A FREE and EASY Guide to Taking Your Baby or Toddler to Walt Disney World
- Michelle
- Oct 16, 2024
- 11 min read
Babies and toddlers can be more work on vacation than an older kid, but don't let that stop you from taking your little one to Disney World! It's the perfect place for them to be!
1. The Most Important Detail: Under 3 is Free!
All children under the age of three visiting Walt Disney World do not require a park ticket, so this is the perfect time to enjoy a vacation with your little one(s). Additionally, when you visit a buffet, your child under three is also free!
Here is the list of buffets on Walt Disney World property:
1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Character Breakfast and Character Dinner)
Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT (Lunch & Dinner)
Boma - Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Breakfast & Dinner)
Cape May Cafe at Beach Club Resort (Character Breakfast and Dinner)
Chef Mickey's at Contemporary Resort (Character Breakfast and Character Dinner)
The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom (Character Breakfast, Character Lunch, & Character Dinner)
Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios (Character Breakfast, Character Lunch, & Character Dinner)
Tusker House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom (Breakfast & Dinner)
2. Walt Disney World Resorts To Consider
In the last few years, Walt Disney World has replaced the mini fridges in most resort rooms with a beverage cooler. The beverage coolers are only designed to keep drinks cool. If you need to store milk or other foods that need to be kept pretty cold, then I would consider staying a room that definitely has a mini fridge or a full-sized refrigerator to keep your items for your little one as cold as possible. Microwaves are also not in most rooms.
Walt Disney World Resort Rooms with mini fridges & microwaves:
Art of Animation Family Suites
Walt Disney World Resort Rooms with mini fridges and/or microwaves that are low in inventory and more expensive:
Suites at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Suites at Beach Club Resort
Suites at Boardwalk Inn
Suites at Contemporary Resort
Suites at Coronado Springs Resort
Suites at Polynesian Village Resort
Suites at Yacht Club Resort
Victorian Suite, Grand Suite, and Disney Suite at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World Resort Villas with mini fridges and microwaves:
Deluxe Studio at Animal Kindgom Villas at Jambo House
Deluxe Studio at Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village
Deluxe Studio at Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort
Deluxe Studio at Beach Club Villas
Deluxe Studio at Boardwalk Villas
Deluxe Studio at Boulder Ridge Villas
Deluxe Studio at Copper Creek Villas
Deluxe Studio at Island Tower at Polynesian Villas (Opens December 17, 2024)
Deluxe Studio at Old Key West
Deluxe Studio at Polynesian Villas
Deluxe Studio at Riviera Resort
Deluxe Studio at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Deluxe Studio at Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Duo Studios at Island Tower at Polynesian Villas (Opens December 17, 2024)
Duo Studios at Riviera Resort
Walt Disney World Resort Rooms with Full Size Refrigerators & Microwaves:
All Star Music Family Suite
Walt Disney World Villas Rooms with Full Size Kitchens:
Bungalows at Polynesian Villas
Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Cascade Cabins at Copper Creek Villas
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort
One and Two Bedroom Villas at Beach Club Villas
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Boardwalk Villas
One and Two Bedroom Villas at Boulder Ridge Villas
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Copper Creek Villas
One and Two Bedroom Villas at Island Tower at Polynesian Villas (Opening December 17, 2024
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Old Key West Villas
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Riviera Resort
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
One, Two, and Three Bedroom Villas at Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Penthouses at Island Tower at Polynesian Villas (Opening December 17, 2024)
Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
After listing all of this, your best bet is to:
1.) Rent Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points through a trusted third party such as DVC Rental Store, David's Vacation Club Rentals, or DVC Advantages.
2.) Book a room through Disney at Art of Animation and All Star Music Family Suites are also great rooms to use that give you microwaves and refrigerators with some extra space for a good value.
3.) Reserve a room at an off-site resort that provides shuttles to the parks (and has the mini fridge and microwave like all normal hotels!). If you still want some of the perks of staying on-site consider these hotels: Swan & Dolphin Hotels, Swan Reserve, Disney Springs resorts, Four Seasons Resort, Shades of Green, Signia, Waldorf Astoria.
3. Walt Disney World Theme Park Transportation Options
When you consider all of the baby and little kid items you need to bring into the parks, getting to the parks hassle-free! When you have a stroller, you can easily ride it on the monorail, skyliner (unless it's a side-by-side double stroller), and most boats without waking up sleeping children! Check out these Walt Disney World resorts that have more than buses that take you to the parks!
Art of Animation: Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Beach Club Resort & Villas: Walk to EPCOT AND Boat, Walk, and Skyliner to Hollywood Studios
Boardwalk Inn & Villas: Walk or Boat to EPCOT AND Walk, Boat, and Skyliner to Hollywood Studios
Carribbean Beach: Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower: Walk and Monorail to Magic Kingdom AND Monorail to EPCOT
Grand Floridian Resort & Villas: Walk, Boat, and Monorail to Magic Kingdom AND Monorail to EPCOT
Polynesian Village Resort & Villas & Bungalows & Island Tower: Boat and Monorail to Magic Kingdom AND Monorail to EPCOT
Pop Century: Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Riviera Resort: Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas, & Copper Creek Villas & Cabins: Boat to Magic Kingdom
Yacht Club: Walk and Boat to EPCOT AND Walk, Boat, and Skyliner to Hollywood Studios
4. Baby Care Centers
Did you know that there is a baby care center in every Disney World theme park? Each center has everything you need including diapers, wipes, baby food, etc. and a quiet space to feed or change your baby or toddler. There is even a bathroom designed for small children who are potty trained in some of them. I highly recommend scheduling a visit or two to the baby care center for a calm visit during your park day.
5. Strollers
Obviously when you are walking throughout these massive theme parks, you're going to need to bring the stroller! You can bring your own stroller into the park as long as it is not larger than 31" in width and 52" in length. Stroller wagons are NOT allowed. Many airlines let you check your stroller onto the plane, but make sure to check if you can for free or if there's a fee.
You can always rent a stroller through Disney. A single stroller is $15 for a day or $13 per day for multiple days. Double strollers cost $31 for a day and $27 a day for multiple days. However, the strollers are only to be used in the parks. You can't take them back to the resort.
If you are looking for a different stroller rental option, many companies in the area will rent out single and double strollers. We've used Kingdom Strollers and it was VERY easy to utilize.
6. Cribs, Pack n Plays, and Bed Rails
At Walt Disney World Resorts, you can easily request a crib, pack n play, and/or bed rails for the room. You can make a request over the phone before your trip, during the check-in process on the My Disney Experience App, or you can call them right from your resort room. We have requested before our trip and even last minute from the room, and we had no issues getting a crib or pack n play for the room. There are also local companies that will rent out cribs if you want a higher quality. Kingdom Strollers also rents out cribs, inflatable toddler beds, and inflatable bed rails.
7. What Attractions Can I Do With My Little One?
Walt Disney World theme parks were designed with families in mind. You can almost everything with your little one in the parks. Of course, there are some caveats. Not all kids like loud sounds, meeting characters, riding fast rides, etc. You know your child best!
Magic Kingdom recommendations:
ATTRACTIONS
Astro Orbiter (ride is high up and spins fast)
The Barnstormer (35" height requirement)
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (dark inside and can be loud)
Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Main Street Vehicles
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (somewhat dark inside)
Peter Pan's Flight (somewhat dark inside)
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Smellephants on Parade
Swiss Family Treehouse
Tomorrowland Speedway (32" height requirement)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (pitch dark at times)
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid (somewhat dark inside)
Walt Disney World Railroad
CHARACTERS
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Meet Ariel at her Grotto
Meet Characters from Aladdin in Adventureland
Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess (usually Princess Elena) at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete's Silly Sideshow (Donald Duck and Goofy)
Meet Dashing Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete's Silly Sideshow (Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse)
Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
Meet Mirabel at Fairytale Garden
Meet Peter Pan in Fantasyland
Meet Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess (usually Rapunzel) at Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger at the Thotful Spot
SHOWS
Country Bear Musical Jamboree (theater setting)
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Let the Magic Begin
Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire
Mickey's PhilharMagic (theater setting)
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor (might be loud or dark for some)
EPCOT recommendations:
ATTRACTIONS
Bruce's Shark World
Frozen Ever After (may get wet in the first row)
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Journey into Imagination with Figment (dark at times)
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (there is a wet and a dry path)
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (can be loud and scary for some)
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk with Crush
CHARACTERS
Meet a Friend from the Hundred Acre Wood in the United Kingdom
Meet Alice in the United Kingdom
Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
Meet Asha Near Worldcase Show Plaza
Meet Belle in France
Meet Beloved Disney Pals at Mickey & Friends
Meet Donald Duck in Mexico
Meet Figment Inside ImageWorks
Meet Mulan in China
Meet Pluto Near EPCOT Main Entrance
Meet Princess Aurora in France
Meet Princess Jasmine in Morocco
Meet Snow White in Germany
SHOWS
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival (theater setting)
Luminous: The Symphony of Us
Hollywood Studios recommendations:
ATTRACTIONS
Alien Swirling Saucers (32 in height requirement)
Minnie & Mickey's Runaway Railway
Toy Story Mania
CHARACTERS
Meet Ariel at Walt Disney Presents
Meet Disney Jr. Pals in Animation Courtyard
Meet Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams
Meet Edna Mode at the Edna Mode Experience
Meet Joy at Pixar Plaza
Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
Meet Pixar Pals at Pixar Plaza
Meet the Toys in Toy Story Land
SHOWS
Beauty and the Beast - Live On Stage
Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
Fantasmic!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Vacation Fun - An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie
Wonderful World of Animation
Animal Kingdom recommendations:
ATTRACTIONS:
Affection Section
The Boneyard
Discovery Island Trails
Disney Animals
Kilimanjaro Safari
Na'vi River Journey
Triceratop Spin
Wildlife Express Train
CHARACTERS:
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Meet Moana at Character Landing
Meet Timon and Rafiki at Conservation Station
SHOWS:
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!
ANIMALS:
African Birds
African Elephants
African Hogs
African Lions
Ankole Cattle
Anteaters
Asian Birds
Asian Small-Clawed Otters
Babirusas
Bats
Butterflies
Cotton-Top Tamarins
Flamingos
Gibbons
Giraffes
Gorillas
Hippopotamuses
Invertebrates
Kangaroos
Komodo Dragons
Lemurs
Meerkats
Migratory Birds
Okapis
Rhinos
Tigers
Vultures
Zebras
If you have the opportunity, you can take your baby or toddler any time of the year!
Unless you have work or school obligations, this is a great time to take your child under 3 during non-peak times. There are always crowds at Disney World, but it's easier to avoid the major holidays and events throughout the years. You can also avoid going during the hot, summer months if you don't want to take your baby or toddler when it is 100+ degrees outside. If you can, avoid these crowds:
January - MLK Weekend (3rd Monday)
February - Presidents Day Weekend (3rd Monday)
March/April - Spring break & Easter weekend
May - Memorial Day Weekend (Last Monday)
July - Fourth of July
September - Labor Day Weekend (1st Monday)
October - Columbus Day Weekend (2nd Monday)
November - Veteran's Day Weekend (when it lands on a Friday or Monday) & Thanksgiving Week (4th Thursday)
December - Christmas & New Year's Eve Week
RunDisney weekends
Lightning Lanes are FREE for Kids Under 3!
Take advantage of more free things at Walt Disney World. Little ones do not like waiting in long lines! Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid service so you can book up to 3 Lightning Lanes (the fast lane) ahead of time. Here are the following Lightning Lanes you can snag if you have little ones under 3:
MAGIC KINGDOM
Choose up to 1 attraction from Tier 1:
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan's Flight
Choose 2 other attractions - or all 3 - from Tier 2:
The Barnstormer (height 35" and taller)
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
Mad Tea Party
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Tomorrowland Speedway (height 32" and taller)
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
EPCOT
Choose up to 1 attraction from Tier 1:
Frozen Ever After
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Choose 2 other attractions - or all 3 - from Tier 2:
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk with Crush
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Choose up to 1 attraction from Tier 1:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Choose 2 other attractions - or all 3 - from Tier 2:
Alien Swirling Saucers (32" height requirement)
Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage
Disney Junior Play & Dance!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Toy Story Mania!
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Choose up to 3 attractions:
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!
Kilimanjaro Safari
Na'vi River Journey
Consider Buying Groceries
If you have a room with a mini fridge, full size refrigerator, or even a full kitchen, then buying groceries when you get to Orlando can also be a real money-saver. This can help with cutting costs on dining at the resort or in the parks if you want to have most meals in your hotel room. Guests are also allowed to bring their own food and drink into the parks, so you can bring your own water bottles and snack foods. You could even pack your own lunches!
When our family went to Disney World, we ordered from a Publix via Instacart that delivered to our Walt Disney World Resort (just make sure to change the delivery address). We have also stopped by a grocery store on the way to the resort since it was earlier in the day before our room was ready.
BONUS: Packing List
Your packing is going to look a lot different with a baby or toddler in tow. You won't need everything on this list depending on the age of your child and the time of year you will be going to Orlando. You can download this checklist for FREE just by clicking on the icon.
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