Navigating Disney World with Kids

Disney World with toddlers and preschoolers? Absolutely! While it might seem daunting, creating magical memories with your little ones is totally achievable with a bit of planning and a sprinkle of pixie dust. But as a mom who’s experienced both the triumphs and fails of Disney with young kids, I’m here to offer some honest advice to help you navigate the magic (and the meltdowns!).

Before You Even Leave Home:

Buy a Seat for Your Infant: If you’re traveling with a baby, I highly recommend purchasing a seat for them and bringing their car seat on the plane. Not only is it the safest option, but it also provides a familiar and comfortable space for them during the flight. Plus, you’ll have it for car rentals or ride-sharing services at your destination.

Book your Transportation ahead of time: While most people think of their plane tickets, they may forget to figure out how they’re getting to and from the airport and their hotel. Disney used to have the Magic Express which was a lifesaver – especially if you were traveling with littles – but unfortunately they don’t offer that service anymore. So make sure you book either a private car service like Black Lane (use my link and code fashionablykate15 to get 15% of your rides!), or a bus service.
Embrace the Organization: Overpacking is inevitable, especially with little ones. But being organized is key! Use packing cubes, label everything, and create a detailed packing list to avoid the stress and chaos I experienced.

Protect that Precious Skin: Florida sun is no joke, even in the “off” season. Pack hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for everyone, and consider those adorable Minnie ear turbans I found on Etsy for Aurora – they’re perfect for protecting delicate baby scalps.

Navigating the Parks:

Rent a Stroller: Save yourself the hassle of lugging a stroller through the airport and rent one at your destination. Services like BabyQuip offer a variety of strollers, car seats, and other baby gear, making your trip a bit smoother.
Embrace the Slow Lane: Disney with young kids is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan for things to take longer than expected, factor in extra time for meltdowns and diaper changes, and don’t try to cram too much into each day.

Prioritize Nap Time (Even on Vacation!): While I’m all for relaxing the rules on vacation, I’ve learned that nap time is sacred for some kids. Don’t fight it! Plan for downtime or head back to the hotel for a midday rest to avoid overtired meltdowns (or in Arielle’s case, watching them pass out at the table).

Bring Family Along to Help: Make the trip a family affair by asking grandparents or siblings and their partners if they are interested in taking the trip with you! They’ll have lots of fun spending time with the youngest family members and you might even get a break (we got to have dinner in France – the first dinner we had enjoyed sans kids in 4 months).

Making the Most of the Magic:

Capture the Memories: Take ALL the photos and videos! You’ll want to remember every magical moment. And make sure you get in some of those photos if you’re usually the family photographer like me. But also, try to be present and soak it all in. It’s easy to get caught up in documenting everything and forget to actually experience it.
Get Those Celebration Buttons: If you’re celebrating a first visit, birthday, or any special occasion, grab those celebration buttons and wear them proudly! Cast members will often offer extra magic and attention to those wearing them.

Book a Character Meal: Guarantee some quality time with your child’s favorite characters by booking at least one character meal. Bring an autograph book and pen, or even a special item for them to sign. We found the cutest mini purses for the princesses to autograph!

Choose your Hotel Carefully: We stayed at the Art of Animation which we loved for the Skyliner but it was one of the properties that is further away from the parks and busses felt more sporadic than the other hotels. While these are great options if you are working within a strict budget (and Disney is expensive) if you can afford to splurge a bit, I’d suggest Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans French Quarter as a small step up. If you can go for the deluxe hotels on the monorail – more power to you! However you don’t have to stay at the most expensive hotel to enjoy your trip.

Embrace the Unexpected:

Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed, lines will be long, and meltdowns will happen. Don’t let it ruin your trip! Embrace the unexpected, go with the flow, and remember that the most magical moments often happen when you least expect them.
Be prepared for anything. Pack a basic first aid kit and know where the nearest medical facilities are located (we learned this the hard way with our unexpected trip to Celebration Hospital!).
Most importantly, enjoy every moment! There’s only one “first” Disney trip. Cherish the memories, embrace the chaos, and create magic with your little ones.

Bonus Tip: Download the My Disney Experience app! It’s your essential tool for navigating the parks, managing reservations, ordering food, and maximizing your Disney magic.