Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience, especially when you’re traveling with a baby. There are countless attractions, entertainment options, and dining experiences to enjoy, but adding a little one into the mix requires some extra planning and flexibility.
Thankfully, Disney provides incredible amenities for families, making your vacation more manageable and enjoyable. With a bit of preparation, your trip can be magical for the entire family—even the littlest members! Here are some essential tips and tricks to make your Disney vacation with a baby as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Send Supplies Ahead of Time 
Babies require a lot of gear—strollers, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, bibs, and more. Rather than lugging everything with you on the plane or packing it into the car, consider using a service like Amazon Prime, Instacart, or another delivery service to send your supplies directly to your Disney Resort. This allows you to travel light and ensures that everything you need is ready and waiting for you upon arrival.
Having your supplies delivered to the resort takes away the hassle of remembering everything and makes your trip more organized from the start.
2. Be Flexible with Your Schedule
One of the best things you can do when visiting Walt Disney World with a baby is to embrace flexibility. Babies have their own schedules for naps, feeding times, and more, which may not always line up with the park’s entertainment and dining schedules. To avoid stress, leave your days open to change.
Instead of booking multiple table service reservations, consider going with quick-service options, allowing you to adjust meal times based on your baby’s needs. By going with the flow and taking each day as it comes, you’ll enjoy your time at the parks much more and avoid having to cancel reservations or rush through your day.
3. Take Plenty of Breaks
Exploring the parks with a baby can be tiring for everyone, so be sure to plan for plenty of breaks. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot to let your baby nap or taking a break from the Florida heat in air-conditioned spaces, giving everyone time to rest will prevent meltdowns.
Disney Resorts are also perfect for mid-day breaks—head back for a nap or a swim in the pool before returning to the parks in the afternoon. Remember that the key to a smooth Disney day with a baby is ensuring everyone stays cool, hydrated, and well-rested.
4. Utilize Disney’s Baby Care Centers
Disney truly goes above and beyond to cater to families, and one of the best resources for parents with babies is the Baby Care Centers located in each of the four theme parks. These centers provide private nursing rooms, changing stations, highchairs, and small kitchens equipped with microwaves and sinks.
They also offer essential supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, and sunscreen for purchase in case you run out. The Baby Care Centers are a great spot to take a break from the excitement of the parks and tend to your little one’s needs in a calm and comfortable environment.
5. Consider To-Go Dining Options
If you find it challenging to manage a sit-down meal with a baby, Disney makes it easy to grab food to go. Many quick-service restaurants offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app, allowing you to order food from your phone and pick it up when it’s ready. This flexibility can be a game-changer, especially during nap times or when your little one isn’t feeling up to dining in.
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can even take your meal back to the room and enjoy a relaxing dinner while your baby sleeps.
6. Embrace a Slower Pace
One of the perks of traveling with a baby is that it encourages you to slow down and appreciate the details. While your baby naps in the stroller or carrier, take time to explore the parks at a more leisurely pace. Stroll through quiet areas, admire the beautiful landscaping, or spend time enjoying the sights and sounds you may not notice during a faster-paced trip.
Slowing down allows you to soak in the magic of Disney in a new way while also ensuring your baby stays comfortable and happy.
7. Use Rider Switch for Thrill Rides
If you’re worried about missing out on thrill rides, Disney’s Rider Switch service is here to save the day! Rider Switch allows one parent to stay with the baby while the other enjoys the ride, then switch places without having to wait in line again.
Simply let the cast member at the entrance know that you’d like to use Rider Switch, and they will provide instructions. This way, both parents get a chance to enjoy attractions like Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance, and Expedition Everest without sacrificing fun due to baby duties.
8. Capture Magical Moments
One of the most special parts of bringing a baby to Walt Disney World is creating lifelong memories together. Be sure to capture these magical moments with plenty of photos and videos! Whether it’s your baby’s first meeting with Mickey Mouse, a sweet nap in the stroller, or a fun moment on a gentle ride like “It’s a Small World,” these are memories you’ll want to cherish for years to come.
Take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass service to get professional photos around the parks, or simply use your phone to document these special moments.
Have any tips or tricks of your own?
Share your stories and advice in the comments below and help other families make their Disney trips as magical as possible! We’d love to hear about your magical experiences traveling to Walt Disney World with a little one!
