101 Dream Vacations

5 Tips for Traveling to Walt Disney World with Little Ones

Hi, my name is Janine and I have two boys ages 6, and 2.  Traveling with small children can be stressful, and if you are traveling to Disney for the first time I have 5 tips to make your trip go a little more smoothly.

1. RENT A STROLLER

This is my number one tip because even if your child is 5, 6, or even 7 they will at some point get tired from all the walking and want to sit, they may even nap. So, instead of having to carry your child throughout the park, or even worse having to leave, having a stroller is a huge plus! You can bring your own, or rent one from the parks.

2. PACK A BACKPACK

Backpacks are so much easier and much more convenient when you are walking around the parks all day.  I like to pack a change of clothes for each child in case of any accidents, diapers, baby wipes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course snacks. I also pick up Disney themed stickers, toys and glow sticks from the dollar tree before our trip to keep them entertained while waiting in lines, and at restaurants.

3. ARRIVE EARLY, AND TAKE BREAKS

Arriving to the parks early when it’s not so crowded has many advantages. Ride lines are shorter, kids are in better moods, and you can get a lot done in the morning hours, by the afternoon you will be ready to head back to your hotel to nap, swim or eat lunch, then you can return to the parks later feeling recharged to catch the fireworks or ride more rides.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RIDER SWAP

This is a great perk that Disney offers if you have a younger child who doesn’t meet the height requirements for a ride.  One parent goes on the ride with the older child, while the other parent stays with the younger child.  You simply ask the cast member at the beginning of the ride for a rider swap. Once you get off the ride, you swap, and the other parent can ride. I have used rider swap a lot, and it’s great, so no one misses out on their favorite ride.

5. CHARACTER DINING

This is a must do for any child whether they love princesses or Mickey or  both!! Theres nothing more magical then seeing your child’s eyes light up when they are meeting their favorite characters.  Character dining is great because the characters walk to each table and give everyone at your table individual interaction.  You can take pictures, and have conversation. Some restaurants with have parades with the characters. My children love meeting characters, and I love the memories it makes.
 
Janine is a travel professional with 101 Dream Vacations, she lives in New York with her husband and 2 children. They have traveled with little ones to Disney several times and always enjoy making memories at Disney along with other destinations. Contact Janine today to start planning your next vacation and follow her on Facebook.