Taking a Toddler to Disney World, Pt 2

In preparing for our upcoming vacation to Disney World, I realized how many decisions there are to make when you are traveling with a toddler. Although my focus is on Disney World as I plan my own trip many of the following decisions can apply as you plan to take your toddler on a vacation to any theme park, or distant destination.

To a parent with a toddler, a stroller can be a life saving piece of equipment. It can be used to manage an unruly toddler, carry a tired child, or haul the purchases you’ve accumulated throughout the day.

Disney World offers stroller rental for a fee of $15-$31 per day (single or double). You can purchase a multi-day ticket, which reduces your daily price slightly. This can be a good idea if you are visiting with an older toddler. The problem with renting from the park is that all of the strollers look alike. There are many times when you will be using the “stroller parking”, and finding the one that belongs to you can be tricky when there are dozens that look the same. Even with your own stroller it can be hard to find in the crowded parking areas! If you will be flying, you may want to bring your stroller for the airport anyway.

It shouldn’t be surprising that food and drinks in any theme park can be a bit pricey, Disney World is no exception. The good thing about Disney World is that you can bring your own snacks and drinks into the park. If you are staying at a hotel with a refrigerator or kitchen area, consider stocking up on stuff to make sandwiches, water, juice and other easy to pack snacks.

Disney World has a variety of dining options including burger & quick food places, snack carts and character meal opportunities. If you want to take your toddler to a character meal, be sure to get reservations as those meals fill up fast.

While you will want to capture every moment of your toddler’s trip to the Magic Kingdom sometimes it can feel like you spend all of your time looking through the lens. It can also be bulky to jostle a video camera, camera and toddler all day. Disney World offers Photo Pass in which you get a card and throughout the park there are professional photographers who scan your card & will take photos of your family. You can then view and purchase the photos online after your trip. Keep a small camera (or cell phone) on hand for pictures that occur during the rest of your visit.

Taking your toddler on vacation doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience and planning your vacation shouldn’t be stressful. As long as you consider the options, and which works best for you, you can look forward to a memorable and enjoyable trip.

If you missed Taking a Toddler to Disney World, Pt 1, I focused on the flight, packing and the diaper bag or carryon choices.

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