Tips for Toddlers at Disney World

For Disney-lovers, the opportunity to finally take their child with them to Disney World can't come too soon.  When you love the theme parks so much, you're very anxious to share it with your children.  There are however many pitfalls and special steps you will need to take to make sure your visit with a toddler isn't a disaster.

Is My Child Old Enough?

One of the first things you need to decide is whether your child is truly old enough for Disney World.  More importantly you need to decide whether a visit is the best use of your money.  While Disney has plenty for little ones to do, there are plenty of stories online of parents who spent years saving for a trip, only to have their kids want to spend the entire trip at the resort pool.  Only you can judge your child's mental state, but if you have any doubts on whether he or she will appreciate it, it might be best to wait.

Nap Time is Key

The number one tip for a harmonious Disney trip with toddlers is to take frequent breaks.  This tip applies to adults as well, but it is imperative when traveling with little ones.  No matter how hard you try you aren't going to "see it all."  Trying to do so is only going to lead to tantrums and exhaustion.  Make plans for frequent breaks and naps during your visit.  You won't regret it.

In the Parks

Once you've dived into the parks and are ready to try some rides, Disney has provided quite a few features to help you have a good time.  "Baby Swap" is a great example of such a program.  If a ride has a height requirement it will offer a baby swap option.  This allows one parent to go on the attraction while the other one waits with the kid.  When the first one is done, you can "swap" and the other parent can get a ride in.  Great for letting you get in some "must do" activities with a toddler in tow.

Another thing to make use of are the play areas for children.  If you're waiting for a spouse or older child to go on a ride, many of the attractions have play areas near the rides for younger kids.  These can help keep everyone happy, as no one will feel like they're missing out on anything.

Disney World can be a great option for parents with toddlers, but the key will always be preparation.  It's hard to make decisions on the fly with crying children, so the best idea is to do your research and make sure you're armed with information before you head out.