Toddlers can be a handful if their basic needs are not met. Even when they are met, this can cause some crazy outbursts, or misbehavior that drives parents up the wall. My two have driven me crazy more than a handful of times.
If you have a toddler and are worried about how they will behave when you head to Disney World, you’re not alone. Been there, done that!
Here are some ways that you can survive and enjoy Disney World, when you have a toddler.
Make Sure They Drink Lots of Water
Anyone can get extremely irritable, when they haven’t had enough to drink. Make sure you bring plenty of water bottles for you and your little one (Disney allows this), so they stay hydrated on a hot day. It can sometimes be tough to make a toddler drink water, so make a game out of it. See who can drink the most water!
Don’t spend the money on the Disney Mickey fans, those don’t push out any air. Prep beforehand and grab something like THIS from Amazon.
Bring ALL THE SNACKS
Little ones always get hungry at the most inopportune times. Thanks to Disney, you can keep this from being a problem by packing your own snacks.
Disney allows any snack items, as long as they don’t require being microwaved. Bringing snacks will hold your toddler over until the next mealtime. This might even help you skip a meal together and save a little cash. With my two I have always let each of them pack a lunch box(soft shell kind), they add in it all the snacks that they can fit. Plus, there is no fighting over who gets what because they choose from their own bags.
Map Out Your Day Before You Go
Have a PLAN! It’s important to have an idea on all the rides you want your toddler to go on and map it out. This way you are not doing any extra unnecessary walking later on in the day. Toddlers will tire out incredibly quickly. It’s important to have a plan before you go.
The DISNEY APP a is perfect way to get organized ahead of time. You can download it (ITS FREE) and check out what rides/shows are where in the park and make a game plan.
Don’t Miss Out on the Family Friendly Rides
There are so many great rides that are visually stimulating and fun for toddlers at Disney. Make sure you take them on It’s a Small World After All, Pirates of the Carribean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom for rides they are sure to enjoy. I love these rides because they are family friendly.
Go Early & Come Back Later
Depending on your toddler’s sleeping schedule, you might find it better to visit Disney’s Theme parks earlier in the day. We have always done this, we come early- leave for naps then return later. This can help you stay out of the heat at the busiest time of the day, and give your child the amount of rest that they need. You don’t want to stay at Disney World from open to close with a toddler! The fireworks are so late at night and such an amazing event at the park, you won’t want to miss it. Staying all day for them, would cause it to be a bit chaotic.
Bring a Stroller
Don’t forget to pack a stroller, even if they don’t usually need one. Most people that visit Disney World will easily walk about 10 miles in a day.
That’s going to be overkill on your toddler’s legs, and trust me, they will let you know. A stroller is also a great way to carry around a backpack and other essentials as well. We always store our lunch boxes, sip cups, diaper bag and ponchos at the bottom of our stroller.
Also note that there have been changes to the stroller size policy, please ensure that you check to ensure your stroller meets the latest guidelines before getting to the park.
Carriers are great, however when it is in the 90s and so hot, the last thing you want is another person strapped to you. I love my carrier and I use it often, but it is a last resort if we need to stand in line for a ride only.
*PRO TIP*
1- If you have a basic black stroller, guess what? So does everyone else! I always add something to the handle to easily and quickly identify mine. Christmas time I always add a silver garland, it allows our stroller to look festive as well so that’s always adorable.
2- You can set up a rental stroller ahead of time that will get dropped off and picked up from your hotel room. Kingdom Strollers is always a great budget friendly option.
Mobile Order Your Food
Waiting in the lines with hangry toddlers can be so stressful. Utilize your resources and use Mobile Ordering on the Disney App. There are TON of options to choose from for each park. This allows you to grab your food and go. No standing in line to order then waiting in line to pick up. You can still modify for any dietary restrictions needed.
Check Out the Live Show Options
Little kids will love the many live shows that Disney puts on throughout the day in each park. It’s a great change in pace for both you and your child, and will help them get them the rest that they need from a busy day.
These are just some of the ways that you can survive Disney while toting along a toddler.
What other ways will help you manage your day better with a little one at Disney World?
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