The Best Guide For Disney World With A Baby or Toddler
Want to plan “babies first Disney trip?” Wondering if Disney with a baby is a good idea?
You are in the right place!
I am a mom of 4 kids. We have been to Disney World more times than I can count, and no we do not live anywhere near Florida!!
I have often heard “They won’t remember any of it, is it worth it?”
I am here to tell you, YES, it is! Disney brings out the best emotions and smiles! They don’t call it the happiest place on earth for nothing!
I am going to let you know all of the fun things to do with a baby at Disney World. I am also going to include Disney with toddler tips. These tips and tricks will help you navigate the parks.
In this post, I will help you feel comfortable with going to Disney with a baby or a toddler. I will give you ideas for the best Disney World parks for babies, the best accommodation options, and the best rides for babies at Disney World.
Let’s explore everything you need to know for your first visit to Disney World with a baby or toddler!
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Should I Take A Baby To Disney World?
Disney World babies are the best! If you are wondering if Disney World with a baby is a good idea, let me put your mind at ease.
I wouldn’t say going to Disney World with an infant is the perfect Disney World age if you only have 1 kid.
However, if you have other kids taking a baby to Disney World may be your only option. It will be okay! Planning a Disney World trip with babies and younger kids just takes a little more planning!
I am excited to share with you all the best things that will help you when going to Disney World with a baby.
Let’s start with tickets!
Babies at Disney World get Free Park entrance! Wait What?! Yes, one great thing about bringing a baby to Disney World is that they are free. Kids under 3 get in free.
This is a great way to save money.
Hot Tip for Booking Disney World with Toddlers and Babies
Disney offers a lot of fun promotions throughout the year. Getawaytoday is a great place to get your theme park ticket or tickets. They are up to date on all of the promotions.
If you book your package and Disney runs a new promotion they will automatically give you the better price! You don’t have to worry, they take care of everything!
If you want to book a package you can use code PlanAway10 to get an extra $10 off.
Front of Line
You can purchase a Lightning Lane multi-pass. It is a front-of-the-line pass. It allows you to choose 3 rides before you arrive at the theme parks.
You will be given specific times to ride each ride. Once you arrive you can choose more rides. If the park is busy when you are planning to go this is a must to avoid long lines!
What Disney World Hotel Should I Stay at If I Have a Baby or Toddler?
I highly recommend booking a Disney hotel on the property. Disney World is huge!
The first time we went to Disney World we did not realize how big it was. We booked a resort that was much cheaper off-site. It was a long drive to get to Disney World! This also made it so that we couldn’t rest and had to stay at the parks all day. (Not recommended if you have a baby or toddler.)
There are lots of hotels on Disney property. Disney hotels offers special perks if you stay on-site. One example is early or late hours which only people staying onsite have access to.
There are all kinds of options for on-site properties: Luxury or Deluxe, Moderate, and Budget or Value Resorts.
The luxury hotels have large rooms, nicer pools, and nice amenities. They are very close to the parks. They offer lots of transportation options like buses, boats, and the monorail.
Moderate and budget offers smaller rooms that are farther from the parks. The Disney transportation for these resort are buses. The bus system is amazing so no need to worry.
All of these resorts are awesome in one way or another. Staying on the property is great if you have a toddler or baby who needs to take a nap in the middle of the day.
Hotels Near Magic Kingdom
The three closest hotels to Magic Kingdom are Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian. You can take a monorail to get to MK.
Magic Kingdom is the best park for little babies and toddlers. These hotels have easy access to Magic Kingdom.
Hotels Near Hollywood Studio and Epcot
Marriotts Swan, Dolphin, and Reserve are located near Hollywood and Epcot. The Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk are also very close to both parks.
These hotels are located near the Boardwalk. This is an area with lots of fun shops and activities.
If you are looking for the best pool on Disney property, the Beach Club and Yacht Club share an amazing pool.
There is sand on the bottom of the pool (it feels amazing), a pirate ship, and an amazing kiddie pool!
Hotels Near Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom Lodge is near Animal Kingdom this is a Disney-owned property.
There is also a Spring Hills Suites near Animal Kingdom. (Springhill has a paid bus system, it is not a Disney-owned hotel) We have stayed at Springhill and really liked it. It is not too far from Animal Kingdom.
We have stayed in most of these resorts.
I would recommend the Contemporary because the walk is so short to Magic Kingdom and a really fast monorail back. (Great if nap time is a consideration.)
I would also recommend the Beach or Yacht Club if you plan to take a day to enjoy the pool and relax.
The Art of Animation is a budget hotel that has family suites which sleeps larger families.
My Top Hotel Recommendations for Disney World with a Toddler or a Baby
We love staying near the Boardwalk. All of those resorts are amazing! We have status at Marriott hotels and the Swan and Dolphin are owned by Marriott but actually on Disney property!
If you want to stay on property and save money you can stay at a budget or moderate hotel as well. All of the Pop hotels are cheaper and have excellent bus service.
We have stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans and loved it. The rooms are smaller but the eatery is amazing!
The transportation system is amazing if you are staying on-site.
Davids Vacation Club
David’s Vacation Club is the best-kept secret. If you know you know, but if you don’t know I am excited to share this awesome company with you.
Basically, you can save a ton of money on Disney luxury properties through David’s Vacation Rental.
People who have invested in the Disney Vacation Club timeshares can sell their points through this company and you as a consumer can get amazing deals on Disney properties.
We used Davids Vacation Club and saved over $1000 for a night at Disney’s Aulani! It is amazing!
Hot Tips For Taking an Infant to Disney World or Toddler
Take a Nap
You will need to take a midday break during the day, believe me!
Don’t go into your Disney World experience thinking that you are going to be there at the rope drop and then close the park.
Order Groceries to your Room
If you book a villa, these typically have kitchens. If you want to order snacks or even meals Instacart, Doordash, and Amazon Fresh delivery at Disney World.
Best Disney World Park for Toddlers and Babies
Magic Kingdom is the best Disney park for Toddlers and Babies. I think Animal Kingdom ranks 2nd, Hollywood 3rd, and Epcot 4th. (As an adult Epcot is my favorite but we are focusing on babies!)
Top Disney World Parks for Toddlers and Babies
- Magic Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
- Epcot
In the Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland is where you will want to go first. In this area it has many rides babies can ride. There are lots of shows and fun character meet and greets.
I am going to break down each park so you know what you can do with a toddler and baby at Disney World within each park!
Best Shows and Rides for Babies at Magic Kingdom
For the first ride at the Magic Kingdom Disney Resort you will want to head to Fantasyland. This area is designed for small children. But don’t worry the whole family will love these fun rides.
Fantasy Land
- Dumbo
- Barnstormer
- Peter Pan
- Winnie the Pooh
- Prince Charming Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party
- Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Small World
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Liberty Square Riverboat
Tomorrowland
- Carousel of Progress
- People Mover
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
The railroad goes around the park.
Shows for Disney World Babies and Toddlers
- Enchanted Tales with Belle (Fantasyland)
- Monsters Ink Laugh Floor (Tomorrowland)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Fantasyland)
- Walt Disney’sTiki Room (Adventureland)
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree (Frontierland)
- Firework Show Happily Ever After Disney Enchantment and Disney Starlight (Castle)
Character Meet and Greets
- Meet Cinderella (Fantasyland)
- Meet Ariel (Fantasyland)
- Meet Tiana (Fantasyland)
- Meet Disney Pals (Storybook Circus in Fantasyland)
- Meet Mickey (Town Square Front of the Park)
Best Shows and Rides at Animal Kingdom for Toddlers and Babies
Animal Kingdom is one of the best Disney parks for toddlers and babies. Animal Kingdom is a visual experience.
If your kids love zoos and animals everywhere you walk there are enclosures and up close experiences with different animals.
There are lots of trails with stops along the way to learn and have hands-on experiences.
Best Animal Kingdom Rides for Toddlers and Babies
There are three rides that are great for babies and toddlers.
Harambe (Africa)
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (18-22 minutes)
- Wildlife Express Train (Rafikis Planet Watch)
Pandora World of Avatar
- Na’vi River Journey
Shows
- Festival of the Lion King (Africa)
- Feathered Friends in Flight (Asia)
- It’s Tough to be a Bug (Tree of Life Area)
- Tree of Life Awakens Nighttime (Tree)
Characters
- Meet Disney Pals (Disney Adventure Outpost)
- Dug and Russell (Discovery Island)
- Minnie and Mickey (Discovery Island)
- Kevin (Discovery Island)
- Goofy (Dinoland)
- Daisy Duck (Dinoland)
- Donald Duck (Dinoland)
- Chip and Dale (Dinoland)
There are lots of characters at Animal Kingdom so if you are looking to take lots of photos this is a great park. There may be new rides coming by 2027. Dinoland is under construction to become an American-themed land.
Our Experience
We typically spend half a day at Animal Kingdom then rest and go to another park later in the evening.
Best Shows and Rides at Hollywood Studios for Toddlers and Babies
There are lots of fun things to do at Hollywood Studios for toddlers and babies.
Let’s explore the rides at Hollywood Studios for Toddlers and Babies
Toy Story Land
- Toy Story Mania
- Alien Swirling Saucers (Toddlers Only 32 inches)
Hollywood Blvd
- Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway
Shows
- Muppets 3D Vision
- Fantasmic
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show
- Beauty and The Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance
- Little Mermaid a Musical Adventure (Coming Summer 2025)
- Vacation Fun Mickey and Minnie Short Film
Characters
- Meet Olaf (Celebrity Spotlight)
- Disney Stars (Red Carpet Dreams)
- Meet Chewbacca (Star Wars Launch Bay)
- Meet Disney Jr. Characters (Disney Jr. Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Pluto, Vampirina)
- Meet Chip and Dale (Hollywood BLVD.)
- Frozone (Pixar Palace)
- Mrs. Incredible (Pixar Palace)
- James P Sullivan (Pixar Palace)
- Edna Mode (Pixar Palace)
- Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story Land)
- Kylo Ren (Star Wars Land)
- Star Wars Galaxy Characters (Rey, Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, Vi Moradi)
Our Experience
The first time we took our babies to Disney World Hollywood Studios was our favorite park. We loved all the shows!
Best Shows and Rides at Epcot with Toddlers and Babies
Epcot is an adult paradise. The food at Epcot is unbelievable! This park does have some fun things for toddlers and babies.
Rides at Epcot for Toddlers and Babies
Norway
- Frozen
France
- Ratatouille
Future World
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Living with the Land
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends (Finding Nemo)
- Spaceship Earth
Shows
- Turtle Talk with Crush (Future World)
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (France)
- Luminus: The Symphony of US
Characters
- Meet Anna and Elsa (Near Norway)
- Meet Minnie (Future World)
- Meet Mickey (Future World)
- Meet Goofy (Future World)
Our Experience
We knew that Epcot wasn’t known as the best kid park the first time we went, so we got our kids really excited about the food. We talked about all the yummy food leading up to our visit!
We also booked character meals which is a great way to meet your favorite characters without waiting in line.
As your kids get older there is a Kidcot program where they can basically get a passport stamp at every country. Toddlers may like this because you can color at each station.
What is Rider Switch at Disney World?
We listed all of the things you can do with an infant at Disney World but don’t worry you and your older kids will be able to go on all of the other rides thanks to Disney’s rider switch.
What you will do is go ahead and get in line with your baby or toddler to the ride you want to go on. Once you get to the front one parent will go on the ride and the other will hold the baby. You will then do a rider swap.
Our Experience
Once my baby was napping in the stroller, we told the cast member and she allowed me to wait with my baby and the stroller while the rest of my family waited in line. Once my family got to the front of the line we did the swap without having to wake the baby! It was awesome!
If you have older kids they will get to ride the ride 2 times. One with each parent. It is really awesome.
Disney for Infants - Nursing Stations
Can I Nurse at Disney World?
Yes, Disney has Baby Care Centers located in all of the Disney World parks.
I nursed all of my kids, so leaving the baby with grandparents was not an option.
Disney World has a fantastic nursing and changing area. These areas are fully staffed with amenities to help parents.
- Comfortable chairs for nursing
- Tables for changing
- Feeding areas with high chairs
- Kitchen sink, bottle warmers, and microwave
There is an awesome vending machine full of everything that you could ever need, making taking your baby to Disney World easy.
Stocked Vending Machine
- Formula
- Baby food
- Juice
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Pacifiers
- Medicine
Locations of Baby Care Centers at Disney World
Magic Kingdom – Main Street near Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace.
Epcot – Odyssey Building next to Mexico
Animal Kingdom – Near the animal viewing station at Discovery Island
Hollywood Studios – Located at the park entrance across from the Oscars Super Service
Are There Changing Stations at Disney World?
Every bathroom at Disney World has a changing table. So if you just need to change a quick diaper you can find the nearest restroom.
These options help going to Disney with an infant managable.
Can I Bring My Stroller to Disney World?
Kids under two at Disney World will not be able to walk long distances. If your baby is younger you could wear a baby carrier but as they get older a stroller is probably your best option.
Double strollers are awesome even if your kid is 5! It is a place for multiple kids to rest!
In case it rains we highly recommend a rain sleeve for your stroller. We did a Disney day in the rain and this was a lifesaver.
Packing the Diaper Bag for Walt Disney World Resort
The baby care centers are awesome but you will want to make sure you pack your diaper bag for a full day at the park.
Things to Pack in Your Diaper Bag at Disney World
- Plenty of Diapers
- Formula (If needed)
- Nursing Cover (If needed)
- Sippy Cup
- Change of Clothes
- Ponchos
- Sun Block
- Diaper Ointment
- Bib
- Snacks
- Baby Meds (You never know when a tooth is going to break through!)
- Water
Packing For Disney World
Plan Rest Days
One thing that I learned when we had little ones is that taking breaks is awesome.
We like to take breaks during the day as well as during the week. If we have a 4-day pass, we may go 2 days take a break day and enjoy the pool, then go 2 more days.
Are You Ready to go to Disney World with a Toddler or Baby?
Hopefully, this post helps you feel confident to bring a toddler or baby to Disney World.
We have done it many times and have had such a blast. Now that our kids are older, they still love going to Disney World.
Making memories and traditions when they were young has helped them continue to love Disney and has become one of our families’ favorite vacation spots.
I know you will not regret taking a baby or toddler to Disney. Disney offers something special for every age so there is a lot more to look forward to as your kids grow!
If you have any questions join my Facebook Groups.
I can answer questions about your first trip to Disney World, Disney Springs, Disney Halloween Party, Beaches near Disney World, Gifts for Disney lovers, Disney Cruises, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland California, California Adventure, and Disney’s Aulani in Oahu. We have done it all!
Families Who Love Disney
Join the Families Who Love Disney Facebook Group. This is a great group that can help you answer your questions.
Also, the latest and coolest Disney news, products, and vacation tips are posted here weekly!
Facebook Group
Also, join my Planningaway Travel Community on Facebook. This is a place where I post travel deals, and you can ask any questions about your Disney World trip or any other upcoming trips!
