I’ve just had a whirlwind 3 days here in Orlando, Florida and we still have one more day in this magical place. Perhaps you’ve been reading the tweets from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration or reading the posts that have already gone live. Like many of the attendees, I came away with a wealth of information. My hope in sharing just some of what I’ve learned is that it’s relevant, useful, and interesting about traveling with small kids to Walt Disney World.
Photo Credit: Rockin' Mama
As someone who has attended Disneyland since the age of two, I wasn’t prepared for the shear magnitude of Walt Disney World. I read all about how the resort covers 40 square miles (the equivalent in size to the city of San Francisco) and how the average visitor walks seven miles. But I just didn’t get it.
After three days here at the Walt Disney World Resort, I’ve learned a few things. I am in no way an expert. But, if you’re traveling with children, particularly small children like my son and daughter, here are some tips that may just make the trip that much more enjoyable.
1. Do your homework. I know this is a given, but this is crucial to making the most of your time at the resort. Try to find a book (or reference) that speaks to the season of life you’re in and how you envision your visit. For example, Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World With Preschoolers, was very relevant for us. The book focuses on the needs of children ages 2-5 and the parents that care for them. In it, you’ll find suitable attractions, recreation, lodging, and dining as well as family-friendly services such as stroller rentals, Baby Care Centers, and child-care options.
2. Allow for plenty of time…and then some. Despite it’s carefully planned system of transportation, it still takes time getting to and from the resorts to the parks.
3. Plan to walk. A lot. Remember my note above about a. the size of the park and b. the average number of miles walked by visitors to the resort?
4. Stay within the resort. You will save a lot of time (and money) if you stay on property, since transportation within the resort is ongoing and free. While the hotels off-site are more affordable, you will likely spend money getting to and from the park and/or will have to rely on the hotel’s transportation if it is provided.
5. Be strategic about Fastpasses. We’re currently visiting during a time when the parks see a moderate amount of people. I recommend heading to the parks early in the morning to obtain fastpasses for those rides that are the most popular.
6. Bring a stroller. I can walk Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure Park by myself with two children, sans a stroller. Not so much at the Walt Disney World Resort. And while stroller rentals are available, you can’t take them outside of the park so your child will have to walk or you will have to carry your child to the monorail or buses.
7. Obtain multi-day park hopper passes. Unless you’re local, a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is not an everyday occurrence. Rather than run the kids down with fatigue, space out your visit with the flexibility of a multi-day pass.
8. Build in rest times. Even the happiest child can quickly become irritable if fatigued, hot, and over-stimulated. Heed number 4 and head back to the room for a nap to rejuvenate the littles.
What are your best tips for navigating Walt Disney World with small children?
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I’ve never been to WDW so I don’t know that this totally applies, but as we’ve been going bi-annually to Disneyland with the kiddos, I suggest you pack fruit and veggies for snacks. The cheap food in the park is pretty junky–sweets and sugar. It’s pretty difficult to find anything fresh or pure and handing the kids a celery stick or orange pieces while you wait in line not only is healthy, but it keeps them from hanging on the chain divides and in my son’s case, spinning like a whirling dervish till he hits someone.
Hey Lori! I love that tip! I did see some apples and carrots with the kid’s meals at WDW but yes, it’s definitely nice to have a stash to hand out to the kids when they’re hungry in between meals! : ) I hope you get to visit soon….
All your tips are perfect including the one that Lori added, I would also add to bring bottles of water with you so that you don’t get dehydrated. It is easy to do while you are walking in the sun and you don’t even notice it.
It was wonderful to finally get at hug from you and I think I saw your children at the pool on Saturday with people I didn’t recognize. TeeHee
We went for the first time last year. I’d say, start as early as humanly possible to beat the crowds, then take a nap in the afternoons (what a luxury, but you’re on vacay, right?). Get your best photo ops in early, too, before you get all sweaty and rosy-cheeked. Refill your water bottle every time you walk past a water fountain because the next one might not be working. Aaaandd… don’t spend your day rushing from place to place. Try to retain the perspective of little ones. Soak up the memories.
Great tips! I’ve been taking kids to Disney World since my youngest was 1 1/2, and slowing down is a must and not trying to do it all. Breaks can save the day. I know y’all had a blast at Disney World.
Great tips. I would recommend visiting in late February. It’s a low traffic time (No lines! ) and the weather is pleasant in the mid 60’s.
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