Congratulations! There’s a new baby around (or soon-to-be around). Of course, the next task for every new parent adjusting to this whole new world is… planning that next trip to Disney. But, I know what you’re thinking – is Disney World with a baby even worth it?

Well, as a mom of two who has spent the last five years hauling babies around Disney World, I’ve got lots of hacks and tricks up my sleeve. Plus, some mistakes I’ve made along the way, so you don’t have to.

Disney World with a baby can be a magical experience with the proper planning. That’s why I’m sharing everything you need to know from which park is the best, to what to pack in the diaper bag, to how to beat the heat with a baby in tow.

Table of Contents

• Is a Baby Too Young for Disney World?
• What Age Is Best? 
• Best Parks and Rides for Babies at Disney World
• What is a Baby Care Center?
• Napping and Feeding Hacks for Babies at Disney World
• What to Pack for a Day in the Parks with a Baby
• Strollers vs. Baby Carriers — What Works Best?
• How to Beat the Florida Weather
• How to Enjoy Disney World with a Baby

Is a Baby Too Young for Disney World?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to babies. Some babies are very go-with-the-flow, while others require strict schedules. However, Disney is one of the most baby-friendly vacations a young family can take. Between immersive resorts, Baby Care Centers in each park, and extremely accommodating cast members, you can’t go wrong with a Disney vacation.

We all know that your baby won’t remember seeing Cinderella’s Castle for the first time or their first high-five with Mickey Mouse. However, you as parents WILL! 

Disney doesn’t have age restrictions, so whether your baby is too young for Disney World is up to you. To be honest, there’s no right or wrong answer. Personally, some of my favorite memories at Disney are from when my kids were babies, but that doesn’t mean these visits didn’t also come with some struggle. 

Here are a few pros and cons of Disney World with a baby: 

Pros:

• Babies get in FREE (under age 3)
• Too young to have opinions on planning
• Magical memories for you
• Easier to carry than a mobile toddler
• Disney is extremely baby-friendly
• Florida winters bring great outdoor weather

Cons:

• Florida heat in the summer can be rough
• Disrupted sleep/nap schedules
• Sensory overload risk
• You could miss out on certain rides and experiences 
• An expensive trip that they won’t remember

What Age Is Best? 

Since babies grow and needs change so rapidly in the first year, picking the right age is crucial to Disney World success. Plus, moms, you’re recovering, too! 

The most common age range of babies at Disney World seems to be the 6-12-month range. At this age, your child will be alert, happy (hopefully!), and you’ll have learned their personality by then. Do they sleep well on the go? Do they eat in unfamiliar situations? These are all important questions to ask yourself before planning the trip.

Under 3 months old might be a bit too young, but it’s not impossible. However, as a local WDW mom, I wouldn’t want to be walking 15,000+ steps 2-3 months postpartum! Then, add in the Florida heat and the brand-new baby’s immune system (or lack thereof).

That said, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t done it! Though, these visits weren’t full park days which is just one of the perks of being an annual passholder. We did spend a week camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort when my son was 8 weeks old. We chose this over a hotel for more space, a place to cook rather than going out to restaurants, and more time outdoors. And honestly, we had a blast! 

However, my favorite time to take my babies on a Disney trip was that 4-6-month sweet spot. At this age, they can hold their head up and start to become aware of their surroundings, while still being easy to carry.

Best Parks and Rides for Babies at Disney World

Which Park is Best?

Out of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, a few are definitely better for babies than the others. Though, they all provide entertainment of some sort for the smallest children.

Magic Kingdom – Best Overall For Babies

• Slower paced rides
• Most rides have no height requirements
• Many rides in the A/C
• Best character meet and greets
• Visually stimulating 
• Best for photo memories

EPCOT – A Good Second Choice

• Great for slow stroller walks
• World Showcase can be slow-paced
• Good A/C options
• Multiple no height requirement rides

Animal Kingdom – Solid Third Option

• Lots of walking trails
• Least amount of shade
• Best Baby Care Center

Hollywood Studios – Last Option for Babies

• Mainly thrill rides
• Loud shows
• Not many shaded areas

Best Rides for Babies

Obviously, babies aren’t going to be able to ride everything at Disney World – and that’s okay! That said, parents should take advantage of the Rider Switch program that Disney offers.

Character meet-and-greets are a great option for the littlest ones as well. They aren’t overstimulating, they are mainly indoors, and you can go at your own pace. Unlike toddlers who have channeled their inner Pixar’s Inside Out with the fear emotion, babies don’t need a confidence boost to say hi! 

As for attractions, here are the best rides at Disney World for a baby in each park. 

Magic Kingdom

• It’s a small world
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Haunted Mansion
• Peter Pan’s Flight

EPCOT

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Frozen Ever After

Animal Kingdom

• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Navi River Journey

Hollywood Studios

• Toy Story Mania
• Mickey’s Runaway Railway

What is a Baby Care Center?

I’ve mentioned Baby Care Centers already, but what exactly are they? Baby Care Centers are designated areas of each park (and Disney Springs) that offer an indoor, quiet, and clean space to service all your baby’s needs. Best of all, they are completely free!

Inside each baby care center, you’ll find changing tables, feeding areas, child-friendly restrooms, feeding areas with high chairs, a kitchenette with a microwave and sink, and even just a sitting area with kids’ activities and Disney movies on TV to give the littles a break.   

For nursing moms, each Baby Care Center offers at least one completely private room (usually multiple) with a lock and a seating area inside for ultimate nursing privacy. 

You can find the Magic Kingdom center right off Main Street U.S.A next to Casey’s Corner, the EPCOT center in between The Odyssey building and the World Showcase, the Animal Kingdom center along the path to Africa next to Creature Comforts (a.k.a. Starbucks), and the brand-new Hollywood Studios center is located in the Animation Courtyard! 

Napping and Feeding Hacks for Babies at Disney World

For us adults, it’s easy to head back to the resort for a catnap or grab some cheeseburger spring rolls for a snack on the way to ride the Jungle Cruise. However, it’s not that easy for babies! 

Baby Napping Hacks at Disney World

If your baby can nap on the go, stroller naps will become your best friend. Not only do they keep the baby contained, but you also get a bit of freedom. This is our favorite time to try out a new lounge cocktail or bite to eat. 

You can use the Baby Care Centers as a quiet place to hide out, or find secluded areas of the park to people-watch during a nap, such as the upstairs of Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom or the quiet, shaded garden area of the United Kingdom pavilion at EPCOT.  

Plan your park day around nap windows. For example, if you know your baby tends to nap at 9 AM, plan a slow resort morning and head to the parks afterward. If you know your baby needs a strict nap routine, the best option is to head back to the resort for a midday break. The last thing anyone wants is an overtired baby, especially at Disney World. Trust me, I’ve been there! 

Baby Feeding Hacks at Disney World

The number one feeding hack – especially if you’re nursing – is to stay hydrated yourself. Florida heat is no joke, and drinking water is more important than ever. 

My personal feeding hack? Don’t pack multiple bottles. Bottles take up so much space in the diaper bag. Instead, bring a bottle and a travel tube filled with soap. After a feeding, head to the Baby Care Center and use their kitchenette to wash the bottle. 

Feeding in the Baby Care Center is always a great option as well. However, for on-the-go feedings, longer, dark indoor attractions such as Spaceship Earth at EPCOT or Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom are good options. Other quiet spots include the shaded paths of the Discovery Island Trails at Animal Kingdom or the Tower of Terror exit path at Hollywood Studios. 

For babies who have been introduced to table food or snacks, be sure to pack plenty in your bag. The Baby Care Center sells items like puffs and snack bars, but they are a rip-off. Plus, snacks are a great way to keep your baby in the stroller or occupied in line for a ride.

What to Pack for a Day in the Parks with a Baby

Before having kids, my husband and I could hop in the car with our wallets and phones and be in the park within minutes. Now? It’s a 20-minute ordeal to load and unload the car! Here’s everything you need for a day in the parks with a baby. 

Diaper Bag Essentials:

• Diapers – pack extra!
• Wipes, changing pad, disposal bags
• Diaper cream
• Multiple changes of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Baby hat + sunglasses
• Cooling towels in the summer, blankets in the winter
• Pacifiers (bring backups)
• Formula, bottles, or nursing cover
• Baby food/snacks
• Small toys or comfort items
• Sanitizer 

Gear to Bring:

• Stroller
• Stroller rain cover
• Stroller fan
• Baby carrier

What NOT to bring:

• Stroller wagons
• Glass containers
• Unapproved strollers
• Oversized bags
• Stroller blackout covers (they limit airflow in the heat)

Strollers vs. Baby Carriers — What Works Best?

If you’re deciding whether or not to bring the stroller vs. the baby carrier, you’re not alone. The average Disney World guest walks over 15,000 steps a day. It’s important for your baby (and you) to be as comfortable as possible. So, the straight answer is that you likely will want both. 

Strollers are crucial for walking around the parks, keeping the baby in the shade, and storing all those baby items you have to bring. Yes, they have their downsides, such as having to navigate the crowds and fold them up for some of the Disney transportation options, but having a stroller is an absolute must. 

Guests can bring their own stroller from home, rent one at Disney World, or rent one through a third-party company. Click here for a complete guide to renting strollers at Disney World.

Baby carriers, on the other hand, are great for waiting in line (you can’t take the strollers in line), hands-free carrying in small spaces, or just for those baby snuggles you and your child need sometimes. However, the body strain the carriers put on parents makes it impossible to wear all day long. Plus, baby carriers make the parent and baby really hot, really quickly! 

How to Beat the Florida Weather

Florida in the summer – or really anytime that’s not October to March – is rough, even for adults! The weather is completely unpredictable, and then throw in hurricane season for a complete “who knows” when it comes to what the day-by-day weather might be like during your trip. 

Here are some tips to beat the heat with your baby: 

• Visit in the cooler months (November-February are sure to be cooler)
• Plan to spend early mornings and evenings in the parks; midday is the hottest
• Spend afternoons at your resort pool or room
• Take frequent breaks indoors
• Cooling towels and fans are a must
• Stay hydrated (there’s free water at quick-service locations)
• Feed your baby more often than you think you need to
• Wear breathable clothes
• Bring rain jackets and ponchos
• Summer rain storms tend to happen between 3PM and 5PM, so plan accordingly

How to Enjoy Disney World with a Baby

When visiting Disney World with a baby, the most important tip is to have realistic expectations. Whether it’s your first time at Disney World or you’ve been going to the parks as a Disney adult for years, taking a baby to Disney World is a brand-new adventure.

As someone who has brought babies to Disney many, many times, I’ve had my fair share of moments I’ll never forget, and a few moments I wish I didn’t remember. Follow these quick tips to make the most out of your vacation!  

• Lower expectations – you will not do everything
• Be prepared to move at a slower pace
• Know your baby will not remember, so do things for you, too
• Take as many pictures as possible
• Splurge on a moderate or deluxe resort with more amenities, as you’ll spend more time at the resort
• Research ahead of time
• Don’t stress if your baby cries; they all do 
• When things go wrong, remember you’re not the only new parent at Disney World
• Most of all, HAVE FUN! 

Comments

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