Little girl on dad's shoulders in front of Cinderella Castle
  • On Jan 22, 2023
    Kyle from NY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    need help planning trip 4yr old and 1yr old

    Hi Kyle,

    Thank you so much for visiting planDisney with your Disney vacation planning question.

    I am happy to help you think about your first trip to Walt Disney World with your young children! I so clearly remember my family's trips to Walt Disney World when our daughter was an infant, toddler, and preschooler. Let me offer you some thoughts on planning a magical trip with young children.

    First, be sure to check out the page for planning a Walt Disney World vacation with little ones. This page includes suggestions for little ones across Walt Disney World, including at all four theme parks. I truly believe that there is something for all ages at all of the theme parks. My tip would be to focus on the attractions that are appropriate for your children's ages and build a plan from there. For instance, if you visit EPCOT, take a look at Frozen Ever After, where you can ride a boat through Arendelle to see Anna, Elsa, and their friends. Another area that my daughter enjoyed greatly as a toddler was The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Here, you can ride under the sea and see the amazing water creatures! Then, this pavilion offers lots of space to run around and explore the fabulous aquarium. The eye level access for your children to look into these massive tanks will be perfect!  

    Let me offer you a couple of practical tips. If your children have strollers that they are comfortable in, and you are able to travel with them, I suggest that you bring those with you. Their own familiar stroller is one less thing for your children to adjust to in a new environment. If they do not have strollers, or you are unable to travel with them, you can rent a stroller at Walt Disney World. Another stroller rental option is to check out ScooterBug, Disney's feature provider for stroller rentals. Even though your older child might not use a stroller much at home, the amount of walking at Walt Disney World tends to be significant. It will likely keep them, and you, happier if there is a stroller available! Our daughter gave up her stroller at quite a young age at home. However, we taught her how much better it made her (and our!) days at Walt Disney World if she rode in the stroller. When she rode around in the stroller at Walt Disney World during preschool, she would often look at other guests and loudly declare, "Big girls ride in strollers at Disney World!" It inevitably made people smile. 

    Also, my husband and I always found it beneficial to keep our daughter on the same sleep schedule she was on at home when we visited Walt Disney World. Some children are able to nap in strollers in the theme parks, and that is wonderful. We often found that it made sense for one of us to go back to the resort midday so that she could have a nap. We would often only have one of us go with her so that the other parent could experience some of the more grown up attractions. For example, if you are at EPCOT and have another person who could head back with the children for a nap and downtime, it would be a great time to check out Guardians of the Galaxy - Cosmic Rewind!

    I hope that these thoughts are helpful for you, Kyle. I know that there are many factors to consider when planning a trip to Walt Disney World with little ones. Please do feel free to come back if you have any further questions!

    ~ Mona Leigh
thumbnail image for Mona Leigh

Meet the Panelist: Mona Leigh, Maryland

I am a wife and mother who works in children's technology design and research. When I'm not at work or with my family, I'm often planning a Walt Disney World trip for my family or friends. I'm a Disney Vacation Club Member, and am excited to help you plan your Disney vacation!  Learn More About Mona Leigh

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