Taking our little ones to Disney for the first time can be exciting and magical experience but requires a bit of planning. The under 3 crowd can be a fickle bunch. One moment they’re happily clapping along with It’s a Small World and the next they’re on the floor crying because they don’t want to walk or get on the stroller. You might be wondering if it’s a good idea at all to take a toddler to the Disney parks. During our recent visit to Orlando, I kept debating whether or not to take my 22-month-old to the happiest place on earth. I just wasn’t sure if he would enjoy it or if I was setting myself up for a nightmare. Alas we decided to take him to Magic Kingdom since I feel like out of all the parks, it is tailor-made for toddlers. And I’ll be the first to admit that it was absolutely worth it! His face just kept lighting up and he enjoyed every bit of it (except the long lines). Read along for tips on making a Disney trip with a toddler a truly magical and seamless experience!

Choose the Days Wisely

Holidays and weekends are definitely busier times (hence bigger crowds and longer lines) so if you are able to go during off season or at least during a weekday, it can make a world of a difference. We went on a Monday and didn’t wait in line for more than 35 minutes. We also only went for half a day but more on that below.

Utilize Baby Center

Located within all four theme parks, Baby Care Centers provide a convenient place to feed, change and nurse little ones. These air-conditioned, crowd-free centers feature a host of helpful amenities for parents. Each full-service facility is complimentary to use and includes a rocking chairs, changing tables, highchairs, microwaves, ovens and sinks and an on-site shop where you can find anything from formula, juice, medication and diapers (albeit a bit pricey). There is only one in each theme park and it is located near the park entrance.

Snacks are Your Best Friend

Yes there are plenty of food stands and restaurants to choose from but having some snacks handy are going to make your experience a much more pleasant one. Because we all know a hungry toddler is a force to be reckoned with. Be sure to pack easy, simple snacks that will keep hunger at bay and a way to keep the little one entertained during long queues. We packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, oranges, apples and ice in a sippy cup.

Use Disney FastPass+ or Rider Switch Service

Be sure to take full advantage of the Disney FastPass+. If you aren’t familiar with this, Disney FastPass+ service lets each ticket holder reserve a time slot to select attractions so that you don’t have to wait in line. You simply show up at the allotted time and go straight in. So do your homework before you visit and decide which three attractions are a top priority and organize your day around them. With the purchase of a ticket or Annual Pass, you can make selections as early as 30 days before you arrive. Plus, if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to check-in for the entire length of your stay. And the best part? There is no extra charge for this complimentary benefit.

Rider Switch Service is a great option when part of your party wants to enter a ride or attraction but others don’t or can’t (read: height restrictions). This handy feature allows adults to take turns waiting with little ones. With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. And then they can switch and the other adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again.

Surviving the Long Lines

Waiting in long lines was probably the most challenging part of the day. One thing toddlers hate doing is sitting or standing still. Because of this, we only chose attractions that had minimal wait times. Some of the attractions also have entertainment throughout the line. I loved The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh because most of the line had entertainment for the little ones. Dumbo the Flying Elephant also has a play area though you lose your spot in line if you enter. This is also the perfect time to bring out snacks and toys. I had a coloring book and a light up fan  that kept Oliver cool and entertained for a bit. We also skipped any attractions with more than 35 minutes wait (which I know isn’t always possible).

Stroller is a Must

Whether you choose to rent one at 15$ a day or bring your own, a stroller is a must. Don’t even pretend you will wear your baby; it is so hot and humid that neither of you will want this. Strollers can be a bit of a hassle to lug around but they are almost a necessity at theme parks.

Leave Time for Naps

The only thing worse than a hungry baby is a tired one. Be sure to leave time for naps in your schedule. If your child naps at home, consider returning to your hotel room for a mid-day break, or allowing your child uninterrupted nap time in the stroller. If you plan on staying in the parks through nap time then this is when a stroller also comes in handy.

Do Not Overpack

When it comes to packing I strongly suggest keeping it simple. Take the bare necessities otherwise. Even if you plan on putting everything in the stroller, you have to park the stroller to get into each attraction so you’re stuck lugging around all that stuff in line.

What to Pack

Snacks
Change of clothes
Wipes
Diapers
Sunscreen
Toys and entertainment
Raincoat or poncho

Go Half Day

Some of you reading this might think it’s a waste of a ticket to only go for half a day. A big perk is that kids under 3 get into the theme parks for free. I didn’t want to deal with nap time so we went after Oliver’s nap. And I have to say it was absolutely perfect. By the time we parked and got into the Magic Kingdom it was 4pm and we stayed through the evening fireworks that ended around 10pm. So overall 6 hours at the park was well worth our money, in my opinion. We did a total of four attractions, a meet and greet and the evening fireworks. And Oliver was beat by the end!

There you have it! Disney tips that made our first visit with Oliver a truly magical experience. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

XO