Guide to Disney with Infants

If you're a parent with a young infant, you may be wondering if it's worth the hassle of taking them to Walt Disney World. Let me assure you, it absolutely is! With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your little one can have a magical time at the most magical place on earth. It just takes a little extra planning.

You got this!

How Much Does it Cost to Take an Infant to Disney World

This is perhaps the best part about taking a baby to Disney… Get ready - It is FREE!

Seriously.

Children under 3 years old can enter all Disney parks for FREE, and yes, there is tons that they can do!

BONUS: Children under 3 also eat FREE in Walt Disney World at table service restaurants. Technically, they eat off of your plate, but if you choose an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant then the baby and you can eat to your fill!

How to Do Disney With A Baby?

Walt Disney World is a popular destination for families with young children, and with good reason. There are countless attractions and experiences that are fun for all ages, including infants. But what do you do when your little one needs a diaper change or a quiet place to rest? That's where the Baby Care Centers come in.

Baby Care Centers

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Located in all four parks, the Baby Care Centers are a haven for parents and infants alike. These centers are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable Cast Members who are ready to assist with anything you may need for your little one. They provide a comfortable and private space for parents to take care of their infants and offer a wide range of amenities to make your visit to Walt Disney World with a baby as smooth as possible.

The Baby Care Centers are equipped with air conditioning, a necessity during hot and humid Florida summers. They also have plenty of seating options, including rocking chairs and high chairs, so you and your little one can relax in comfort. In addition, each center has a television that plays Disney movies and cartoons, providing entertainment for older siblings while you tend to your baby.

One of the most important amenities offered at the Baby Care Centers is the ability to purchase diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies. This is a lifesaver for parents who may have forgotten to pack enough diapers or run out during their visit. You can also purchase over-the-counter medication, such as infant pain reliever or fever reducer, and diaper cream if needed.

But the Baby Care Centers aren't just for diaper changes and supplies. They also offer private nursing rooms with rocking chairs and a television, providing a quiet and peaceful space for mothers to breastfeed or pump. In addition, there are high chairs and microwaves available for parents who need to prepare or warm up food for their little ones.

PRO-TIP:

Baby Care Centers aren’t just for babies. Did you wear the wrong shoes and get a blister? Maybe get a little queasy on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? The Baby Care Centers also have basic first aid equipment to take care of anything you need that might have put a damper on your magical day.

Where to Get Some Quiet Time

If your little one needs some quiet time or a nap, each park also has a designated quiet space. These areas are perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks and allowing your infant to rest. In Magic Kingdom, head to the Baby Care Center or the Tom Sawyer Island relaxation station. In Epcot, the Baby Care Center or the United Kingdom pavilion are good options. In Hollywood Studios, check out the Baby Care Center or the Echo Lake area. And in Animal Kingdom, try the Baby Care Center or the Harambe Market.

If you’re one of those lucky parents where your baby can fall asleep easily anywhere, consider incorporating Disney show attractions during nap time. Think of attractions like the Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom, or The American Adventure in EPCOT. These attractions are long, about 20 minutes, and blessedly cool. Perfect little cat nap.

What Can you Do with an Infant at Disney World?

Now, let's talk about the rides. While your little one may not be able to ride everything in the parks, there are still plenty of family-friendly options.

Family-friendly is Disney speak for no height requirement. Just when you thought that a baby can’t have any fun in Disney, let us tell you this: There are more than 50 attractions in Walt Disney World with no height requirement!

Here’s a list of family-friendly rides in Walt Disney World that have no height requirement, separated by park:

Magic Kingdom:

• "it's a small world"
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Peter Pan's Flight
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion
• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Hall of Presidents
• Carousel of Progress
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

EPCOT:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Frozen Ever After
• Living with the Land

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Toy Story Mania!
• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy
• Disney Junior Dance Party
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
• For the First Time in Forever - Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

• TriceraTop Spin
• Na'vi River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo - The Musical

Please note that this list is subject to change and that some rides may have temporary closures or restrictions due to maintenance or operational issues. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World website or consult with a Cast Member for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Rider Switch

Let’s say you get to Disney and you and your husband really want to ride Tron, but obviously the baby isn’t big enough. You can still ride it! No, the answer isn’t hiding the baby in your hoodie (real life people tried this to ride Space Mountain with a baby, yikes).

You can use Disney’s Rider Switch program so both of you can enjoy the ride!

The way Rider Switch works is you both see the Cast Member tending to the Lightning Lane on the desired attraction telling them that you want to use Rider Switch. They will need to scan your Magic Band or your park ticket to activate.

Next, your party will wait in line while someone waits outside of the line with the baby. I usually go shopping or get a snack.

Then after the other half of your party gets off the ride you get to jump into the Lightning Lane!

Things you need to bring to Disney for Infants

Of course, with a baby, you will have a few more supplies that you need to consider beyond your basic diapers and wipes. The 2 biggest essentials for infants are a stroller and a chest carrier.

Strollers in Disney

If you are bringing a baby to Disney you will NEED a stroller. In fact, we recommend a stroller for children 7 and younger! You will be clocking in about 10 miles on a Disney day. Even a tiny little peanut will feel like an elephant after a long day of carrying.

Disney Stroller Rules

There are some stroller restrictions at Disney. Before you stress too much about it, it’s basically so you can’t bring a 3-wide stroller, (could you imagine the congestion??) or anything crazy. If you bought your stroller from any major brand, you will be fine.

As per Disney: “Strollers must be 31” (79cm) wide and 52” (132cm) long or smaller. As a reminder, wagons are not permitted in our parks. Stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted. Loose and dry ice is not permitted in our parks.”

Stroller Rentals

If you don’t want to worry about bringing your own stroller you have 2 different stroller rental options.

Disney Strollers

Disney rents their strollers for $15 per day. These strollers cannot leave the park that they were rented in, but if you plan to park hop just save your receipt and you can pick up a new strollers at the new park at no additional charge.

Third-Party Stroller Rentals

There are literally dozens of stroller rental companies around Walt Disney World. They offer competitive prices, sometimes even coming out cheaper than Disney strollers. The other benefits to renting off-site is that first and foremost, the strollers are more comfortable than the hard Disney plastic ones, but also that they are delivered to your resort and are yours for the duration of your vacation.

Baby Chest Carriers

This will be your best friend. Strollers are great, but you need to park them before going into attractions, so that can be a pain. Any ride where there is no height requirement, AKA family-friendly rides, you can wear your baby. Easy peasy. In fact, in our experience, the babies prefer being in the carrier over the stroller, so they can be closer to mommy.

Tips for Bringing an Infant to Disney

Traveling to Walt Disney World with a baby can be a magical experience, but it can also present some unique challenges. Here are some tips to help make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible:

1. Plan ahead: Before you leave for your trip, make a list of everything you'll need for your baby, from diapers and wipes to strollers and car seats. Consider purchasing baby supplies ahead of time and having them shipped directly to your hotel room to avoid the hassle of packing and transporting them. Also, be sure to check the park hours and schedule, so you can plan your days accordingly.
2. Use the Baby Care Centers: As mentioned in my previous answer, the Baby Care Centers are a great resource for parents with infants. Take advantage of their amenities, such as private nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations, and high chairs, to make your visit more comfortable.

• Take breaks: The parks can be overwhelming, even for adults. Don't be afraid to take a break when you or your baby needs it. Consider taking a midday break to return to your hotel room for a nap or swim in the pool. Alternatively, take advantage of the quieter attractions or shaded areas in the park to give your baby a break from the crowds and noise.

• Be flexible: Remember that traveling with a baby can be unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your plans if needed and take breaks as necessary. Don't feel like you have to stick to a strict schedule or itinerary.

•  Stay hydrated and cool: Florida can be hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated and cool. Bring plenty of water and snacks for yourself and your baby. Consider bringing a portable fan or mister to keep your baby cool and comfortable.

• Use Genie+ and Rider Switch: Genie+ allows you to reserve a time slot for select attractions, reducing your wait time in line. Rider Switch allows parents to take turns riding an attraction without having to wait in line twice. Take advantage of these services to make the most of your time in the parks.

Remember to take lots of photos and make memories with your little one. With a little preparation and flexibility, you can have a magical experience at Walt Disney World with your baby.

Should You Take an Infant to Disney?

In conclusion, taking your infant to Walt Disney World can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that both you and your little one have a magical time. Don't forget to utilize the Baby Care Centers, take advantage of the shaded areas and quiet spaces, enjoy the family-friendly rides, and take breaks when needed. Happy travels!