Hello Couponing to Disney readers! Carrie again, and I’m back this week with some more FAQs about the Disney parks. I work with Destinations in Floridaas a travel agent and one of my favorite aspects of my job is helping people plan their vacations.
Part of planning a Disney vacation involves some smaller details, like how to get around while you’re visiting the Orlando area. I love traveling, especially to Disney, and now I get to help families make magical memories with their own travel! Part of a magical Disney experience is making sure even the littlest members of your travel party are enjoying themselves. I can say from experience, that traveling with a young child to Walt Disney World is very doable! It can be done with some planning, patience, and a whole lot of realistic expectations.
Today I’m going to share with you some FAQs about traveling to the Walt Disney World resort with very young children.
FAQ #1: We have 3-Day park tickets to Walt Disney World. Which parks are best for a 2 and 5 year old?
Your 2 and 5 year old will be perfectly happy at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While all the Disney parks have something your little ones will enjoy, I feel that those two have the most. At Magic Kingdom, your young children will particularly enjoy the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid, It’s a Small World, Dumbo, and so much more. There are very few rides at Magic Kingdom that young children cannot ride. Also, the character meet and greets at Magic Kingdom are stellar.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is wonderful for your 2 and 5 year old because one of the best attractions for young children is Disney Junior, Live on Stage. Your child’s favorite Disney Junior characters come to life right before their eyes! Also, the Beauty and the Beast and Voyage of the Little Mermaid shows are great. Toy Story Midway Mania is an all time family favorite. Plus don’t forget the fun dining experience at Play & Dine at Hollywood and Vine-the Disney Junior character breakfast and lunch experience. I would suggest 2 days at Magic Kingdom Park and one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for your park tickets.
FAQ #2: What character dining experiences do you recommend for a child under 4?
Young children will enjoy several character experiences at Walt Disney World. Winnie the Pooh and his friends are a great breakfast option at the Crystal Palace, located at Magic Kingdom. The atmosphere of this restaurant is sunny, cheerful, and bright. It’s themed like a greenhouse! Lots of sunshine and love! They also, like many other locations, have a child specific buffet with very kid friendly foods. The thing I like about Crystal Palace is it’s fairly quiet and relaxed. Same with the Play & Dine at Hollywood and Vine that I mentioned above. The characters there handle themselves so very well around the younger set. After all, the majority of their fans are very young children.
FAQ #3: I need to nurse or bottle feed my child at Walt Disney World. Where can I do so?
Walt Disney World parks are equipped with Baby Care Centers in each of the theme parks. These are open to the entire family, which makes it nice. In the front room, there are often little tables and chairs for the older siblings to sit and enjoy a Disney movie while mom and/or dad change and feed the younger sibling. You can also purchase baby food, diapers, and other necessities here. There are private nursing rooms, rocking chairs, microwaves, and changing tables in these centers as well. They’re air conditioned, and very family friendly.
FAQ #4: Should I plan on my child napping at Walt Disney World?
This is where a good stroller comes in handy. If you are traveling with a very young child, who still consistently naps, then you’ll want a good stroller. From personal experience, we didn’t make huge efforts to take our little one back for naps every day. We let her nap in the stroller, while one of us toured with our older children. I think letting your family take a midday break from the parks is a great idea, and if a nap happens, then wonderful.
FAQ #5: What do you suggest I pack in my touring bag when traveling with a young child to the Disney Parks?
Packing a great touring bag is part of the success of any Disney trip. With young children, I suggest a few things. First, pack a completely extra outfit and put it in a gallon Ziploc bag. That way, if your child gets wet or messy, you have clean clothes and a bag to put the messy ones in. Second, lots of baby wipes! Little hands touch a lot of extra things in the parks, and you’ll need them for sticky faces after those Mickey ice cream bars. Also, throw in a few things to keep them entertained in line. Bubbles, stickers, your phone loaded with kid friendly apps…will all come in handy when standing in line at the parks.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!
I’m so glad someone else finally said to just let your kid nap in a stroller! My kids always do that at Disney and do great. I have a friend that tried to take her 3 year old back to the hotel for a nap (which is what most people stress), and she had a huge meltdown because she wanted to go back to the park, and refused to nap anyway. I always say a stroller that reclines is the way to go!!!
Hi, Kristi! I’m all about my daughter sleeping in the stroller. I mean, if she’s going to fall asleep in it, why bother going back? I think at Disney you need to be SO flexible. And I’m a mom who has taught her kids to thrive on routine. However, when they pass out to sleep in the stroller, just let them be :). I’m glad you read the article and enjoyed it!