Disney is for everyone! SO for those of you that are afraid of taking your Toddler because you are afraid they are too young, relax!
Disney offers a variety of entertainment specifically designed for these little Disney Fans. And don't forget Disney Guests under 3 get into the parks for free.
And trust me that the first time they meet their first Disney Princess or Character you'll be sure you made the right decision.
You just need to be prepared. This is why we have dedicated an entire page just for this reason!
Even if your little Disney fan has outgrown a stroller at home, they can be a great tool for parents in Disney. Not only are they are great place to put your little one if they wear out (and they will) they also provide a great place to stow away items you might need through out the day.
If you don't want to bring your own stroller, they can also be rented in the parks and Disney Springs.
And be aware of Stroller Parking. If you don't park your stroller in an approved location, a stroller parking attendant will gladly move it for you. A balloon tied to the handle or a colored ribbon makes it a little easier to find later!
I'm always surprised at the people I see buying food for little ones only for it to go to waste. We normally hit a store our first day and prepare snacks in little ziplock bags. And yes, Disney allows you to bring your own food and drinks into the park. You don't have to hide it. Not only will this save you a pile of money, you will also avoid the food lines that can be pretty annoying.
Just keep in mind that you are in the heat of Florida, So pack wisely.
Before you even leave for Disney, you need to make a list. A few of the items I will suggest you have on hand when you are in the parks include:
* Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Hat
* Disposable Ponchos
* A change of Clothes for Everyone.
* Baby Wipes
* Cell phone charger / External Battery
* Travel Hand Sanitizer
* Tylenol and or Advil
* Autograph Book and a Pen
Don't be afraid to throw a pool day or two into your schedule for the week. A Pool Day gives you a chance to recover from tackling a BIG park like the Magic Kingdom. And trust me if you are traveling with little ones, you'll be glad you did this.
You're in Florida after all.. Soak up that Sun. And Pool days are a great day to visit Disney Springs.
If both parents want to ride a ride that your little one is just too little for, don't just pass it up. Opt to use rider switch. This allows one parent to wait in line and get a rider switch ticket. You ride the ride, and then give your counter part the rider switch. They then get to avoid the line and ride the ride without waiting. Recently I waited in line for Flight of Passage for about 2 hours. After I rode it, my wife got to use the rider switch and bypassed the line.
Disney photopass photographers will take your picture, not only with their camera but yours too. All you have to do is ask. Don't forget to scan your Magic Band or Daily ticket so you can see a preview of all of your pictures. You can choose to buy all of the pictures or individually by the picture. Either way you can download the ones you purchase if you choose to do so. I personally buy memory maker ahead of time every year at the discounted rate.
Lines to see characters and princesses can get really long. And for toddlers maybe too long. After all the point is to let them meet and greet and to capture the moment. A picture of your crying toddler isn't probably the memory you are going for. Not every meet and greet is this way. If you want to see Mickey, do it during the fireworks the line is generally very short. Another great way to see all of their favorites is to book a character meal. Chef Mickey's is one of my Favorites. Or the Princess Breakfast in Epcot.
Don't forget that Disney is HUGE. Don't kill yourself trying to cover the entire Magic Kingdom in one day. A little advance planning will however help you cover as much ground as possible.
Understand that everything in the parks takes longer than expected. So giving yourself a little extra time will make everything alot less stressful. And If you or your little one needs a break... take one.