Tips for WDW with Toddlers

[elizabethcasper]

Okay, I've been to WDW twice in the past two years. Both times have been with my younger sister and my dad. This year will be the first year that we bring little ones with us.
It will also be 8 people as opposed to three in the past. It's me, my bf, dad, sister(14), stepmom, nephew(5), niece(2) and my other nephew(2). We'll be staying at AoA from Oct. 26- Nov. 1. We plan on attending MNSSHP on Oct. 28th.
As of right now, those are the only plans set in stone. If you guys have any tips on what to do in the parks, when to go to the parks, when to leave them, any tips you can give me are gladly appreciated!

 

[HopperFan]

MNSSHP

I suggest you do NOT do a park that day and save all the energy for the party. The key is to be rested and belly full before going to the party so everyone, especially little ones can last longer.
Some things we have done:
- Sleep in or go to a character breakfast, fill up and enjoy the interaction.
- Use the day for DTD, visiting any resort we might want to see, pool and relaxing.
- Get the little ones down for a nap in the afternoon.
- Some trips we booked a nice lunch DTD or at a resort (if we have car) and that was our big meal of the day.
- Note you can get in party at 4 pm with just a party ticket so sometimes we booked a table service meal at 4:30-5 and had our big meal before party time.
- Bring strollers for sure in case wee ones poop out, you won't want to leave!
- Costumes, wear them, every age does it's a blast and the younger ones will love you are participating. Especially that close to Halloween.
- Coordinate a theme with costumes, great for pics and standing out.
- THINK COMFORT! We actually fabric paint tshirts and shorts from Walmart cotton athletic wear. Simple, easy to pack and comfortable.
- It is darker and creepier than normal but not scary. I liked to bring a few packages of glow necklace, bracelets etc from dollar store for the kids.
- Don't miss the parade, it's awesome!
- Don't miss Hallowishes and it's even better from front of castle with special projections.
- If into characters there are special ones out for party.
- We play first, watch parade and fireworks and THEN we Trick or Treat. They don't run out. Sometimes once they start getting candy that is all they want to do when there is so much to do, and who wants to carry it all night. We start late and still get a full bag. I think by nights end the CMs are more generous.

 

[bafleyanne]

MNSSHP

- We play first, watch parade and fireworks and THEN we Trick or Treat. They don't run out. Sometimes once they start getting candy that is all they want to do when there is so much to do, and who wants to carry it all night. We start late and still get a full bag. I think by nights end the CMs are more generous.

This is THE best tip for MNSSHP regardless of age. We did this last year. Walked right past the ToT stations and saw huge lines while we were walking onto rides. Then after the parade and fireworks almost everyone with little kids left, but since our DD had napped earlier in the day, we could stay and they got to ToT with a much shorter line.

 

[bafleyanne]

Other tips for toddlers:

-Don't plan a late night and then an early morning the following day. It's just asking for trouble.
-Give yourself twice the amount of time you think you need to get from place to place, especially if park hopping or trying to make an ADR.
-Stop and do the little things. It's amazing how much fun toddlers have just watching animals, running around in a splash zone, or whatever is available nearby. These are great things to do with the littles while older kids ride something, too!
-Do not push past the point where the toddlers are no longer having fun. Take a break or leave the park for the afternoon. It is not worth it when they are screaming.
-Base your time in the parks on the kids and their schedule. If you have early risers, morning EMH might be great for you. If you have late sleepers or good nappers you might have better luck with evening EMH.
-My DD's favorite rides at 2: Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, Aladdin carpets, Dumbo, the carousel, Dumbo, and did I mention Dumbo? We seriously must have ridden it 10 times.

Have fun! Toddlers are so great at WDW. Every single thing is magical to them.

 

[Lupeix]

We went to WDW last year with our 2 1/12 year old and my experience says toddlers cannot do a full day at the park without a break, so plan accordingly.

You may consider taking a nap brake after lunch depending on how long it takes you to go and come back, we decided it was not worth it. We did either rope-drop until 3 pm or afternoon until late, but this depends on how you like to do the parks. DS never made it to any firework, so a stroller to nap is key specially if you are doing MNSSHP.

This are the things that we learned on our last trip. I apologize in advance but this will turn your trip into a very toddler centric one, sadly you cannot reason with a toddler so it is better if you just plan around them:

-Have a stroller that fully reclines and add a sunshade if the stroller does not come with a good one. That way they can nap if they get tired and be out of the sun
-book at least one character meal early in your trip, so they can get to know one of them in a more relaxed setting
- Use the swap passes (one person rides and the other waits with the little ones, then a second one swaps with no wait).
- Look at the kid menus ahead of time to make sure they have something the little ones will eat and if not pack something or find out if they can make something they will eat (like a PB&J), the restaurants in the park can accommodate a lot of special requests.
- Forget about bedtimes. Let them sleep in the stroller and go to bed in the resort when you do. This does not mean you don't take an afternoon break, toddlers may need that break even if they don't nap, specially if it is very hot.
- Use the baby centers. They are quiet, you can change diapers (they also have pottys) watch a movie, have snacks,etc... This are good places to take a break if you don't want to go back to the resort. They also have AC!
- Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks on hand (this is good for everyone, but you want to have the snacks the toddlers actually eat), a stroller cooler bag was one of the best things we got to take to our WDW trip.
-related to above, get anything the toddlers may need shipped to your room before hand (diapers/pull ups, wipes, snacks, milk in a box that you don't need to refrigerate!). This is a good suggestion for things everyone will need, like water and snacks, but kid's stuff is harder to get on a random supermarket. I had a big shipment from amazon waiting at check-in.

Since you have a large party you may consider splitting toddler duty sometimes (one person takes the toddlers for an afternoon break while tht others do rides), or even hiring a babysitter for from Disney a couple of times if the kids are flexible enough to accept it. Have fun!

 

[elizabethcasper]

We went to WDW last year with our 2 1/12 year old and my experience says toddlers cannot do a full day at the park without a break, so plan accordingly. You may consider taking a nap brake after lunch depending on how long it takes you to go and come back, we decided it was not worth it. We did either rope-drop until 3 pm or afternoon until late, but this depends on how you like to do the parks. DS never made it to any firework, so a stroller to nap is key specially if you are doing MNSSHP. This are the things that we learned on our last trip. I apologize in advance but this will turn your trip into a very toddler centric one, sadly you cannot reason with a toddler so it is better if you just plan around them: -Have a stroller that fully reclines and add a sunshade if the stroller does not come with a good one. That way they can nap if they get tired and be out of the sun -book at least one character meal early in your trip, so they can get to know one of them in a more relaxed setting - Use the swap passes (one person rides and the other waits with the little ones, then a second one swaps with no wait). - Look at the kid menus ahead of time to make sure they have something the little ones will eat and if not pack something or find out if they can make something they will eat (like a PB&J), the restaurants in the park can accommodate a lot of special requests. - Forget about bedtimes. Let them sleep in the stroller and go to bed in the resort when you do. This does not mean you don't take an afternoon break, toddlers may need that break even if they don't nap, specially if it is very hot. - Use the baby centers. They are quiet, you can change diapers (they also have pottys) watch a movie, have snacks,etc... This are good places to take a break if you don't want to go back to the resort. They also have AC! - Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks on hand (this is good for everyone, but you want to have the snacks the toddlers actually eat), a stroller cooler bag was one of the best things we got to take to our WDW trip. -related to above, get anything the toddlers may need shipped to your room before hand (diapers/pull ups, wipes, snacks, milk in a box that you don't need to refrigerate!). This is a good suggestion for things everyone will need, like water and snacks, but kid's stuff is harder to get on a random supermarket. I had a big shipment from amazon waiting at check-in. Since you have a large party you may consider splitting toddler duty sometimes (one person takes the toddlers for an afternoon break while tht others do rides), or even hiring a babysitter for from Disney a couple of times if the kids are flexible enough to accept it. Have fun!

Do you have to request the swap passes ahead of time, or how do you get them?

 

[baseballnut]

The best tip we got was to go back to the resort midday. The parks are busiest then anyway so you'd be waiting longer for anything. Even if the little ones don't sleep they can regroup.

Also, character meals are great if you're on the dining plan. It's a great way for the little ones to meet characters without having to stand in line, plus it's a great period of down time.

Lots of snacks for the little ones, and maybe a few Disney trinkets from the dollar store or Target that you can whip out as needed to distract them in line or if they're getting cranky on the way back.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Something DH and I are doing with dd lately is training her. We practice walking by going to the mall or the zoo. Not only does it allow you as a family to build up your walking but you are doing so in environments that are similar to Disney.

It gets everybody used to walking in larger crowds with exciting things to see.

 

[elizabethcasper]

Something DH and I are doing with dd lately is training her. We practice walking by going to the mall or the zoo. Not only does it allow you as a family to build up your walking but you are doing so in environments that are similar to Disney. It gets everybody used to walking in larger crowds with exciting things to see.

That's a great idea! I will definitely have to start doing that.

 

[lahobbs4]

Toddlers are seriously fun at WDW! I agree with stopping and letting them enjoy the little things... they have such an appreciation for everything around them!

-Keep them fed
-Don't forget potty breaks! (if they are potty-training)
-People Mover, The train around MK, Backlot tour at DHS, the train back and forth to Rafiki's thing at AK ... all good ways to rest and let the little ones look around at something.
-have entertainment for long lines - we like those small wipe-off boards, stickers, iphones, suckers, etc.
-we love pushing them in their strollers around the countries at Epcot. It's a good time for them to rest and we can take our time looking at things (and getting drinks!)

Most of all, just have fun with them and let them dictate your schedule. The more easy-going you are about it all, the more happy memories you will make!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Get one of the old Disney sing along dvds with the live characters in it. This helped my daughters with character expectations. From the time she was 18 months she was kissing and hugging Minnie and Mickey, instead of screaming hysterically.

 

[5stljayhawks]

I plan late night before, sleep in and DTD or pool. a good early lunch then a power nap and get ready for some fun and dressed as fav character both kids and Ps. Kids will get all kind of attention before you get in park on monorail, boat or bus...

You can get in on your tickets around 4-5 pm, ride a few rides, grab a bite to eat then the park starts clearing out and wrist bands take affect.

Now you can enjoy the park like never before.

Plan on sleeping in the next day.

Check out ebay

 

[ready2vacation]

My tip: despite trying to implement all of these wonderful tips, also know that sometimes they just won't work. You may not know why since everything was planned, timed, and prepped to a T (without being commando or regimented), but sometimes your child may lose it regardless.

My daughter has napped wonderfully this week, had a full belly, limited sugar/snacks, we went out at her "best" time in the morning, had down time during the heat of the day, etc....and still had major meltdowns.

Every child is different so hope and plan for the best, and just regroup and redirect if even the best thought out plans and prep have to be readjusted! And that's ok!

 

[jms]

I completely agree that every child is different. We just returned from Disney last week. My DD is 2.5. It was a very magical trip. She only napped two days out of our 5. We only went back to the resort for an afternoon break one day. We did Fantasmic. We did Wishes and the Parade. I did change her into pajamas before the late night festivites. She often fell asleep while leaving the park. We did not have any melt downs. She really amazed me, but she is an outgoing little girl and she was not a schedule baby. At home she does nap in the afternoons, but she is up until 9:30/10 at night and then awake at 7.

The biggest thing that I took away from our trip is that they really enjoy the small things. The little parks, the pools and the characters. Slow down and enjoy the little things when traveling with toddlers.

 

[buttercup5282]

Have a loose schedule so that you don't waste too much time, but leaving room for the unexpected. The unexpected can be lots of different things, potty breaks, a short line at Peter Pan as you walk by, wanting to ride the Tea Cups again (and again), or a melt down.

I came into the park with my DD (22 months) with lots of snacks and followed her cues. When she started to get fussy, I gave her a snack or drink. 9 times out of 10, that made the difference.

Now that I have little ones, my trips to WDW are for them, at least until they are older. So now everything we plan has them in mind because the best part of the trip is seeing WDW through their eyes.

 

[jacknsally19]

Toddlers need downtime from the parks. Having a day off and a few mornings/evenings at the resorts is really great. I think being able to play in the pool or at a playground helps a lot with crankiness.

 

[lucyddr]

We are taking our twins in August, who will be 20 months at that point. Here are the things we are planning in hopes of a relaxing, enjoyable trip for the 4 of us:

1. Stay in a resort that fits your needs. For us, the ideal would be a monorail resort but the budget didn't really allow it for this trip. So, we went with Yacht Club as a second choice. We can walk to Epcot, take the monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom, and ride a boat to Hollywood Studios. That way, the only time we will have to deal with collapsing the stroller in a very tight area will be on the HS boats and the shuttles to AK, DTD, and the waterparks.

2. We are only doing one ADR a day and have one day completely free of ADRs. Our extra meal will go towards a Signature meal for the two of us while a friend keeps the babies one evening. Since we are so close, we feel comfortable dining in Epcot, which expands our options beyond the resort. I don't think my kids can sit through multiple longer meals or pre-dinner waits.

3. Our main reason for park hoppers was for the Epcot monorail access. We plan to only try one park per day, as I don't think littles can handle much more.

4. We also plan to go early in the mornings, and play the afternoons by ear. If mine nap in the stroller, we will keep moving. If they are miserable and need less stimulation, we will just go to the resort for some down time.

5. My kids love water and sand, so we plan to spend several 1/2 days doing nothing but hanging out at the pool.

6. And like a PP said, definitely take PJ's if your little ones will fall asleep in the parks. We think that we will likely be back at the resort by bed time for ours most nights, as they really love their sleep. Another reason for the resort pick for us was the outdoor balcony where we could enjoy talking and sipping a glass on wine while the babies sleep. We love Fantasmic, so that night we will definitely put ours in PJs in hopes of minimally disturbing their sleep if they drift off in our arms.

7. I'm not a huge fan of them, but I'm having my son some Jon Jon outfits made. These are loose-fitting and cooler, which I think will help him to be more comfortable in the hot August weather. My daughter has lots of tops with cute bloomers which are light-weight for her comfort.

This is my least-planned Disney trip ever, but I honestly think that if we over plan...the babies will let us know it! Hope you all have fun! I'll report what worked and failed when we return!