Disney with Babies (Long Post)

Let us start out by saying that in this post when we speak of babies we are referring to children 0-23 months.

If you plan to only ever take one trip to Disney World or Land, wait until your child is old enough to remember at least some parts of your trip. However, if you plan to go to Disney with your children more than once - like us - don't hesitate to go just because you have a small one.

There is so much that you can do at Disney with a baby, and you can make some great memories. We have taken Christian to both World and Land, and he has had a lot of fun. We're planning on taking him to Land again in June just after his birthday and we can't wait for our Disney cruise this summer. You can do it! It's fun for everyone, baby included.

In this post we'll talk about rides, attractions, and shows that are perfect for you and baby. We'll also talk about some tips, to include what to take in your park bag, that we know from experiences. Character interactions and dining with babies will also be discussed.

Let's start out with some perks of going to Disney with a baby.

* Children under 3 do not require park tickets. So, if you go to Disney every year with your baby you're getting three free trips- for them that is.

* Babies are super photogenic, therefore you're going to come away from your trip with some incredible photos.

* Only children 3-9 can use child credits on the dining plan. So, at World this means that children under 3 can eat off of someone else's plate. This saves you stomach space for more delicious snacks. [This one is obviously for those with older babies and toddlers (10months- 2 years old).]

There are a lot of posts out there about what to have in your "park touring" bag. We may do a post on that later, but this is about babies, and babies require diaper bags. Obviously you know what your baby needs and what you normally keep in your diaper bag. However, the diaper bag we took with us to the bags was much different than the diaper bag we have sitting in the car right now for when we go out. Keep in mind, unless you are staying at a resort within walking distance from one of the parks, to go back to get more diapers or another outfit will require someone leaving the park, waiting for a bus or boat (or monorail), riding all of the way back to your resort, and then back to the park. We personally think that if you're going to go back to the resort, make it worth your while and plan to catch a nap or swim or even a meal. Also keep in mind this bag is for a full day away from your resort- leaving your room at 6-8am and returning between 8-11pm.

Diaper Bag

At least 10 diapers

Full wipes "clutch"

Extra wipes

2-4 Extra Outfits

Jacket

Diaper Disposable Bags (or Zip-locks) For dirty or wet outfits.

Changing pad

Snacks (Puff, Crackers, etc.)

Baby food (if at that age)

2-3 Spoons

Sippy cup

Toys (Ones that can attach to your stroller are best)

Blanket

Sunscreen

Now for some baby related tips…

* Changing stations- There are baby changing stations in almost every public bathroom on property. Companion bathrooms do not have changing stations, but they do provide more room than regular stalls for those with children who are potty training or are too young to use their own stall.  Also, the women's room upstairs in the main building at the Polynesian Village Resort (outside of Ohana) did not have a changing station, or it was really well hidden.

At Disneyland the larger in park restrooms have more than one changing station.

* Baby Care Center - All four parks at World and both parks at Land have baby care centers. We have not used these, but from what I have read they are a great place to get away from the crowds to feed (bottle or nurse) your baby. They also have "stores" with a limited selection of baby foods and items if you absolutely need something and don't want to trek back to your room.

* Nursing - You can nurse your baby just about anywhere on property. As long as you're comfortable with it. We gave up on using a blanket to cover Christian while he ate quite some time before our first trip. He would pull it off. If you're fine with it, others will be too. Christian has eaten in lines, on buses (make sure there is enough room), waiting for parades, in shows, while we are eating, and on rides. If there isn't a ride restraint you can feed your baby.

* Stroller- Whether you bring your own or rent one onsite or from a local company, use one. They make it so baby or toddler or even kid has a place to sit and relax and mom and dad have a back-saver. Strollers are also great for storage - just place or bags underneath and have free hands.

Sleeping at 50's Prime Time Cafe

* High chairs- All restaurants that have seating, both table service and quick service, have high chairs and boosters.

* Dumbo – The smaller riders are instructed to enter the ride first. You can hold a baby on your lap during the ride, but be aware that the ride tilts slightly outward and you will need you use your feet to keep you in a good position if you are holding your child.

* Toy Story Mania – When you are moving on this ride it is jerky and fast – keeping your baby in a baby carrier for this one makes it so that your hands are free to stable yourself and child and so that you can play the game if your baby is too young to pull the string.

Characters and Babies

Characters love babies, especially the female characters. The princesses especially loved him. Christian turned 7 months old while we were at Disney World, and we think that this was the perfect time to take him. He wasn't always all smiles with the characters, mostly because he stilled didn't get the whole smiling for pictures thing, but he wasn't afraid of them either. The longer you wait to expose your kids to the larger than life characters, the greater the chance that they'll be scared of them.

All of the characters we met were great with Christian, but our favorites for interactions with him were Sorcerer Mickey, any Princess, Dale at Garden Grill, and Woody and Jessie.

Dining with a Baby

A lot of the time while we were eating we would start out with Christian in a high chair with a spoon to play with. When we were at World he was still really against eating anything that wasn't liquid so when we were eating he wasn't. We would sometimes end up holding him, or nursing him, if it was time, and sometimes he would fall asleep. Most restaurants, mainly table-service, will not allow you to bring a stroller in, unless your baby is sleeping. Strollers take up a lot of space, though, so if they are small enough still, let them sleep on you.

Dining with a baby is one aspect that is different each and every time you walk into a restaurant. The good thing, though, is that everyone that works at Disney and most guests are incredibly understanding and will let you do your thing.

Only two restaurants on World property do not allow children under 10: Victoria and Albert’s and the Flying Fish Café for their Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner, so you have a wide variety to choose from.

Character dining is great with babies and great in general. You get to enjoy your meal while the characters come to you. These are great photo opportunities.

Buffets- Disney buffets are great and have a wide variety of food so that everyone will be able to find something that pleases their palate. Keep in mind though, that if your baby is sleeping on you someone else in your party will have to go to the buffet for you.

A great thing about buffets is that, if your baby is at the finger food age or eating full meals, you can get them their own plate at the buffet.

Enjoy your meals and enjoy your baby.

Lastly we're going to talk about which rides, attractions, and shows are just right for baby.

You can take baby on any ride that doesn't have a height requirement. But that does not mean that every ride is appropriate. Let's break them down by park.

^ - Indicates that it may be scary for older babies and toddlers.

* - Indicates a show or film and not a ride.

Magic Kingdom

Astro Orbiter

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N Soak Station

Country Bear Jamboree *

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Enchanted Tales with Belle *

Hall of Presidents *

Haunted Mansion ^

It’s a Small World

Jungle Cruise

Liberty Square River Boat

Mad Tea Party

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Mickey’s PhilharMagic *

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor *

Peter Pan’s Flight

A Pirates Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas (Great for parents and older kids to do while baby is asleep in the stroller.)

Pirates of the Caribbean ^

Prince Charming Regal Carousel

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Swiss Family Tree House (Involves walking up and down stairs.)

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Tom Sawyer Island

Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room *

Walt Disney World Railroad

Epcot

Advance Training Lab (“Playground”)

The American Adventure *

The Circle of Life *

Coral Reefs – Disney Animals

Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Ellen’s Energy Adventure ^

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

ImageWorks- The “What If” Labs

Innoventions East

Innoventions West

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Kidcot Fun Stops

Leave a Legacy

Living with the Land

Project Tomorrow – Inventing the Wonders of the Future

SeaBase

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Spaceship Earth

Turtle Talk with Crush *

Various Films and Galleries throughout World Showcase

Hollywood Studios

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza

Beauty and the Beast – Live onStage *

Disney Junior - Live on Stage *

For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration *

The Great Movie Ride

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure (Play area)

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular *

Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show *

The Magic of Disney Animation *

Muppet*Vision 3D *

Toy Story Midway Mania

Voyage of the Little Mermaid *

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

Animal Kingdom

Affection Section (Petting Zoo)

The Boneyard (Play area)

Conservation Station

Dinosaur Sue

Discovery Island Trails

Festival of the Lion King *

Finding Nemo the Musical *

Fossil Fun Games

Habitat Habit

It’s Tough to be a Bug ^*

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Maharajah Jungle Trek

The Oasis Exhibits

Pangani Forest Exploration Trails

Tree of Life

TriceraTop Spin

Wilderness Explorers

Wildlife Express Train

Disneyland Park

Alice in Wonderland

Astro Orbiter

Big Thunder Ranch

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ^ (This is louder than the one at Magic Kingdom)

Casey Jr. Circus Train

Chip ‘n Dale’s Tree House

Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

The Disney Gallery

Disney Monorail

Disneyland Railroad

The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln *

Donald’s Boat

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Enchanted Tiki Room

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Goofy’s Playhouse

Haunted Mansion

It’s a Small World

Jungle Cruise

King Arthur Carousel

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Mark Twain River Boat

Mickey’s House

Minnie’s House

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (May be too wild.)

Peter Pan’s Flight

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey ^

Pirate’s Liar on Tom Sawyer Island

Pirates of the Caribbean ^

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin ^

Sailing Ship Columbia

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Snow White’s Scary Adventure ^

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Tazan’s Treehouse

California Adventure

Animation Academy

The Bakery Tour, Hosted by Boudin Bakery

Disney Junior – Live on Stage *

Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular *

Flik’s Flyers

Francis’ Ladybug Boogie

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration *

Golden Zephyr

Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train

It’s Tough to be a Bug ^*

King Triton’s Carousel

The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Mickey’s Fun Wheel

Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue

Olaf’s Snow Fest

Princess Dot’s Puddle Park

Red Trolley Car

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Sorcerer’s Workshop

Toy Story Mania

Turtle Talk with Crush *

Parades are great because they have so much going on that once they start they will most probably keep your baby’s attentions. Characters are great, too. Fireworks are great for everyone, as long as loud noises don’t scare your baby.

You know your baby best, so you know what will scare them and what they’ll enjoy.

We know that this has been a lot of information, but it’s what we can tell you from our own experiences about Disney with a baby.

Happy Planning!