Hi Angie!
Welcome back to planDisney!
Little ones under 3 years old do not need
park admission to enter the theme parks. And you won’t need to stop to do anything prior to entering the gate. That includes entry to special ticketed events, such as
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Those “under 3” perks are pretty incredible!
In addition to free park entry, you also won’t need to purchase
Lightning Lanes for your kiddo. They can enter the Lightning Lane, free of charge, along with those in your party who do have a Lightning Lane booked for the attraction.
Side note: If you want to enjoy an attraction that your little one isn’t big enough for, take advantage of
Rider Switch. With that service, your travel party will break up into two groups. One group will ride while the other waits with your little one. Then, the second group will get to go through the Lightning Lane while the first group waits with your little one.
Finally, kids under 3 eat for free at all family-style and buffet meals, including those that are character meals. Just make sure to add them to your
dining reservation. That way, the restaurant can ensure there’s adequate space so guests are comfortable and safe.
Some of my absolute best memories at Disney are with my kids when they were under 3. Seeing the magic through their eyes is like nothing else! I hope you have the best trip. And let us know if you have any other questions as you continue to plan.
Jenn J.