Couponing to Disney

If you are planning on bringing a baby to Walt Disney World, here are a few things that you need to know to make your trip stress free and magical.

The Resorts

Most resort rooms sleep 4 + a baby. So until your baby reaches the age of 3, your family of 5 can stay in almost any room on Disney property. While the value rooms are the least expensive of the resorts, they do have the smallest rooms. The Pack and Play (you can request one from the resort so you do not have to pack yours) will fit nicely by the door that connects resort rooms or you can put it by the sink and use the curtain to separate baby from the rest of the family during naps and bedtime.

The moderate and the deluxe resorts offer more square feet per room which will help the family to not trip over each other and will provide more storage areas for all the gear that a baby requires. However, you are all still sleeping in the same room. The buses at moderate and deluxe resorts are usually less crowded than the value resort buses which means you probably won’t find yourself standing with a sleeping baby (we had that happen with us on a Pop Century bus when Jacob was little).

You can request Pack and Play and/or bed rails from your Disney resort. Just let them know on your reservation or at check in what you need.

The Parks

You do not have to purchase admission for your child until they are 3 years of age. Walt Disney World parks are actually very friendly for bringing babies.

Using a stroller at Walt Disney World is a must when you bring your baby. I personally rent a stroller from Simple Strollers which cuts down on what we need to bring with us. I love their strollers because they have a one handed fold which makes things a lot easier for the buses. You can bring your own stroller or even purchase a small umbrella stroller at the gift shop. I do not recommend renting a Disney stroller for a baby younger than 3. The strollers are hard plastic and do not recline.

Using a baby carrier is another great idea to make your trip easier. I used a Mai Tei wrap on our trip and Molly Kate was able to nap in it during the day. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from Simple Strollers.

Each park has a Baby Care Center where you will find a nursing room, rocking chairs, changing stations, a toddler rest area and extra baby items for purchase (such as diapers, wipes, medications and more).

Babies can go on almost any ride at Walt Disney World. The exceptions are the rides with height requirements including Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Rock ‘N Roller Coaster, Soarin’ and more. These attractions offer Rider Switch which lets both parents ride while only waiting in line once!

Meeting characters is an opportunity for some great photo opps. The characters love interacting with little ones and their noses are baby magnets! I suggest you hold your child during character meetings just in case it is too overwhelming for them.

Dining at the parks with a baby adds no additional cost to your family’s budget. Babies under 3 can eat for FREE at any of the buffet restaurants and can share off your plate anywhere that you eat. You can also ask the waitress if she has any baby friendly snacks.

The Memories

When readers ask me at what age they should take their children to Disney, I always tell them the same thing. If you are only going to go once, wait until your child is 4-7. If you will go multiple times, go now. While your baby will not remember Disney, you will. Seeing your baby look at the castle in wonder or try to bite Minnie’s nose are magical memories that you will have forever. So don’t let their age hold you back. If you are ready, go and have a great time!

Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.