How to Maximize Fun and Minimize Stress at Disney World with Toddlers

Disney World is one of the most magical places on Earth, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re traveling with toddlers and young children. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can make the experience enjoyable for both you and your little ones.

In this article, we’ll share some practical tips for visiting Disney World with 2-year-olds or 3-year-olds, from choosing the best time to visit to navigating the parks and making the most of your dining experiences.

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Back when this article was originally published (2014), Disney World was one of our favorite family travel destinations. For six years, we went at least once a year. You could say, my youngest practically grew up at Disney World. His first Christmas photo with Santa was taken in EPCOT’s America Pavilion at the age of 6 months old. So we have done Disney from infants through teenage years.

Planning a Trip to Disney World with Toddlers

When it comes to Disney World with toddlers and young kids, it is possible, but it takes a little extra time and effort to make it work. As I just mentioned, my youngest was 6 months old on his first visit to the theme parks. I found that visiting Disney with infants was pretty easy as long as we kept to a schedule similar to home. We toured the parks in the mornings when our son was most alert and least cranky and returned to our hotel for naps in the afternoon.

What is the best age to visit Disney World?

When it comes to toddlers, I think the best age for Disney World is between 2-3 years old. This is a fun age in general as everything is NEW. They are more aware and interactive than infants and can start understanding what’s going on and get excited about characters and all the other fun things that make Disney magical. Plus they are finally old enough to start enjoying some of the attractions, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and It’s a Small World.

However, the best age for Disney World really depends on the individual child and their interests. Some two-year-olds may be ready to try out a few attractions, while others may only want to ride carousels or shy away from characters in full costume.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything when it comes to planning a trip to Disney World. If you have the flexibility to choose when you go, consider visiting during the off-season, when crowds are lower and the weather is cooler. My favorite times to go are the week following Thanksgiving (the holiday decorations are up the Sunday after Thanksgiving) and the month of September (the weather is still warm and the crowds are less).

However, if you can only go during peak season, be prepared for longer wait times and higher temperatures. It’s also worth noting that some events, like the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, may be worth visiting during peak season.

Stay on Disney Property

Staying on Disney property has several advantages, including complimentary transportation to and from the parks, access to Extra Magic Hours, and the ability to make FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance.

You can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to deluxe villas, depending on your family’s needs and budget. I’ve only stayed off-property with young children once. It made travel logistics and loading/unloading kids and gear unpleasant. By the time we left the park and walked or took a tram to our car, we had to drive in traffic all the way back to the hotel. Everyone was cranky, including the adults. It just made for an unpleasant experience.

Now we always stay on-property because of the convenience factor and amenities. Although staying on property is more expensive than staying off-site, the cost was worth it for us when visiting with toddlers and needing to return for naps or breaks during the day.

Which Disney Park is Best for Toddlers?

Disney World is made up of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. I think the best Disney World park for toddlers is Magic Kingdom with a few attractions at EPCOT.

Both parks have plenty of attractions that are designed for younger kids and the characters really bring the magic to life. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios can be overwhelming or just too intense for young toddlers, so try to stick with Magic Kingdom and maybe one day in EPCOT if your toddler is up for it.

Some popular rides for toddlers in Magic Kingdom include It’s a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. In EPCOT, toddlers can ride Frozen Ever After, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and enjoy Turtle Talk with Crush.

Be sure to check the height requirements for each attraction before you go. This will help you maximize your time in the parks and ensure that your little one doesn’t miss out on any of their favorite characters or attractions.

Preparing to Travel with 2-Year-Olds

Whether you’re flying or driving, be sure to plan ahead and know what to pack for the trip. For toddlers, I recommend packing plenty of new and favorite toys to keep kids busy.

There is nothing worse than an excited child that is bored. My kids received a new coloring/activity book, colored pencils or washable markers, a new car, or a small toy during every trip. It doesn’t have to be big, just something to keep them occupied during travel.

If you are flying with toddlers, it helps to explain the process of flying before you leave. Reading books about airplanes, explaining security and the process of boarding can help prepare your little one for the trip.

Remember to bring something to help equalize your ears during take-off and landing. As the plane rises/descends, pressure changes inside the cabin. Little ears don’t always pop and it results in pain. A pacifier for really little ones and a small snack or candy will work for other children.

Preparing for the Day in the Park

When visiting Disney World with toddlers, it’s important to pack for the day with everything you might need, including sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. Consider bringing snacks and small toys to keep your child entertained during long waits.

You will be waiting in line for rides and waiting for parades or shows to start during your vacation. Children and adults can get cranky just waiting around. Stop tantrums with “busy” activities.

My kids loved sticker sheets and tiny bottles of bubbles when standing in line.

These are easy things to pick up at the dollar store before leaving on vacation. They were light to carry and just enough to not make a mess when spilled. 

An autograph book is another great idea. You and your child(ren) can get signatures from characters and cast members, plus doodle and draw waiting in line. Be sure to bring both a king sized sharpie marker that is easier for costumed characters like Mickey Mouse to hold and a washable marker or pen for your child to draw with.

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

Meal Plan Ahead

Planning your meals in advance can help save both time and money when visiting Disney World with toddlers. Some restaurants offer character dining experiences, which are great for getting a chance to meet the characters without standing in line all day.

Most restaurants also offer children’s menus which have smaller portions of adult meals. If you’re trying to save money, consider packing a small lunch and snacks instead of eating at the restaurant.

A great dining tip we always follow is to eat at off-peak times. I like character meals but they are less expensive. If they serve breakfast, I schedule as late in the morning as I can (10 or 10:30), so it’s more of a brunch and the crowds are lighter.

If you have a picky eater or just want to know what restaurants are serving, you can find the menus online. Allears is a great Disney travel planning site that includes current menus and more.

Arrive Before the Park Opening Time

Parks typically open prior to the official time by 10-15 minutes. So we plan to leave our resort about one hour prior to the “official” park opening time. That gives enough time to travel to the park, enter the gates and be close to the front when the park officially opens.

First thing in the morning, you can experience so much more in the park without the crowds. There’s nothing like walking on Dumbo and riding it twice first thing in the morning. Later in the day, the line will be ridiculously long.

Use Disney’s Child Swap Service

If you want to experience more thrilling rides, take advantage of the Child Swap that is available at select attractions. Guests take turns waiting with children too young or too small to ride a certain ride, then “switch” with another adult Guest from their party to experience the ride without standing in line twice. See a Cast Member at the attraction for additional information.

Get to Know Disney Characters

Character Meet and Greets at Disney with young children is my favorite part of the trip. Their first experience with costumed characters and face characters can be so amazing!

There are plenty of opportunities to meet characters in the parks. Check your Times Guide and Park Map for Meet and Greet locations. The picture above is my youngest son when he was 18 months old. He was mesmerized by Tigger during the character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.

Luckily, we had a late reservation and the restaurant was nearly empty. Tigger was able to stay and “play” with him for 20 minutes. That’s not common, but it made for terrific memories. Some of my favorites are the Character Breakfast and Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort, Princess Storybook Dining at Akerhaus Royal Hall in EPCOT, and Donald’s Dining Safari at the Tusker House restaurant in Animal Kingdom. There are others, but those are our favorites. Just note that all character meals require reservations, so book them early.

For young children, it’s a good idea to familiarize them with the Disney characters before the trip. There’s nothing like the first day of your long-awaited trip to have your toddler screaming at the sight of a giant mouse in costume. 

Movies and cartoons are a great way to introduce Disney characters and get kids comfortable with them.  Books, toys, coloring books and other related items can help get young kids familiar with the well-known Disney characters.

Most Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer some sort of character meet and greet which is a great way to introduce your child to the characters in a more relaxed setting.

Take a Stroller

Trust me and bring a stroller with a storage area beneath it. It will be your best friend throughout the day!

If you have a toddler, you need to bring a stroller. Disney is huge and sometimes walking from one attraction to the next can get tiring for little feet. The more comfortable you make your child, the better time they will have in the park! I have taken a stroller on every trip until my youngest child was 5. 

With young children, there is a lot of stuff that you bring along and that will require a diaper big or backpack. Walking around all day with that my your back or shoulder will really weigh you down. The stroller is just as much for you as it is for your little one(s).

Make sure it’s a comfortable stroller. More than likely your child will be napping in that stroller during your trip. If it doesn’t have good ventilation, consider getting a small fan or mister to keep cool. Florida’s heat and humidity can make anyone cranky.  

I recommend a lightweight stroller that is easy to fold up and carry with at least 1 compartment underneath. My younger two children at only 19 months apart and I bought a Peg Perego double stroller, shown below, that was awesome on trips.

Also, do you see that brightly colored thing in the middle of the push bar? That made my stroller easier to find in the sea of strollers. Bring something to help you find your stroller in stroller parking. Brightly colored fabric, a balloon (except when going to Animal Kingdom because balloons aren’t allowed), clip-on stuffed animal, etc. It can help you save time and frustration when trying to locate your stroller.

Navigating the Parks

Disney World can be overwhelming, especially for young children. Make sure to use strollers effectively to get around the parks, and take advantage of quiet areas to rest and regroup.

Consider using the My Disney Experience app to navigate the parks and find your way around. If your child needs a break, the Baby Care Centers in each park offer a quiet place to nurse, change diapers, and relax.

Follow your Child’s Lead

There is a special pleasure in experiencing Disney through your child’s eyes. Just remember that you can’t do everything at Disney in one trip.

Let your 2-year-old lead the way. Don’t stress about a heavy park schedule. Follow their interests and move around the park at their own pace. If they like something, stay longer; if not, move on to something else.

Take a Break After Lunch

Even now that my children are older, we still take a break every afternoon when we’re in the park. We will head back to the pool or hotel room to rest for a few hours, then return to the parks later that evening.

For small children, it’s important to take a break from all the sights and sounds of Disney. A nap or dip in the pool is a great way to relax too. We usually go to Disney in late September when you can expect a daily afternoon rain shower. An afternoon break also helps us stay dry, most of the time, and helps to find relief from the Florida humidity and heat.

Making the Most of Parades and Shows

Disney World has a variety of parades and shows throughout the day, but they can be crowded and overwhelming for toddlers. Plan ahead to secure a good viewing spot, and consider using shows as an opportunity for your child to rest and recharge. Some popular shows for toddlers include Disney Junior – Live on Stage!, The Festival of the Lion King, and Mickey’s Philharmagic.

Bringing Home Disney Memories

Disney World is full of photo opportunities, from character meet-and-greets to iconic landmarks like Cinderella Castle. Consider purchasing Memory Maker, a photo package that allows you to download all of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos, including ride photos and videos, for one price. This can be a great way to capture and preserve your family’s memories of the trip.

Recap

Taking a trip to Disney World with toddlers can be a lot of fun – but it requires some extra planning and preparation. Following these tips can help make your family’s trip to Disney World more enjoyable:

• Bring a lightweight, comfortable stroller with at least one compartment underneath.
• Consider using the My Disney Experience app to navigate the parks and find your way around.
• Follow your child’s lead, don’t stress about a heavy park schedule, and take breaks whenever necessary.
• Make use of parades and shows as an opportunity for your children to rest and recharge.
• Consider purchasing Memory Maker in order to capture all your family’s Disney memories.

With some planning and preparation, a trip to Disney World with toddlers can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a 2 Year Old to Disney World

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