This is perhaps one of the most common Disney debates out there: Should I take my baby to Disney, or should I wait until they are older?
Truth be told, there’s not a clear cut, definitive answer to this one. There’s no universal “best age” to bring your kid to Disney for the first time.
Maybe you’re thinking about planning a trip to Disney with your baby, or perhaps the opportunity for a trip has presented itself, but you’re nervous about going because of the age of your baby. Since it’s ultimately a personal decision, my hope is that the considerations below will help you make the best choice for your family. Read on for more information on what taking your baby to Disney might look like.
The Obvious Advantages
One of the biggest reasons people want to take their babies to Disney is because they’re FREE! Up until age 3, there is no charge for park admission. Of course this can add up to significant savings, so many people want to sneak in a trip or two before their child requires a park ticket.
Another big advantage to taking your baby is the fact that they can actually do a lot in the parks! Disney was designed for families, so the majority of the attractions don’t have a height requirement, which means your baby won’t be stuck sitting on the sidelines while everyone else has fun. This is especially true in Magic Kingdom, which has over 20 rides and entertainment options for guests of all ages!
And while this might not be the most talked about benefit of taking your baby to Disney, I believe it’s worth mentioning. You as the parent are going to create some very special magical memories. While many will argue that you should wait to take your child to Disney until they are old enough to remember it, I’m a firm believer that YOUR memories matter, too! You will be able to see your child mesmerized by the decor and excitement on the rides and throughout the parks. Maybe they’ll even light up when they meet a character. I guarantee that these are special moments that will live on in your heart forever.
The Necessary Considerations
Now here is the part where the fact that you know your baby best will come into play. When you take your baby to Disney, a lot of things will be different than if you’ve gone just by yourself or with your spouse.
First, you’ll want to keep in mind that babies need supplies. You’ll be traveling with diapers, wipes, sound machines, strollers, bibs, bottles and more! You will also need to request a crib or pack’n’play from your resort if you are not driving or able to bring your own from home (something your Smart Moms Travel Agent can take care of for you).
You’ll also want to think about what your park days might look like. For example, you might not be able to go from open to close, or maybe you’ll need to schedule a midday break for naptime. Again, it probably depends on your child. I know for my family, all of our kids have been very easy going babies who are perfectly content to nap in the stroller while we’re wandering through the parks, so our park days aren’t very interrupted at all.
Your expectations of what this Disney trip will look like need to remain open. It’s really easy to get caught up in thinking everything will be perfect because it’s Disney, but the reality is that things won’t always go according to plan, especially with an unpredictable baby in the mix. Maybe they don’t love their first character interaction or they’re sleeping while you’re trying to take photos in front of the castle. Release the thought that everything will be flawless and instead be open to flexibility. Sometimes with a baby in Disney you need to pivot your plans a little more than you might be used to doing.
The Resource You Need to Know
If you are a new mom traveling to Disney with your baby, there is one resource you absolutely need to know about – The Baby Care Centers. These are areas in each park for families with young children that provide a variety of amenities to help you and your little one(s).
In each park, the Baby Care Center is located near the First Aid Center, making it very easy to locate. They have changing facilities, quiet rooms for mothers wanting to nurse or pump, small kitchenettes with microwaves, and a basic baby supply shop for any necessities you might need (I’ve admittedly utilized this when I ran out of wipes in the park one time).
How to Handle Pumping in the Parks
The first time I went to Disney with a baby (who was 6m old at the time), I was still nursing and pumping, so I want to share how I handled pumping in the parks, which was honestly a very easy process.
First of all, you are able to “check” your breast pump at the First Aid Center so you don’t have to haul it around all day. Each day I would drop off the pump when we got to the park and they would give me a claim ticket in return. When I was ready, the Cast Members retrieved my pump, and I would head next door to the Baby Care Center to utilize the quiet room for pumping.
When I finished, I returned my pump to the First Aid Center until next time. It’s important to note that they will not hold any breast milk there, so that must remain with you at all times. They will however provide you with fresh ice for your own cooler to keep your milk chilled.
Quick Tips for Disney with Babies
All 3 of my kids have been to Disney as babies (ages 6m, 8m, and 9m on their first trips), so here are a few of my best quick tips that I’ve learned throughout the process.
- Schedule a grocery delivery to your resort for bulky things like diapers and wipes (as well as baby food and snacks) so you don’t waste precious space in your suitcase.
- Take plenty of easy to eat snacks with you to the parks each day. We use things like teething wafers, yogurt melts, and applesauce pouches to satisfy the baby and avoid meltdowns (even though meltdowns are inevitable).
- Bring a baby carrier in addition to your stroller. Oftentimes you have to park your stroller in a designated area, then walk to the ride, and wait in line (especially if not using Lightning Lanes). It can be a long time to have to hold the baby in your arms.
- Consider a Deluxe Resort for easy transportation and close proximity to the parks. Now I know this isn’t always within budget, but if it is you may want to consider it for the sake of making things easier on yourself. What I mean is that when you utilize the Disney buses, you always have to fold your stroller. And there’s nothing worse than waking a sleeping baby when it’s time to get on the bus. Other forms of transportation to/from Deluxe Resorts don’t require the stroller to be folded (Monorail, single stroller on Skyliner, and even being able to walk).
Overall, I have zero regrets about the decision to take our children to Disney as babies. Some of my favorite Disney memories and photos are the ones of my kids at their youngest. While they might not remember every detail of those trips like I do, my memories matter, too! And those are some of the vacations I will never forget!
As a Smart Moms Travel Agent, a big part of my job is to help you feel prepared for your Disney vacation, especially if this is your first time taking your kids. For more tips and tricks and the best resources for planning your Disney vacation, subscribe to the blog and follow me on Instagram: @theorganizeddisneymom.
Not working with a Smart Moms Travel agent yet, but looking for help to plan your family’s upcoming Disney trip? I would be happy to work with you to develop a personalized Disney plan that meets your family’s needs. You can click here to enlist my help for free!
