Visiting Walt Disney World with Young Children
There’s a common misconception that children “should” be at least certain age before visiting Walt Disney World. Many are worried that there won’t be enough for them to do as an infant and toddler. Regardless of age, there is SO much to at Walt Disney World!! At the Magic Kingdom alone, there are over 30 rides and shows, and this doesn’t include the many character experiences, castle stage shows, parades and fireworks found at this park.
Of these 30+ rides and shows, only 6 of them have a height requirement to ride:
– Tomorrowland Speedway (32”)
– Goofy’s Barnstormer (35”)
– Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train (38”)
– Big Thunder Mountain Railway (40”)
– Splash Mountain (40”)
– Space Mountain (44”)
In addition to there being plenty of attractions for young children, Disney also offers Rider Switch. If a child does not meet the height requirement (or if a child decides at the front of the line that they don’t want to ride anymore), no problem! With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider(s) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again. This way, everyone still gets to visit their favorite attractions.
Traveling with an infant? Disney is super accommodating. Each theme park has a centrally-located Baby Care Center. In these amazing Baby Care Centers, you’ll find:
– Private nursing room with rocking chairs
– Changing room with tables and a women’s restroom
– Feeding area with highchairs
– Kitchen with microwave and sink
– Main room with television, table and seating
– On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase
In addition, most of the restrooms throughout the entire resort have changing tables (and many of them in the parks actually have two changing tables to help expedite diaper changes). When staying on property at a Disney Resort, they are able to provide you with a pack and play or crib (this varies by resort) as well as bed rails at no additional charge. Prefer a crib for your little one? There are many companies that offer delivery services for crib (and stroller) rentals. Prices are reasonable and they make it so easy for families to travel while maintaining some of the comforts of home.
Did you know that children under the age of 3 are FREE at Walt Disney World? They don’t require a ticket to enter the parks and if you’re not ordering a meal specifically for them at a restaurant, they can eat free as well! So that character buffet you were thinking about going to with Mickey and Minnie – your little one can eat to his or her heart’s content for free. I truly encourage everyone to go with their children before their 3rd Birthday so that they can take advantage of this and save a few bucks!!
Still worried that your kiddos will be exhausted by all of it? They probably will be. But that helps them take great naps and get a good night’s sleep!
Aly Hirst
