Hi there, Ashleigh, and welcome to planDisney!
What a magical time for your whole family! Hands down, my favorite Disney memories are those of when my little Mouseketeers were toddlers. From their first haircuts at
Harmony Barber Shop at Magic Kingdom Park to the messy eating of Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, I'll treasure those moments forever. Ashleigh, I am more than happy to help you with this important planning detail!
The littlest of Walt Disney World Resort Guests (aged 2 and under) do not need a valid theme park ticket or reservation to enter. However, while they are not an officially registered member of your party, some reservations should include them.
First, you'll want to include your toddler in your advance dining reservations. This gives the restaurant a clear idea about seating arrangements. If you've already made your dining reservations, call a Disney Cast Member using the phone number on the
Restaurants FAQ webpage or modify the reservation via the
My Disney Experience app. When you arrive at the restaurant, select the option in Mobile Check-In that your child is under the age of 3. The cool part? 2-year-olds eat for free at all-you-care-to-enjoy table-service restaurants!
For
Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane options, your 2-year-old does not need to be added. I loved that I could purchase Disney Genie+ for the day, and my babies would tag along without a reservation. Now, if your kiddo isn't tall enough to ride an attraction, they will have to wait outside of the queue. In that case, I recommend that your family utilizes
Rider Switch. While one party rides an attraction, the little one and another older caretaker wait. Then, like magic, you'll switch and party two will use the Lightning Lane (even without a Lightning Lane paid access option)!
Ashleigh, if you have any questions while planning your upcoming trip, please don’t hesitate to
revisit us here at planDisney.
Magic always,
LeAndra