Are you planning a Disney World vacation and have young children to consider when making your plans? Disney World is a vacation destination that can entertain guests of all ages but with younger children it is best to be as organized as possible. In this Disney World tips with toddlers guide, I will cover our top tips for parents along with the rides and attractions that I recommend for younger children.
There is a wide resource of Disney World information on this site do keep a look out for helpful links throughout the article.
Disney World Tips with Toddlers
Hopefully, you will find the following Disney World Toddler tips helpful, and they will make your vacation that bit more enjoyable for you and your children.
1. Costumes for Toddlers
Adults can’t wear costumes at Disney World (other than at special events) but that doesn’t stop the toddlers and small children enjoying the parks. Dressing your children up as their favorite Disney characters can make for some great photos especially when the kiddos get to meet the characters.
There are lots of costumes available to purchase at Disney World and you can also consider treating your children to an extra special experience such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
2. Hoodies in the Morning and Evening for Your Toddler
At certain times of year it can get a little chilly early in the morning and late in the evening at Disney World especially for the little ones. Having some hoodies ready to go if needed is always a good idea.
3. Baby Care Centers for Toddlers at Disney World
Do be aware that there are Baby Care Centers in all of the parks that you can make use of if needed. These facilities have feeding and changing areas and you can also purchase spare clothing or over the counter medication. They also provide a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the parks if needed.
4. Free Water When Needed
There are lots of drinking fountains located all around Disney World property but also be aware that you can request a free cup of iced water from most stands and kiosks. If you need to refill a drinks bottle with some cold water for your toddler this is really helpful.
You will also usually find iced water that you can help yourself to in the Disney Park Starbucks locations.
You can read more about Starbucks at Disney World here.
5. Plan for Breaks With Your Toddler at Disney World
If you need to take a break, then definitely do so. Toddlers can definitely do with a few breaks during a long day at the Disney World parks. A little five-minute sit down in the shade somewhere can work wonders or even a little snack break somewhere like Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom can do your party the world of good. It can be a long day if you are out in the parks all day so definitely factor in time for some breaks. Yes, you will stop for meals, but you will benefit from the odd break now and again too.
You can even leave the parks and return later on in the day and take a break at your resort. Maybe enjoy the pool or take a short nap.
6. Shows Can Be Great for a Rest Too
Shows like Festival of the Lion King and Mickey’s Philharmagic can also be a great opportunity to take a rest but whilst still keeping the kids entertained. These shows are indoors too so you can all take a break from the Florida sun.
7. Book Some Character Meals for Your Toddler
Character Meals are a great way to meet a lot of characters in a short space of time whilst also taking a bit of a break away from the parks. If you have the opportunity do consider booking some as they can also save you time from lining up to meet characters in the parks too. We always book some Character Meals as we know we will get some nice photos and autographs.
You can find our favorite Character Meals by clicking the image below.
8. Toddlers Might Get Scared by the Disney Characters
If your small children have not met a lot of characters before, please do be aware that they might just find them a little intimidating to begin with. When our children were younger, they would go through stages of either really loving the characters or not really wanting to get to close to them.
Try to gauge this early on and not put to much pressure on your children to have a photo if they do not want to. Sometimes it pays to stand and watch others meeting the characters first so that your little on can see what happens.
9. Take Snacks and Drinks in Your Backpack
Having a snack like a cereal bar in your backpack and a drink just in case your children start flagging a bit is always very helpful. It might be needed whilst waiting for a bus and if it does not melt pack a snack for emergencies. Everyone needs a little energy boost at some point during a Disney World vacation from toddlers to adults.
10. Make Your Stroller Easy to Spot
You will find that the areas where you can park your strollers at Disney World when enjoying the attractions can get really busy. Try to make sure that you have something on your stroller that makes it stand out so you can spot it with ease when you return to it.
Also do remember not to leave anything valuable in your stroller when you leave it unattended. Disney World might be a very magical place but sometimes it only takes one person to spoil that. Not giving anyone the opportunity to take something will prevent that.
You can read about the best backpacks for Disney World here.
11. Don’t Forget to Fold Your Stroller Before You Get on the Bus
I see this happen all the time at Disney World. If you are waiting for a bus do remember that before you can get on that all strollers must be folded. This is a rule that applies right across Disney World and catches out a lot of parents on their first Disney World trip.
You can find more First Time at Disney World Tips here.
12. Make the Most of Memory Maker with Your Toddlers at Disney World
Memory Maker is a great package to get lots of photos taken across Disney World. From ride photos, character photos and more they are all included with Memory Maker and a lot of the time it is included as part of your vacation package. You see all the photos on the My Disney Experience App and download them when you are back home.
You can read our full Memory Maker Guide here.
13. Plan Your Rides and Attractions
It’s always good to plan for Disney World but when you are with toddlers at Disney World it is good to make sure you are planning for rides and experiences that you know all your family can enjoy during your vacation. You can base some of your priority attractions on your children’s favorite characters or even watch some YouTube videos to see what you think might be best. You’ll find my recommendations below.
14. Know the Ride Restrictions Before You Go
It is always good to know the ride restriction before your Disney World Vacation especially if you have some thrill-seeking little ones who might not be quite tall enough for certain rides.
You can find out more about the ride restrictions at Disney World by clicking the image below.
15. Every Child Reacts Differently to Rides
Do be aware that every child reacts differently to rides. You know your children better than anyone but sometimes they can surprise you by how scared certain attractions can make them feel. They can also go the other way too and become super brave. We have always found it best to keep talking to them when in the line if they seem a little anxious.
16. Dumbo Has a Great Indoor Play Area
Dumbo has a great indoor play area for the kids to enjoy whilst you wait to take your turn on the ride itself. You are given a buzzer on entering and when it goes off it your turn to ride. A great idea by Disney and kind of two attractions in one.
17. Dumbo Has a Great Indoor Play Area
Dumbo has a great indoor play area for the kids to enjoy whilst you wait to take your turn on the ride itself. You are given a buzzer on entering and when it goes off it your turn to ride. A great idea by Disney and kind of two attractions in one.
18. Use Some of the Disney World Transport Options Wisely
Monorails and boat rides can be a fun way to travel between locations at Disney World. It can also make it a little more exciting for the children in your party too. Mix it up a little bit so that it’s not just boring bus trips all the time. There will be a Sky liner to enjoy too soon.
19. Download Some Smartphones Games for Lines and Bus Journeys
Having some games downloaded on your smartphone can really help entertain kids on any longer bus journeys (I’m thinking Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom). This can also help pass the time if you do get caught in a line for longer than expected too.
20. Suitcase Essentials Come in Handy
You will find a list of our useful suitcase essentials here that you should consider packing for your Disney World Holiday especially when you have kids.
21. Poncho’s are Useful for Water Rides
If your kids don’t like getting wet on the water rides, then Poncho’s are really handy, and they come in useful in a rain storm too. We always buy them before our vacation as they are expensive inside the parks compared to buying them online.
You can find the latest Amazon prices for Poncho Family packs here.
22. Use Some of the Disney World Transport Options Wisely
Monorails and boat rides can be a fun way to travel between locations at Disney World. It can also make it a little more exciting for the children in your party too. Mix it up a little bit so that it’s not just boring bus trips all the time. There will be a Sky liner to enjoy too soon.
23. Download Some Smartphones Games for Lines and Bus Journeys
Having some games downloaded on your smartphone can really help entertain kids on any longer bus journeys (I’m thinking Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom). This can also help pass the time if you do get caught in a line for longer than expected too.
24. Suitcase Essentials Come in Handy
You will find a list of our useful suitcase essentials here that you should consider packing for your Disney World Holiday especially when you have kids.
25. Poncho’s are Useful for Water Rides
If your kids don’t like getting wet on the water rides, then Poncho’s are really handy, and they come in useful in a rain storm too. We always buy them before our vacation as they are expensive inside the parks compared to buying them online.
You can find the latest Amazon prices for Poncho Family packs here.
26. Water Shoes are Great for the Water Parks
Water shoes for the kids at the parks are great. They can go in and out of the pools as they please and their feet are protected if you are making your way up to the water slides too. A great purchase if you haven’t got any yet for your children.
You can find a wide range of water shoes for kids on Amazon here.
27. Disney Can Deal with A Medical Emergency Very Well
This is the voice of experience talking here. A few years back our son managed smash his nose on the handle of a penny press machine in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. He had a nose bleed and we went to ask for some tissues from some cast members but within minutes our son was being treated by two paramedics.
The paramedics even asked if we wanted him to go to hospital which seemed a little over the top but it does highlight how organised Disney are if you do have a medical emergency on Disney property.
28. Make Sure You Get a Birthday Badge for the Little Ones
If one of your children is celebrating a birthday when you are in Disney World make sure you get a birthday badge/button for them. Our daughter has celebrated her birthday at Disney World on more than one occasion and the cast members at the parks are wonderful.
She was greeted so many times with Happy Birthday Princess that we lost count and one cast member even gave her four fast passes so that we could all enjoy an extra attraction on her special day.
29. Enjoy the Magic During a Disney World Vacation with Your Toddler
Kids can get tired, grumpy, throw tantrums and even get sick at Disney World. Anything can happen but always remember where you are – at Disney World and to enjoy the magic and make those special memories while your children are still children.
The Best Magic Kingdom Epcot Rides and Shows for Toddlers at Disney World
These are my picks for rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom for toddlers…
Dumbo
This classic Disney attraction is a must do experience when it comes to Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers. There are two sets of Dumbo rides in operation with two guests riding in each vehicle and you make Dumbo go up and down as you ride.
The great thing about this ride is that as you enter the standby line you are given a pager and while you wait any children in your party can play in the indoor play area and the pager will buzz when it is your turn to ride. This is a great way to keep any toddlers or small children occupied and it gets you out of the sun for a little while too.
Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
Take the Journey of the Little of the Little Mermaid as you go underwater (don’t worry no actual water is involved) to watch Ariel’s story unfold in this dark ride that uses music and great animatronics to tell the story of the Disney movie. All of the characters from the movie feature along with the music too.
One of the more modern dark rides at Magic Kingdom and a very enjoyable one for guest young and old with lots to look at during the ride.
It’s a Small World
Can you hear the music in your head yet (it’s a Small World after all)? This colorful boat ride takes you on a trip around the world with colourful sets, cute animatronic models and of course that music. This is a great ride for toddlers because it is slow moving with lots of characters and scenes for them to look at.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Another one of the many Magic Kingdom dark rides in Fantasyland. This ride takes you on a journey through the adventures of Winnie the Pooh by taking you through various scenes from the classic Disney movie. Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga and Roo all feature as you ride in your honey pot through the pages of the huge picture book telling the story as you slowly make you way through the ride.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Located just across the way from It’s a Small World is Peter Pan’s Flight. This rail suspended dark ride gives you the feeling of flight (after being sprinkled with Fairy Dust) taking you from the Darling’s house in London to Neverland where you will see various scenes from the classic Disney animated movie.
A very old fashioned but charming dark ride that is known for long wait times, but the actual ride time isn’t very long. Your little ones should love as it tells the Peter Pan Story very well and does a great job of featuring all the famous characters.
The Best Epcot Rides and Shows for Toddlers at Disney World
These are my picks for rides and attractions at Epcot for toddlers…
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Take a journey through the Imagination institute with Dr Nigel Channing and Figment in this omni mover dark ride. You are taken through the five sensory labs to discover how our senses capture the imagination where Figment gets involved and causes mischief. Towards the end of the ride you travel through figments upside down house and the end of the ride features the song ‘One Little Spark’. I never experienced the earlier versions of this ride, but I do find this ride enjoyable. A great ride for smaller kids.
Turtle Talk with Crush
This 15 minute screen based show allows the audience to interact live with Crush and features some familiar faces from the Finding Nemo movies too. This is a great little sit down show if you have young children. It will keep them entertained and you can sit down and take a break at the same time too.
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
This is a very enjoyable collection of Disney and Pixar shorts that are shown in 3D. You will usually find that you will get to see a fun 3D Mickey Mouse short followed by some wonderful Pixar shorts. This is usually an easy show to get into and is very enjoyable too.
The Gran Fiesta Tour
Located inside the Mexico building on World Showcase, take a boat ride through Mexico as Jose and Panchito chase Donald Duck. A fun ride for all the family using screen technology as well as animatronics. The Gran Fiesta Tour is a nice ride that features famous Mexican landmarks whilst featuring the Three Caballeros. Usually on a normal day you can pretty much walk straight on to this ride.
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After takes you on a journey through Arendelle on a boat in this very popular dark ride (another one!). Using state of the art animatronics you will meet Olaf, visit Elsa in her Ice Palace as well coming across Anna and Kristoff. There is one small drop towards the end of the ride but in general this is another fairly gentle ride.
If you have kids that are fans of Frozen then they will love it.
The Best Hollywood Studio Rides and Shows for Toddlers at Disney World
These are my picks for rides and attractions at Hollywood Studios for toddlers…
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
The Royal Historians of Arendelle take you through the story of Frozen in this fun sing along show. Throughout the show you will see clips from the movie and Anna, Elsa and Kristoff all make appearances so sing along with you too. The Royal Historians are very funny and there is some fun humor for all ages to enjoy in this show. You might experience some snow in Florida too when watching this.
Muppet Vision 3D
This fun 3D show from the muppets is a great little 15 minute attraction that also gives you a bit of a break from the park and the Florida sun. All of the Muppet’s feature and Statler and Waldorf join you as part of the audience. The 3D effects work really well and the Muppets humor really makes this a fun show. This is also normally a very easy show to see too with not normally a long wait time.
Alien Swirling Saucers
A ride very similar to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (located in Disney California Adventure at Disneyland) this is very similar to the Mad Tea Party in Magic Kingdom, but your vehicle is whipped around whilst rotating rather than spinning. Saying that though it is such a fun ride and its great fun to ride with your children. The music on the ride is really fun too.
Toy Story Mania
This 3D carnival style shooting game is so much fun. You ride in a four seat ride vehicle with 2 pairs of riders back to back. You play through five shooting games trying to get as high as score as possible using your cannon which is operated by a pull cord. This ride can get competitive amongst your family but that is what makes it a lot of fun. The cannons are easy to use for small children and the ride will really pull them in with the use of the Toy Story characters.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Based on the Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts this great ride for toddlers and small children takes you into the zany world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon. You ride in Goofy’s train following Mickey and Minnie on a car ride before the ride turns into a crazy ride through a world where the rules of physics don’t apply. Expect unexpected twists, silly gags at every turn, as Mickey and Minnie try to save the day.
The Best Animal Kingdom Epcot Rides and Shows for Toddlers at Disney World
These are my picks for rides and attractions at Animal Kingdom for toddlers…
Triceratops Spin
This ride is basically the Dumbo ride but with Dinosaur ride vehicles and it is also very popular with parents with small children. It is usually fairly easy to get on during a normal day at Animal Kingdom and let’s be honest small children love this simple style of ride that they also feel they can control by moving up and down. A classic fairground/carnival ride that toddlers love.
Finding Nemo the Musical
Another great show at Animal Kingdom is Finding Nemo the Musical. Live performers bring the famous Pixar movie to life with wonderful puppets and under water special effects. This show is so entertaining with performers coming out into the audience and making the show feel very immersive.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you will find the Conservation Station. Here you will be able to see the real magic of Animal Kingdom with fascinating insights into the veterinary care that the animals receive at the park as well as a look at some of the conservation work undertaken too. This attraction can be easily missed (we missed it on our very first visit to Animal Kingdom) so do try to catch the train to the Conservation Station.
There is also a petting zoo area here too called the Affection Section where you can get close to the friendly goats and other animals.
Navi River Journey is a dark ride where you take a boat ride through Pandora’s caves and bioluminescent rainforest to take in the scenes and creatures that make up the mysterious habitat. The animatronic Navi Shaman is fantastic, and the ride does create a mysterious and magical atmosphere. For toddlers it is a nice gentle ride experience with lots of things to see and hear as you make your way through the ride.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Take a safari ride as you explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve where you will see hippos, crocodiles, giraffe’s, elephants, and lions as well as many other animals. This is a fantastic experience for all the family and the tour guides that drive your safari truck are very knowledgeable making this experience quite educational too.
Highlights for us are usually the elephants and the lions on pride rock who are usually taking a nap as you pass by. The great thing about this tour too is that each time you take it you are never quite sure what you are going to see or how long it might take as you might have to stop for passing animals out on the plains. A must do attraction at Animal Kingdom.
Disney World Tips With Toddlers – The Parents Essential Guide
I hope this guide has given you some useful Disney World toddler tips and ideas for making sure your toddlers have a great time at Disney World with your toddlers. For more helpful Disney World articles take a look at our posts by clicking the links below.
The Best Times to go to Disney World
Disney Shirt Ideas for All the Family
Calculate Your Food Budget With Our Disney Dining Calculator
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Thanks for stopping by.
Darren
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