Disney with Littles: Tips for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers at Walt Disney World
- Brenda
- Aug 24, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Disney with Littles: Why We Started Young (and Never Looked Back)
We’ve done it all — babies, toddlers, teens, multi-generational trips, and even adults-only getaways. But there’s something uniquely magical about traveling to Walt Disney World with littles — especially the under-3 crowd. Kids under 3 are free, and free is always good. But beyond the savings, these trips are about creating family memories that stick with you long after the stroller stage is over.
Although our children are grown now, we were lucky enough to visit WDW with them many times when they were babies and toddlers. Lyn, our oldest daughter, took her very first trip when she was still under a year old. She was a preemie with a variety of chronic health issues, and we wanted to fill her early years with happy moments — ones that weren’t just hospital visits and surgeries. Even though she doesn’t remember those earliest trips, we do. And more importantly, she remembers her childhood as being filled with joyful Disney moments.
We waited until Kim and college boy were closer to 18 months before their first visits, but the result was the same — Disney became an integral part of their core childhood memories. The family time we spent there when they were toddlers and preschoolers remains some of our most treasured moments together.
If you’re thinking about taking your little one to Walt Disney World, it’s absolutely doable (and can be downright magical) with the right prep. Here’s our best advice for planning a successful vacation with kids three and under.
How Long Do Toddlers Get into Walt Disney World Parks Free?
Children get into Walt Disney World Parks for free until the day they turn 3. 🥳 Even better — if your child’s third birthday falls during your trip, they’ll still be considered 2 years old for the entire length of your stay. That means no ticket cost for the whole vacation.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Planning a trip right before or during your child’s third birthday can be a big money-saver — and a magical way to celebrate!
Best Time of Year to Visit Walt Disney World with a Baby or Toddler
If your little one isn’t in school yet, you have a huge advantage — you’re not locked into the school-year calendar. That means you can plan your trip when the parks are less crowded and the weather is more comfortable.
Our top picks:
Fall (mid-September to mid-November) – Milder weather, fun seasonal events, and lighter crowds outside of holiday weekends.
January–February – Cooler temps and fewer people (just avoid holiday weekends like MLK Day and Presidents’ Day).
First week of December – The holiday magic is in full swing, but the crowds haven’t hit their peak yet.
☀️ What to Avoid (if possible):
Summer – It’s hot, humid, and busy. You can still have a great trip, but you’ll need to pace yourself, take breaks, and hydrate constantly.
Mid-December through New Year’s – Gorgeous decorations, but some of the heaviest crowds of the year.
Spring Break Season (March–mid-April) – Parks are busy from open to close.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you have to travel during a busier time, build in midday breaks for naps, pool time, or air-conditioned shows. Your littles will thank you — and so will your sanity. You can see all of our crowd and weather recommendations in our When to Go to Disney World Guide & Cheat Sheet.
🏨 Picking the Perfect Resort for Littles
Best Disney World Hotels for Families with Babies and Toddlers
When you’re traveling with little ones — especially without a car — location is everything. The less time you spend getting back to your resort for naps, downtime, or meltdowns, the smoother your vacation will be.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you know you’ll spend most of your trip in one park (like Magic Kingdom), choose the resort closest to that park — if you can afford it. The saved time and reduced transportation stress are worth it.
From our own trips, here are our top picks:
🏰 Deluxe Resorts (splurge-worthy)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Walk or take the monorail straight to Magic Kingdom. We loved this when our kids were little and most of our time was spent in that park.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cozy theming, boat access to Magic Kingdom, and a calmer vibe for afternoons.
💰 Moderate Option
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Central location with Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
🎈 Value Resorts
Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Fun theming, budget-friendly, and quick Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Art of Animation Suites – Extra space for families, with over-the-top theming that’s perfect for littles. Plus, Skyliner access makes park hopping easier.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts – The most budget-friendly option on property with super fun, oversized theming toddlers will love. We personally stay here regularly on our girls trips to save money for splurges elsewhere. Just keep in mind that buses are the only transportation option to the parks from here.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Traditional ride-shares can be tricky if your little one still needs a car seat. For a quick (and safe) getaway to or from the parks, consider a Minnie Van. They’re pricier but always include car seats — and they’re the only ride-share service that can pick up and drop off directly at Magic Kingdom instead of the Transportation and Ticket Center. For a full breakdown of resort-to-park travel times and options, check out our Walt Disney World Resort Transportation Guide & Cheat Sheet.
Can You Rent Strollers at Walt Disney World?
Absolutely! Stroller rentals are available both inside the parks and from third-party vendors. Here’s the quick breakdown:
Disney-operated Stroller Rentals
Available at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
Single strollers: ~$15/day, or ~$13/day with a length-of-stay rental.
Double strollers: $31/day, or $27/day with a length-of-stay rental.
Available on a first-come, first-served basis — so grab one early in the day.
Length-of-stay rentals apply only within each individual park and cannot be taken out of the parks.
Private Vendor Rentals
Great if you want your stroller waiting at your resort or available outside park hours.
Scooterbug is Disney’s preferred vendor and delivers directly to your resort.
Other local companies also offer delivery — compare prices and stroller models before booking.
For more details, see our complete Renting a Stroller at WDW Guide for vendor recommendations, pros and cons, and extra stroller tips.
For more details, see our complete Renting a Stroller at WDW Guide for vendor recommendations, pros and cons, and extra stroller tips.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) wide or 52” (132 cm) long aren’t permitted in the parks, and wagons — including stroller wagons — are prohibited. Double-check your stroller’s size before you pack it or rent one.
Can You Take Your Stroller on Walt Disney World Transportation?
Yes — strollers are allowed on all forms of Walt Disney World transportation, but rules vary:
Buses: Remove your child, collapse the stroller, and hold it upright in front of you.
Monorail & Skyliner: Depending on stroller size and crowd levels, you may be able to roll your stroller (with your child in it) right on board.
Friendship Boats (Hollywood Studios ↔ EPCOT) & Magic Kingdom Ferry: Strollers can roll directly onto these boats without folding.
Smaller Resort Boats: Often require strollers to be collapsed before boarding.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’ll be hopping on buses frequently, choose a stroller that folds quickly and easily. Your arms — and your sanity — will thank you.
How Well Do Character Interactions Work with Toddlers?
It really depends on your child. Meeting a favorite character can be magical — or overwhelming. Even if your toddler has been talking nonstop about meeting Elsa or Winnie the Pooh, the reality of standing in front of them can feel intimidating.
In our family, Lyn loved meeting characters from the time she was small. She couldn’t wait to hug them, get her autograph book signed, and pose for pictures. Kim and college boy, however, weren’t nearly as excited about those big, costumed hugs.
Over time, we found what worked for each child:
Watch videos before your trip. Checking out YouTube meet-and-greet videos can help toddlers know what to expect.
Plan meet and greets early in the day. Mornings are when little ones are usually at their happiest and most patient. If the first attempt is shy or tearful, you’ll have time to try again later.
Consider character dining. For Kim and college boy, character meals became our go-to. The calmer, seated environment made the interactions less overwhelming — and it’s a great way to meet multiple characters without long lines. To find out all the details on every character dining location across Walt Disney World, check out our Character Dining Guide.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If a certain character meet is important to your little one, aim for a morning time when they’re fresh and happy, and have a backup meet scheduled later in your trip just in case. For more planning help, check out our Walt Disney World Character Guide & Downloadable Cheat Sheets for character location maps by park, tips, and planning tools.
🎢 Best Disney Rides for Babies & Toddlers
Best Disney World Attractions for Toddlers and Babies
Just because your little one can’t ride everything doesn’t mean they’ll miss out on the fun! Disney has plenty of attractions designed for all ages, and many have no height requirement.
If there’s a ride your toddler is too small for, remember that Rider Swap is available. This service lets adults (or adults with older kids) take turns riding while only waiting in line once — or scheduling a Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Virtual Queue return time. You can read more about how it works in our 2025 Rider Switch Guide.
Beyond that, here are our must-do attractions for younger children — rides and experiences that tend to be hits with babies, toddlers, and their parents alike.
Magic Kingdom:
Peter Pan’s Flight
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Note: Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Caribbean have no height requirement but may be too dark or intense for some toddlers.
Want the full scoop on what to ride, when to ride it, and what not to miss at Magic Kingdom?👉 Check out our Magic Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide
EPCOT:
Frozen Ever After
Grand Fiesta Tour (Three Caballeros)
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Journey into Imagination with Figment
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
From thrills to World Showcase classics, we’ve got your EPCOT day mapped out.👉 Explore our EPCOT Ride & Attraction Guide
Hollywood Studios:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Toy Story Mania!
Alien Swirling Saucers (32" height)
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
Frozen Sing-Along
Hollywood Studios is packed with top-tier rides—and strategy matters.👉 Get our complete Hollywood Studios Ride Guide
Animal Kingdom:
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Na’vi River Journey
Learn which rides are worth rope-dropping, plus the best trails, shows, and hidden gems.👉 Dive into our Animal Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide
Are There Private Spaces for Nursing and Changing at Disney World?
Yes! Every park has a Baby Care Center, and they’re a lifesaver for parents with babies and toddlers. You’ll typically find them on the left side of the park near the entrance, and each one includes:
A private nursing room
Changing tables
Microwaves and high chairs
A small shop with baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula (available for purchase)
📱 Finding a Baby Care Center: Open the My Disney Experience app, go to the interactive map, tap the down arrow under Guest Services, and look for the pacifier icon. (Coming soon: our full Baby Care Center guide with locations, photos, and tips!)
Are There Family Restrooms at Disney World?
Yes — companion restrooms are available in every park. They’re perfect for families who need extra space or privacy for changing or helping young kids. You can see the exact locations in our Companion Restroom Guide.
Best Places for Toddlers to Run, Play, and Explore at Disney World
Even the most patient toddler will eventually need a break from the stroller. That’s why we love finding little pockets of the parks where kids can move, climb, splash, and explore — no Lightning Lane required. These spots are perfect for burning off energy between rides, giving parents a breather, and keeping little ones happy throughout the day.
Magic Kingdom
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station – Storybook Circus water play area; fun even when the fountains are off.
Dumbo Indoor Playground – Air-conditioned play zone in the Dumbo queue; you can enter without riding
Expedition Mars Play Area in EPCOT
EPCOT
Festival Playground – Next to Creations Shop; changes theme each EPCOT festival (e.g., Green Landing Family Play Zone with WALL-E).
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – Interactive walking trail with splash zones and hands-on water features.
Advanced Training Lab – Indoor games at the Mission: SPACE exit; no ride required.
Liquid Layer Splash Pad – Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
What If Labs – Inside Imagination! Pavilion; interactive games and exhibits.
Bruce’s Shark World – Inside The Seas Pavilion; climbing spaces and photo ops with Bruce the shark.
Lyn playing the in fountains outside of the Journey into Imagination Pavilion in 1994
Hollywood Studios
Mickey Shorts Theater – Not a play place persay, this is an indoor, air-conditioned theatre with Mickey Mouse shorts that are short enough for little attention spans.
Pixar Place Courtyard – Space to move near character meet-and-greets; can get crowded.
Galaxy’s Edge Courtyards – Themed spaces near Millennium Falcon; fun to explore, but busy at peak times.
Disney Junior Play & Dance! – Closing September 25, 2025, for the new Magic Of Disney Animation experience featuring an Alice in Wonderland Playground - opening TBA.
Note: There’s no playground in Toy Story Land, and while its a fun area to explore, it’s hot with little shade so your best bet is early morning or before park close.
Animal Kingdom
The Boneyard Playground – Open until September 1, 2025, before becoming the new Tropical Americas play area - opening TBA.
Discovery Island Trails – Shaded walking paths around the Tree of Life with animal exhibits.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Train ride to a petting zoo and conservation exhibits.
Maharajah Jungle Trek – Walk-through trail with tigers, bats, and exotic birds.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – Trail with gorillas, hippos, and bird enclosures.
Parades & Fireworks with Toddlers at Disney World
From the time Lyn and Kim started visiting Walt Disney World, watching fireworks and parades was one of their favorite things. They could have happily watched Fantasmic! or Happily Ever After every single night.
For college boy, though? Not so much. Like many young children, he found fireworks overwhelming — the crowds, the lights, and especially the loud booms. Fireworks can be magical for some toddlers and terrifying for others, so if it’s your child’s first time, it might be wise to save the experience for when they’re a bit older.
But… if you’re like us and still want to give it a try, here are our best tips from personal experience for enjoying fireworks and parades with little ones:
Fireworks Tips for Families with Toddlers
Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones A lifesaver for toddlers (or adults!) who get overwhelmed by loud noises. College boy still brings his to the parks today. These are also great anytime your child is struggling to regulate because of sensory overload.
Stake Out a Spot Early The hub area in front of Cinderella Castle will be very crowded and not ideal for toddlers to move around. Bring snacks, small toys, or activities to keep them entertained while you wait.
Plan Your Exit (or Don’t) After the fireworks, a sea of humanity will head for the exits and transportation waits will spike. Pack your patience — or find a snack spot and relax until the crowds thin out.
Consider a Fireworks Dessert Party or Dining PackageThese weren’t available when my kids were little, but now they can be a game-changer. You’ll get a reserved viewing area and enjoy treats or a meal before or after the show. It’s a premium price, but the dedicated space is worth it for many families.
Parade Tips for Families with Toddlers
Afternoon Parades (Festival of Fantasy Parade): The 3:00 parade starts in Frontierland and takes about 20 minutes to reach the Castle hub and Main Street. Watching from Frontierland means a shorter wait and an earlier finish — perfect if you want to sneak in another ride or take a midday break. Parade floats are very tall, so your toddler can still see well from farther back; just pick them up for the best view.
Evening Parades (Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away): This parade starts on Main Street and takes about 20 minutes to reach Frontierland. If you watch from Main Street, you’ll be done sooner — but expect bigger crowds. Frontierland will be less busy, but you’ll be waiting longer before the parade arrives.
Spot-Saving Strategy Have one adult hold your spot while the other takes the toddler for a walk, grabs food, or finds entertainment.
Stroller Tip If your little one will be in a stroller, park it right at the curb to help protect their view. (We always let other kids through when there was room!)
Bring Activities Small toys, coloring pages, or a snack can make the wait much easier.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If your child is sensitive to noise or crowds, start with an afternoon parade before attempting fireworks. That way, they can experience the magic of Disney entertainment in a lower-stress setting.
For a full overview of show and parade options at Walt Disney World—including viewing tips, schedules, and suggestions—check out our Magic Kingdom Shows & Parades Guide.
Tips from Our Experience: Disney with Toddlers & Babies
After many trips with our own littles, here are the strategies that kept our vacations magical (and meltdown-free):
1. Have Realistic Goals No matter who you’re traveling with, it’s impossible to do everything in one trip — and this is especially true with toddlers and babies. They only have so much stamina. Pick a few must-dos that matter most to your family, and let go of the rest.
2. Take Breaks Every Day Even if things are going perfectly, make time to leave the park. Go back to your resort, nap, swim, or just play in a quiet spot. Our best rhythm for years was:
Start early
Leave around lunch
Enjoy downtime at the resort
Return for the eveningThis prevents overtired, overstimulated little ones (and parents) from hitting meltdown mode.
3. Snacks Are Essential Bring familiar favorites — goldfish crackers, applesauce pouches, whatever your toddler loves. Even in the most magical place on earth, asking a toddler to be adventurous with food can be asking too much.
4. Stay Hydrated Florida heat is no joke — but dehydration can sneak up on you even in the cooler months. Make sure everyone, including adults, is sipping water regularly. Kids will need reminders.
5. Strollers Are Your Friend Even if your child is 4, 5, or 6, bring or rent a stroller. Walt Disney World means a lot of walking — no matter how much energy your preschooler has, they’ll be exhausted. Strollers are also great for hauling your park gear.
Size rules: Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) wide or 52” (132 cm) long aren’t allowed, and wagons/stroller wagons are prohibited.
Wrapping Up Your Disney with Littles Adventure
Traveling to Walt Disney World with babies and toddlers isn’t always easy — but it can be some of the most magical time you’ll ever spend together as a family. From those first character hugs to splashing in play areas, you’re building core memories that you’ll cherish long after the stroller is retired.
The key is to plan with realistic expectations, give everyone (including yourself!) plenty of breaks, and focus on the experiences that matter most to your family. Whether that’s watching the 3:00 parade from Frontierland, snuggling in a Baby Care Center, or riding “it’s a small world” three times in a row, there’s no “wrong” way to do Disney with littles.
Pixie Dust hugs,
Bren, Lyn & Kim
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