Welcome to the next stop on Magical Blogorail Blue. Today we are discussing traveling to the Disney Parks with toddlers.
We love to travel to Disney Parks, and we do so with as much frequency as we can muster. We began taking our son, Connor, when he was 13 months old and have travelled to various Disney Destinations with him at least twice a year since that time. A lot of people think we’re crazy, and maybe we are just a little bit, but we LOVE visiting Disney as a family, and his age has never been a concern for us. Some of the most frequent comments we receive, however, are “we’re going to wait until our kids are old enough to appreciate the trip before we spend the money”, “why would you EVER want to take a toddler to Disney?” and “Is it worth it?”. For some reason people have a stigma about visiting Disney Destinations with little ones. So, I’m here to tell you that yes, it’s OKAY to take your toddler to Disney! There is no such thing as too young, or too old for that matter! So pack your bags and join me as we discuss why taking a toddler to Disney is an incredible experience for the entire family, and how to make the planning process as smooth as possible.
Let’s start by discussing the above questions – which are basically all saying the same thing in my opinion, “will it be worth the time, effort and money?“. In short, YES! Traveling to a Disney Destination with a toddler is a truly magical experience. You get to experience the parks through their eyes; eyes that view everything with wonder, excitement and belief. To them, that really is Mickey Mouse, and Tinkerbell really did fly out of the castle. The years of true belief are fleeting, and I encourage you to take advantage of them while you can!
And don’t discount your own memories. Some of the most wonderful memories my husband and I have from our early family years are from time’s spent at Disney. Does Connor remember them? Probably not. But, that isn’t the point. Chris and I DO! We remember the first time we walked down Main Street, U.S.A. together. We remember exactly what his first attraction was (Dumbo, in case you’re curious), we remember taking him for his first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, and we remember the first time he met Mickey Mouse. Connor enjoys looking back through pictures from our first couple of trips, and whether he has any real recollection of those first trips or not is less important than they joy he gets out of seeing himself with Mickey Mouse for the first time. Those memories are precious to my husband and I, and to my parents who accompanied us on our first trip, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Consider this: Disney Parks were BUILT with families in mind! There are attractions, shows and experiences that have been specifically developed to appeal to children and adults of all ages. Infants and toddlers are completely taken in by attractions like it’s a small world and Dumbo, and the colors and floats in the Festival of Fantasy Parade are a delight for any age. Even Disney Resorts reach out to this demographic with colorful rooms and playful themes at resorts like Art of Animation and Pop Century. Plus, did you know that children under 3 travel for free to Walt Disney World and Disneyland? No ticket cost, and they can even dine for free at most buffet’s on property (but you will have to pay to order them something at a quick-service or traditional table-service restaurant).
Additionally, each Disney Park features a great Baby Care Center where parents, infants and toddlers can enjoy a nice area to rest, change diapers, nurse, read, or just take a few moments away from the over-stimulation that can occur in the parks themselves. These little oasis’ make for a perfect mid-day break and are specifically designed to make your trip with your little one even more magical. And if you’re worried that taking your toddler will limit your own ability to ride the attractions you’re used to, don’t worry! Disney’s Rider Switch Service will make it easy for everyone to enjoy their favorite height-restricted attractions!
True that travel with a toddler will take a bit more planning than traveling with older children. This is where using a dedicated Disney Travel Planner to assist in this process is an excellent decision. We recommend one of the agents at Once Upon a Time Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency. The agents at Once Upon a Time Vacations are moms and dads who have traveled extensively to Disney Destinations with their children at all ages, and they can make suggestions, provide advice and guide you to the right accommodations and vacation package components that will make the planning process as stress free as possible. And, then will even help you create an itinerary that is custom designed to help you make the most of your Disney Days without wearing your little one out too much!
It’s time to realize how magical it can be to take your toddler to Disney!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Blue | Traveling to Disney with Toddlers Loop:
- 1st Stop – The Delightful Life | Disney Parks Baby Care Centers – Our Secret Weapon for Traveling with Toddlers
- 2nd Stop – Mommy To All Girls | Toddlers & Disney: Pack a Little Patience
- 3rd Stop – Home is Where the Mouse Is | Preparing for a Toddler’s First Trip to Walt Disney World
- 4th Stop – Disney Mamas | Yes, it’s OKAY to Take Your Toddler to Disney!
- 5th Stop – Disney with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers | Tips for Traveling with Toddlers to Disney
Great advice and information! My children don’t necessarily remember their 1st Disney visit because they were all under 5 years old, however they love to look at the photo albums and watch the dvd’s. I will always cherish those early year Disney memories <3
Exactly what it’s all about!
Yes yes yes! I tell people (that ask) if you know it’s going to happen once and only once, wait a couple of years. But since many people will go at least twice (or twice a year ;)) it’s absolutely worth it! My kids all went 4-5 times before they were about two, and every single visit was so different!
And SOOOO many of the people who tell me they are planning their “once only” trip to WDW or DL come back a couple of years later ready to go again! You just make such incredible memories as a family that can’t be duplicated elsewhere!
I totally agree! It makes me nuts when people say that Disney isn’t for littles!
Thank you for writing this. In our family we start Disney trips early and we’re constantly getting questioned for our choices. You go when it’s comfortable for you and for us that was when they were 7 months and 15 months. There are certain memories that will never happen as a big kid that we were so lucky to have experienced. And you’d be surprised by how much they actually do remember!
My favorite part was when you said getting to see it through their eyes and you will have those memories. Those are my two favorite things about taking a toddler. There is no feeling to describe what it is like seeing your child experience the magic for the first time!
I cannot wait to take my 4 month old in November when he will be one. I’ve always said I would wait, but now that I see how much he observes at this age, I cannot wait to see Disney through his eyes at 1!
It will be amazing! And might I recommend recommending a first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop?
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