As a former Walt Disney World Cast Member and an avid Walt Disney World parks visitor who has taken my kids to see the Mouse since my oldest was three months old, I am often asked for tips for visiting Disney World with a toddler. Actually, I am often asked about the “best age” to take a child to Disney.
Sometimes, I hear the most ear-piercing words that could even make Mickey’s ears fold over. “I am going to wait to visit Disney until the kids are old enough and will remember it.”
Did you hear that? That was the sound of Mickey dropping his cheese!
Here’s the thing – there is no “best age” to take kids to Walt Disney World because there is something for EVERY age!
I’m talking from three months to 103 (okay, maybe at that age, it would be hard.) But you get my point. And yes, Disney World is WORTH IT for toddlers! I think a Disney World vacation is the best for making memories with families.
Why? Disney literally grows with the kids. There is SO much to do at Disney for kids of all ages, and you can DEFINITELY visit Disney World with a toddler (and a baby!)
Plus, Disney World is FREE for guests ages two and under. With over 100 “any height” attractions at each of the four theme parks, you can purchase a four-day, four park hopper ticket for the members of your party who are aged three and up (the most economical way to maximize the magic of your vacation). And, your toddler can enjoy all of these any height experiences at each of the four theme parks too!
Now that you know you CAN visit Walt Disney World at any age, here are some tips you need to know before going to Disney World with a toddler or a baby.
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23 Must-Know Tips For Visiting Disney World With A Toddler Or A Baby
1 . Read Disney Books Or Watch Disney Movies Before You Go!
This isn’t hard for most kids, but being excited about seeing Disney characters was one of my favorite things about visiting Disney World with toddlers. Setting the scene for your dream Disney vacation, like reading Disney books, watching Disney movies, or even just tuning into Disney Junior, is a great way to get toddlers ready for their first trip.
Meeting familiar characters and experiencing Disney through their eyes as they met real-life Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, and more is truly magical. Reading books and watching Disney cartoons and movies, like Toy Story, before going to Disney World is a great way to get them excited!
And don’t forget about the Disney Junior characters. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, toddlers can find their favorite friends like Doc McStuffons, Vamparina, and Mickey Mouse at the Disney Junior Dance Party. The Disney Junior Dance Party is a great way for kids to burn off excess energy and star their favorite Disney characters.
There are so many things to do in Disney World with toddlers!
2. There Are So Many Attractions For Toddlers.
Visiting Disney World parks with a toddler is great because there are SO MANY things they can enjoy! Disney World has over 100 attractions with no height requirement. That’s one of the reasons we love a Disney World vacation.
As a family that has been to Disney many times and was even a cast member, I have strategies for hitting the Disney World parks early for the rope drop or park opening. Efficiency is key to getting the most out of the day and seeing the best attractions for toddlers.
You can check out the best Disney World rides for toddlers at each of the Walt Disney World parks for my recommendations. But even babies can ride! While the Magic Kingdom park tends to only have a few rides for toddlers, but it does have the Cinderella Castle. Your whole family will be in awe of the sights of the beautiful Cinderella Castle, where you can meet characters and much more.
Plus, the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom, where toddlers can see their favorite characters like Tinker Bell and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Or visit the Princess Fairy Tale Hall to meet your favorite princesses. The Town Square Theater and Princess Fairy Tale Hall are great for kids of all ages, especially young ones who want to meet their favorite characters.
We took our babies and toddlers on many of these, and while infants won’t remember them, toddlers and older kids definitely will remember their trips to Disney parks.
Infants and toddlers can ride on laps for most of the rides without a height requirement. Some of these include Pirates of the Caribbean. But getting a spin on the Alien Saucer ride (alien swirling saucers), aiming at Toy Story Mania, or seeing Woody in Toy Story Land is a memory toddlers won’t forget! Toddlers may not be tall enough to ride some of the attractions, but they will still love seeing the Toy Story Land characters and sights.
My toddler son loved hugging all of his favorite Disney characters when we took him. It wasn’t his first visit, but it was every bit as magical.
While there are many with no height requirements, some, like Slinky Dog Dash, have a minimum height requirement, so check if your kids are tall enough ahead of time before you go for your next trip.
Animal Kingdom (this makes a great starting point for exploring the theme park), Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios also have toddler rides.
Note that you can take your Disney trip to the next level and take a cruise with the Walt Disney World Cruise Line. There are plenty of things toddlers and kids of all ages love about Disney cruises. The Disney Cruise Line doesn’t disappoint when it comes to family vacations.
Check out my post on the Best Disney World Rides For Toddlers!
3. Toddlers Can Be Entertained While Waiting In Line.
Some of the rides also have toddler-size entertainment while waiting in line. Two of my favorites for this in Magic Kingdom are Dumbo the Flying Elephant, which has an entire indoor play space, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. My kids loved seeing the Winnie the Pooh characters and riding Dumbo the ride.
This is why I love taking a trip to Disney World with toddlers. Disney thinks of everything!
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the whole Toy Story Land area is such a huge hit! Not only do toddlers feel like toys in Andy’s room or his backyard at Hollywood Studios, but there are toddler-friendly rides over here. And, often you can see Buzz Lightyear and Woody for a photo opp!
4. You Don’t Have To Enter The Parks To Have Fun.
If you are going to Walt Disney World Parks with a tot in tow, don’t underestimate the power of the Resort’s transportation system! When in doubt, a ride on the monorail or one of the transportation boats is always a fun option for toddlers, as is a ride on the bus or the Disney Skyliner.
My kids didn’t know these weren’t “rides” because the Disney Magic is throughout every nook and cranny of the property, including the transportation! When you visit Disney World with toddlers, the little Mouseketeers can have fun just going for a ride around on the monorail, on the Disney Skyliner, on the buses, or on the boats.
5. Stay At A Disney Hotel If Possible.
Sometimes people ask me if they should stay on property at a Disney resort hotel or somewhere nearby.
I ALWAYS promote staying at a Disney Resort Hotel for all of the benefits. But, especially if you are visiting Disney World with toddlers, staying on the Disney property makes it so much easier.
It allows you to return back to the hotel for naps and breaks. But it may be smarter to do that when switching parks instead of going back and forth between your hotel and the same park. And Disney Hotels have onsite entertainment, pools, and plenty for toddlers and babies to do to keep busy.
And staying at Disney assures your toddler is immersed in the magic for the perfect dream vacation. The uniquely themed hotels each transport you to a whole new world, as the theming and storytelling are in every nook and cranny of each Disney Resort hotel. From the time they wake up until the time they go to bed, toddlers are embraced with pixie dust when you stay on the property.
There are plenty of hotels and areas to choose from, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the only resort you can walk to and from the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
There’s also Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Disney’s Art of Animation has spacious suites for families with plenty of room for toddlers), and Disney’s Animal Kindom Lodge. Each Disney Resort hotel has it’s own theme and Disney magic sprinkled everywhere. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a favorite for many families to stay at because of the animals.
Most of the Disney hotels and resorts are close to Disney’s Boardwalk, a quarter-mile stretch of neat shops, fun nightlife, and delicious dining options. Disney’s Boardwalk is reminiscent of beach boardwalks and is a great place to watch street performers and play midway games.
One thing to note is you can purchase Walt Disney Travel Company packages where you can eat, stay, and play at Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney Travel Company makes a dream Disney vacation easy, and you even get the option to include car rental, ground transportation, and airfare.
6. Disney Resort Hotel Rooms Come With Amenities For Toddlers and Babies.
Disney World Hotels will come with Pack n’ Plays (or cribs on request) and high chairs in each room. Call before you go to confirm, so you don’t have to bring your own.
If you stay at one of the Disney Vacation Club hotels, you often will find laundry in the room or on-site and have a kitchenette. We find that when traveling with little ones for a trip to Disney, having laundry and a kitchen area makes a huge difference!
Most Disney resorts and hotels had fun outdoor amenities, too, like an outside pool and splash pad. Some may even have a playground.
7. You Can Have Groceries Delivered!
If you are staying in one of the Disney Resort Hotels, most allow you to have groceries delivered to your room through one of the grocery delivery services. This is especially helpful when visiting Walt Disney World with toddlers because you may need toddler and baby snacks, jar food, and diapers.
If you are touring Disney World with toddlers, definitely look into having these items delivered to your room.
8. Take Advantage Of Early Theme Park Entry!
If you are staying at a Disney Hotel, you have access to early theme park entry for certain Walt Disney World parks. If so, use it! Toddlers are up early, and this means you can get into Disney earlier than the day-ticketed guests and get a head start on some of the rides.
Do also take advantage of Disney Genie + and Lightning Lanes (where appropriate) for some of the more popular rides, and have a plan. And, if you visit Disney World with toddlers in 2024, take advantage of the new Disney Genie Service! This complimentary service on your My Disney Experience app will help craft an itinerary based on your interests (in this case, toddler rides.)
It is best to try and ride anything your tot has his or her little heart set on first to be sure you fill that bucket and then go from there to other rides you would be disappointed not to do. If you attend during a busy time of year (holidays, spring break), early theme park entry allows you to avoid some of the chaos that comes with visiting Disney then.
For the best times to visit Walt Disney World, check out my post on the Beginner’s Guide To Walt Disney World Resort.
9. Bring A Stroller (or Rent One) But Be Aware Of Stroller Size.
You CAN bring your own stroller to Walt Disney World, and due to the amount of walking, I HIGHLY recommend it if you are going to Disney World with toddlers. The Disney World parks are BIG, and those little feet can’t do all of that trotting.
Plus, it is a great place for kids to take a nap or afternoon break. Definitely bring the stroller when visiting Disney World with toddlers.
If you don’t want to bring your own, Walt Disney World has strollers for rent in single and double sizes that can actually fit kids up to age 5 or so. Many people really like them because they are easy to maneuver around the Disney World parks. See guest services when you arrive if you need one.
Depending on how far you’re traveling or where you’re coming from, bringing your own stroller is the best solution, as the ones you rent may not fit all your needs, but they are still better than not having one at all.
Near most attractions, there are designated stroller parking areas (note new stroller restrictions in the theme parks of less than 31″ wide and less than 52″ long.)
10. There Are Many Amenities At Disney World For Toddlers and Babies!
Of course, Disney thinks of everything! And, as one of the most kid-friendly vacations in the world, they want kids (and their parents) to have what they need, so they created Baby Care Centers.
If your toddler or baby needs a break, there are a number of Baby Care Centers, one in each Disney park (that includes changing tables, nursing rooms, and items for purchase if you need diapers, baby food, etc.).
Also, each Baby Care Center is not just for babies. You can have a cool and quiet space to take a break. And if your little partner is potty training, these locations have toddler-size potties! Now, that’s toddler-friendly! A Baby Care Center is one of the best places for your entire family to rest.
There are also first aid stations as well, should your child need an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen. You can find changing tables in restrooms and high chairs in restaurants. Adding a baby care center to each Disney park was definitely a well-thought-out plan by Disney officials.
These baby care centers are perfect for busy families that may have forgotten important supplies like diapers, wipes, and even stroller rentals. They even had kitchens and microwaves.
If you are missing Disney and looking for a little Pixie Dust to be sprinkled over your castle, check out the Mickey Monthly Disney Subscription Box! This monthly magic in a box for Disney fans of all ages is like getting your keys to the Kingdom in between Disney trips! It’s also a great way to surprise and delight your little Mouseketeers with their favorites from the Disney theme parks.
11. Toddler Snacks Are Plentiful!
What’s a toddler’s life without snacking? Do bring snacks if visiting Disney World with toddlers. But rest assured, Walt Disney World has you covered on this front if you don’t or don’t have enough.
Some of my kids’ favorite snacks were sold in the Disney World parks, Disney Springs, and resort gift shops, only with the added pixie dust only Disney can provide!
I mean, Mickey ear-shaped goldfish-style crackers? Of course, they taste better! Mickey-shaped pretzels definitely have a yummier flavor. Vegetable chips in the shape of Mickey’s head? You can’t even taste the vitamins. I didn’t even mention the Mickey-shaped soft pretzels, Mickey ice cream, and churros!
Your toddler will not go hungry on your Disney World vacation! And, of course, every restaurant and quick service spot offers kiddie menus as well.
12. Book Character Breakfasts Or Dinners Early!
Book your dining reservations in advance, especially character dining or breakfasts early. These fill up quickly! You may not make park reservations for your toddler, but you’ll need advanced dining reservations at restaurants.
Be sure and check all of the options for character breakfasts, like this one at Topolino’s Terrace, to see who’s coming and what’s on the menu. Character meals and breakfasts and meals are great for toddlers because they get up close and personal with their favorite friends, and it saves you from having to wait in line for a picture at Walt Disney World.
My kids really liked the character dining at the Crystal Palace when they were younger. The Crystal Palace is a greenhouse-inspired dining area where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and friends for an all-you-can-eat buffet meal at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Honestly, character dining was a favorite activity for the whole family. Who wouldn’t love character dining with their favorite cast members?
Currently, Advance Dining Reservations are available 60 days in advance for all guests. I highly recommend making character dining reservations ahead of time because kids love sitting down and eating with Minnie and Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. And that is the best way to ensure your kids can have this magical experience.
13. You Can Ride Attractions You Want To Ride Too!
Walt Disney World also offers the Rider Switch option, and I highly recommend taking advantage of it once or twice if visit Walt Disney World with toddlers.
For rides that have height restrictions that you may want to enjoy but are not appropriate for a toddler, like Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom Park, Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, or Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, you can take advantage of Rider Switch.
As long as you have another adult in your party on your trip to Disney, that adult stays with the non-rider while the other enjoys the attraction. Then, when the first adult returns, you switch spots, and the returning adult stays with the toddler or baby while the other one can enjoy the attraction without having to wait in the original line.
14. Disney Offers In-room Babysitting At Disney Resort Hotels.
If you and your spouse or adult members want to enjoy an evening dinner or see the closing Disney World park fireworks, you can book in-room babysitting. The Walt Disney Company partners with Kids-Night-Out to provide onsite babysitting services in your on-property hotel room. ** This was temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. Double-check at your hotel if this has resumed.**
15. Kids Ages Two And Under Are Free To Enter Disney World Parks!
This is one of the best selling points! Kids age two and under do NOT need park tickets to enter the Disney theme parks! This means you do not have to worry if they fall asleep, need a break, or don’t love every minute. Just another reason to take a trip to Walt Disney World with toddlers.
16. Do One Park At A Time!
When planning a trip to Disney, people often ask me which Disney park is the best for toddlers.
While Magic Kingdom IS the most toddler-friendly, with the most options for rides, like:
- “It’s a Small World“
- Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Peter Pan’s Flight (my favorite)
- The Mad Tea Party
There is something for toddlers in each of the Disney World parks. It’s hard to pick which one is the best Disney World park.
Epcot gives you space for walking and has an aquarium, as well as tot favorites like the Frozen Ever After and the Seas with Nemo and Friends rides.
And don’t underestimate the World Showcase for the little ones because it is very kid-friendly. Each country in the World Showcase has a “Kidcot” stop, where kids can collect a card from the Cast Member about that country. They can get out and stretch their legs while stepping into a new land in Disney World. It also has great dining options that everyone will love.
Disney Springs also has fun activities for kids, including Amphicars, Aerophile Tethered Balloon Flights, the Bibbidi Boppidy boutique, and more. Plus, Disney Springs also has face painting and a classic merry-go-round that toddlers love.
The Animal Kingdom has wild animals and great rides for toddlers. There is a whole dinosaur playground area, a carnival area, and plenty of areas for strolling. Plus, there are unique features like monkeys up in the trees, and the Kilimanjaro Safari is a favorite of my kids.
This Disney World park also showcases African animals like:
- African elephants
- African hogs
- African birds
- African Lions
And more. Our kids loved all the animals featured in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, if your kids love the Lion King and Finding Nemo, they will love the Festival of the Lion King and the Finding Nemo attraction in this park.
And you don’t want to miss this park lit up at night; it’s truly beautiful.
Hollywood Studios has more thematic restaurants as well as Toy Story Land, Star Wars, a show with the Muppets, Lightning McQueen, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Coaster, and so much more.
There are plenty of fun things tots will love in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But do keep in mind that Hollywood Studies has the fewest attractions for toddlers. Though just walking around Hollywood Studios with young children can amuse them because of all the bright colors and sights.
The Magic Kingdom has plenty of fun attractions and rides too. Our children love the Country Bear Jamboree in this park. And the Disney Adventure Friends Calvacade parades through the streets here on their way to their next adventure.
Everyone loves the view of the Beacons of Magic at the Magic Kingdom, where magical fairy lights and twinkles illuminate many buildings. And let’s not forget Disney Enchantment, where fireworks light up the Magic Kingdom skies.
But doing one park at a time is probably easier on them and you to get the most out of your experience if you are vacationing at Walt Disney World with toddlers.
Doing this gives you a chance to take in more of each Walt Disney World park, including shows like the Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King and parades. It also makes it easier if you need to take an afternoon break, as you won’t feel like you are missing out on time in another park.
17. Get Your Toddler’s First Haircut on Mainstreet, U.S.A.
If it’s your little one’s first trip to Disney, consider getting their first haircut there! All three of my kids had their first haircuts on Mainstreet, U.S.A., at the Harmony Barbershop. Not only was it very special, but these people are also pros!
Toddlers are known for not liking haircuts, but these Disney Cast Members know how to occupy them to not even know it’s happening! They also get their own Mickey Ears that says, “First Haircut!” * This was closed during the pandemic. It is unclear when it is returning, but it is expected to return.*
If your little prince or princess is into dressing up, there are also Bippity Boppity Boutiques dress-up options at Magic Kingdom Park. It is another one of those memorable experiences when visiting Disney with toddlers. It is unclear when this service is returning, but it is expected to return.*
18. Take Advantage of Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane Services
Being fanatics of the old Fast Pass+ system, our hearts were a little broken when Disney took it away, but now, we couldn’t be happier with the 3 new features they’ve introduced to replace it.
Disney heard our inner woes, and in October 2021, they introduced Disney Genie Service, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane service.
These services that you can find in the Disney app will be your new personal guide in Disney by helping you create a personalized itinerary depending on the attractions you love and showing you the best time to visit those particular attractions to avoid long queues.
Interested? Let’s look at how Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane service work.
Disney Genie Service
No more running around in zigzag! Disney Genie will help you create a customized itinerary based on your interests. What you’ll need to do is to put the attractions your kids are interested in, say, Dumbo The Flying Elephant, or even a general theme like Disney Princesses.
In addition to that, the Genie Service will alert you on the current wait times for each attraction so that you know when to go. Think of this as having a “genie-p-s” holding your hand and taking you to the right attractions at the right time!
And did I say all this is for FREE! Yes, Disney just got a whole lot more magical!
Disney Genie + Service
Disney Genie Service might be exciting, but it doesn’t come close to what Disney Genie + can do!
Yes, it’s a paid feature, but the $15 per person per day price tag is well worth the investment.
Besides the features that come with the basic Genie Service, with Disney Genie +, you’re able to choose the next available arrival time to some attractions and also get fast entry to attractions through the Lightning Lane.
How Disney Genie + Service Works: Quick Overview
Exciting, right? But not so fast; there is a catch! While you can pre-book your arrival time to over 40 attractions throughout the whole Disney World property, you can’t pre-book all of them at once but rather one at a time.
Just like how the old FastPass+ system used to work, from 7 am on the day of your park visit, you can pre-book an arrival time to one attraction, and it’s only after visiting it or when your arrival window expires that you can pre-book the next attraction.
You can continue the same cycle until the park closes.
More Disney Genie + Perks
If you’re still not sure whether Disney Genie + is for you, then maybe Disney PhotoPass Lenses and Audio Tales features will convince you.
PhotoPass Lenses will help you explore impressive augmented reality effects on your phone, while Audio Tales will give you behind-the-scenes insights you can listen to throughout the day of your visit! Disney can’t get any more magical than this!
Disney Genie + can be bought from the Disney app on the day of your visit or even when purchasing theme park tickets, but be aware that it will be applied to all your Walt Disney World theme park tickets. If you don’t want to do it on all the days, you can still purchase it separately.
Lightning Lane Service
While kids can be entertained even while waiting in line, it’s not always the case at some attractions! Granted, sometimes they’re too excited, and they just want to enjoy the attraction without waiting in line — that’s when the Lightning Lane Service will come in handy.
Lightning Lane Service can be a little confusing for many, so I’ll try to explain it as simply as possible.
Lightning Lane is just an additional service that can only be used on specific and usually the most famous attractions.
The add-ons of Lightning Lane ARE NOT INCLUDED IN Disney Genie +! This means that even if you don’t purchase the Disney Genie + service, you can still purchase Lightning Lane Selections separately but only for the most popular rides.
However, you can only book the Individual Lightning Lane sections for up to 2 attractions total per day. (You can see the complete list of participating attractions here.)
Also, there is no specific amount to pay for Lightning Lane rides! This changes according to the time of the year, the attraction, and the theme park. For example, you might pay less for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in January than you would in March.
But unfortunately, if you want to ride the same attraction again, you’d have to go to the standby line for your second time as it doesn’t allow rebooking the same attraction more than once a day.
And for holders of the Disney Genie + service, you can also purchase up to 2 Lightning Lane Selections for individual attractions.
19. Take Your Toddler to Space by Dining at the Newly Opened Epcot’s Space 220 Restaurant
Between my husband and our kids, I am still not sure who is more excited about dining at Space 220 restaurant. As for me, I am trying not to fully show my excitement not to “outrank” theirs, but I am equally ecstatic about it.
I know my entire family is crazy about Disney, and any addition to the theme parks drives us into a frenzy, but in a good way, I promise. It’s unique family-friendly fun we can’t get anywhere else.
There is a lot of buzz around Epcot’s newly opened Space 220 restaurant among Disney and Space fans, and it’s for a reason.
This extraordinary dining experience gives a glimpse of space from a space station after boarding a special space elevator.
Besides dining in space, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Epcot or “Planet Earth” below you, if you may!
We all knew Disney was a magical place, but this entire dining-in space experience is an out-of-the-world dream that everyone should experience at least once.
And while you enjoy the specialty cuisines in space, be sure to try out my favorite “earthly” dessert — Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Make your reservation early so as not to miss out on this amazing experience, and remember that you also need to have a theme park ticket to Epcot.
If you’re an annual pass holder, you get a 10% discount off select items on the menu on most days besides holidays.
And if you’re wondering if you can go with your toddler to Space 220 restaurant, the simple answer is YES.
20. Party with Your Toddler at the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Get ready to celebrate in style at Disney’s 50th Anniversary. With an 18-month-long celebration, this has got to be the biggest party of the season.
50 years of awesomeness means more magical experiences that will include new looks for Mickey, Minnie, and Friends, impressive classics, and cast members ready to wow fans like never before — your kids will fall in love with them all over again!
The celebrations will be in all 4 theme parks, so you and your toddlers should be ready to enjoy new attractions and entertainments, including new nighttime spectaculars!
Some of the new attractions, entertainment, and specials you can look forward to during Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebration include:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Besides the Space 220 Restaurant we looked at earlier, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is the newest, most talked about attraction in Epcot. This ride will give you a glimpse of Remy’s world in Gusteau’s kitchen in the city of lights, Paris. You may want to watch “Ratatouille,” the movie, first so that your toddler can easily spot his favorite characters.
- Disney Enchantment: This spectacular display of fireworks in Magic Kingdom will enchant kids and adults alike. There are plenty of great places to see the fireworks, like the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the front of the Cinderella Castle, and the center of The Hub. Besides the fireworks, there will be lots of classic Disney characters and songs and immersive projection effects that will make nights at Disney more magical.
- Disney Kite Tails: Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to get a whole lot more exciting with impressive kite-themed characters flying in space and high-flying performances with Disney songs.
- Fab 50 Color Collection: Your toddler will enjoy getting an up-close look at the 50 cast characters dripping in Gold in all 4 theme parks. Talk about celebrating 50 years in style.
- Drawn to Life: Watch creativity and imagination come to life as Disney animation blends with the impeccable spectacle of Cirque du Soleil!
- Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Fireworks and Pastries? Count me in! Young kids will love eating all the pastries they can while enjoying a beautiful display of fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
- Beacons of Magic: Watch each of the four theme parks’ icons light up in the evenings as they send out “beacons of magic,” inviting everyone to come to celebrate the 50th anniversary. This is, however, available in specific Walt Disney World theme parks every night.
- Harmonious: Get together with the people you love as you enjoy an amazing night full of Disney stories and songs at EPCOT.
- Delicious Treats: Food is a huge part of this 50th-anniversary celebration, and several restaurants, including Steakhouse 71, California Grill, Space 220, and La Crêperie de Paris, have been introduced. Note* Though Disney Dining Plan hasn’t returned at the time of writing this article, Disney (according to their website) has said that they will be bringing the Disney Dining Plan back soon.
- Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package: Enjoy fireworks with views of the Harmonious while dining at the lakefront patio in the English pavilion of the World Showcase.
These are just some of the exciting attractions and entertainments you can expect during the Disney 18-month 50th-anniversary celebration. So don’t wait up; book your theme park tickets already!
21. Enjoy Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
One of the perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is the early park access and extended hours in the evening — in short, the extra magic hours.
With early morning entry, you and your toddlers get to enjoy the magic of Disney before the crowds come.
And if the closing time reaches when you still want to enjoy Disney, with the extended evening theme park hours, you can stay a bit longer compared to visitors who are not residents of the Walt Disney World resorts.
Some attractions stay open until 11:00 PM and some until midnight, so if your kids are still up for the challenge, they get to enjoy Disney a tad bit more.
However, this happens during select evenings in select theme parks, so be sure to check the Disney official website to plan your day accordingly.
22. Enjoy New Attractions and Experiences When You Visit Walt Disney With Toddlers in 2024
Disney never sleeps! They’re always thinking of new attractions and forms of entertainment that will make the Disney experience even more magical for their visitors. They’ve already announced new features, with some starting at the beginning of 2024, and others’ opening dates will be communicated with time.
Some of the new attractions and features you can expect to enjoy with your toddlers at Disney include:
MagicBand+
You probably know how great Magicbands are already, but MagicBand+ is even more exciting.
In addition to the perks of the usual Magic bands, MagicBand+ will help you interact with the Fab 50 golden character statues we talked about earlier. You’ll also be able to find virtual bounties in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Plus, the MagicBand+ will be in sync with the colors of the fireworks at night! You and your kids will be mesmerized by what the MagicBand+ can do. It will surely make the experience much more magical.
Moana — Journey of Water
All eyes are on the new upgrades at EPCOT, and Moana — Journey of Water is one of them. There are so many neat upgrades you have to check out when you visit Walt Disney with toddlers.
Based on Disney’s hit movie Moana, this attraction will be part of the new World Nature neighborhood, where guests will be able to interact with water in a truly magical way! I’ve seen some photos of how the attraction will be, and I am so excited to take my kids there. I know we will all love it.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Disney describes this attraction as family-friendly, but being a roller coaster with a reverse launch, it might be a little scary for some young kids.
This attraction opened in May 2022 at the EPCOT.
Disney World Star Wars Hotel — Galactic Starcruiser
For an even more exciting stay, Disney opened this Walt Disney World Star Wars Hotel in March 2022, and it’s a favorite for many of all the Disney resorts.
It might be called a hotel, but it’s an attraction in a sense. Actually, Disney refers to it as “This isn’t storytelling – it’s storyliving, where you’ll see, feel and live Star Wars in a whole new way.”
23. Relax; it’s Disney!
When my son was getting potty trained, he may or may not have had an accident on the floor of one of the shops at Disney. Here’s the thing.
If there is one place your child can go all out – be happy, sad, have a temper tantrum, throw up, laugh hysterically, be noisy – it’s Disney. This place is made for kids, and the kids in all of us.
Do NOT stress if your child has a “toddler moment” anywhere on Walt Disney World property. Days are long; it may be hot, and they may be overstimulated. It’s okay. But they will – on the whole – have a lot of fun.
They expect things to happen when you visit Walt Disney with toddlers whether you’re at Disney Springs, Epcot, or some other area on the whole Disney property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney World Fun For A 2-Year-Old?
In a word, yes! Disney World is great fun for a 2-year-old! There are plenty of activities this age group will enjoy, from rides to Disney Junior characters to character breakfasts to balloons and so much more.
When our kids were toddlers, we took our 2-year-olds to Disney more than once, and each time was a wonderfully magical experience. When you go to Walt Disney World with toddlers, they may need to do shorter days, but even riding a boat or the monorail can be joyful and fun for a 2-year-old at Disney World!
And they’ll love the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
What Part of Disney World Is Best For Toddlers?
When I am asked which is the best Disney World park for toddlers, the answer would be “all of them.” But at Walt Disney World, I would recommend Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom for toddlers.
Truth be told, Epcot is the best place for stroller walking because the walking areas are wider, and young kids can nap while parents enjoy parts of the World Showcase. We have enjoyed quite a few quiet walks around Epcot. And there are definitely rides for toddlers in Epcot.
But for Disney characters, parades, and most rides, Magic Kingdom will offer the most activities for a two-year-old and the whole family, for that matter. This would be closely followed by Animal Kingdom for the animals, which toddlers love, and several rides that would be suitable for toddlers. There is also a petting zoo in this park at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
How Do You Plan A Disney Trip With A Toddler?
You can check out my ultimate guide to Disney World post for beginners for complete tips. But I strongly advise booking one of the on-property Disney Resort Hotels for ease of getting around and for their toddler-friendliness!
Once you book your Disney Resort hotel, decide on your theme park tickets, make your theme park reservations (required into 2024), and download the Disney app. Then, 60 days out, make your character breakfast and Advanced Dining Reservations as soon as possible.
I also recommend taking advantage of toddlers’ early rise and shine to participate in early theme park entry if you are staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels to get to the Walt Disney World parks early and ride as much as you can before the crowds funnel in.
Finally, familiarize yourself with the new Disney Genie on the My Disney Experience app (add in your favorites so it can work for you), and purchase any Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane add-ons if you wish, either before or on the day of your theme park visit and have fun!
Can Toddlers Go To Disney World?
Yes, toddlers and babies CAN go to Disney World, and they SHOULD! Disney World trips are suitable for a 3-year-old and a 103-year-old!
Remember, Walt Disney World grows with your child. Every age and stage is different. To see the magical experience your little ones enjoy and the joy in your toddler’s eyes when seeing his or her favorite Disney characters or princesses and giving them a hug can’t be overstated. It is a wonderful and very special experience for all ages, but especially toddlers!
Watch your toddler’s eyes light up watching the fireworks or Beacons of Light in the Magic Kingdom. They’ll be mesmerized no matter where you are on the Disney property!
Looking for more things to do with toddlers in Orlando? Check out my post on over 50 Best Things To Do With Kids in Orlando!
First trip to Disney or need some expert tips? Check out my Walt Disney Resort For Beginners: A Complete Guide To Plan A Disney Vacation for my ultimate planning tips for your first time!
Final Thought About Visiting Disney World With Toddlers
Disney is the most magical place on earth, no matter what your age. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your 100th, it’s a place full of pixie dust that immerses kids in incredible storytelling, and Walt Disney World parks bring it all to life. Disney provides the best family-friendly fun.
My favorite thing about a Disney World vacation is that kids will literally grow up with the theme parks. For little ones, visiting Disney World with toddlers is a wonderful time and magical time. Their eyes light up, and they believe they are part of the story. As they grow older, the magical experience continues, and they want to keep coming back for more.
Disney offers something different for each age and stage, making it a unique and special family Disney World vacation each and every time.
For some, a trip to Disney World with toddlers is the Disney World vacation of a lifetime, but others will take more than one vacation there. I definitely think a Disney trip should be added to your bucket list.
If you’re looking for things you can do from home that remind you of Disney, check out this post on fun staycation ideas the whole family will love. These travel subscription boxes are fun ways to experience travel from home.
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ahh first hair cut! What a great tip for little ones
This article is very informative for us. E xploring Animal Kingdom with toddlers is a wild adventure of joy and discovery! 🦁👶 The vibrant colors, gentle rides, and interactive exhibits make it the perfect blend of fun and education.🍿