Regardless of having gone to Disney World numerous occasions through the years for my job, this Disney grownup has a confession to make: Till very just lately, I might by no means gone to Disney World with a baby. That is proper; regardless of visiting a theme park that the world would have you ever consider is made for youths, I by no means really visited with one since I personally was a baby.
However over the summer season, we took my one-year-old daughter to the parks for the primary time — and, tbh, planning for it made me really feel like a Disney beginner once more. Whereas I wasn’t naive sufficient to assume every little thing would go in keeping with plan on her first journey to Disney World (nothing ever does with a toddler), it did not cease me from beginning my packing record manner earlier to map out one of the best plan of action.
This is every little thing that made the record for my child’s first journey to Disney World.
Toddler’s First Disney Journey Packing Record
Whereas your packing record can change relying on what age your baby is, these are a number of of the necessities I knew I wished to deliver for my daughter’s first Disney World journey.
1. Stroller
If I have been flying into Disney World, I might seemingly lease a stroller. Nevertheless, since we stay in Florida and simply drive to the parks, I introduced a journey stroller. Our journey stroller is the Colugo Compact Stroller, which is simple to slot in the automotive and supremely light-weight.
2. Stroller Fan
Any time we’re spending numerous time outside, I additionally deliver our stroller fan, which helps to deliver simply the slightest breeze to a boiling sizzling Florida day.
3. A Child Service
Whereas a child service is unquestionably not one thing older children will want, it’s a must-bring for my beginner walker. Whereas Disney will will let you deliver strollers to most areas of the parks and resorts, they don’t seem to be allowed in traces or in eating places. If we’re ready awhile in a queue, bringing a child service saves us (the mother and father) from having very drained arms.
4. A Backpack That Holds It All
Whether or not you’re going to Disney World with children or not, having a backpack that may maintain all of it is extremely essential. For our first journey, I opted for the Colugo Father or mother Backpack, which is light-weight however has tons of room to retailer every little thing I might presumably must pack for myself, my husband, and my daughter (as a result of I’m the queen of packing for all).
The backpack comes with pockets for every little thing and is mechanically cleanable, so I can throw it within the washer when one thing inevitably spills in and/or on it.
5. Slumberpod
This merchandise on the record is extra geared towards the youthful children, however I now not journey wherever with out the SlumberPod. A 6:30 p.m. bedtime might sound good in idea, however you notice shortly on trip in a single resort room that it’s… inconvenient.
As a substitute of sitting in a darkish resort room in silence to not wake the infant, I swear by the SlumberPod, which primarily acts as a blackout tent that goes over our Pack ‘n’ Play. With spots to place a video monitor and fan, this was a game-changer in making certain our child stays asleep on trip. To not point out, it makes nap time an entire lot simpler (and a day in Disney World positively requires a nap).
6. Transportable Silicone Plate
Whether or not we’re stopping for a fast snack or sitting at a desk, I like to journey with a small silicone plate. She’s nonetheless on the age the place she’s going to fortunately seize and throw absolutely anything, so having one thing that can follow the desk is vital. Plus, it’s tremendous straightforward to clean off in a sink and put again in my (large) backpack.
7. Solar Necessities
It doesn’t matter what age you’re, sunscreen at Disney World is an absolute should. I introduced a kid-friendly bottle with me that may very well be used earlier than going to the parks after which reapplied after.
8. Solar Hat
To maintain the solar out of her eyes, we additionally introduced alongside a UPF safety hat to cowl her face and neck.
9. Snacks
Whereas Disney World hardly lacks meals choices, it’s by no means a foul thought to deliver a number of small snacks to keep away from starvation meltdowns. My favourite manner to do that is with small puffs like those from Little Bellies.
10. Snack Containers
I retailer them within the Munchkin Snack Catcher so she will be able to simply eat them. These save us in any traces we find yourself standing in.
What to Know About Bringing a Child to Disney World
In the event you plan on visiting Disney World with youthful children, there are a number of crucial issues to bear in mind.
Ticket and Meal Pricing
Whereas it could sound like a poor life choice to spend a ton of cash on bringing a younger child to Disney World, there’s one main factor to contemplate. Youngsters beneath three do not require a ticket to the parks at Disney World.
Moreover, there are completely different eating guidelines for youths beneath three at Disney. At buffets, children beneath three eat free and could be served on their very own plates. For prix-fixe or a-la-carte menus, children beneath three can share something out of your plate.
Child Care Facilities
Whether or not you are visiting with a child or a youthful child, you need to know concerning the Child Care Facilities in every of the parks. With a location in any respect 4 Disney World parks, Child Care Facilities present a spot for fogeys to feed, change, or nurse their youngsters.
The total-service services have altering rooms, restrooms, a feeding space with highchairs, a room with a TV, desk, and seating, and even a store that gives system, child meals, and different necessities. In case you are with youthful children, the Child Care Facilities are important places to maintain all their wants in a extra relaxed setting than you will discover in different spots across the parks.
Stroller Coverage
As a result of Disney World is big, bringing a stroller will also be important to keep away from carrying round a toddler all day. You’ve a number of choices relating to strollers, together with bringing your individual. In the event you do deliver your individual, you will wish to word that Disney does have some necessities in place. Strollers should not be bigger than 31 inches huge and 52 inches lengthy, and stroller wagons are prohibited.
You can too lease a stroller in the event you’d favor to not deliver your individual. You are able to do this by a third-party stroller firm (Kingdom Stroller, Orlando Stroller Leases, and Magic Strollers are a number of choices) or by Disney itself. A single stroller is $15 a day or $13 a day in the event you plan on renting for a number of days. A double stroller is $31 a day or $27 a day for a number of days.
TL; DR
Am I out of my thoughts for bringing a one-year-old to Disney World? Maybe. However with my packing record set, I felt assured that this Disney grownup might sufficiently deal with the Most Magical Place on Earth with a toddler in tow.
