Walt Disney World is a family destination; however, traveling with a young child is sometimes almost always difficult! Disney has you covered. There are so many elements that Disney does, and that you can do, to make your trip a touch easier - here are a few of my favorites:
1) Child Switch! Minimize those wait times with kids! When you have a child who cannot ride, or doesn’t want to ride, one of the roller-coasters or thrill rides you can use Child Switch. One adult and the child go up to the queue and ask a Cast Member for a Child Switch pass. They will give you what looks like a FastPass stub. Adult A (and any other children/adults) who want to ride get into the queue and then ride while Adult B and the child who doesn’t want to ride go elsewhere - another ride, a play area, etc. When Adult A is done, the adults switch places. You use the Switch Pass to go through the FastPass queue, so only one parent has to wait in line and both get to ride and the youngest children who cannot ride don't have to really wait at all! There are generally a number of other attractions near the thrills that are for all-ages or a play area - perfect places to spend the time with the non-riding child(ren). Another great tip for minimizing waits in line is to bring some simple toys or a puzzle book for kids and pull them out while you wait. Disney has also started to make many queues interactive so no one is bored while you wait - the buildup to the ride is often just as fun as the ride itself!
2) Splash Pads. Make time to allow your children to run through the various water features throughout the Disney Parks. They are a great break for the little guys (and you!) and can be very refreshing when the temperatures soar.
3) Baby Care Centers. After your kids are soaked in the splash pads you can take them to the Baby Care Centers, located in each park, for an outfit change. And the Baby Care Centers go far beyond that, filled with changing tables, rooms for nursing, a TV with Disney movies playing and toys they are truly a nice spot to relax! We spent quite a bit of time in these when my son was younger, just letting him enjoy the toys for a bit. The Baby Care Centers also sell diapers, diaper rash cream, bibs, baby food and more.
4) Make time for the characters. Even when your children are so young they won't remember the character interaction, YOU WILL! It's incredibly magical to see their eyes light up in wonder and amazement when they meet the various Disney characters.
And while we are on the topic of "making time", make time for the other ducks in the Disney Parks too.
For some reason, your average duck is incredibly interesting the little ones! It makes for a nice time for Mom and Dad to find a bench and just relax too!
5) Bring snacks into the Parks. You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the Disney Parks. Disney does not allow you to bring a hard-sided cooler, but a few snacks, drink boxes or even a sandwich are two are more than welcome and can be a lifesaver when your child gets hungry in the middle of a queue! They also can serve as a good distraction while waiting.
What are your favorite tips for touring the Parks with the little ones?
Labels: Quick 5, Touring Tips
