Hi Leigh,
Welcome to planDisney! Several
Disney World Resort hotels offer mini-fridges or beverage coolers if that is a priority for your family. Since your vacation is pretty far out, you should look at ensuring you are staying in one of these rooms since that will be easier than carting your cooler and regularly filling it with ice during your vacation.
If you are in love with your resort hotel option and it does not come equipped with a mini-fridge you can request one from housekeeping when you arrive. Be prepared that this is not guaranteed and is completely subject to availability but can come in super handy if you have things like medicine or milk that need to stay cooled.
If you decide to bring a cooler, it is
permitted in the theme parks if it is smaller than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high. When you choose which cooler you want to bring, you may want to keep these regulations in mind so you can use it in the theme parks and your room if necessary. With that in mind, you are welcome to keep an ice chest in your resort hotel if you wish to. There will be ice machines centrally located in your resort to fill it up when needed. If you plan to bring it into the theme parks remember that you will need to fill it with reusable ice packs instead of loose ice.
If you have medicine or special dietary needs that make keeping items cool throughout your day at the theme parks necessary, you can also utilize the
Baby Care Centers or
First Aid Centers. These centers are a fabulous resource where you can keep specialty items cool and take care of little ones throughout the day without having to lug around a big bag full of supplies and a cooler.
Happy Planning,
Jenna