Hi, Madelyn! Welcome to planDisney, and thank you so much for reaching out to me with this great question!
The first time you bring a toddler to Walt Disney World Resort can definitely be a little intimidating! Our kids' first trips to The Happiest Place on Earth were right around that same age, and we even experienced our daughter's first attempt at walking in the airport-themed waiting area right next to Soarin' Around the World! We had such a great experience bringing our young children to the theme parks, and what we loved most was experiencing the magic from their point of view.
Stroller management is a huge key to success for your vacation, and thankfully, countless parents have paved the way with
lots of tips for us! Whether you choose to bring your own stroller or
rent one in the theme parks, remember to pack necessary items like rain gear, a stroller cover, a change of clothes, diapers and wipes, and feeding essentials (small coolers are also allowed). I like to organize these items in gallon-sized baggies and tuck them in the stroller the night before we go to the theme park, so I can be sure I'm not forgetting anything on my way out the door. Since you can pack so much in your stroller, you likely won't need a heavy bag - I like to bring a lightweight tote with diapers, wipes, and water for those moments when I choose to leave my stroller in a designated stroller parking area, which you'll find near each attraction. You might want to attach a balloon, ribbon, or glow sticks to your stroller to help you spot it, in case it gets shifted during your time in the attraction. If there's rain anywhere on the forecast, I go ahead and cover my stroller while I'm away, just in case!
Madelyn, you'll be relieved to know that just about every restroom at Walt Disney World Resort is equipped with at least one changing station, and I have to say they're meticulously maintained! Another game-changer for parents of little ones is the
Baby Care Center, which you'll find at each theme park. Totally dedicated to parents with babies, these amazing facilities are home to changing rooms with tables, feeding areas with high chairs, a kitchen with microwave and sink, and a shop with baby essentials, in case you need anything.
I'm so glad you asked about food at the theme parks, it's one of my favorite subjects! At Magic Kingdom Park, I get really excited about the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich at
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments - it's big enough to share and you can customize it (no bananas for me!) when you place a
Mobile Food & Beverage Order through the
My Disney Experience app! Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is home to
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes, a fantastic quick-service dining location with a beautiful outdoor seating area. EPCOT has huge variety of quick bites, and as my Francophile friend and fellow planDisney panelist
Candace will tell you, you can't go wrong with any of the delicious options at
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France area of the World Showcase.
Madelyn, please stop by planDisney any time. You have a friend in me!
Jennifer