Yes! You CAN take a baby to Walt Disney World!

Allison FlynnApril 7, 2016Traveling with children can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite easy if you put a plan into place.When planning a vacation with baby or small children, consider these three things:

• Do I need to pack it?
• What can I rent/borrow at my destination?
• What can I live without?

At the Walt Disney World Resort, you can have many groceries and sundries delivered to your room in advance of your vacation. If you’re flying, this can be a lifesaver on saving space as diapers and wipes can take up a lot of space! Pack what’s needed for the flight, and have the rest of your hygiene supplies sent to your room.Of course, you’ll want to pack clothes and shoes for baby as well as any medications, formula, breast pump, etc. that you are accustomed to using. But, if space is an issue (which may be the case if you are flying), consider having items delivered to your destination.If you’ll be walking a lot with your baby or toddler, a stroller is a must have. If you are driving to your destination and have space, I recommend packing your own stroller - you are familiar with it and already know how to use it. But, if you are flying, you can rent a stroller and have it waiting at the airport or resort.When you are packing clothes for baby, make outfits and place them into large zip top bags. This is especially helpful if dad or an older sibling is helping dress baby - all the items in the bag are coordinated and in one place. And, the bag can be stashed in your diaper bag so if clothes get soiled you have a place to put them to prevent them from getting other items wet or dirty.Schedules are important for little ones, and it can be even more important during travel - baby can easily become upset in a new place and a routine will help to make them feel more secure. Do your research in advance on your destination and what sites you might see while there, looking to see if there is an onsite restaurant or baby care area for feeding times. At Walt Disney World, there are baby care stations in each of the four theme parks. There are rocking chairs, changing tables and bottle warmers. Ran out of diapers or wipes or need medication? You will find those available for purchase there as well.Travel sizes are great for packing in your diaper bag whether you are driving or flying. Hand sanitizer for on-the-go cleaning of little hands or antibacterial wipes.What about medicines? Unless baby is on a special medication, I typically pack basic items like acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (for babies six months or older). If baby gets sick on vacation, ask the concierge at your hotel or resort for local urgent care facilities. At Walt Disney World, there are doctors who make house calls to your resort. They can check your baby or child in the room and can even dispense basic antibiotics if needed.Don’t think you’ve got to go and do and see it all. Let your baby or toddler set the pace. If they want to spend 20 minutes studying a feather on the ground - let them! Remember, at this age everything is new and every moment offers a teaching opportunity. While you’re waiting in line, talk about the colors of people’s shirts or count items on a wall. This can help prevent meltdowns as it distracts your little one from the wait.I often hear people say they do not want to go to Walt Disney World with a baby. Yes, it seems scary - but it’s a great time to go with your older children! Did you know children ages 3 and younger are admitted free to Disney Parks? Free admission to parks, free food, free everything! Cribs and pack and plays are also available in your resort room by request.We swore we’d never be that family who would take a baby to Disney - but then our youngest was born and we wanted to go. So we did! He slept in his stroller, rode almost all the rides we did and enjoyed seeing all the colorful characters, parades and storefronts.However, an ideal age, in my opinion, is between ages 4 and 5. Kids this age still get into all the magic and character meet and greets without being overwhelmed and scared, will be able to walk more than ride in a stroller and can likely manage to stay up late at least one night for the fireworks displays.I’d love to help plan a Walt Disney World Resort vacation for you and your little ones, and share more tips for traveling as a family to the most magical place on earth. Contact me at allisonf@wishesfamilytravel.com or follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/aflynn.wft.