Disney World With Toddlers: 20+ Practical Ways Disney Caters To Families With Littles Under Three – Episode 190
The ultimate guide to navigating Disney World with toddlers! Disney tips, hacks, and family-friendly amenities to make your trip magical. When people think of Disney World, they often picture thrilling rides, delicious food, and magical experiences, making it a dream destination for adults and couples. And while it certainly delivers on all those fronts, let’s not forget that Disney was built with families in mind—especially those with young kids.
From thoughtfully designed attractions to incredible amenities that make enjoying Disney World for toddlers easier, Disney World continues to prove why it’s the ultimate family vacation destination.
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Disney World three times before our son turned three, and each trip has given us firsthand insights into navigating the parks with infants and toddlers.
From Rider Switch to Baby Care Centers, we’re breaking it all down so you can plan a seamless, stress-free Disney trip.
This podcast episode is made in partnership with Walt Disney World, and we’re thrilled to launch this three-part series dedicated to helping families create memorable experiences at Disney.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney-loving parent looking for Disney World travel tips and hacks, this series covers the best Disney World tips for families.
Continue reading or listen to the podcast episode here.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Any player
This podcast episode is made possible through a magical partnership with Walt Disney World — we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with you!
Worth Going To Disney With Toddlers?
Absolutely! Our little ones won’t stay little forever.
Why take them so young?
Although your kids will not remember or remember very little at a young age, YOU surely will.
Show them all the fun you had together when they are older — photos, videos, autographs, pins, stuffed animals, shirts, hats, and more!
Some of our favorite Disney memories include:
✨ Watching our baby’s eyes light up when they meet characters
✨ Blowing kisses at Minnie Mouse
✨ Walking hand-in-hand on Main Street with our matching t-shirts
✨ Seeing the big smile on their face while blowing out birthday candles.
Planning a trip to Disney is worth it. We’ve taken our son multiple times since he was six months old.
1. Children Under Three are FREE
Firstly, at Walt Disney World, kids under three are free! They are considered “guests of Mickey Mouse.”
So you can bring your infant or toddler as often as you like. Once they turn three, though, the cost of a child’s tickets depends on when you visit and the number of days.
2. Parades & Stage Shows
Festival of Fantasy is one of our favorite parades at Magic Kingdom, which features beloved characters, stunning floats, and music that keeps kids engaged. This parade starts at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
3. Character Meet & Greets
At all four parks, little ones can meet their favorite Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, and more.
Pro Tip: We recommend purchasing a Disney autograph book with a built-in photo album so you can capture autographs and print out all those precious photos with their favorite characters.
4. Fireworks & Nighttime Spectaculars
Catching fireworks at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios is a must!
For Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we recommend you head there early to snag the best stops. If your child is sensitive to loud sounds, consider skipping them altogether or bringing noise-muffling headphones.
Helpful Tip: Worried about keeping your baby out late? You can see EPCOT’s fireworks from Disney hotels like Caribbean Beach Resort without dealing with the crowds.
Our son loves singing and dancing, so Disney Jr. Play and Dance at Hollywood Studios was a family favorite.
Have your little one show off their dance moves while singing with various Disney Junior characters on the main stage.
Speaking of attractions, Disney offers a variety of infant and toddler-friendly rides and attractions.
5. Rides and Attractions For Toddlers and Infants
When visiting Disney World with toddlers or infants, look for rides that do not have height requirements and attractions good for all ages.
For example, at Magic Kingdom, classic attractions include:
- It’s a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean (my mom loved the lifelike experience)
- Mickey’s PhillarMagic
- Walt Disney World Railroad
At EPCOT, Journey of Water – inspired by Moana, is playful, fun, and interactive.
With a hand wave, water will gush out of the ground.
It is fun for all ages, but you can get wet or take the dry path.
Seas with Nemo & Friends + Aquarium in EPCOT is another favorite.
Kids love this ride and enjoy seeing all the sharks and fish in the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium.
6. Baby Care Centers
Right next to First Aid and available in each park, Disney’s Baby Care Centers offer a calm and inviting atmosphere to tend to your child.
Baby Care Centers are equipped with:
- Changing tables
- Diaper & wipes
- Feeding area with highchairs
- Kitchenette with microwave and sink
- Bottle warmer & filtered water
- Quiet rooms for nursing or relaxing with rocking or gliding chairs
- Restrooms
- Formula & baby medicine (when in stock)
They also sell products such as baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications, and more.
Lastly, if your child gets lost, they will be escorted by a Cast Member to the Baby Care Center.
7. Stroller Rentals
If you prefer not to bring your own, single and double stroller rentals are available at all park entrances.
8. Disney Skyliner
Planning to use the Skyliner, a.k.a. complimentary Disney transportation?
There’s no need to break down single-rider strollers when boarding.
Stroll on in and enjoy the ride.
9. Movies Under the Stars
Love Disney movies? Well, you’re in luck!
Most Disney resorts, including Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs, offer free outdoor movie nights around 8:30 pm.
Caribbean Beach also has a dedicated full-acre playground called Caribbean Cay, which our little one LOVED!
It’s worth a stop throughout your stay and can be a great place to hang out on check-out day before heading out.
Also, both resorts have a variety of pools, one big pool and smaller pools located in each “country” or “settlement.”
Infants can also enjoy splashing around in the kiddie pool.
Lifeguard availability varies by pool, and complimentary towels are provided.
Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
10. Character Dining
Want to meet characters while chowing down?
Some great options include:
Garden Grill (EPCOT) – Meet Chip ‘n’ Dale, Farmer Mickey, and Pluto while dining on fresh food served family-style.
This is such a unique restaurant since you rotate slightly, allowing you to fully take in scenes from “Living with the Land.”
Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) – Dine inside the Beast’s Castle with the occasional roaring appearance.
11. Hands-Free Access
The MyDisneyExperience app is your best friend throughout your visit.
Use the app to enter the parks and unlock your hotel room door without digging in your purse or finding your wallet.
Helpful Tip: Download the MyDisneyExperience app ahead of time.
Similarly, if you purchase MagicBands, enjoy hands-free convenience for park entry, charge food and merch to your payment method on file, check in at Lightning Lanes and virtual queues, and unlock your hotel room with a single tap.
Plus, there are a variety of designs and styles to choose from.
12. Lost & Found
Did you lose an item during your visit?
Last year, my sister-in-law lost her hat, and we experienced firsthand how efficient Disney’s Lost & Found really is.
After filling out a form, they quickly informed us that they found our lost item and shipped it to us (free of charge) within a few days.
13. Kid-Friendly Meals
Nearly all restaurants (table-service & quick-service) offer kids’ menus with essentials like chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and French fries.
Avoid your little one getting hangry by skipping the lines, especially at lunchtime.
Using Mobile Order, again conveniently available in the My Disney Experience App, you can place your order on your phone and pick it up at your desired time.
14. Bring Your Own Snacks & Drinks
Did you know you can bring water, juice, and soda into the parks (as long as they’re not in glass bottles)?
You can also get free ice water from any quick-service restaurant.
Outside snacks and food are also permitted as long as they do not have to be microwaved. This is super helpful for picky eaters!
So, feel free to pack sandwiches and their favorite fruits and vegetables to fuel throughout the day.
Wondering what to pack for Disney World with toddlers?
Read Next: Disney Packing List For Toddler: What To Pack For Disney World
15. Cooling Stations
Worried about melting in the Florida heat?
Disney parks have multiple splash areas, cooling zones, and misting stations to help kids cool down on a hot day.
If you need an air-conditioned space, you can also take a break at any of the Baby Care Centers.
16. Rider Switch Program
This is one of the new-to-us perks we are so excited to try out on an upcoming trip!
Essentially, you don’t have to sit on line twice.
Here’s how it works: if an attraction isn’t suitable for babies, Rider Switch allows one parent to ride while the other stays behind with the kid(s), then swap without losing your place in line.
To use this service, your entire party has to join the queue and ask a cast member about the process.
Note this perk isn’t available for every ride.
17. Connecting Rooms
When traveling with extended family, call your resort a few weeks before your reservation to ask for a connecting room.
This allows your family to quickly move from one room to another without stepping outside.
While they cannot guarantee the accommodation of special requests, cast members try their best to honor your request.
18. Pack ‘n Play
Help your baby stick to their sleep schedule while maintaining a safe sleep environment by requesting complimentary cribs and pack ‘n plays.
Using Disney’s options also means you have one less item to pack.
Request when booking your room or at check-in.
They are first come, first served, so the sooner you make a request, the better.
19. Locker Rentals
Need to store extra items while visiting the parks?
Small and large lockers are available at all parks, and Jumbo lockers are available at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom for $10 to $15 per day.
There are also lockers at the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
20. Dietary Accommodations
From shellfish allergies to nut-free to gluten-free and dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, Disney accommodates a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Plan ahead by looking at allergen menus in the MyDisneyExperience app.
When in doubt always ask a cast member.
Final Thoughts: Disney Makes Visiting with Littles Stress-Free
Overall, Disney goes above and beyond to make family vacations seamless and magical, whether you’re visiting Disney World with a baby or a toddler.
Families have many ways to make the most of their visit with little ones, whether it’s the well-thought-out Baby Care Centers, the stroller-friendly Skyliner, or the character-themed dining experiences.
Our children grow up fast; go to Disney as much as you can.
This is just the beginning of our three-part series in partnership with Walt Disney World. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive into tips for planning a multigenerational Disney vacation.
Looking for even more Walt Disney World tips and tricks?
Read Next: How To Save at Disney World: 20 Insider Money-Saving Tips
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
