Tips for Visiting Disney World With a One Year Old

Family, Travel, Walt Disney World

Earlier this month, we successfully completed our first trip as a family of three to Walt Disney World! JD and I have been there several times together, but this was our first time bringing our one year old daughter. We had an absolute blast, but bringing a one year old to Disney World presents its own set of challenges. Today I am sharing all my best Tips for Visiting Disney World with a One Year Old. I hope that these tips help you make the most of your Disney experience with your infant or toddler!

Be Prepared for Meltdowns

I had to mention this one first because let’s be real…it is highly likely that your infant or toddler will have a meltdown at Disney World. There is just so much going on, schedules are thrown off, they are overstimulated, and it is just a lot for them to process. Just accept this fact and know that every other parent at Disney that day will likely deal with a meltdown or two. No one even bats an eye, and if they do just ignore them and move on.

Bring a Stroller

If you can bring a stroller that reclines, that is ideal. We brought a reclining travel stroller with us (it’s no longer sold but here is a similar option) and our one year old was able to nap in it throughout the day. The naps were short, but they were naps nonetheless, and I would take what you can get on vacation! We opted to bring our own stroller, but renting is also a very popular option. Many of you reached out and mentioned that you swear by Kingdom Strollers, which is a stroller rental company in Disney World that offers several single and double stroller options!

Prepare for the Weather

Florida weather can be unpredictable and HOT. When we went in March the temperatures were unseasonably hot, for which we were not prepared. We brought this stroller fan and it ended up being an essential for us during our trip. We also brought a fan with a misting attachment and a rain cover for the stroller. Florida is known for their short lived rain showers, but they will soak you if you are not prepared! You can usually buy whatever you need in the gift shop, but it is much cheaper to bring items with you. We learned this the hard way when we paid almost $40 for a misting fan at the gift shop (we were desperate for relief from the heat and humidity) and then walked into Target a day later and saw one for $5.

Pack all the snacks!

Disney World allows you to bring your own food and drink into the park with you. I have always appreciated that they allow this and HIGHLY suggest you take advantage. Not only do you save money, but it will help stave off hunger meltdowns. We brought non-perishable snacks like applesauce pouches, cheerios, Happy Baby puffs, bambas, and cold water bottles. Don’t forget water!! Kids dehydrate easily in the Florida heat and you guessed it…this will lead to more meltdowns.

Take Breaks or Rest Days

We scheduled two rest days during our week at Disney and I am SO GLAD we decided to do this. We chose to sandwich our rest days before and after our day at Magic Kingdom because I knew that park would be the most overstimulating for Kennedy. If you can’t take a rest day, consider taking a break halfway through the day so your infant or toddler can get a good nap or quiet time in. It makes a world of difference for their mood!

Purchase the Genie + Pass

The Genie + Service has now replaced the FastPass system for skipping the lines for certain rides within the Disney Parks. It does come with an additional cost, but for us it was worth being able to skip waiting in longer lines with our one year old. There is a lot of information out there on the web on the best way to utilize this service, but you can learn more about the basics of the Genie + Service here!

Use the Baby Care Centers

I loved the Baby Care Centers at Disney World! There is one located in every park. They are equipped with private rooms for feedings and diaper changes, sinks, bathrooms, and they have tons of baby and first aid items for sale including diapers, wipes, utensils, sippy cups, clothing, and medicines. Kennedy got a heat rash while we were at Epcot and the baby care center was a perfect air conditioned and clean space that I was able to use to help her get relief and cool off from the sun.

You can learn more about the baby care centers and where they are located in each park here.

Adjust your expectations

If you have visited Disney World without an infant or toddler, your trip is going to look a little different with one. Many people will argue that bringing an infant to Disney World is not worth it, and to that I say…what is worth it to you may not be to someone else. Everyone’s situation is going to look different, and after visiting Disney World with our one year old I would 1000% do it again. Not only do they get in FREE (nice perk!), but as long as you go into it with the right mindset you, and your child, will have an absolute blast. There are plenty of rides that they can go on and things to look at. Will they remember it? No. But take lots of pictures and enjoy the magic!

Have you brought your infant or toddler to Disney World? If you have any tips for Visiting Disney World with a One Year Old leave them in the comments below!