: Disney
Additionally, rooms with separate sleeping areas are appealing. Based on a recommendation, we’ve booked a Finding Nemo family suite at the Art of Animation resort.
Having two separate spaces divided by an actual door should make it easier to accommodate different bedtimes and more luggage.
Photo: Disney
Just do your research and assess your needs. Do cramped spaces stress you out? Would you mind going to bed when the baby goes to bed?
Be honest and reserve the best room for yourself. (And don’t forget, Disney provides complimentary portable cribs!)
Photo: Disney
Prioritize Multiple Park Transportation Options
Confession: I haven’t stayed in a bus-only Disney hotel since 2010. Fortunately, Disney’s made this pretty easy.
Many resorts can access complementary transportation options like the monorail, skyliner gondolas, small boats, or walking trails.
As a new parent who needs triple the supplies, I don’t want to shove them onto a bus. And I don’t want to wait in long bus lines – at least not daily.
Choosing a hotel where I can stroll my baby onto the monorail or gondola sounds like a no-brainer.
No hotel is convenient to all the parks, but having easy access to 1 or 2 seems worth the extra cost.
Figure Out the Stroller Situation
Even if you use a baby carrier, you’ll probably use a stroller at some point.
Photo: Amazon
Consider the following options:
- Bring your stroller
- Rent a stroller from Disney
- Rent a stroller from a third-party company (Kingdom Strollers)
My everyday stroller is a travel stroller that converts into a car seat. We’re set for now, with the understanding he’ll outgrow it as an older toddler.
Additionally, consider getting a marker/name tag for your stroller. And buy a rain cover to protect it from random thunderstorms.
Either way, figure out stroller logistics now.
Plan for Airport Transportation
While we grieve Disney’s Magical Express, there’s new airport transportation options. Uber, Lyft, Mears Connect shuttles, Minnie Vans, private cars, and rental cars are available.
But traveling with a baby is trickier. Many parents hold babies on buses, but cars require car seats. (Some Ubers come with car seats, but these are usually for non-infants.)
Photo: Olly Curtis
Private car rentals may be different, but I’m planning to bring both my baby’s car seat and car seat base to install in an Uber or Lyft.
As a frequent traveler, this still seems like the most convenient/cost-effective option. (If my mind changes post-trip, I’ll write about it on the site!)
Photo: Mears
Find the Baby Care Centers
While many parents return to the hotel for naps, it’s unlikely you’ll leave the park for every feeding, new diaper, or outfit change.
This is where Baby Care Centers come in. Each theme park has a Baby Care Center designated for parents and children.
These centers include restrooms, nursing spaces, changing stations, kitchenettes, and plenty of seating. They also sell common supplies such as diapers, baby food, and sundries.
Whether you need a calm space to change a diaper or relax, these centers seem heaven-sent. I’ll be scouting them in advance.
Go Mobile Grocery Shopping
A couple of weeks ago, I was complaining about fitting diapers, wipes, baby food etc, into my Disney suitcase. The person I was complaining to asked, “Why don’t you just order groceries there?”
Brilliant! I had completely forgotten that resort guests can order groceries from Amazon, Instacart, and local stores.
Disney Grocery Services
While I’ll still have plenty of baby items to pack, ordering bulkier items later is a stroke of genius.
Plus, this will give me much more room to pack matching family outfits and Minnie ears.
Moderate Expectations
As a first-time parent, I honestly don’t know what to expect from this trip.
My child may be terrified of characters. They may sleep through every attraction. They may cry if the parade music is too loud.
Disney
But even if all those bumps occur, I can’t wait for our first family castle photo. I can’t wait to see Mickey. And I really can’t wait to continue raising our little guy to love Disney.
I know this trip won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. I’ve been to Disney enough to know the magic is in the journey.
Disney
I hope these tips help you (and me!) plan a successful trip for your little one. Stay tuned for an eventual trip report!
Until then, happy planning!
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Feature Image: Disney
