Hi, there!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Taylor. We just love helping you plan your Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
As a mom of three, I know just how much planning goes into traveling with
little ones. There are so many things to think about! I'm happy to share some of my best tips with you.
Whether or not you take your stroller or rent one is a matter of personal preference. We like to have our stroller with us while en route to Orlando, so we always take our City Mini Double with us on our Disney vacations. We've found it to be especially helpful in getting three kiddos through the airport! We also like that we have it with us after we leave the theme parks each evening. The walk from the park exit (where a rental would need to be returned) to the bus stops is long, and little ones are often so sleepy at the end of an adventure-filled day! That said, lots of families prefer the convenience of
renting a stroller from any of the four theme parks and Disney Springs. My best advice is to consider your family's unique needs. If you think you'll need your stroller in AND out of the theme parks, bring your own. Just be sure your stroller meets the
sizing guidelines. One more thought - your 5-year old may have long outgrown using a stroller at home, but I recommend using a double stroller during your vacation. Exploring the theme parks requires a lot of walking, and those little legs will tire quickly! Your big kid will be glad there's an available seat in the stroller for a rest.
I always suggest making one
Table-Service reservation per day. Sometimes we schedule our Table-Service reservations for dinner, but we also schedule a few for breakfast and lunch too! My kids have had a meltdown during a meal out on more than one occasion, so I try to book entertaining dining experiences during our Disney vacation. When my kids are entertained, we're much more likely to have a nice meal!
Character Dining Experiences are the perfect combination of great food and fabulous entertainment. A few of our favorites include Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, and The Crystal Palace. We also love dining experiences with unique atmospheres like
Sanaa,
Coral Reef Restaurant, and
T-REX.
You'll absolutely want to pack a well-stocked diaper bag for a day in the theme parks. In addition to diapers and wipes, I always pack snacks, drinks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes, and a few Ziploc bags. If your little one gets soaked or has an accident, a Ziploc bag is a great place to store the clothes they change out of! If you forget something, not to fret. The
Baby Care Centers have baby care essentials for purchase. We once ran out of diapers at Magic Kingdom Park, and boy were we glad we could buy more at the Baby Care Center!
I hope this was helpful, Taylor. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Ashley