Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Adam!
I have experienced long days at the
Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks with my preschool daughter before, and three things were really our saving grace. First and foremost, a good stroller (with a reclining back) was instrumental in getting through a full day with a little one in tow. We would give her the opportunity to rest in the stroller whenever possible and/or try to find quiet or out-of-the-way spots for a quick break here and there. Secondly, we would always try to
reserve a table-service meal for lunch. This would give us that midday air-conditioned break and allow us all to get off of our feet and relax for a bit. Thirdly, whenever we stayed at an official
Walt Disney World Resort hotel, we would plan to return to our room for some rest and relaxation during the hottest part of the day--especially if we knew we had a late night ahead of us.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an option to order food to-go at table-service restaurants, so I would recommend employing one or more of these strategies to help your little Mouseketeer make it through dinner time.
Walt Disney World Resort is one of my favorite places in the world, but there’s definitely a lot of stimulation for toddlers who are used to routines and early bedtimes. Try to incorporate as many midday breaks as you can, though, and you might find your little one happily staying up way past bedtime at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Please let us know if there are any other recommendations or suggestions we can offer, Adam. We’d love to help!
Amy