12 Key Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler for the First Time

We just got back from our first trip to Disney World with a toddler and I have SO many tips (personal insights and best recommendations and tips for visiting Disney world with a toddler) to share with you guys. If you’re planning your first trip to Disney World with a toddler, you came to the right place! While Disney World is without a doubt the happiest place on earth, it can also be totally overwhelming for parents to try and understand and plan a trip to!!! Which is where I come in. I’ve compiled these game-changing tips for traveling with toddlers at Disney World to ensure that your trip to Disney World with your little one is as smooth and memorable as possible! So you can spend less time worrying about planning, and more time soaking up the memories!! From choosing the right time to visit to selecting the best places to stay and eat with a toddler, to the best Disney World rides for little ones to keep at the top of your list, here are my top tips for a magical family adventure at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

1. Choose the Perfect Time to Visit Disney World

Visiting Peak Season vs. Off-Peak Season

Especially when traveling with a toddler to Disney World for the first time, visiting Disney World during the off-peak season when crowds are lighter, and wait times are shorter, is a huuuge plus. This allows for a more relaxed experience with your toddler, and will make the experience a little less overwhelming to them versus tons of crowds. Peak seasons are usually from March to April and June to August. While shoulder season is around December to February, May, and the most off-season is September to November.

And don’t forget to think about the weather!

Orlando is in Florida which means it is HOT and humid in the summertime. The best time to visit Disney World for cooler weather and less rain is from early December to early March. And, if you’re looking for warmer weather, I’d aim for April-May. August-October you are in hurricane season so that’s always a risk.

And, while December and January may have some chilly days, this time of year usually avoids the rainy days before December. I would also try to avoid spring break since that will be some of the highest crowds.

2. TODDLERS ARE FREE AT DISNEY! But Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Adult Tickets in Advance

You read that right, toddlers and babies under 3 are free at Walt Disney World. So, while you don’t need to get an entrance ticket for your little one, make sure you get your adult tix! Getting your Disney World Orlando tickets ahead of time is always a smart idea and you can buy them up to 360 days in advance. Here’s a rundown of how you can get your tickets:

Book at the Official Disney World Website
Go to the official Walt Disney World Resort website (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com).

There, you can explore the different parks and ticket options
Go to the “Parks & Tickets” section of the website where you can explore the various theme parks and ticket options available. Take your time to decide which parks you want to visit and how many days you plan to spend at Disney World.

After receiving your confirmation, I’d recommend linking your tickets to My Disney Experience
To make the most of your Disney World trip, download the “My Disney Experience” app and link your tickets to it. This app will help you manage your whole vacation, from FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, and more..

And that’s it! You’ve successfully booked your Disney World Orlando tickets in advance, and you’re ready for a magical adventure. Be sure to check the latest updates and guidelines on the official Disney World website before your visit to stay informed about any changes or requirements.

3. Choose the Right Park for Your Family

Here are the different park options to choose from at Disney World and how to choose the best one(s) for your trip. 

Magic Kingdom – The Best Disney Park for Toddlers and Little Ones!

If you have just one day to do a Disney World adventure with your toddler, then I would head straight to Magic Kingdom! It’s the ultimate playground for the little ones since many of the rides here have no height requirement and are more relaxed – no scary drops or wild spins makes these rides for your tiny adventurers!! And they’re going to love keeping an eye out for their favorite characters like Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, or Buzz Lightyear wandering around! 

Animal Kingdom

Think of Animal Kingdom as a big zoo mixed with the fun of a theme park where your kids can see real animals like lions, monkeys, and elephants like stepping into a storybook jungle or a wild safari. There are also various paths in parts of the park named Africa, Asia, and Discovery Island where you and your kids can walk around at their own pace and see animals and plants from all over the world!! While some rides are made for bigger kids, there are plenty of gentle rides and shows perfect for toddlers that are fun and not too fast or scary.

EPCOT

It should come as a surprise to no one that EPCOT was my favorite park growing up ( I ammm a travel blogger now, after all) so although this is built more for the older audience, parents with toddlers visiting Epcot at Disney World can still enjoy a delightful mix of activities and attractions tailored to the younger crowd, You can visit Kringla Bakeri for delightful pastries, and try the Frozen Ever After ride, where you’ll board a Viking ship and journey through the enchanting world of Arendelle.

Hollywood Studios

I think of Hollywood Studios as a bit more for the ‘big kids’ in terms of rides. Yep, a bunch of those are best for the older group and the taller crowd. But there are still some fun parts you can do with your toddler here like a meet and greet with their Disney heroes or Mickey or Minnie!

Blizzard Beach Water Park & Typhoon Water Park

These will be ideal once your kiddos are a little older, but wouldn’t be what I prioritize for the toddlers.

4. Plan Your Itinerary Around Nap Time

When planning your Disney World Itinerary, it’s good to have a flexible schedule that accounts for your little ones usual nap time. You know your toddler best and they more than likely thrive on their routines! So try to stick (somewhat) to their regular schedule if you can. That all being said, on our first trip to Disney World with a toddler, my 19-month-old son fell asleep at 11:30 (his usual nap time is 1pm) from such an exciting morning!!!), it ended up working out well, as we breaked for lunch and he slept in the stroller until it was time to go-go-go again! But if your tot doesn’t love to nap on-the-go, you can always head back to the hotel for nap time, and come back after!

Also, I’d recommend you either do counter-service for lunch (you can order via the app – super fast and easy!) or make advance dining reservations to avoid long waits with a hungry toddler. Don’t forget, character dining experiences or themed-restaurants are always a great option and enjoyable for your toddlers!! Highly recommend planning out your day(s) on the My Disney Experience app!

5. Purchase Lightning Lane via “Genie+” in the app

Lightning lane is basically ‘fast pass’ and it means you get to go in a MUCH shorter line for a ride, versus spend your whole day waiting in lines! It’s seriously worth its weight in gold and only costs $25 per adult (toddlers are free under 3). It’s SO WORTH IT, you guys. You do not want to be standing in an hour and a half line with a toddler.

But, something to know, that I didn’t know before we went through it, is that you can ONLY do one lightning lane at once, which means first thing in the morning (7AM) you need to sign up for the lightning lane you want the most, because if you don’t use it on your first one, you might miss the windows as they might fill up (this is what happened to us with Jungle Cruise – it’s a VERY popular ride and we didn’t choose it for our first lightning lane, so by the time it was time for our second lightning lane, the times for Jungle Cruise were all gone). I would recommend choosing the most popular and busiest line rides as your first lightning lane for this reason! Then, when it’s time to book your next lightning lanes (the app will tell you your time), I would look at where has the longest lines outside of the lightning lane currently (this is an AMAZING app feature, it tells you real-time line times), and choose those (and go standby in the meantime to the rides that have easy and quick standby lines!)

Here is what it looks like in the app on the day of your trip:

6. Make a Hit List of The Best Toddler and Baby-Friendly Attractions/Rides

Since there’s so much to see and do at Disney, you’re going to have to prioritize! (Probably on of the most important tips for visiting Disney world with a toddler – no kidding!) I like to make a ‘hit list’ of which rides we want to hit and map it out ahead of time! 

The Best Disney World Rides for Little Ones Under 3

Disney World offers a host of toddler-friendly attractions, including “It’s a Small World,” “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” and “The Seas with Nemo & Friends.” 

Here are my top recommendations for the best toddler-friendly rides at Disney that are perfect for your little ones and even older kiddos too!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Magic Kingdom
This one’s a childhood rite of passage and was first on our hit-list for our first trip to Disney! My son loved it so much.

“It’s a Small World” – Magic Kingdom
This dreamy boat ride that takes you around the globe in just 10 minutes was always my favorite as a kid (are you surprised I’m a travel blogger now?!). Imagine your little ones waving at all the happy, singing children from different countries. It’s a sweet, peaceful ride with that catchy tune we all love.

Jungle Cruise – Magic Kingdom
This relaxing boat ride featuring all kinds of wild “animals” (that aren’t real but DEF will be to your kids!!!) is great for toddlers and young kids! Your little ones will love pointing out all the animals and the skippers MAKE the cruise – they are so funny and entertaining!! This one is a MUST (and I recommend getting a lightning lane fast pass for it, because it’s one of the most popular rides that always has a line!) 

Prince Charming Regal Carousel – this carousel doesn’t have a height requirement and will be a magical experience for any tot. This may have been my son Harrison’s favorite ride at 19 months old!!!!! He LOVED it!!!! And the best part? The waits usually aren’t long at all! (5-10 mins in our experience)

Frozen Ever After – Epcot
If your kiddos are obsessed with Elsa and Anna, this one is a must-do! Glide through Arendelle, sing along to “Let It Go,” and maybe even get a warm hug from Olaf.

Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom
Fly over London and off to Neverland! This enchanting ride in a pirate ship will make your toddler feel like flying! And your little ones will definitely be mesmerized by the twinkling lights of this ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom
Get ready for an adventure! This safari ride is like stepping into a real African expedition. Elephants, giraffes, lions – oh my! It’s a wild ride (but totally safe) that’s perfect for animal-loving toddlers and babies.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom
This interactive comedy show is a hoot! Watch your toddler enjoy and interact with the Monsters, Inc. gang.

Tike’s Peak – Blizzard Beach: For a pool day, head to Tike’s Peak. It’s a polar-themed paradise with mini-slides and wading pools, perfect for the littlest of jetsetters to splash around

What we did not like as much with a toddler : The Magic Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – This Magic Kingdom ride wasn’t the soft, sweet, storybook Winnie the Pooh ride we were expecting! It’s quite dark and twisted, and is over-stimulating for little ones, IMO!!! Some people love it, but maybe it’s better suited for older kids and older toddlers. 

Character Meet-and-Greets

Choose character meet-and-greets that are focused on your child’s favorite characters, this way you’ll save up on energy enjoying rides rather than waiting in line! You can use Character Experiences or Disney Genie+ to book your favorite shows or meet-and-greets with your child’s beloved Disney character to reduce wait times. We did this to meet Mickey and it was SOOOO special!!!!!! One of the (many) highlights of our toddler’s day, for sure. It feels very VIP and one-on-one, too, which I appreciated. 

Also, don’t forget to get your toddler their first ‘ears’ – you can do this right by the Mickey Meet & Greet at the Main Street Theater! So cute and such a great souvenir. 

6. Take Advantage of Disney’s Baby Care Centers

Disney World features Baby Care Centers in each park, offering changing tables, nursing rooms, and quiet spaces to feed and rest with your toddler. Forget wipes or run out of diapers? You can purchase them here (and they’re not upcharged, which I think is nice!). You can check the locations of Disney World’s Baby Care Centers here.

7. Utilize The Mobile Order to Order Food Ahead of Time at Restaurants Throughout the Park (save time & skip the line!)

Mobile Order is available to Walt Disney World guests within the My Disney Experience app! Mobile Order allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating Counter Service restaurants around Disney World. You can either choose ASAP but I highly recommend you can schedule your order early in the day for later. The restaurants can get backed up and there will be less windows available, so if you have your order placed ahead of time it’s a huge time saver! Another plus? You can see pictures of menu items within the app – that app really makes everything super easy & seamless. 

Here’s where you can use Mobile Order at MK & AK!

MAGIC KINGDOM

Casey’s Corner
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
The Friar’s Nook
Main Street Confectionery
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Columbia Harbour House
Tomorrowland Terrace
The Lunching Pad
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Sunshine Tree Terrace

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Harambe Market
Pizzafari
Satu’li Canteen
Flame Tree Barbecue
Restaurantosaurus
Zuri’s Sweets Shop

8. Stay Close to the Parks

For ease when traveling with a toddler to Disney, you’ll want to stay near the parks! The best option is to actually stay within the Parks (which no doesn’t mean you’re IN the Magic Kingdom, but you’re in the metropolis, meaning from your hotel you’re a walk or a quick easy free shuttle away from your favorite entrances.

Here’s where to stay at Disney World:

For Luxury & Convenience: Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for the best luxury and relaxation near Disney World, FS is going to be the move. This is where we stayed and we had a BLAST!!!!!! They have an incredible golf course, and an oasis-like pool area, character brunches and a DELICIOUS rooftop restaurant called Capa, as well!

They also have a complimentary easy shuttle service (that was more like a big limo, seriously) to the parks making sure your Disney park hopping with your family is seamless. (Don’t have to worry about parking? YES PLEASE!)

If you’re planning to stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando and have tickets to the theme parks, you can enjoy extra time in the parks with the EXTRA MAGIC HOURS benefit!! aka less crowds and more fun memories!

Check rates for your dates here

JETSET TIP: if you reach out to my travel agency with the referral JETSET CHRISTINA, they don’t charge anything to book (as long as you use my referral code) and will book you at this hotel at the best rate, and sometimes can get free awesome perks at the resort! Ask her about it and mention JetsetChristina!

Or Stay at a Disney Resort

Staying on-site offers a multitude of advantages, including convenient transportation, early park access, and having that immersive theming experience best for toddlers and young children. Here are some of the best Disney World Resorts to book for your on-site accommodation:

1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
   This Disney resort is closest to the Magic Kingdom and have easy monorail access. Imagine being able to walk to Magic Kingdom in just 5 minutes!! If you’d like to be back in a jiffy from your toddler’s nap or a short break between park adventures, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the best option. Definitely a big convenience for parents with toddlers and small kids! 
2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
   Complete with a luxurious, Victorian-themed charm, the Grand Floridian is also famous for being a top choice for celebrities. Choose this resort if you want to enjoy spacious rooms, fine dining, and even live orchestra music in the lobby. The resort also comes with easy monorail access, making it a breeze to reach the Magic Kingdom.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
   Great for an immersive African wildlife experience complete the African architecture. Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers direct view of exotic animals right from your balcony!! You can also enjoy African cuisine, and daily cultural activities. Plus, the resort also provides shuttle service to the parks, and early park entry is available.
4. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 
   The best tropical getaway resort in the heart of Disney World. You’ll enjoy the South Pacific vibes with island-themed rooms, ‘Ohana dining, and enjoy it’s sandy beach. Monorail access to the Magic Kingdom and easy transportation to Epcot are added perks.
5. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts 
   Enjoy nautical theme accommodation and the best pool on Disney property! These sister resorts offer a seaside experience, and share use of the Stormalong Bay pool. They’re conveniently located near Epcot and Hollywood Studios that you can enjoy with a boat transportation!! 
6. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas
   Experience the charm of a seaside boardwalk and enjoy live entertainment and dining options inspired by Atlantic City-style boardwalks. This place is just a walking distance to Epcot and has boat access to Hollywood Studios that’s also very convenient!!
7. Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
   Enjoy a nostalgic immersion in pop culture with amenities of a value resort that features colorful rooms!! You also have quick bus access to all Disney parks which is a major plus for parents traveling with their little ones.
8. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
   Get more Mexican and Southwest American experience if you stay in this resort. Their newly renovated rooms at the Gran Destino Tower and is also conveniently located near Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, with bus transportation to the parks making it super easy for park hopping!

9. Don’t Forget to Pack The Essentials For The Day

Here are my essentials for what to pack for a day at Disney World with a toddler:

Hand Sanitizer 

Sanitizing cleaning wipes 

Wipes/Diapers of course

Belt Bag or Backpack – I love this one! 

Extra charged battery charger for your phone (I like this one) bring one so that you don’t end up like me and have to buy one for $30 at a vending machine in the park. The Disney app (plus taking all the photos you’re going to want to take) eaaaaats up your battery, FAST! 

Some plastic bags to keep valuables dry on wet rides

A sharpie (if you plan on getting character autographs) 

Glow sticks (if you plan on going to the night shows and want to avoid your toddler begging for the $20 ones they’re selling!)

A cute outfit!!!

How cute is this? You can personalize it with your toddler’s name! 

Shop my exact Disney mom outfit and what I dressed my baby boy in here! 

I ironed on a Mickey patch for him on this Amazon toddler baseball cap and it turned out SOOO cute! you could do Minnie too or any of their favorite characters. It was a cute, one-of- a-kind hat that he LOVED wearing.. He kept saying it was his mama hat – he knew I made it!! He doesn’t normally love to wear hats but this one he didnt want to take off all day – It melted my heart. And it was great for sun protection too! 

10. Bring a GOOD stroller!!!!

While I love and swear by our travel stroller, we decided to bring our sturdier all-terrain jogging stroller (we looooove this one) for Disney World and I’m SO glad we did. You are pushing this thing A LOT throughout the day, and you’re already sore and tired enough as it is, you want the stroller that’s going to be the easiest to maneuver around and is going to keep your kiddo nice and comfy for some on-the-go naps! This jogging stroller has amazing storage, too which of course came in handy for all the snacks and waters we packed! This jogging stroller still folds up easily and travels pretty well, so it was a great choice for us. I don’t recommend bringing a flimsy stroller – you’re going to want something sturdy! If you don’t want to bring your own from home, you can also rent one on-site which would cost you about $13 to $31 per day depending on the length of stay or type of stroller (single or double). You can read more about stroller rentals here.

11. Make Advance Reservations for Sit-Down Dining

The Best Toddler-Friendly Diners and Restaurants in Disney World

Be Our Guest, Magic Kingdom

If your toddler loves Beauty and the Beast, then this themed restaurant is a must visit! Set in Beast’s castle, their dining options include a three-course, fixed-price menu that also comes with child-friendly selections like chicken breast and mac and cheese!

Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant, Hollywood Studios

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an ideal dining spot for families with toddlers, featuring not only a unique and immersive atmosphere but also accommodating the needs of your little ones. Families will enjoy car-shaped booths while watching classic movie clips. (The area can be a bit dark for some people because of the movie showing but it’s also lit well enough for families to enjoy a meal.) The restaurant also ensures comfort for toddlers with high chairs available, making it a stress-free experience for parents. Plus, the menu caters to all ages with kid-friendly favorites meals and desert options.

Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom

Complete the whole Disney Princess experience for your little one by dining at this fantastical Cinderella-themed restaurant. Although not guaranteed, kids between the ages of 3 and 9 can receive princess wands and prince swords as special gifts (!!), and a photo package can also be included with the meals. You can always ask the staff to confirm the free stuff! You will also get a chance to take photos with Cinderella and her friends, which is a huge plus. This character dining experience requires advance payment, however, it’s completely complimentary for little princes and princesses who are under 3 years old.

Casey’s Corner, Magic Kingdom

Casey’s Corner is a huge hit, so it’s common to see lengthy lines and a packed outdoor eating area. A smart move is to use Mobile Order on the app and choose to eat when it’s not so crowded. You can also grab your food and head over to the public grassy hub section. Be warned, it doesn’t have tables though but it’s perfect for a quick picnic snack where the whole fam can stretch and relax a bit after a day of walking!!

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, Magic Kingdom

Pecos Bill is a good spot for a quick Tex-Mex meal with customizable dishes like tacos and rice bowls. This is where we ate!  It wasn’t anything amazing – but no theme park food is. I liked that it was a healthier option than fried foods and I got some good protein in me for the day! Also, it’s super accessible while touring the park making it a convenient stop for a meal or a snack without having to go out of your way. And since it’s a counter-service restaurant, this means you can get your food without a long wait, a crucial factor when dining with toddlers who might not have the patience for a longer sit-down restaurant.

Pinocchio Village Haus, Magic Kingdom

Pinocchio Village Haus’ menu caters to kiddos, featuring menu items like kid-friendly flatbreads and chicken strips. Also, the restaurant is inspired by the beloved tale of Pinocchio. And a unique highlight for families is the seating overlooks the “it’s a Small World” ride, where toddlers can wave to travelers!!

Chef Mickey’s, Contemporary Resort

This character dining experience features the Fab Five – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto, making it a dream come true for little ones eager to meet their favorite Disney characters. The restaurant’s buffet-style setup offers a wide range of options including classic breakfast items like Mickey waffles, as well as dinner favorites like roasted chicken and various seafood options, making sure even picky eaters find something to enjoy. Additionally, its convenient location, just a short walk from Magic Kingdom, makes it an ideal stop either to kick-start a day of adventure or to wind down with a magical meal.

(Photo from disneyworld.disney.go.com)

(Photo from themeparktourist.com)

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals – Ravello in the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®

This iconic character brunch is held every Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. Here, you can you can enjoy a buffet with traditional breakfast favorites while meeting Goofy and his pals! A photographer will also be on-site to capture your memories with these always-entertaining stars.

*In addition to every Thursday and Saturday, character breakfast will be offered on the following Tuesdays in 2024: March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, May 28, July 2, July 9, July 16 and July 23

Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a healthy menu tailored to all ages, including customizable bowls where you can choose your protein, base, and sauce!! It also has kid-friendly options such as cheese quesadillas and all-beef hot dogs wrapped in dough with sides like vegetable chips and mandarin oranges. Satu’li Canteen also caters to various dietary needs with an allergy-friendly menu. The nice indoor and outdoor seating areas provide a comfortable space for families, and the refillable drink stations are great!

(Photo from D23.com)

Space 220 Restaurant, EPCOT

This restaurant is super cool. Toddlers and kids will enjoy a simulated elevator ride to a space station!! The atmosphere here is quieter compared to other Disney park restaurants, which might be more suitable for families with slightly older toddlers or kids interested in space and science. The kids’ menu offers familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken tenders, and macaroni. Additionally, the restaurant offers coloring pages and other activities to keep toddlers happy while dining.

Biergarten Restaurant – EPCOT, Germany

Families can enjoy a live band and polka dancing in Biergarten creating an environment that’s both entertaining and engaging for all ages. Their buffet-style dining means there’s a variety of food options suitable for everyone, including kid faves like the traditional macaroni and cheese, German spaetzle and steamed veggies like carrots and peas. The family-style seating at long tables promotes a communal dining experience and makes Biergarten an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a meal together in an energetic and festive setting.

Via Napoli, Epcot – Italy

Via Napoli in Epcot is another great choice for families with toddlers. The place provides an authentic Neapolitan atmosphere and the star attraction is its pizza, acclaimed as one of the best in Walt Disney World, with ingredients, imported from Naples, Italy, to ensure authenticity and quality. The open-floor plan of the restaurant is also great for families, with a view of the pizza-making process right before your eyes, which can be such an entertainment for young children. The menu also offers a variety of wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes, and the children’s menu includes appealing options like Spaghetti & Meatballs and Kid’s Cheese Pizza.

(Photo from DisneyFoodBlog.com)

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, Hollywood Studios

The restaurant is set within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land, immersing guests in the Star Wars universe. Toddlers will be excited by futuristic surroundings making it an exciting dining experience for kids. Plus, It’s conveniently located near attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, making it easy to grab a meal before or after enjoying these popular attractions.

Tiffins, Animal Kingdom

After a day of exploring the park, Tiffins provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment where families can relax and enjoy their meal in a quieter setting, which can be a relief for tired toddlers. While Tiffins offers a diverse menu with global flavors, they typically have options suitable for children, such as pasta, chicken, and grilled cheese sandwiches. This ensures that even picky eaters can find something to enjoy.

 
(Photos from od23.com and ZiiggyKnowsDisney.com)

The Boathouse, Disney Springs

The restaurant is located on the waterfront, offering a beautiful view of the lake and the vintage boats on display. Toddlers may enjoy watching the boats. The place offers outdoor seating options, allowing toddlers to have more space to move around and explore while their parents enjoy the meal.

(Photo from AllEars.net)

Polite Pig

Their children’s menu offers a variety of selections suitable for young diners, such as chicken tenders, barbecue meatballs, macaroni and cheese, smoked pork sliders, and sliced smoked turkey breast. The restaurant also provides high chairs and booster seats for toddlers, making it more convenient for parents.

(Photo from AllEasrs.net, Lauren Writtenberry)

(Photo by WDWMagic)

California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is known for being one of the finest dining experiences in all of Walt Disney, this restaurant is not the best choice for toddlers or younger kids but offers amazing view and is equipped with child-friendly amenities like a high chair. 

(Photo from DisneyFoodBlog.com)

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Definitely a fun place for families that offers offers a mix of family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy platters and single-serving entrees which includes a  Kids’ Create-Your-Own Entrées   Plus, your toddler will enjoy entertainment and shows from the staff (tip: never ask for ketchup). 

Ravello at the Four Seasons character breakfast (offered Thursdays and Saturdays!)

We loved this, it’s a great buffet and the characters come to every table and photos are included!!! This is a great thing to do, whether or not you’re staying at the FS!

12. Stay Hydrated and Rested

We should have brought more waters!!! They allow you to bring water into Disney World (and all the snacks you want!) so definitely don’t be shy! Pack some!! Don’t forget to keep yourself and your toddler well-hydrated throughout the day, and take regular breaks to rest and recharge!! Make sure your little one is also sun-protected with appropriate clothing and sunscreen if it’s in the warmer months.

A lot of people ask is it okay to bring in outside drinks to Disney World, and you can absolutely bring snacks and a water bottle with you into the Walt Disney World theme parks, including Magic Kingdom. Just make sure it’s not a glass bottle, but other than that it’s completely fine (and you can bring snacks too!)

13. Prepare for Rain (just in case!)

Florida is a tropical climate which means there definitely are rainstorms that roll through Disney World throughout the year. But, the good news is there any many attractions at Disney World that are INDOORS!  Some even have covered areas for lines. You just need to know which rides to go to when it rains and not all parks are created equal when it comes to stormy weather.

By the way, Disney World is a year-round, 365-day operation.  It stays open, even for rain, with one exception – if there’s a hurricane. (August – October are the biggest risky months for that).

Things to bring if you’re traveling to Disney World in rainy season: A stroller rain cover, ziploc bags, a poncho, proper footwear, and a rain jacket! 

14. Capture the Magic and Memories!!!

Make sure to snap photos and capture videos to treasure those magical moments. A lot of people have asked how we managed to get family photos at Disney World and we just asked strangers!! I like to set them up as well as I can with exactly what we want the shot to be – and it worked out!!

I’d recommend purchasing Memory Maker for access to professional photos taken throughout your trip (such as at character meet & greets!) so you’ll only think about enjoying the rides and making the best out of your Disney World trip with your little one. They show up right in your app! 

If this is your first time traveling with baby or a toddler, check out my other blogs where I talk about baby travel hacks and essential travel tips for moms/parents!