Hey there, hi there, ho there Lyndsey! Welcome to planDisney, thanks for stopping by with your question. I'm thrilled to help! Looks like you're gearing up for a trip to
Walt Disney World Resort. I'm sure you are counting down the days until you're at the Most Magical Place On Earth!
Taking our youngest to Disney when she was just 11 month old was one of the best trips we've ever had! Naturally, every baby is different, and their needs can vary greatly by age. However, there’s nothing quite like watching their eyes light up as they meet the characters, marvel at the vibrant colors, enjoy those catchy Disney songs, and experience the thrill of their first rides. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime. And the best part? Children under 3 get free admission to the parks!
We made sure to stay on Disney property. There were (and still are) two main reasons I preferred this with our 11-month-old:
Resort Transportation and Early Theme Park Entry. Traveling with an infant can be tricky. If you stay off property, you'll likely need to use a car rental service and deal with car seats, parking, and long walks from parking lots to the theme parks. For us, convenience is key. If your little one needs a midday break, you'll be grateful to easily return to your resort via monorail, Skyliner, boat, or bus. Using Disney transportation was a game changer for our family.
Staying at Disney resorts comes with the perk of
Early Theme Park Entry. This gives you access to the parks 30 minutes before the official opening each day. Those 30 minutes are incredibly valuable. They allow you to take photos with fewer crowds and, with a well-thought-out plan, ride several attractions before the wait times become unmanageable. This is especially crucial when traveling with a baby, as little ones typically lack the patience for long lines.
Keeping a baby entertained in line can be challenging, which is why we decided to splurge on
Disney Genie+. This service allows you to select attraction return times for your day at the theme park. Starting at 7:00 AM, you can choose one attraction and a return time, regardless of your ticket type. It's definitely worth it when you have a baby. The longest we waited for a ride during our trip was 20 minutes. Most of the time, we either walked right on or waited just a few minutes.
We made sure to take full advantage of the
Baby Care Centers in each park! These centers offer large, cushioned changing tables, comfortable nursing rooms, and a variety of supplies for purchase, including diapers, wipes, medicines, and clothes. Cast members are always on hand to assist you. Baby Care Centers are indicated on all park maps, and if you have trouble finding one, they are typically located next to the First Aid stations.
Rides are a big part of the experience for my husband and me, but we knew that with our daughter being so little, she wouldn't be able to go on all of them. But what if both parents want to go on a ride with a height requirement? That's where
Rider Switch comes in handy! One parent rides while the other stays with the baby, then you switch without having to wait in line again. Just ask a cast member at the entrance of any ride to set it up for you.
Lyndsey, I hope you find this information helpful as you prepare for an exciting visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Thank you again for visiting planDisney. Have a magical day!
Kay