Embedded Files
Ready to Start Planning? Get your Free No-Obligation Quote Today!
The Ultimate Survival Guide for Parents Planning Disney with Little Kids
Planning a Disney World vacation with toddlers? It can absolutely be magical — but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. From nap schedules and stroller strategies, to toddler-friendly rides and dining tips, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your Disney trip easier, less stressful, and way more fun!
I have two small children (3 year old boy and 1 year old girl). I have been taking my son to Disney World since he was 4 months old. He has gone to Disney 4 times so far and my daughter has been twice. Each trip I have learned a few more tricks that have made vacationing at Disney World with toddlers a little easier and I want to share them with you!
If you want personalized help planning your family’s Disney vacation, I’d love to help! As a Disney travel agent specializing in family vacations, I help families plan stress-free Disney trips at no extra cost.
Why Disney World is Great for Toddlers
Why Disney World is Great for Toddlers
Disney World was designed for families, and toddlers are truly part of the magic. Between character meet-and-greets, slow-moving attractions, parades, playgrounds, and interactive experiences, there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy.
Every time we travel to Disney World we find a new experience to enjoy as a family. I have traveled over 30 times to Disney World and still have not done it all! And the best part is that almost everything at Disney World is kid-friendly.
Think about it - Disney World is a family expereience and is trying to make money. If they did not cater to families with young children - they would be out of business.
Some of the biggest toddler-friendly perks include:
Rider Switch for parents
Baby Care Centers in every park
Height-friendly rides
Character experiences
Disney transportation (toddlers love the monorail! - Or at least mine does!)
Resorts designed for families
Tons of stroller-friendly pathways
If you’re visiting Disney for the first time, make sure to also read my guide to Walt Disney World Resort planning basics to help you map out the beginning planning stages for a Disney World trip.
Best Age to Take Toddlers to Disney World
One of the most common questions parents ask is: “Is my toddler too young for Disney?”
The truth is: Toddlers experience Disney in a completely different way than older kids — and that’s what makes it so special.
Ages 2–5 are incredible for:
Character interactions
Fantasyland rides
Parades
Disney Junior experiences
Pool days at Disney resorts
First-time magical moments
And remember: Children under 3 get into Disney World for free!
My son, who is now three years old has been to Disney World 4 times - at ages 4 months, 18 months, 30 months and 33 months. My daughter has been to Disney World when she was 9 months and 12 months old. The best part about taking our children at these ages is that they are still free to get into Dinsey World! My upcoming trip in September will be the first time we will need to purchase a park ticket for my son. They absolutely love meeting characters and my son is obsessed with rollar coasters (The barnstormer). He sees pictures of rides and our family at Disney World and will tell me the name of the ride and remembers things that happened while waiting in line or magical moments from our trip. These moments are so special to us and is what makes traveling with two young children totally worth it! These trips are for the parents' memories the most.
Related reading:
Best Disney Parks for Toddlers
Best Disney Parks for Toddlers
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is by far the best park for toddlers. There is sooooo much to do for toddlers. There are a ton of rides that are any height or have a shorter height requirement. You can take infantson any ride that does not have a heigh requirement -which allows your entire travel party to be able to ride together.
Top toddler rides:
Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Bonus: there is a playground in the middle of the queue. - However, early in the morning or if the wait is very short, it may not be open)
“it’s a small world” - A classic!
Peter Pan’s Flight
Winnie the Pooh
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
Haunted Mansion - A toddler friendly experience - My son calls this the "Halloween ride" even though its not Halloween themed. Its one of his favorites
The Barnstromer - If you toddler is 35 inches tall this is a great introductory roller coaster. My son love this ride - we usually will ride this at least 5 times in a row.
Magic Kingdom also has:
Character dining
Baby Care Center
Indoor attractions for breaks
Daily parades and fireworks
You’ll definitely want to read my:
EPCOT
EPCOT is surprisingly toddler-friendly. There are rides, a playground, Encanto stage show, an aquarium and the amazing Moana Journey of Water. Plus, my kids love snacking around the world at the World's showcase. If you ask my son this may be his favorite park. He loves that he gets to snack all day long when we go lol!
Toddlers love:
Frozen Ever After - The songs will be stuck in your head the rest of the day
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - This ride surprisingly has no height requirement!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends - My kids love this ride and the aquarium that is at the end of the ride. We usually ride this to enter the building then spend time looking at the sea creatures and watching Turtle Talk with Crush.
Interactive water area - The Moana Journey of Water is a fantastic, interactive attraction that is also educational! My kids could spend hours in here. Just make sure you pack an extra change of clothes in case your kids get wet. (Hint: There are dry and wet paths throughout the attraction if you do not want to get wet)
Kidcot stations around World Showcase - A fun scavenger hunt and activity throughout World Showcase. It help entertain and educate your children while you enjoy food and drinks.
Related blog:
Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is excellent for toddlers who love animals. Plus, they are about to get a major toddler upgrade with the added Bluey experience. I know my Bluey loving toddlers are excited for this!
Best experiences:
Kilimanjaro Safaris - This ride is the best part of Animal Kingdom - Just keep children in the center portion of the truck because it can be bumpy and animals can come right up to the side of the truck.
Na’vi River Journey - This bright and colorful slow moving boat ride is amazing for infants and toddlers alike.
Festival of the Lion King - Such fantastic show for all ages. It is interactive and the performers are amazingly tanlented.
Animal Trails - We spend a good portion of the day walking around and looking and learning about all sort of animals.
Bluey Experience at Conservation Station - Opening at the end of the month - this will be a highlight for my toddlers.
Related blog:
Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios has fewer toddler rides, but still offers great options. My son loves meeting Toy Story characters and exploring Galaxy's Edge. The shows are toddler friendly and the Disney Junior Play and Dance is a great way to burn off energy while in air conditioning.
Best toddler experiences:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Disney Junior Play & Dance
Toy Story Land
Frozen Sing-Along
Related blog:
Where to Stay at Disney with Toddlers
Where to Stay at Disney with Toddlers
Some of the best Disney resorts for toddlers include:
Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Why these resorts work well:
Easy transportation
Great pools
Larger rooms or family suites
Convenient access to parks
Fun theming toddlers love
Related reading:
Disney World Toddler Packing List
Here’s what I highly recommend bringing when you are traveling to Disney World with Toddlers:
Stroller fan
Cooling towels
Portable charger
Extra toddler snacks
Refillable water bottles
Rain cover for stroller
Ponchos
Change of clothes
Portable night light
Diapers/wipes
Swim diapers
Compact first aid kit
Related blog:
Stroller Tips for Disney World
Your stroller will become your best friend at Disney.
Stroller Recommendations
Lightweight but comfortable
Large sunshade
Reclining seat for naps
Good storage basket
Rain cover compatible
Disney allows both single and double strollers. However, they do not allow wagon style strollers unless you have a medical reason to use one as a wheelchair. If that is the case you will need to speak with guest services at Disney and get approval.
Pro tip: add a bright ribbon or tag so you can quickly find your stroller in parking areas. Cast members may move your stroller when they condense stroller parking.
Related reading:
How to Handle Naps at Disney
This is one of the biggest concerns for parents.
Here are your best options:
Return to your resort midday
Let toddlers nap in the stroller
Plan indoor attractions during nap windows
Use slower-paced afternoons
Many families find that a midday break dramatically improves the trip. Personally, we see how our kids and ourselves are feeling each day and make a game time decision. We always kow that we will go back to our room for a rest break so they can nap, however, if our kids fall asleep in the stroller - we just relax in the parks for a few hours.
Best Character Dining for Toddlers
Character dining is AMAZING for toddlers because it combines food + character interactions without waiting in long lines.
Best toddler-friendly character meals:
Chef Mickey’s
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Tusker House
Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast
Crystal Palace
Related reading:
Toddler-Friendly Disney Planning Tips
Use Lightning Lane Strategically
Focus on:
Peter Pan’s Flight
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Related reading:
Don’t Over Schedule
Toddlers need downtime. One of the biggest Disney mistakes parents make is trying to do too much.
Instead:
Prioritize a few key rides
Take pool breaks
Leave room for naps
Enjoy slower moments
Mobile Order Meals
Using the My Disney Experience app can save a LOT of time with toddlers.
Mobile ordering lets you:
Skip long food lines
Order while waiting in rides
Pick up meals quickly
Sample Disney World Toddler Itinerary
Morning
Rope drop Fantasyland
Ride toddler favorites early
Character breakfast
Midday
Lunch
Resort nap/pool break
Afternoon
Slow attractions
Indoor shows
Snacks
Evening
Early dinner
Parade
Optional fireworks
Related blogs:
Final Thoughts on Disney World with Toddlers
Disney with toddlers may look different than Disney with older kids — but honestly, it can be even more magical. Watching your little one meet Mickey for the first time, ride Dumbo, or see Cinderella Castle light up is something you’ll never forget. The key is planning realistically, slowing down, and building a trip around your family’s pace. Remember you are creating memories!
If you’d like help planning your Disney vacation, I’d love to help you create a stress-free trip customized for your family.
Grab These Free Disney Planning Resources:
Save This Magic Kingdom Itinerary on Pinterest
Planning a Disney trip with your toddlers? Save this guide on Pinterest so you can reference it while planning your vacation.
Ready to plan your dream Disney vacation?
Our expert Disney travel planners can help you customize your itinerary, book dining, and secure the best experiences—completely stress-free. Fill out my free no-obligation quote request form below or email me at bayley@storybookshorestravel.com
Planning a Disney trip doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you just need the right strategy (and insider tips 😉). If you want step-by-step planning help, money-saving tips, and the latest updates for Walt Disney World delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. It’s the easiest way to plan smarter and make your dream vacation stress-free from start to finish.
Page updated
Report abuse