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For some, the thought of traveling to Walt Disney World with a toddler or baby may seem a daunting task. But whether it’s your first time or your fourteenth time, there is no greater experience than discovering Disney through the eyes of your young child.
If anyone knows anything about me, it’s that I’m a tad bit of a Disney-nerd. I also happen to be married to a man who is equally fanatic about all-things Disney. So, it only seems appropriate that he and I should join together in bringing you a monthly article full of tricks and tips (as well as a little trivia) to help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation. We are also happy to be partnering with Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations who will be adding in her own professional knowledge as a Disney vacation planner.
So grab a Dole Whip, slap on those mouse ears, and please stand clear of the doors as we bring you this month’s Top Three Tips for Discovering Disney!
This month: Discovering Disney with Babies & Toddlers
TIP #1: GET TO KNOW THE BABY CENTERS
While standard changing tables are available in most every restroom throughout Disney World (be it men’s or women’s) these don’t have to be your only choice when it comes to childcare and prep. Each of the four Disney theme parks have a designated Baby Center that provides fully-stocked changing rooms, as well as comfortable areas for nursing, feeding, or just an escape from the heat and noise of the park. And for those traveling with children of multiple ages, the baby centers have small seating areas stocked with all sorts of games and activities. The older kids can enjoy these while they wait for Mommy or Daddy to take care of baby.
During our last trip, my son was just under 2 years and my daughter was only 7 months. I definitely used the Baby Center in the Magic Kingdom multiple times as I felt it was easier to spread out and I didn’t feel as rushed.
| → EXTRA TIP: Forgot to pack wipes or ran out of diapers? They are available for purchase at the Baby Centers along with other essentials. |
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TIP #2: BRING AN OUTSIDE STROLLER
Having a stroller is a must-do, even for an older child who may not use one otherwise. While Disney does have a stroller rental service at the entrance to all of their parks, as well as Disney Springs, I would highly urge you to bring a stroller from home or rent one from a third party service. The strollers that are available for rent at the parks are only available inside said park and cannot be removed. If you like to park-hop, have outside dining reservations, or simply wish to return to your car or resort, you have to return the stroller and show your receipt to rent a new one at the next park. This also means you cannot use it at your hotel or to and from the resort when little ones are the most tired at the end of the day. Disney World does offer a length of stay rental which may work for some.
There are many companies out there and most of them offer single strollers or double strollers with add-ons to suit your family’s needs. Our last trip I gate checked my double stroller and it really was no hassle. It was a godsend the entire trip, even just when navigating the Orlando airport.Disney World recommends: Magic Strollers: (866) 866-6177 // Orlando Stroller Rentals: (800) 281-0884 // Kingdom Strollers: (407) 271-5301
A baby carrier will also be helpful when having a baby or a toddler in tow. You are not allowed to bring the strollers on the lines for the rides and babies can get heavy. I wore both my son and my daughter throughout the park as needed. I loved having the extra snuggles and my babies near so I could point out all of the magic to them. My son even fell asleep inside and we all went on the Little Mermaid ride during nap time and he was none the wiser! I personally used a Lillebaby Airflow which is supposed to be better in hotter places. When we went it was January so it was a little chilly but still appreciated the extra airflow.
| → EXTRA TIP: Disney World has a new rule that strollers may only be less than 31” in width and 52” in length and they have banned all stroller wagons. Make sure your stroller fits these requirements or you may be turned away at the gate. |
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TIP #3: SLOW DOWN AND GO AT YOUR CHILD'S PACE
When we vacationed at Disney World before children, we would walk miles and miles a day and wound-up (happily) exhausted. In fact, during our first trip together in 2009, Helen developed a stress fracture in her foot from all the hustle and bustle. Clearly, a child would not be able to handle that kind of constant pace - it is really important to slow down and go at your child’s tempo. An easy pace will help prevent your child from becoming overtired, avoiding unwanted tantrums or crankiness. While it can be tempting to see and do as much as you can while you are there, it is physically impossible unless you are there for a few weeks. You have to pick and choose what you think your family would love to do the most.
| → EXTRA TIP: Using the FastPass+ system will help you save as much time as you can from waiting in lines. When planning what FastPasses to get, consider the time and distance between passes to help prevent yourself from having to rush your family from one attraction to the next. FastPasses do give you a 1-hour window to try and help prevent that from happening as well. |
| → EXTRA TIP: When booking your FastPasses, try and schedule them all in the morning. That way when your last FastPass is used, you can schedule a new one for the afternoon using the Disney World app and you can skip even more lines! |
We all know that time is money, but memories are far more important. So many people will jam-pack their trip in hopes of compensating for the cost. However, when all is said and done, it’s not the number of rides you went on that you’ll remember, it’s those precious moments that spring out of nowhere. We have a long-running joke in our family - the first time Helen and I walked through the hub at the Magic Kingdom, Helen had to stop and look at the ducks in the garden area. (Mind you, we come from Long Island, a place famous for its ducks.) I was thinking “Why am I wasting time looking at these ducks when there’s a magical world at play all around me?”Jump ahead ten years. We were now married and have two kids. On our first trip with them, every time we walked through the hub, our son would take me by the hand and walk me over to show me the ducks. And it’s one of the fondest memories I will ever have.
Give your child a moment to Discover Disney on their own terms. (This idea was is in fact the inspiration for our articles name). We all love to share our own excitement and capture it with pictures. But one thing we decided early on was to allow our children a moment to let it all sink in, without any outside influence or distraction on our part. There would be plenty of time for pictures later. And the details that they discover on their own will have a much deeper meaning than those we spoon-feed to them.
While all these tips and plans will help ease your trip, there is one thing that is inevitable above all else: plan to not plan! If there is one thing we, as parents, can tell you – plans do and will change! Take things one thing at a time, pack some extra patience, and let your inner child come out to play. This will be a trip of a lifetime!
PRO TIP FROM MARIE STEWART THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT SPECIALIZING IN DISNEY VACATIONS | ||
| Start planning your trip 9 months beforehand or more. There are a lot of steps to planning a Disney World vacation. For my clients, I explain each step one at a time so it is not too overwhelming. I enjoy personalizing each trip based on your goals so you can enjoy a trip that is perfect for you and your family. I am already booking trips for 2020 – contact me today! | ||
Thank you to Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations for sponsoring this article series to keep Macaroni Kid a FREE local family community resource! Please support our sponsor. |
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Contact Marie Stewart at (631) 804-5897 Free Disney consulting and planning with any booking client. Ask for details! I consult with you and get a feel of what you’re looking for in a Disney vacation. I will explain options that I think would best fit you and your family’s needs. I walk every step of the way with you during the planning process which includes resort choices, Disney reservations, fast pass selections and much more! Call today for a free no obligation quote. Recently booked a reservation in the past 30 days? Want Marie to be your advisor – contact her today! |
This article is for entertainment purposes only. All opinions are that of the authors.
Discovering Disney: Top 3 Tips (Click Image for Article) | ||
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