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Friday 9 May 2014

Tackling Walt Disney World With a Baby


Taking an infant on an all-day excursion may seem like a daunting task, especially if that outing is to Walt Disney World. Last summer we braved the crowds twice and took our 4-month old to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Taking a baby to Walt Disney World is a manageable endeavor that provided a ton of great memories and photo opportunities.
For those of you thinking of tackling Walt Disney World with an infant, here are my tips to make it a great experience.


  • Have a Plan of Attack – The Disney parks can be an overwhelming place if you have never been there before. Take an opportunity to look at a park map ahead of time so that you know what attractions are offered and what you would like to do. In my opinion, the best park to travel to would be Magic Kingdom because of the variety of things that you are able to do with an infant.

  • Baby Care Centres – Take advantage of the baby care centres offered at each Disney park. These centres are a great place to go for feedings, changing diapers, if you have forgotten something or to simply get out of the sun. Below is a list of features provided by the baby centre.
      • Private nursing room with rocking chairs
      • Changing room with tables and a unisex bathroom
      • Feeding area with highchairs
      • Kitchen with microwave, oven and sink
      • Main room with television, table, chairs and sofa
      • On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase.
  • Free “1st Visit” Button - Disney offers free buttons for individuals celebrating a special occasion. Visiting Walt Disney World for the first time is always a special occasion so be sure to grab a button as a keepsake. Buttons are available at Guest Relations. In Magic Kingdom this is the “City Hall” building when you first walk into the park.
  •  Go on Attractions – Many people do not realize that numerous rides and attractions at Walt Disney World do not have height restrictions. Your child sits on your lap or next to you during the ride.  We were amazed at how transfixed my daughter was with all of the colours and music on “It’s a Small world”. Below is a list of some of the attractions in Magic Kingdom that do not have a height restriction. 
      • Pirates of the Caribbean
      • Jungle Cruise
      • Haunted Mansion
      • It’s a Small World
      •  Enchanted Tale with Belle
      • Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
      • Prince Charming Regal Carousel
      • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
      • Monster’s Inc. Laugh Room
       Refer to each park map to get a full list of available attractions. 
          Disney World Park Maps
  • Bring a Small Backpack - Disney requires that all strollers are left in the parking areas outside of attractions. Bring a small backpack that you can keep all of your valuables and baby essentials in. (1 diaper, wipes, soother …) Leave everything else in the stroller.
  • Consider Bringing a Baby Carrier – It was helpful to have a baby carrier with us at the park. The carrier provided a great way for holding our daughter and letting her sleep while we waited in line.
  • Fast Pass – Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass system. It is a great way to ensure that you get an opportunity to experience the attractions that you most want to complete. It may also prevent you from waiting in some of the longer attraction lines. For the attractions that you do not get a Fast Pass for, download the Disney app that provides you with current ride wait times.
  • Character Meetings - I encourage you to take some time out of your busy day at the park for character meetings. They are a great way to get out of the sun and provided some of the best pictures from our day at the park.

I hope that these tips are useful and I look forward to hearing about other tips for surviving Walt Disney World with your baby. 

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