Your first trip to Walt Disney World as a young family can be a little bit intimidating, but there are many ways that Disney has made park touring much easier than you may realize. Sometimes we hear that Disney fans wait until their kids are a bit older to visit Disney, but there are so many magical things about taking your younger kids to the parks that we think you should be aware of. Today, we thought we’d share some things that you may not know, even if you’ve visited the theme parks prior to becoming parents.
Baby Care Centers are located in all four theme parks and offer air-conditioned respites for parents and little ones. Complete with private nursing rooms and comfortable changing stations, they are also stocked with last-minute essentials for purchase.
Rider Switch at Disney’s most popular attractions is a big hit with families. This service allows adult guests to take turns waiting with children who might not meet a height requirement. Simply hop into the line at the attraction and tell the cast member that you’d like to use this service. They will give you a lanyard (or some other token) to hand to the next cast member, alerting them that you will stay with your child while another grown-up rides. The token will allow you to ride the attraction without waiting in line again. BONUS: If you have an older child with you that meets the height requirement, sometimes that child will be allowed to ride a second time with the second adult. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Strollers are available for rent in all four theme parks and Disney Springs, making it easier for families traveling with younger children. Length-of-stay rental options are available. If you’d rather have a stroller that you can use outside of the theme parks on Disney transportation, at Disney Resorts, and more, we suggest renting one from Buena Vista Rentals. They will deliver the stroller to your resort, plus, our readers get a 10% discount on the rental cost and a free accessory such as a cup holder!
Parents can order meals and snacks from anywhere and avoid waiting in line when using Mobile Order through the My Disney Experience app at participating dining locations. Specially designed kids’ menus are available at nearly every location. Being able to skip the walk-up line and go straight to the Mobile Order line can truly be a lifesaver, as us parents know how quickly kids melt down when they’re hungry. Don’t forget to tap “I’m here” in the app when you arrive at the restaurant.
Children under three can eat for free at many restaurants that feature all-you-care-to-enjoy or shared family-style menus. Most little kids don’t eat much before they’re on to the next thing. You can always share a few bites of your food from your plate with your little ones, but it’s great to know that before your child turns 3, you can go enjoy all the character dining your heart desires, collecting those fantastic photos and autographs, without paying for the littlest one!
Guests can bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages for their personal consumption. Note that these items must not be in glass containers or require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control.
Complimentary cribs and Pack ‘n Plays are available for guests at all Disney Resort hotels, helping make a family’s stay even more comfortable and convenient. Ask your travel agent to put a note on your reservation or call down to Mousekeeping upon your arrival.
Disney Resort hotels offer self-service and valet laundry facilities for families who want to pack less or bring home a suitcase full of clean clothes. I know that many folks do not enjoy doing laundry while on vacation, but when you have little ones enjoying their first Mickey Bars, it can get quite messy, and it’s nice to have the option to do a quick load of laundry on your pool day.
Thoughtfully designed Splash Zones and play areas in the theme parks and at a variety of Disney Resort hotels are the perfect place for kids to cool off on-the-go and work out their zoomies.
It’s fun and easy to get around Walt Disney World Resort! For some families (like ours), Disney transportation is part of the fun and we try to utilize every mode of it during our vacations. The complementary network of motor coaches, boats, monorails – and even aerial gondolas – can transport you between Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, and shopping venues. Collapsible strollers that can be stowed while riding aboard Disney Transportation are required.
Please help other Disney vacation planners and let us know in the comments section if we’ve forgotten any tips that have worked great for your family!
The post Ten Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Young Kids first appeared on The DIS.
