Are you traveling to the Disney Theme Parks with little ones? Let us give you some tips from a Disney Pro.
This is a guest post by Military Spouse Blogger Heather Walsh of MilMomAdventures.com
1. Plan ahead. Think about what you need for a day at home with your child and add about 20 percent more. Twenty percent more clothes, diapers, wipes, juice, food, snacks, etc. This will prevent unplanned purchases and assist in moderating meltdowns.
2. Download the App – there is a Disneyland and Disney World app. Both of these will give you real time wait times for rides, where characters are, where you can find a photo pass photographer and so much more. Get familiar with the app and how it works before you go. This can help with the pre-planning and adjusting expectations throughout the day.
3. Because you will be utilizing your phone for the app, and perhaps white noise for a napping child, bring a back-up battery or phone charger for your cell phone. You will be using the app often at either Disney Park to plan your day and with often use, you will drain the battery. Be prepared.
4. Be flexible. This may seem counter to number one. But the reality is a child isn’t it a little adult – especially if it is their first time to the parks.They may love it or may be overwhelmed. They won’t be able to ride every ride or keep up to an adult pace. If the first character interaction doesn’t go well, maybe change the character dining for a fireworks dining reservation if your kiddo will be up then. Make sure to have down time – whether it is coloring masks at KidCot stations at Epcot or blowing bubbles in the Esplanade in Disneyland park – having time doing activities you would usually do at home is reassuring and relaxing for everyone.
5. Bring the stroller. If you are planning on going from opening to closing or anytime during nap time, bring the stroller. If your child needs to lay flat to sleep, then bring one that will lay flat. Even if your kid hadn’t napped in a year, if you are in the heat or doing long days of walking, plan accordingly in regards to a stroller.
MDT Tip: I’f you’d rather not have to travel to Disney World with a stroller in tow, you can rent one once you are there there with a military discount from our sponsor, Amusement Park Rentals!
6. Bring all the snacks. For adults and kids alike. Nothing brings on the meltdown like hunger. There are plenty of healthy snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated that you can pack. Eating healthy, even while on vacation, will also help in moderating meltdowns.
7. And bring all the drinks, including sippy cups or bottles if your little one cannot drink using a paper cup or with a straw. Quick service restaurants at the Disney Parks will provide water cups for free but bringing your own juice boxes can cut down on cost and the stops. In addition, Disney property offers Coke products, so if you prefer a different drink, bring it with.
8. You can pack meals and bring them if you wish. Outside food and drink is allowed in the parks, and if your toddler is a picky eater – bring in their favorite lunch. This will allow you to eat at your leisure, so if your child is used to eating on a schedule but the wait time for a ride is longer than expected.
9. Baby wear. Any of the “any heights required” rides will allow you to baby wear on the ride. You can keep the sleeping baby sleeping while on It’s A Small World, and the rocking of the boat may just lull them into a deeper sleep.
10. Utilize the baby care centers and companion restrooms. There is a Baby Care Center in every park where you can nurse in private, feed your toddler in a highchair or use toilets made for toddlers. The companion restrooms provide plenty of room for stroller and baby changing in addition to the ability to bring everyone into one restroom.
Do you have any tips for traveling to Disney with kids? Share them in the comments section below!
Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, freelance writer and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. Currently she is one of three women who share travel tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com They are currently sharing exploration of Southern California, Virginia and New Orleans with tips for the military family on how to enjoy the adventure with every PCS and save money while doing it!
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
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