Hi Lauren, and welcome to planDisney!
Your vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth is just around the riverbend! Your family will be here just in time for the culmination of the
Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Celebration. I hope you enjoy interacting with the golden Disney Fab 50 Character Collection sculptures around all four theme parks and viewing nighttime spectaculars like
Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
As a mom of two young boys who are very tall for their age, your question is right up my alley! Good news: Both paid options to access the Lightning Lane (Disney Genie+ Service and
Individual Lightning Lane) are not needed for a child under the age of 3 because they are also free to enter the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.
For example, if your child wants to join you on Seven Dwarves Mine Train (38" height requirement), only you (and any others older than 3) will have to purchase the Individual Lightning Lane. Your child will just tag along! There is also the option of using Rider Switch if your child decides they don't want to ride after all. While the first party uses the Lightning Lane (with Individual Lightning Lane purchase), an adult waits with the little one. Then, like the name suggests, you switch!
AN EXTRA GEM: Did you know that children under the age of 3 can also eat for free at All-You-Care-To-Enjoy table service restaurants around property? My younger son's favorites are
Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom for its tasty corn dog nuggets and
The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park for its churro Mickey waffles. Yum!!
Please
revisit planDisney to ask me any further vacation planning questions. Have a magical day, Lauren!
Magic always,
LeAndra