What your #1 Tip for travelling with kids to WDW?

[mom_2_boys]

Use the baby centers located in each park. We just got back from a week at Disney and used the centers several times. Each park has one that has a bathroom for families and a large room with a table/chairs and crayons as well as a TV. We spent 45 minutes to an hour there. It worked out great instead of hauling ourselves back to the room. My ds4 didn't always need a nap and was THRILLED to run around a room and watch TV. All of the centers are staffed with a CM who always asked what they could do to help us. One even lent us a screwdriver to adjust our stroller! These centers were NEVER crowded and were lifesavers for us!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

When ours were toddlers, we used a Combi portable stroller that could lay completely flat. When they got tired, we'd lay them down, put up the stroller hood, and attach a stroller cover. That gave them their own little mini-bedroom where they could nap for an hour or two.

As they've gotten older, we still take breaks, but we stay at the park. We just do low intensity activities or long meal breaks to give them a chance to recharge.

The biggest thing that I found helpful on our last trip (ages 3 and 5) was to let them have a lot of free play time at the play areas - Dinoland, Honey I Shrunk the Playground, Tom Sawyer's Island, the Viking Ship, the sidewalk fountain, etc. Even though they love the rides, they seem to really need to have time to just play around.

 

[Kteacher]

I agree wth the tip about taking breaks. We've been going to WDW since our youngest was 6- she just turned 14, and we still leave the parks for some down time at the resort to swim or just chill for an hour or two. When it 's really hot and the kids are tired we have some attractions that we use for breaks in the parks- in MK we ride the TTA or the train, in Epcot we go on Spaceship Earth or the boat ride in Living With the Land, MGM we go on the Great Movie Ride. Know when it's time to get outta Dodge- sometimes your kids have just had enough for the day!

 

[Perditamarie]

I would like to add:

1. For toddlers, pre-schoolers, etc. plan on time for them to run around in the playground areas at the parks and resorts. Kids cooped up in strollers and lines all day in an environment screaming sensory overload need some free play/run/explore time too!

2. Have a plan of attack for the sprinkler play areas: they will get kids soaked so plan accordingly whether to indulge or skip it. Note, they squirt from the bottom in many places!

3. A lot of ADRs may not be compatible with young children.

 

[LaraK]

We got our straws near the rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island. I haven't seen them outside of Disney. They fit on the 16 oz bottles we buy at home.

 

[henrylovespooh]

As soon as I book my trip, I routinely go to the Disney Store or the disney website to check for sale items, especially t-shirts, hats and little toys. I pick up things, put them away and pack them for the trip. Then when we get to WDW, I pull something out every day or every few days and give it to the kids. They are young and don't care if they bought it at WDW or not. Instead of having to explain to my child why they can't have a $28 sweatshirt, I can give them one I got for $7 at the store here at home. Disney stores now also have the light-up spinning toys that are so popular at the parks, and for a lot less money.

My kids, no 5 and 4, have never asked for anything in the parks other than snacks.

 

[brat5063]

I found the Dawn wash N toss at our Giant this weekend. I looked in Targer earlier last week and they didn't have them. Thanks for that tip.

 

[sgmom]

Thanks for including the tip on bringing a stroller for older children... I was planning to bring one or rent one for my DS 6. He got worn out at the zoo, so I can only imagine what his first week long trip at Disney will do to him! On another thread, someone questioned why I was bringing a stroller for a 6 y/o... thanks for reassuring me that my older child will not be the only one in a stroller. From experience, would an umbrella stroller hold him? He is an average sized child and we are bringing a stroller for our DD 2. Was looking for one that we can fold up and put in her basket when not used.

Sorry to get off the subject. My tip: bring glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces, etc. I found many colors at our WalMart.

 

[Disneytwinz]

From experience, would an umbrella stroller hold him? He is an average sized child and we are bringing a stroller for our DD 2.

Check the weight limit as well. I have seen umbrella strollers that have the sun shade over them too, which would be helpful in the Florida sun. I was just looking at those myself and they are sturdier, wider, with no bar in the front. I'm also checking consignment shops before I buy brand new.

 

[Disneytwinz]

Make a list of all phone numbers before you go, resize to fit in purse, make copies and laminate them.

 

[writersblock42]

As far as the stroller for big kids goes, I would really know your child. For instance, with my son when he was four-he could out walk my DH.
But I have seen 7 year olds whine about the walking. I couldn't imagine having my 7 year old in a stroller though-he would have nothing to do with it. But he does want to take what he calls bench breaks.
Also for breastfed infants, parents can try to time it so that they feed their child while they are waiting for a show to begin. Normally these are shaded, comfortable spots. Also you can sit and eat a lite packed dinner or lunch at these shows.

 

[disneyde]

Umbrella stroller that holds the most weight is a mac volvo at least the specs say so.........I bought 2005 model for my 3 and 5 year old to switch off using and the mesh seat snaps on to the frame and it came unsnapped when either one of them sat it in it 44lbs and 55lbs also they are at the high end of their height for their age and it's not so comfortable for legs........what I really liked about the volvo was how light weight it is, shoulder strap for carrying and easy to carry on disney buses.......but this time when we go to disney I'm going to irritate my husband once again by taking the BIG BEAMOTH of a double stroller.......it's a very old model twin mac that I bought off of EBAY the current twins will hold a combined weight of 110lbs but I'm sure my mac will and can hold more it's VERY sturdy but it also only folds half not like an accordian.......my 5 year old can recline and sleep in this mac and be pretty comfortable......up and down side to this is we will end up doing a rental car for 7 days of our trip to keep from hasseling with the buses and the double stroller.....I got a good deal on full size car and it will help with getting to dinner reservations more easily.......so, it I think it will work out.

 

[NemoMOm]

Tell your kids they get souviners on the LAST day. That cuts out the "I want THAT!" as you go through all of the gift shops. They stop and think about what they want.

That is brillant