Have you ever thought about visiting the Walt Disney World Parks with toddlers? Are you concerned about mega meltdowns, missed nap times, and frustration for all? It is simply not true.
Some people like to argue that you shouldn’t visit Disney World with toddlers because they won’t be able to remember the vacation at that age. They may be right, but what we can tell you, for sure, is that your toddler will have an amazing time and your trip will give YOU some of the best memories of their childhood. We’re going to talk you through how to go to Disney World with a toddler, AND still have fun!
There are some great tips that as a Disney-loving family, we can give you! Look no further, we’ve thought of everything and narrowed it down to these top five tips to help your trip to Disney World with your toddlers be successful!
1. Kids Under 3 Don’t Pay For Tickets
One of the best things about vacationing at Disney World with a toddler is that they do not need a park ticket to enter any of the theme parks. As long as they were 2 at the time of check in, even if they turn 3 during your vacation, they won’t be required to get a ticket.
Each of our kids went twice before their third birthday party and it helped us feel better about cutting a park day short or something if we needed to as a family.
2. Avoid the Hottest, Most Crowded Months
I would recommend going to Disney World during the Fall or Spring time rather than the Summer. Winter is a bit chilly for our family, yet often recommended. We do so many pool days that we enjoy the mid- to late-Fall or early to mid-Spring the best.
The other main factor in our planning is the heat. We’ve seen many toddlers having a tantrum, with their parents joining in… and I personally blame the heat! Imagine Disney World with a 2 year old who is hot, tired and over-excited. If you can avoid the hottest and most humid times of the year (June to August), we recommend you do so.
We love this because we also find that traveling outside the normal school calendar vacations, the crowds will be more bearable and you’ll find the accommodation cheaper, too.
3. Less is More
I often say this. Less is more. We go more because each time we do less. Here's what our trips look like: 6 nights/7 days with 1-2 park days. Here's what your trip probably looks like: 6 nights/7 days with 7 park days, 7 sit down dinner reservations, and a mental expectation of loads and loads of park hopping. Nope, just don't. I'm exhausted for you.
I know that sometimes Disney is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you feel like you have to fit it all in. I get it. I mental go there when thinking about traveling to Europe. I feel like I don't get to go but once in my lifetime, so I must, I must see it all. Yet, with Disney, you shouldn't. We wouldn't with a European trip either. The best trips are slow, relaxing, and sinking into the lifestyle –– in this case, the Disney lifestyle.
We get to go so often, because we do less. It is less expensive for us to go. We do not sell our kidney to afford it. We schedule tons of pool days, rent locations to stay that have full eat-in kitchens and spend most of our days wandering around our resort. You also know who benefits from this? Our toddlers. They aren't overstimulated, they aren't overwhelmed, and they enjoy days on days of the pool.
4. Eat Light, Eat Often
One thing we do not do with toddlers is massive amounts of dining reservations. It is simply not worth it. Toddlers, especially at Disney, tend to need structure and space to be heard. When they are hungry, you want to capitalize on that time so they do not go into full blown meltdown. Dining reservations are hard because usually they take time to get to the location, and the meal prices are far more than I ever want to spend to have my toddler turn his or her nose up to the food.
Instead, we eat often, and we eat light. First of all, this is rule of thumb for all trips with or without toddlers. It is hot, and you do not want to overeat and get sick. Trust me. Additionally, eating often allows for many breaks to sit down, cool off, and relax. It also allows you to try different places.
We typically eat a light breakfast in our room before starting our day, another midmorning snack, post-normal lunchtime (1-2p) light lunch, another snack, and then dinner... followed by a snack. Sometimes this looks like our Disney would consider a traditional snack (for example, pretzels, Mickey ice cream bar, etc.), but mostly we buy a $8-10 plate and split the food. We carry bars and treats in our diaper bag or purse. And we eat a ton!
5. Take a Stroller
Just do it. I know your kids walk by themselves at the grocery store or county fair or whatever. Still take the stroller. Each park at Disney World is huge. We will take our double stroller until Ollie is at least 7 or 8 years old, and then we will probably still be taking our single stroller. Their little bitty legs cannot handle all of the walking, and you are probably not designed to walk that much while holding a 40 lb. toddler. Take the stroller.
Even if you do not even up using it a ton, the stroller is also helpful for midday park naps. Park days are long and even if your toddler has been skipping his or her nap for years, they will probably want one on a park day. Having a stroller can be awesome to use, and it will allow you and your spouse to leverage things like rider swaps on rides that the younger kids can't ride.
We think Disney World with a toddler is magical and we will treasure our memories at Disney with our toddlers forever! Do you have any questions we’ve not answered? Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Have you been to Disney with toddlers? Do you have any suggestions that you think we’ve missed? We’d love to hear them!
