So, last week I discussed the number one question I get asked about WDW..."Where is my favorite place to stay on property?"
The second most asked question I get is..."What are the best things to do with small kids?"
This is an excellent question in my opinion since many people might be hesitant to go with small kids because they are afraid there either isn't enough for them to do or afraid they won't remember it. Now, being afraid they won't remember it is a very valid argument since you may end up spending a fair amount of money on this vacation. So, I totally agree with that one. However, what better place to experience the innocent joy and sheer excitement oozing out of our little ones!
My first trip to WDW was in the summer of 1983 when I was just 7 years old (I guess I just revealed my age on that one). I had the most amazing time. In fact, my favorite Disney memory happened on this trip which began my ultimate love of this place. Long ago, I decided that I would take my kids when I felt that they would be able to enjoy it because in my opinion that is the most important.
Matt and I decided to take Max for his first trip after Cate was born as a sort of reward for being such a great big brother. We left Cate at home with the grandparents (she was only 8 months old), so Max had us all to himself. He had the time of his life and so did we! It brought sheer joy to my heart as we witnessed his happiness! Cate's first trip was this past April when we went as a huge group for Easter 2009. She was a bit younger but that didn't seem to hinder her excitement for seeing all things Disney.
I digress, though, whatever your decision is as to the age of your children on their first trip there, you won't regret it.
So...now for my tips for traveling with infants, toddlers or small children...
1. Don't feel that you must pack every piece of equipment (ie, pack and plays, carseats, etc). The hotels on property have pack and plays (portable cribs) that you can have brought up to your room at no extra cost. They also have bedrails for your convenience (this came in handy for Cate). If you plan on taking the Magical Express directly to the hotel and not renting a car, leave your carseat in your car at the airport. You won't be using it on the buses, monorail, boats, etc.
2. Bring your own stroller, though! Here is why...they do offer rental strollers at each of the parks. However, there is a fee and at the end of the day when you are extremely tired, the last thing you want to do is stand in yet another line to return the thing. Plus, with your own stroller, you can use it outside the parks, to and from buses, around your resort, etc.
The second most asked question I get is..."What are the best things to do with small kids?"
This is an excellent question in my opinion since many people might be hesitant to go with small kids because they are afraid there either isn't enough for them to do or afraid they won't remember it. Now, being afraid they won't remember it is a very valid argument since you may end up spending a fair amount of money on this vacation. So, I totally agree with that one. However, what better place to experience the innocent joy and sheer excitement oozing out of our little ones!
My first trip to WDW was in the summer of 1983 when I was just 7 years old (I guess I just revealed my age on that one). I had the most amazing time. In fact, my favorite Disney memory happened on this trip which began my ultimate love of this place. Long ago, I decided that I would take my kids when I felt that they would be able to enjoy it because in my opinion that is the most important.
Matt and I decided to take Max for his first trip after Cate was born as a sort of reward for being such a great big brother. We left Cate at home with the grandparents (she was only 8 months old), so Max had us all to himself. He had the time of his life and so did we! It brought sheer joy to my heart as we witnessed his happiness! Cate's first trip was this past April when we went as a huge group for Easter 2009. She was a bit younger but that didn't seem to hinder her excitement for seeing all things Disney.
I digress, though, whatever your decision is as to the age of your children on their first trip there, you won't regret it.
So...now for my tips for traveling with infants, toddlers or small children...
1. Don't feel that you must pack every piece of equipment (ie, pack and plays, carseats, etc). The hotels on property have pack and plays (portable cribs) that you can have brought up to your room at no extra cost. They also have bedrails for your convenience (this came in handy for Cate). If you plan on taking the Magical Express directly to the hotel and not renting a car, leave your carseat in your car at the airport. You won't be using it on the buses, monorail, boats, etc.
2. Bring your own stroller, though! Here is why...they do offer rental strollers at each of the parks. However, there is a fee and at the end of the day when you are extremely tired, the last thing you want to do is stand in yet another line to return the thing. Plus, with your own stroller, you can use it outside the parks, to and from buses, around your resort, etc.
3. Pack snacks for the day. You are allowed to bring pre-packed snacks into the parks (as long as they are not in glass containers). Of course, there are more than enough snack options within the parks, but that can cost a pretty penny! It is more convenient to have them in your backpack or bag, especially in times when buying a snack could be inconvenient (ie, in line for a ride, when the lines at the snack carts are long, or while waiting in a prime spot for a parade). As a parent of a toddler, I know that you can't often predict when a meltdown may occur because they are hungry. Having those snacks just a reach away is GOLDEN!
4. Most all of the rides are toddler or infant friendly. There are only a handful in each park that have minimum height requirements. The rest of them, you can even take an infant nestled in your arms asleep on! My niece was 11 months old and many a ride she went on asleep in her daddy or mommy's arms!
5. Character meals can be a toss up! If you feel that your child would be overwhelmed or scared by the characters, don't waste your money or time. However, if it is something your child would like...go for it! Max was NOT a fan of the characters on our first trip. He didn't want to pose with them at all. However, we had already booked the Play and Dine breakfast with the characters from Playhouse Disney, so we went but were prepared for him to not get his picture taken with them. However, by the end of the meal, he actually let a few of them hug him! On the other hand, Cate LOVED the characters! She would run up to them, hug them, and get their autographs. So, this one I cannot predict what works best!
6. Have that pen ready! If in fact your children DO enjoy the characters and plan on getting autographs, have it out and ready to go when you get up to the character. As you will see with the lines to see the characters, time is valuable. You don't want to be using that time fumbling through your bag trying to find the book and pen for them to use. Also, many of the characters have big bulky hands, so larger pens are easier for them to grip. Just an idea, we made our autograph book the last time before we left. It was a fun project for Max. He just colored a half sheet of paper for the front and back. Then we took it to Kinkos and had them spiral bind it with about 20 half sheets of paper in the middle. It didn't necessarily save us any money, but it was a fun and personalized way for him to get his autographs!
front cover
autograph pages inside
back cover7. Best rides/attractions for preschool/toddler age children are:
Magic Kingdom
It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight - my personal favorite ride, Winnie the Pooh, Pooh's Playful Spot, Dumbo, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Walt Disney World Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree
Epcot
Turtle Talk with Crush, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Journey into Imagination with Figment, Character Spot in Innoventions
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage, Toy Story Mania, Muppet Vision 3-D, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playarea,
Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris, Pangini Forest Exploration Trail, Conservation Station, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Flights of Wonder, The Boneyard playarea, TriceraTop Spin, Finding Nemo - the Musical, Camp Minnie-Mickey
None of the above rides have any age or height restrictions.
8. Go back to the hotel for naps/rest/quiet time. Don't feel that you have to go, go, go every minute of each day you are there. Your ticket lasts for the whole day, so if you need a rest, and you WILL if you are traveling with little ones, go back to the hotel for one. Use this time to go swimming in the pool or taking a nap or just getting some low-key quiet time around the hotel. Then, when you are refreshed, head back to the parks! You will be so glad you did!
9. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!!!! This is Florida, after all. Keep their skin protected from the harsh Florida sun and remember you can still get sunburned in cloudy weather, too!
10. Visit the award winning Walt Disney World Moms Panel to ask more in depth questions regarding your trip. It is an online forum hosted by MOMS and DAD who know their Disney. If you don't have a specific question, you can also browse questions/answers by category. It is a great tool and of course, I only hope to one day be a part of it!
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I sure hope these tips can help you plan a trip for your little tots! They have sure helped me! And remember, click the "Bit of Pixie Dust" button at the top of the post or on the sidebar to the right to be directed to more tips for planning your magical trip to Walt Disney World!
Disclaimer: These tips are soley based on my personal experience and opinion and are in no way endorsed by the Walt Disney Company!
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