with a is a sort of divisive topic among Guests at the parks. While some Guests see the value in the experience as a series of cherished family moments, others only see the hassle of taking care of an infant or on the go in a . And of course, there is the age-old saying of, “But they won’t remember it.” Even if your children do not remember their first trip as they get older, you certainly will! If you are questioning whether or not you should take babies to , here’s why it just might be worth it after all.
There will be memories
Let’s tackle the single greatest opposition that fans tend to have when considering taking a baby to Disney parks and resorts. A baby, or even a toddler, likely will not remember their first trip to Walt Disney World– But their parents will! And many parents who have taken babies on a Disney vacation believe that their own memories of seeing everything from Disney character meet and greets to classic attractions, and even notable sights like Cinderella Castle through the eyes of their little ones make the entire trip worth it.
It’s also easy to capture these experiences on camera. Whether you opt to purchase Memory Maker or just have one hand glued to your phone, babies might not remember their first trip as they age but they will surely enjoy looking back on pictures and videos of their first trip (and you will, too!)
Disney caters to children and families
As far as vacations in general go, there are few destinations that truly cater to newborns and toddlers like Walt Disney World does. Baby Care Centers are located in each theme park, and offer quiet (and nicely air-conditioned!) spaces to relax away from the crowds, plus baby necessities you may have forgotten or run out of like food, formula, wipes, and diapers, as well as private spaces to breastfeed.
Staying at a hotel can make visiting with babies easier as well. Your will always be in close proximity to whichever you’re visiting, so if you need to head out for a nap or midday break, you won’t be spending time navigating through Orlando to get back to your resort. And with ‘s complimentary transportation for resort Guests, you won’t even have to worry about car seats or remembering where you parked in the park’s massive parking areas.
Children under three are free!
It’s worth noting that children under three years of age do not require admission to enter Walt Disney World theme parks. (Note: This applies to children under three, those three and up would be required to purchase child admission tickets. If your child turns three during your trip, their free admission status goes by their age when they first enter the parks.)
Kids under three eat free, too. Of course, you could opt to not order an entree at most restaurants if it’s not needed, but for Disney’s family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants (think ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) you will not be charged for your under-three-year-old.
Some things are better with kids
Some experiences simply can’t be replicated the same way when they’re older. (They can be just as magical but in a different way.) The for little ones, like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a ,” even or meeting Mickey Mouse on upon entering the , will all have a totally different impact on babies and toddlers than they would on older kids, and if you are able to go when they’re this age, you may not want to miss it. Other attractions to look out for with your , including ‘s Flight in the and taking a in ‘s .
Of course, bringing a young child to a theme park comes with some logistical challenges you may not have experienced before. To make the most of your trip, and to make everything go as smooth as possible, consider these tips:
- Pack extra of any baby items you might need. Baby Care Centers do stock diapers, food, and other necessities, but they are priced higher due to being in the theme parks.
- Bring your most comfortable stroller and/or baby carriers. You will be spending a lot of time pushing a stroller and carrying a baby, and the theme parks are not small, so it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable.
- Outfit your stroller for Florida weather. If you are not local to Florida, your stroller may usually seem all set with its regular shade, but while touring the parks you may want more than that to keep your baby cool and comfortable. Consider purchasing a clip-on fan ahead of your trip, and packing extra hats and sunscreen.
- Take a break whenever you need one! This goes for older kids, too…or even adults! Theme parks can come with a lot of sensory overload for little ones, and all of this combined with the heat and humidity and crowds can be a lot for anyone. Whether you head to Baby Care or back to your Disney resort hotel, breaks are important.
- Keep your phone charged. has a tip board that can come in handy, and the My Experience app shares details on attractions with kids, rider swap, and more.
- Take lots of pictures and have fun!
