Babies in Disney World
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A common question I get is, how young is too young for Disney? My daughter isn’t even one yet, it’s probably just a waste of a trip, right? WRONG!
I will tell you, Disney with a Baby is far different than Disney with a child, or even different than a toddler, but that doesn’t make it any less “worth it.” It does have it’s challenges - especially when your child is not yet walking. I’m talking commitment to naps, dealing with formula or pumping, and the normal parental meltdowns that come with attempting to decipher why your child who cannot yet speak full sentences is screaming at Mickey Mouse. And yes, I said parental meltdowns.
But, if I were to go back in time when faced with the conundrum of whether to bring my baby to Disney World once again, I would 100% say YES! Sure, it was different and a HUGE life lesson, but it was worth it.
Why You Should Say Yes to Disney World with Babies!
Babies are Free in Disney World!
Let me say that a little louder for the people in the back. Babies are free in Disney World! If you’re child is under 3, you do not need to pay for them. That means free park tickets, free dining, free, free, FREE! And trust me, that is a HUGE cost savings.
Easier Trip for First-Time Traveling Parents
Disney is built for children (and adults!). This means that it is filled with children (and babies) who are being crazy, screaming (in frustration and excitement), and entertainment built with kids in mind! For those of you who might be traveling for the first time with a baby, Disney allows you to be at ease a bit more for the simple fact that there are babies everywhere! And, if you are flying into Orlando (MCO), almost everyone else on that flight has a child who is also going to Disney World. This means that yours is (more than likely) not the only child to be screaming about the fact that they are angry that their ears hurt from the plane or that all they want to do is crawl on the sticky airplane floor.
Babies stay put!
If your baby is not yet walking, you have the luxury of not having to worry that they will run away because they saw a bush that looks like Mickey or a shiny object that needs to be touched (oh toddlers!). But, instead, you can relax knowing that your baby is in that stroller, probably wishing to get out, but unable to do so. Oh how easy that was. Once my son started walking, he was running - and usually into things. (He is my son after all, so I’m not shocked). Sorry bud - the clumsy gene is genetic.
More Opportunities to Travel Means Cost-Saving Options
When your children enter school, you are stuck to the school calendar - vacationing over the summer, winter, and spring breaks. Basically, when everyone else is traveling. Disney knows that most people travel then, so there are little discounts and many crowds. If you go before your child is in school, you have the option of going during the slow season, meaning less crowds, shorter lines, and a greater opportunity for a discount!
Survival Skills for Disney World with a Baby
Do Your Research! Disney World is one of the best places to find rides that your baby can actually take part in! BUT, be sure to check out the height requirements in advance. “Any Height” is your best friend.
Magic Kingdom is your best pick! There are four parks in Disney World: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom has the largest number of rides AND the most amount of options for your baby.
Stay near Magic Kingdom (if you can)! Magic Kingdom area resorts offer you the luxury of being close to Magic Kingdom (many of which are actually walking distance)! These do come with a higher price tag BUT if you can swing it, I highly recommend it! The joy of not having to fold up your stroller EVERY time you need to head back to the hotel for a mid-afternoon nap / break is glorious!
Get a Great Stroller! Speaking of strollers, this is the time to bring a stroller your baby can be in comfortably for long stretches and one that you are comfortable navigating through crowds for hours. Keep in mind that you cannot bring your stroller to rides, so be prepared to park it with the others and hold your baby. While I have never had anything taken from my stroller, I do not recommend leaving any valuables with it. And be sure your stroller fits the width and length guidelines set by Disney.
Decorate Your Stroller! Do something, anything, to make your stroller stand out. When you come back from a ride, there is a good chance a Cast Member (Disney Employee) has moved your stroller to make room for others. Make it easier to spot with some bright colors and signs.
Rider Swap is your best friend! Just because you have a baby with you, doesn’t mean you can’t ride the top rated rides. I’m talking Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and so much more! Simply speak to a Cast Member at the beginning of the line and ask for “Rider Swap.” One person heads to the line, and once they are finished, the other skips the line (after swapping the baby.)
Take the opportunity to Slow Down! When I go on an adult-only trip, I find myself jumping from top attraction to the next. It wasn’t until I brought my son that I truly was able to slow down and check out some of the magic outside of the rides - including the spectacular shows, the intricate design of every area and ride, and the general magic that is throughout.
