Are you dreaming of a visit to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom but thinking, “Maybe I should wait until the kids are older…“? Think again! One of our readers is here to share her firsthand experience of bringing both a baby and a toddler to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Spoiler alert: it might just inspire you to start planning your magical adventure sooner than you think!
Mom’s review: Our visit to Disney World with a baby and toddler
So many times, I’ve heard people say they would never imagine taking their child to Disney World until they were five or six. So, when my husband’s parents offered free lodging for us to join them at Disney World, I was very hesitant, anxious and excited. My children were 10 months and 2.5 years old at the time. We decided to go, and I will always remember that trip.
The rides our baby loved
Let me just say that Disney World is set up for kids of all ages, but they rock when it comes to babies. As far as things to do for a baby, there were tons of things for him to ride, see, and experience. Although all he could do was crawl at the time, my little boy took delight in riding Dumbo and some other slow rides. He loved the carousel, Peter Pan’s flight, and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride too. Our toddler loved these, too, as well as Buzz Lightyear, the parade, seeing all the characters, and honestly, mostly everything we allowed him to try.
To our surprise, all of the characters everywhere made our youngest squeal, and he didn’t want to leave the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water playground, where he could wear his bathing suit and splash around in the water.
The Baby Care Center was great
We took a lightweight umbrella stroller for each child and took the bare necessities in order to travel lightly.
To our absolute delight, we found that they had a baby care center. This wasn’t just a family bathroom. Inside the baby care center, there was a television, rocking chairs, high chairs, changing tables, private nursing rooms, bathrooms, a microwave, a sink, and all kinds of necessities available for purchase if you ran out or forgot something. They had the paper liners like they use at the doctor’s office to cover surfaces and sanitizers everywhere.
After a couple of hours out in the heat, it was great to go inside and feed our little man a bottle and put him in a high chair for a little baby snack. By the time we got done, he was ready for napping in the stroller!
The cast members were very helpful and considerate of us having two small children.
Our experience was so great that we took the children back when they were almost three and almost six and are taking them back again next month at four and seven.
A little planning tip
In the months of September and October last year, Disney had free dining if you stayed in one of their resorts. We were able to get a fabulous deal on our room, tickets, and lodging by going in the off-season. Additionally, to help plan our first trip with babies, we used the book, “The Unofficial Guide to Disney World“. (Link to Amazon) It was well worth the $20 or so.
So, if you’re hesitant about taking babies or young children to Disney World, I recommend you cast your worries aside and just enjoy. Based on our experience, Disney World is one of the most family-friendly places on earth, and we keep going back.
xoxo, Debra
Watch this video to get an impression of what it’s like to bring a baby and toddler to Magic Kingdom.
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Have you been to or are you planning a trip to Disney World with a baby or toddler? Join the conversation below!
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
Hi, I have a seven-month-old… We were planning on waiting till he was older, but from your story, I was thinking of talking to his dad about going next summer, perhaps, or waiting till next fall. I was wondering which Disney World you went to, the one in Florida or a different one… Please let me know.
Hi Amberlina, Yes, it was Disney World in Orlando, FL. We have had so much fun on our trips. Each trip is a different experience when your kids are different ages.
I truly think that Disney World (I have never been to Disney Land) is a fabulous place to visit for “kids” of all ages. Just consider your tolerance for heat and crowds. If your schedule offers flexibility, I would suggest going in the fall during the off-season period. The crowds are lighter, the weather is typically still warm, but not as hot as summer/spring. They have also been offering a lot of free dining promotions for the fall.
I hope that helps! We went last year at this time and loved it. I wish I could be there right now! :0)
Have a blessed day!