Expert Tips for Visiting Disney with Young Children

By: ​Patricia Mickus 

​When are we going to Disney? 
This is a question most parents are asked at some point in their child’s life. Then panic starts to set in and it’s the parents asking the questions. How stressful will it be? What age is the right age? What’s it really like to be there with young kids?
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The thought of taking young children to Disney can be overwhelming. The TV commercials show families enjoying the perfect vacation, but you see overtired, over stimulated, tantrum throwing kids in your head. The good news is that with a little planning and the right perspective, you can have that magical trip you dreamed about.
 
My kids are so young, should I wait until my kids will remember?
 
I often hear people say that they want to wait to do Disney World until their kids are old enough to remember the trip.  Personally, I did not take my kids until they were 3 years old. Going to the grocery store with infants was daunting to me so the thought of managing them at Disney was way too big of an adventure. Do my kids remember their first trip at three?  No, but I have some great pictures and we all had an awesome time. Timing is a personal choice for each family. Try taking a trip to a local amusement park. Now think how that same trip over a 4-5 day stretch.
 
Disney for some is a once in a lifetime vacation and you want to feel you’re getting your money’s worth.  The magic of Disney is never lost on a young child. For a preschooler, that really is Belle just waiting for a hug and Mickey Mouse really has come out just to see them today. 

Pre-Trip Planning

• Keep your planning simple. Don’t over schedule. Decide on a few “must-do’s” and leave the rest of the time for discovery and surprises.
• Be flexible. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of your plan when your little ones discover their own “must-dos” during vacation.
• Remember, there are lots of sunny days in Florida, so don't forget to pack some sunscreen and hats.
• Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes.
• Bringing a toy or two can really make a hotel room feel more like home.

How does Disney help young families while in the Parks?

• The rides and attractions are well suited for little ones and families. The majority of rides in the parks can be experienced by the entire family together.  With most of the height requirements set at 40" (and a few at 44"-48"), the average 7-8 year old can ride nearly all of the rides.  Many 3-4 year olds can even ride some of the “thrill rides”.
• Child swap is available at all rides with a height restriction. This allows families with a child that is too small to ride without waiting in a long line twice.
• FastPass+ allows you to come back to a ride later and wait in a much shorter line. These passes, along with a good touring strategy, can minimize time spent waiting in line.
• From young kids to teenagers to parents and grandparents, the entire family can have a magical time together.
• Baby care centers are available in all parks, providing a quiet, air conditioned place to take a break, feed, or change a baby or small child.
• Each park has several play areas designed for younger children.
• Live Shows showcasing their favorite Disney Characters are a big hit.  Disney Junior Live on Stage is a can’t miss attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These shows offer guests an air conditioned venue to get off their feet.
• Long park hours and convenient transportation to onsite resorts make it easy to take a mid-day break back at the resort for naps or dips in the pool.
• Full immersion of Disney entertainment, including all your kids' favorite characters. There's nothing better than your daughter meeting her favorite princess or your son challenging Darth Vader to a light saber duel.

Characters

• Some children may be intimidated by Characters they haven't met before. Approach the Characters together so the children are less intimidated.
• One of the best ways to spend time with Disney Characters up close is by dining at a Character meal. You are able to see multiple characters with less waiting time and enjoying a tasty meal in the cool air conditioning.
• Don't forget to bring autograph books! All Characters are pleased to sign autographs.

Dining

• Milk and other healthy meal options are available in most Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.
• All Walt Disney World Resort restaurants – with the exception of food carts and counter-service dining – have high chairs and booster seats.
• Most Disney restaurants offer children's menus, plus crayons and coloring books to keep kids entertained.
• Arrange for the kids to have dinner and fun at one of five Children’s Activity Centers located in various Deluxe resorts. The adults can enjoy a quiet dinner for two or enjoy an evening stroll through the Parks while the kids are entertained in a fun secured environment.

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What are the Challenges with young kids?
 
One of the most important tips I can give is to manage your expectations. Remember, you can’t see and do everything, and that’s OK. Pay attention to your kids' cues, if they are too cranky to wait for the 3pm parade then let them sleep through it. Or better yet, head back to the resort for a few hours and return to the parks refreshed later in the early evening. It’s more important to enjoy the things you do than to try to force everyone to do everything.
 
If you are waiting until your preschooler is older to enjoy Disney, think again! From characters, parades, attractions and shows designed with them in mind, their days will be full of Disney magic. For more tips check out Simple Luxuries Travel’s Pinterest Board  - Disney With Toddlers and Preschoolers
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About the Author:​

Patricia Mickus is an Disney Vacation Planner  and Co-owner of Simple Luxuries Travel.  Patricia lives in Bristow, Virginia with her husband and two sons.  She believes you can have a Disney vacation of a lifetime and maximize your vacation dollar. All of her concierge planning services are FREE to her clients.   

Contact Patricia at [email protected] or visit her Facebook page or blog - www.MagicalMickeyTips.com for more Disney planning tips.