Surviving the Magic: 5 Top Tips for Taking a Toddler to Walt Disney World

Worried about taking your little one to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Fear not, these small tips will make taking that toddler a breeze! Let me start by sharing my qualifications: besides being a Travel Coach, I'm also a mom to a lively toddler named Avery who never sits still. We have been taking Avery to Disney Parks since she was 1 year old. She is 4 now and has been 3 times, with another trip coming up in August! Each trip has come with its challenges, including meltdowns, picky eating, and waiting in line. Fortunately, you can learn from my mistakes with these simple tips to ensure a smooth trip to Walt Disney World.

Bubble wand at Magic Kingdom — Avery enjoying a bubble wand while Dad rode Haunted Mansion.

Tip # 1 Buy the Bubble wand.

Whether you buy it before the parks or in the parks, the bubble wand is a sacred tool that can help with any and all meltdowns and bouts of boredom. For instance, we brought a bubble wand we purchased at Target, saving us around $15-20 compared to park prices. During our rider swap for TRON: Lightcycle, we had to entertain Avery with either another snack or the bubble wand. She absolutely loved watching people walk by and try to pop the bubbles. It was a delightful distraction that kept her engaged and happy. While some adults might not be thrilled about bubbles being blown in their faces, it's all part of the magic of being in an all-ages park. The joy and laughter it brings to children, and even some adults, make it a worthwhile investment for any Disney trip.

Splash pad at Disney's Art of animation — Splash Pad at Disney's Art of Animation

Tip #2 Schedule at least one Resort/Rest day

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are enormous parks that require a significant amount of walking and time spent on rides. To ensure a more enjoyable experience, I recommend scheduling a resort/rest day in between your park visits. This allows everyone to recharge and prevents the dreaded Disney burnout that often hits around the 3-4 day mark. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Arrival Day: Settle into your accommodations and perhaps explore the nearby areas or enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Animal Kingdom Day: Dive into the wonders of nature and adventure that Animal Kingdom offers.
EPCOT Day: Experience the futuristic attractions and world showcases at EPCOT.
Rest Day: Take a break from the parks. Relax at your resort, enjoy the pool, or explore the playground areas. This is also a great time to take advantage of the amenities you’ve paid for. Who knows, you might even get a surprise visit from some Disney characters at your resort!
Magic Kingdom Day: Immerse yourself in the classic Disney experience with iconic rides and attractions.
Hollywood Studios Day: Enjoy the thrilling rides and shows at Hollywood Studios.
Departure Day: Pack up and perhaps squeeze in a final activity or two before heading home.

By incorporating a rest day into your itinerary, you ensure that both kids and parents have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. This break can make a world of difference, allowing you to fully enjoy the rest of your Disney adventure without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Plus, if you’re staying on Disney property, it’s a perfect chance to explore and enjoy the resort’s amenities, such as the pool and playground areas. You might even get lucky and have some Disney characters show up at your resort to say hello, adding an extra touch of magic to your stay.

Kitchenette at Art of Animation — Kitchenette in Art of Animation Lion King Suite

Tip #3 Grocery pick up or Delivery is a must!

I know it sounds expensive to go grocery shopping on top of a Disney vacation, but hear me out. It saves you space when packing diapers and cuts the cost of milk or juice you would buy from the resort café. The majority of the snacks you can buy at Walmart for $3-5 per box, whereas you would pay double for a single serving in the parks or resorts. Don't even get me started on diapers! I always add at least these few items to the grocery pickup:

Diapers - Saves you money and space in the suitcase. Buying one $10 pack from Walmart will last you the whole week.

Juice & Milk - Most Disney Resorts have switched to beverage fridges, making it difficult to keep items that need proper refrigeration. However, if you buy shelf-stable milk, you should be okay.

A Jug of Drinking Water - If you don't enjoy drinking Florida tap water (which tastes like metal), this is a must for your pickup. It's easier to fill water bottles and formula bottles with these at the beginning of the day than trying to find fresh water throughout the park.

A Breakfast Snack - When you are getting up super early and rushing to the park for rope drop, it's easier to have a morning snack on hand. This way, you can take advantage of those extra magic hours to hit up an in-demand ride instead of waiting in line for breakfast.

Just these simple items for a grocery pickup will make it easier and cheaper in the long run for you to enjoy your vacation.

Chicken Stuffed Mickey waffles a Disney's Coronado Springs — Avery eating a waffle stuffed with chicken at Rix Sports Bar at Disney Coronado Springs Resort.

Tip #4 Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions for picky eaters.

Disney is known for its exceptional customer service, and this extends to their dining experiences. Most restaurants within the parks and resorts are very understanding and flexible when it comes to meal modifications. Whether your child has specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply prefers certain foods over others, the staff is usually more than willing to help.

Here are a few more examples of how you can customize meals for your picky eater:

Vegetable Substitutions: Swap standard side dishes for steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Protein Choices: If a meal comes with grilled chicken but your child prefers fish, see if the restaurant can accommodate this change.
Sauce on the Side: Request that sauces and dressings be served on the side to control the amount.
Custom Orders: Many quick-service locations allow you to build your own meals with your child's favorite ingredients.

Additionally, Disney offers a variety of kid-friendly dining options designed to appeal to younger palates. From character dining experiences to themed restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to make mealtime fun and enjoyable for your little one.

Play Area outside the backside of Creation Shop at EPCOT

Tip #5 EPCOT is built for kids in mind too!

I often hear people say they only want to take their kids to Magic Kingdom because it’s the only Disney park tailored to kids. But that’s not true! All Disney parks are designed with you and your family in mind. While it’s true that EPCOT offers big rides and serves alcoholic beverages, many overlook the abundance of family-friendly activities scattered throughout the park.

From interactive exhibits such as the Imagination Pavilion, which features sound, touch, and smell centers for kids to explore, to character meet-and-greets like the "Princess Stroll," where you can walk around World Showcase to meet multiple princesses in their assigned countries, there’s something for everyone. EPCOT also boasts numerous play areas and cultural experiences that are both fun and educational for children. In addition to these attractions, EPCOT hosts seasonal festivals like the Flower and Garden Festival and the International Festival of the Arts, which offer special activities and entertainment geared towards families. Kids can participate in scavenger hunts, enjoy themed playgrounds, and even try their hand at arts and crafts.

So, don’t miss out—be sure to plan a day for EPCOT and discover the magic that awaits the whole family! With so many kid-friendly options, EPCOT is truly a park that caters to guests of all ages, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and magical experience.

Meeting Buzz Lightyear at Hollywood Studios

Summary

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a toddler can be challenging, but these five tips can help make it a magical experience. From buying a bubble wand to entertain your child, scheduling rest days to avoid burnout, using grocery pickup for essentials, asking for meal substitutions for picky eaters, and not skipping EPCOT, these strategies ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit.

To make your vacation even more stress-free, consider consulting with a travel agent like me. As a Travel Coach and a mom with firsthand experience, I can provide personalized advice, help you navigate the parks, and plan every detail of your trip. From booking accommodations and dining reservations to creating a customized itinerary that fits your family's needs, I can take the stress out of planning and ensure you have a magical and memorable Disney vacation. Let me help you create the perfect trip, so you can focus on making memories with your little one not just surviving Disney with at toddler.