Now that we are officially Orlando area locals, I’ve been taking my 3.5 year old to the Disney parks frequently – about once a week! Covid, the heat, and just being a toddler have made our trips different than what they used to be. Read on to learn about how the two of us manage to make our Disney trips easier!
1. Mask Up!
First, if your child is ages 2 or older, make sure they can wear a mask. Disney is pretty strict when it comes to masks for their guests. As of March 22, masks are required if you are unvaccinated, and on buses, Monorails, and some boats of vaccination status. However – even though some age groups cannot be vaccinated yet, Disney is not going around asking for vaccination status.
2. Get an Early Start
The parks generally open before published opening times. Take advantage of this, and go early to avoid crowds and heat. Arriving early also means you can head back to your hotel or home for naptime later in the afternoon without feeling like you’re missing out on any of the fun!
3. Have a Game Plan, but be Flexible
Any time you visit a Disney park, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for what you wish to accomplish. However, with toddlers, it’s important to know that that plan can change on a dime given how the kiddos handle the heat, the crowds, and the sensory stimulation. Sometimes my son is really happy just chilling in the stroller looking at a fountain. Sometimes he’s in a “go go go” mood and we just keep hitting rides. You know your child best, so follow their cues!
4. Bring the Right Gear
Any time you go anywhere with a toddler, you always carry the essentials… diapers, wipes, snacks, shoes. At Disney, make sure to bring your usual essentials, but there are a few items that you should consider bringing:
- Rain cover for stroller – in case of sudden downpour
- Ponchos
- Sunscreen
- Extra change of clothes (including extra socks)
- Refillable water bottle/sippy cup
- Extra masks
Of course, the Disney shops sell all of these things, but you can find cheaper versions on Amazon or at Target if you stock up before you go.
5. Take Plenty of Breaks
Disney can be over-stimulating for anyone, and toddlers are certainly no exception! If you sense your child needs a break, there are plenty of quiet spaces in the parks to chill for awhile. At Magic Kingdom, we like going over by Splash Mountain and watching the logs go down the hill. At Animal Kingdom, we go to the Rivers of Light seating area along the waterside. At Epcot, we find a bench by Spaceship Earth near the park entry (bonus: a nice breeze tends to blow through here!). At Hollywood Studios, we head over to Star Wars Launch Bay (bonus: air conditioned!).
6. Prep for Rides
If you’ve never been to Disney before or are an infrequent visitor, it may help to prep your toddler for what to expect in regards to the rides. There are tons of YouTube video ride-throughs showing what to expect. Some rides are outdoors, so your toddler can get a visual on the ride before jumping into line.
7. Take Tons of Pictures
This goes without saying, but it’s so fun to capture your child’s smiles as they experience the magic of Disney. Consider getting a PhotoPass package so park photographers can get the whole family in on the shot (during Covid they are not allowed to hold guests’ phones).
8. Offer Plenty of Water
Central Florida is hot & humid for a big chunk of the year. Bring water bottles/sippy cups, ask for water at any quick service establishment, and offer it frequently. My son and I take drinks of water after every attraction so we are fully hydrated.
9. Consider a Table Service Restaurant for Lunch
Some toddlers just don’t nap anymore (my son included). I know he gets overstimulated sometimes, so taking an extended lunch break at a table service restaurant is a great way to give him a break without heading all the way back to the hotel (where I know he wouldn’t nap anyways!). Indoor, air-conditioned seating, away from the craziness of the parks, is a nice way for the whole family to relax for a little bit.
10. Pack Wisely
I often see parents carrying giant diaper bags with them when they go on rides. In my opinion, that just isn’t necessary. We have a small changing pad with diapers & wipes, a small lunch pail for snacks, and a small backpack for wallet, phone, & keys. When we go on rides, we just take the small backpack, leaving everything else behind. Always bring valuables with you on rides – but there’s really no reason to carry around diapers, wipes, etc. when you get in line.
