Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Baby

 

 Maybe it’s because I always over plan, but traveling with a baby is much easier than I expected. We recently returned from a trip to Walt Disney World to experience the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. We planned the visit to Walt Disney World for ourselves, but our baby loved it just as much as we did! Based on my experience of traveling with my child, I’m sharing my tips for visiting Disney World with a baby.

(3) Be flexible

Prior to baby, my trips included detailed plans with dinner reservations, excursions and more activities. While I still plan, our trips are a lot more flexible with a baby. I never really know what to expect each day and find that being flexile means a more relaxing trip. The best thing about Disney is that even when I don’t have dinner reservations, I can usually find something baby friendly at the last minute. On our most recent trip to Disney with our baby, we still enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite Disney restaurants, Sanaa, that I booked 30 minutes before dining.

(4) Pack efficiently

When in doubt, don’t bring it. Trust me on this one. You really don’t want to carry around any more items than you need. A hat, sun protection, a few diapers, wipes, food, carrier or stroller and perhaps an extra set of clothes are all that you need. You can purchase almost anything you forgot at the parks.

(5) Visit the Baby Care Centers

The Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World are a hidden oasis. Before I had children, I never knew they existed. When I was planning my trip, I was concerned about where I would be able to pump and feed my daughter. Not only do the baby care centers have large clean changing tables, they also have private rooms to nurse or pump and high chairs for feeding. The First Aid Center is located right next door to the Baby Care Center so if you need to pump, you can drop off your pump and pick it up again when you need it. We visited a few times throughout the day and it was easy, clean and efficient.

(6) Bring a familiar baby carrier or stroller

Our family loves baby carriers. In fact, we have only used our stroller maybe a handful of time since our little one was born last summer. We love the Ergobaby 360 Carrier or Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh Carrier. Because our daughter is still under one year old, she is easy to carry. We are in relatively good physical shape so it’s easy walking with her on us all day long. We just switch back and forth between both of us. It’s much easier to maneuver through the crowds with a baby carrier, however a stroller is a necessity if a baby carrier isn’t an option for you. A stroller might be better for hot summer days and to protect your children from the sun if you don’t have other sun protection. Keep in mind that Disney does not rent infant strollers, although there are a number of local stroller rental companies in Orlando. I recommend either a carrier or stroller that you are familiar with to make visiting the parks easier.

(7) Take breaks

Give yourself and your baby a break. Babies like to stretch their legs as much as you do. The Baby Care Centers are a great place to take a break. Or stop and relax at a restaurant while you enjoy something to eat.

(8) Travel in the spring and fall

Florida in the summer is hot. While I love visiting the beach in the middle of summer, the last place I want to be is at a theme park. Spring and fall are not only the best times to visit for good weather, but also overlap some of the slower months at the parks.