Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Walt Disney World with Toddlers
Missy RyanNovember 29, 2016 
Everyone has their own strategies that work when dealing with their children. We all know that when travel is taking place some of those strategies must be adjusted or they will downright fail.The Walt Disney World Resort is no stranger to the overwhelmed parent. Sometimes it seems there are days that on every corner you can find a child experiencing a meltdown. On occasion the meltdown may even be by the parent. We have all been there, one time or another. This is a main reason I urge my clients to plan ahead. At times I come across the go-getters -parents who want to do it all and cram a full month a full of activities in a one week vacation. I am here to tell you that it is not going to happen. Walt Disney is magical, yet not magical enough to tell your children they do not need a nap or can run from open until close.Tips prior to travel: Whether you are flying or driving, take pre-packed snacks. If there is one thing that can put a smile on a toddlers face, it is food. When traveling it is difficult to stay completely healthy, but I have found that some foods in the car/plane can work and still be nutritious. Options include bananas, applesauce pouches, low fat veggie straws, cut up pita bread with a side hummus in a small container, graham crackers, orange slices, dry Cheerios and other toddler-friendly foods and snacks.Along with pre-planning and packing snacks, you should also have some back pocket activities. They basically go hand in hand. While some parents want to avoid electronics, there are some great apps out there to educate toddlers. If, however, you do not own a device such as an iPad or tablet, then crayons will be your hero. The Dollar General will follow as your best friend. They carry several Disney themed coloring books, dry erase boards, story books and stickers. The more variety, the better the travel will be for you and your toddler.
After arriving successfully at WDW continue and remember to take things slow. Everything will be magical to your little one. They do not know that they missed the new Frozen ride, woke up after extra morning hours or feel asleep before late hours at the park. They are content and happy already with the glimpses of magic that they have experienced thus far.Prior to travel make sure that you take advantage of FastPasses. These will allow you to plan your schedule accordingly and avoid long lines at different times of the day.Make sure to break for naps. Mid-day meltdowns usually occur right after nap. Take your baby Stitch back to the resort and return revamped. Remember that once your morning FastPasses are complete, you can modify and upload more from your My Disney experience app or a kiosk located in the park. Rides such as, Peter Pan’s Flight, It's a Small World, The Great Movie Ride, The Seas with Nemo and Friends and the Kilimanjaro Safari ride are all low key and relaxing for both you and your prince/princess. Another great tip is to take advantage of all the wonderful shows that Disney has to offer. They are age appropriate and very stimulating for toddlers.While at the parks, do not forget your snacks, water, spray bottles, fans and strollers. If you prefer to travel without a stroller, Disney does provide stroller rentals. This could be one last thing to carry or think about when planning your travel.Each park also provides baby centers for parents to change, feed or rest with their child. These are offered at each park and can be located on the park map. Cast members are also very helpful in locating the closest baby center.You will also notice a new rest area at Magic Kingdom located just in front of Casey’s. It is a great place for a toddler to run and get some energy out. The view of the castle is beautiful and the area is great for once again regrouping.Parades are another low key activity. Grab a snack and be sure to snag a spot on the curb at least 30 minutes prior. During the hotter months I typically prefer the evening parade. Curb seating in front of the castle allows me to have a good view of the parade, celebrate the magic light show on the castle, flowed by the grand finally of Wishes Fireworks. Remember, only good planning will get you/your toddler that far into the evening.Scheduling an off day is a great idea - a day to regroup and enjoy the pool, explore the resort and keep your toddler at a happy medium.Like I stated earlier, everyone has things that work differently for their children. Just take your strategies and do not stray too much from the norm. Add some time to each day. These should be fun memories being created.Happy Dwarfs are always more preferred over the Grumpy ones. These tips and small planning will make for a Happily Ever After Vacation.For more helpful tips and planning please contact me today so we can book your trip and make it as stress free as possible.I have traveled with all 5 of my children since their birth. There have been success stories and failed stories. I would be happy to share my successes!Email me at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.comYou can also follow me on FacebookI look forward to hearing from you!