Welcome to planDisney, Jordan. I’m so glad you reached out with your question. A first birthday trip to
Walt Disney World is such a special way to celebrate, and planning your very first visit as parents adds its own kind of magic. I’d love to share what this experience can feel like and help you picture what your days in the parks might look like with a one year old by your side.
Taking your son to Disney World for his first birthday will be a very different experience from past trips, but in the best possible way. Instead of racing from ride to ride, you’ll be discovering the parks at baby pace, which tends to reveal a whole new kind of magic. Even as Disney veterans, this will feel like a fresh adventure. When my 4 year old had her first visit at 11 months old, it ended up being one of our most memorable trips for exactly that reason. Slowing down allowed us to experience the parks in a completely new way, noticing details and moments we had never taken the time to appreciate before. It truly became one of our favorite visits, and I think you’ll find the same to be true for your son’s first birthday.
Since your son won’t be riding many attractions yet,
Rider Switch will be invaluable if you still want to enjoy the bigger rides. While one of you rides, the other can let him watch ducks, enjoy music, look at water features, or simply rest.
Baby Care Centers in each park are worth using for feeding, changing and a few minutes of calm when needed.
Magic Kingdom is the ideal park for a first birthday. Nearly all of Fantasyland works beautifully for a one year old. Rides such as “it’s a small world,” Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, Under the Sea, Dumbo and the carousel are all gentle without being overwhelming. The PeopleMover is a wonderful place for a break. The Dumbo queue with its air conditioned play area is especially useful for this age. Babies often love the character meet and greets here as well, whether they’re brave enough to get close or happier waving from a bit of distance.
If you are deciding between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for your second day, the choice depends on the kind of experience you want. Animal Kingdom is generally the most baby friendly park beyond Magic Kingdom. The atmosphere is slower and more spacious, the walking paths are shaded, and the sensory experiences are gentle and natural. Babies usually respond well to the sights and movement of Kilimanjaro Safaris, the visuals of Na’vi River Journey. The animal trails are stroller friendly and provide plenty of opportunities for quiet exploration. There are many comfortable spots for a stroller nap, especially around the Discovery Island paths or in the shaded areas of Pandora.
Hollywood Studios, while fun, is more limited for a one year old. It offers far fewer attractions he can ride, though Runaway Railway is a standouts for this age. It is also a more crowded park with less shade and more high energy areas. However, if you plan to use Rider Switch heavily and want more thrill rides for the adults, it may still fit your goals.
Jordan, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what your son’s first birthday trip might look like and helps you feel even more excited for this new chapter of Disney adventures as parents. Thank you for visiting planDisney with your question. Wishing you a visit filled with sweet moments, gentle magic, and all the wonder that makes a first Disney trip truly unforgettable.
Kay