Bringing Your Toddler Or Baby To Walt Disney World

Hmmm, the best age to take your child to Walt Disney World.

Is there a right or wrong, one size fits all answer to this question?

In a word, No.

If some families wait until one child is “the perfect age” other family members miss out. Typically, families wait until their oldest child is 5 or 6 and younger siblings tag along. And this means dealing with a toddler or baby at Walt Disney World.

Sounds like a nightmare? It doesn’t have to be. My children have been going since there were 10 months old. We’ve juggled many ages and stages and everyone has a blast. You just have to take a few things into consideration.

1. Free Admission. Free Food. The under 3 set are free at Walt Disney World. That means tickets. That means staying with you at the resort. And that means eating off any buffet. Free food, tickets and room. All FREE.

2. When everyone can’t ride. At any attraction with a height restriction, Disney offers a “rider switch” option. This means no one waits more than “one go” of the attraction before being able to board the attraction. How it works: Mom, Dad, and Child want to all ride Splash Mountain. But Toddler isn’t tall enough. The entire family gets into the regular queue. Tell a cast member and one adult will be given a Rider Switch pass. Dad and Child ride the attraction, while Mom and Toddler wait in a designated area. As soon as Dad and Child are finished, Dad takes Toddler and Mom and one other guest (this time lucky Child gets to ride again) may now ride the attraction. Everyone that can ride, rides!

3. The Great Stroller Debate. Depending on the age of your baby or toddler, you may want to bring your own stroller. We found the strollers at Walt Disney World perfect when our kids were toddlers. Not so much when they were babies. There are pros and cons to both options. Click here for more detailed info.

4. Pace yourselves! Unless your child can sleep absolutely anywhere, take a break in the middle of the day. This is the perfect time for everyone to de-stress and de-compress. Go back to the resort for a nap and a swim. Staying on property when the kids are tiny is a must in my book. Our children range in age by 10 years. When the baby was cranky, one of us took a break and went back to the resort and the other stayed with the kids at the park. Or everyone can take a break. Relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the resort grounds while everyone else is at the parks.

5. Ziploc baggies is a packing essential. Use large Ziplocs to store a change of clothes (complete with diaper or pull-up) per bag. Anyone can help baby get dressed. Just grab a bag! It’s also an easy way to keep a spare outfit handy in the diaper bag or backpack. The “now empty” large Ziploc is perfect for storing a soiled diaper relatively odor free until you can dispose of it properly. And small Ziplocs are perfect for snacks on the go.

6. Safety with a runner. If your toddler is “a runner” (having just discovered how those cute, chubby little legs work) write your cell number on their arm then cover with a coat of Skin Shield (liquid bandage). Or, if you’re a planner, order temporary tattoos online at Safety Tat. Your child can even help with the design.

7. Don’t forget to bring your bag of tricks. Bring their favorite cuddley. Favorite blanket. Pack your favorite baby-wearing option. (Ours was the sling.) A few favorite toys to keep them busy in line or while you wait for dinner. The favorite and familiar will bring comfort when you need it most!

8. Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Your baby may not remember the trip but a picture will commemorate the moment they first saw Mickey Mouse, the castle or the parade. And what a perfect place for your holiday card family portrait.

Time with your baby just flies by! Savor and enjoy!

Take it from me — my babies are already 11, 12 and 22.

And I can’t think of a better place to spend those precious years than at Walt Disney World.