There’s a difference between going to Disney World and going to Disney World with an infant. While the difference isn’t that huge, there will be special considerations that you have to keep in mind so you can properly manage and meet the needs of your little one.
Luckily, while it presents some challenges, Disney World is more than happy to provide you with several support services to make your and your baby’s life much easier. Still, it would be best if you prepared yourself; this is where we come in.
In this guide, we’ll cover some important tips to help make your and your infant’s life easier during your trip to Disney World.
The key here is to plan and prepare ahead of time properly. Keep in mind that traveling with a baby is different from traveling without.
It will have challenges, but you want to keep it as stress-free as possible by learning what stuff to bring, which attractions to visit, and where to look for Disney’s support services.
Remember that there are baby centers in Disney’s four parks, and their staff will be more than happy to help you and your little one.
You have to think long and hard before taking your infant to Disney World with you. Hopefully, these tips will make your trip as stress-free as possible.
10 Tips for Bringing an Infant to Walt Disney World
You might ask yourself, “is it okay to bring my infant to Disney World?” and the answer depends on your preference. It’s also something you want to discuss with your doctor.
Just remember that Disney World is a very popular place, so you can expect tons of people worldwide to visit it. Unfortunately, this could also mean exposing your little one to germs in crowded places.
So, waiting for your child’s immune system to develop is good until it can combat any germs they are exposed to.
With all things considered, we don’t recommend bringing your newborn to a crowded place like Disney World. It would be better to wait until they are several months old before you consider planning your trip.
Aside from that, here are ten important tips you should consider if you decide to bring your infant to Disney World:
1. Know Your Transportation Options
One of the most important things you should remember before heading to Disney World is to look at your transportation options.
For the most part, you’ll have to deal with the lack of a car seat upon reaching the nearby airport.
You can also choose to ride on a shuttle bus that will take you to Disney World. However, at this point, it’s best to stick with Disney’s free transportation service. Besides, you most likely won’t need a car seat anyway.
Meanwhile, if you want to get around Disney World without having to walk for the most part, you can use the Minnie Van service. Of course, this can add to your overall expenses, but it’s far more convenient to go from one spot to another in a hurry.
2. Bring Your Stroller
We can’t stress this enough, but you must bring your stroller. After all, it provides a familiar feel both to you and your baby, and there’s the fact that rentals are quite expensive.
So while it can be inconvenient to transport, please do your best to bring it when you visit Disney World.
If bringing your own stroller is not possible, you can look for rentals throughout Disney World instead. You can find them in front of the theme parks.
The rental will cost you around $15 per day for a single stroller or $31 per day for a double stroller.
The problem with these rental strollers is that they’re made of hard plastic and have no reclining feature.
This makes them more suited for toddlers and older kids. Moreover, you won’t be able to take them out of the park, so you won’t be able to take them to your hotel.
On the other hand, if you managed to bring your stroller, make sure not to park it just about anywhere. There are designated stroller parking spots throughout the four theme parks that you can use for this purpose.
3. Check the Crowd and Weather in Advance
The crowd is one of the most important factors you should consider when bringing an infant to Disney World. As much as possible, don’t go during peak seasons as you must deal with massive crowds and long wait times.
This can be pretty stressful for you and your baby, making your already challenging vacation even more difficult.
Aside from that, you also don’t want to visit Disney World during hot weather as your baby won’t be able to cope with the temperature as effectively as you.
Even adults tend to experience difficulties adapting to Florida’s summer heat, so save you and your child the hassle by booking a different date with more pleasant weather.
A good tip is to check weather averages for Orlando in advance so you can plan your trip.
4. Plan Your Nap Times
Nap times are very crucial for the growth and development of infants. As such, you must carefully plan your little one’s nap schedule when planning your trip to Disney World.
The problem is that infants can easily get overstimulated by all the beautiful attractions Disney World offers. This can make it hard to make them go down for a nap.
However, if you don’t give them the nap time they deserve, you’ll also have to deal with their meltdowns during your adventure.
So, your best action is to include nap times on your itinerary. For example, you can arrive at the parks very early in the morning, while there are still few people, and then return to your hotel and give your infant a quick nap.
Alternatively, you can include some nice places in your itinerary that are not crowded so you can relax and give your little one a quick nap. Regardless of your itinerary, always include nap times in it.
5. Take Advantage of Baby Care Centers
Disney knows that many parents are eager to bring their infants with them for a visit. This is why they have baby care centers in the four theme parks.
These centers are designed to provide parents and their babies with many amenities, such as changing rooms, kitchens, feeding areas, and private nursing rooms.
It’s worth noting that all of these are FREE! However, you can also find a shop that sells items for your baby, such as wipes, formula, baby food, diapers, and more.
As mentioned, each theme park has its baby center, and you can find them in the following locations:
- Animal Kingdom – This park has a spacious baby center near Africa on the Discovery Island entrance.
- EPCOT – The park’s baby center is located at an inconvenient location outside the EPCOT Experience, right between the Mexican pavilion and the Odyssey building.
- Hollywood Studios – You can find the baby center near the park entrance by Guest Relations.
- Magic Kingdom – This park probably has the best and biggest baby center. You can find it in a central location between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace.
6. Take Advantage of Free Food for Your Infant
As soon as your infant can start eating solid food, you can take advantage of Disney’s free food. In addition, kids under three can eat for free in any of its restaurants.
Buffets and character meals will be useful since you don’t have to spend money on your child’s food. This is especially handy if you decide to eat at a fancy restaurant.
Of course, the downside is that you’ll have to pay for expensive food for yourself. Still, the fact that you can meet characters and a meal for your child in one go is a worthwhile experience.
7. Use Rider Switch
Another thing that makes your life as a parent a lot easier is the Rider Switch. This allows you to enter a ride alongside your infant.
You will be given a digital Rider Switch pass for this purpose, and all you have to do is ask the cast at the entrance to the ride for a rider switch.
If it’s available, they will scan your Magic Band, and you will also have a specified time of when you’ll be able to get back to the ride without waiting on standby.
Another convenient thing about Rider Switch is that it works with the Genie+ service.
8. Stick to Your Usual Bedtime Routine
This tip applies not just to Disney trips but also to trips with your baby in general. As much as possible, you should always keep your usual bedtime routine to ensure your baby can get the sleep they need.
There are a few things you can consider for this, one of which is a blackout cover for your baby’s crib. Alternatively, you can opt for a blackout curtain to make your room slightly darker.
Also, once you get to your hotel room after hours of adventure, give your baby plenty of time to wind down. Babies can easily get overstimulated by all the beautiful attractions they see at Disney World.
All these can make it hard for them to fall asleep easily. Even staying in a new room will be stimulating for them as well.
As such, you have to give them enough time to wind down before you tuck them into bed.
9. Let Your Baby Meet and Greet Characters
Never forget meeting characters. Even if your baby won’t remember it when they grow up, seeing their reactions as they meet some of Disney’s characters is a delightful and memorable experience you’d want to capture.
Some babies will be delighted to meet and greet various characters; these are magical moments you should not miss out on. Make sure to prepare your camera in case interactions like that happen.
On the other hand, some babies will react with fear. If that’s the case, you must take things slowly.
Remember that your child’s interaction will vary depending on their age. If they don’t like character interactions, we suggest avoiding it altogether and trying it again once they get a little older.
10. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring the essential items you and your baby need. These essentials will be your lifesaver when you visit Disney World, and they’re as follows:
- Food – This comes in baby formula, snacks, and feeding bottles.
- Sun protection – You must include sunscreen for you and your baby, a blanket for shade, hats, extra outfits, and a fan.
- Diapers and wipes.
- Carrier – This can come in handy in cases where you need to fold up your stroller.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have covered the basics that will help make your trip to Disney World and your baby much more manageable. While challenging, it doesn’t have to be stressful and less fun.
As long as you can keep these important tips in mind, you’ll be able to have lots of fun during your trip with your infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Newborn With Me to Disney World?
Disney World has no restrictions when it comes to age, so yes, you can bring a newborn with you on your trip. However, note that your baby will be exposed to many airborne germs and susceptible to diseases at this age.
We recommend waiting until they develop their immune system before you plan your trip.
Is It Possible To Wear a Baby Carrier During Rides?
Yes, Disney allows it but with some exceptions. That is, you can only do so on rides that don’t have any height requirement. So if your baby can’t meet a ride’s height requirement, you won’t be able to baby-wear them.
Do I Need a Reservation for My Baby at Disney World?
According to Disney’s policy, children BELOW the age of three are entitled to free park admission at any of their four theme parks.
This means you don’t need any ticket or reservation for them as long as you have a valid park pass and admission.
