10 Tips to Help You Survive a Trip to Disney
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive to the parks early and take a break in the middle of the day for lunch and afternoon naps (for parents and tots). Head back to the theme parks in the late afternoon after everyone is well-rested and ready for more fun.
Get a Room
Baby Services locations are ideal for moms with infants. Located at all four Disney theme parks, the private rooms offer rocking chairs and low lighting for nursing mothers, feeding rooms with highchairs, bibs and plastic spoons, plus diaper-changing rooms.
Need an Extra Binky?
Baby-care products such as disposable diapers, pull-on rubber pants, formula and teethers are for sale.
Pack Light
No need to pack up all the baby gear for a trip to Disney. In-park stroller rental ($15 a day, $13 a day for length-of-stay rentals) makes traveling through the theme parks easy. Reserve cribs in advance at one of Disney's resorts. Bed guardrails are available upon request.
Looking for a Sitter?
In-room babysitting services or resort-based child-care programs such as Mouseketeer Clubhouse or The Neverland Club are a great option for parents looking for a night out without the little ones.
Don't Wait for Rides
A theme-park "rider switch" policy gives both mom and dad a chance to enjoy the latest attractions without the double wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction can get on the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent comes off.
Choose Your Rides Wisely
While youngsters are typically captivated by all of Disney's attractions, be sure to seek out activities that are appropriate for little ones. (Some attractions may be too spooky for tykes.) Sure hits: "The Seas with Nemo & Friends," The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, it's a small world, Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, "Mickey's PhilharMagic," Mickey's Toontown Fair, "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage," "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D," "Festival of the Lion King," TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard, plus daily parades.
Look for the Exit Sign
If available, choose a seat located near the back or side of attractions for a quick exit.
There are baby-changing stations in all bathrooms, including men's and family rest rooms.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Most Disney restaurants offer children's menus, plus crayons and coloring books to keep kids entertained. Character dining -- where a cast of characters visits your table while you eat -- is a great way to introduce little ones to Disney characters.
Prep for the Sun
Bring extra sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, plus a sweatshirt for chilly, air-conditioned theaters.
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Most of these tips are for parents with very young kids. How about tips for parents with non-stroller-bound kids?
At my daughters’ ages, we found it better to sleep in, hit the parks about mid-day, break for a nice dinner, stay until the parks closed.
Both girls, my husband, and I had a small backpack. Things we included were: a water bottle, small snack, camera, rain pancho, ziplock bags, cell phones. I also carried a small bottle of sunscreen & SPF lip balm & a tiny first aid kit.
We would grab a fast pass for a ride & hit another ride with a short line until enough time had gone by until we could get another fast pass.
We stayed at a DisneyWorld resort both visits. The first time we hit the nearby Walmart to stock up on drinks, simple meals & snacks. The 2nd time we paid a very reasonable fare to have a taxi take us to a nearby, large convenience store.