Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ

Let’s discuss babies and toddlers at Disney World! We’ll answer frequently asked questions and share our own personal tips and tricks!

Hello and welcome to our Disney Baby 101 series, where I, as a first-time mom, discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation! The last time we visited Disney, our little guy was still a baby, but now he is a toddler, and we’ve learned a lot since then! So, let’s answer as many of your questions (and mine) regarding babies and toddlers at Disney World.

We’ve covered a lot of ground with this series: everything from what to pack to infant rides at Disney World and creating a vacation to-do list. You can find those posts below!

• Best Rides for Babies at Disney World
• To-Do List for Brining a Baby to Disney
• Ultimate Disney Packing List for Babies

Babies & Toddlers At Disney World General Q&A

Do I need to bring my child’s birth certificate if they are under 3?

• Nope! In fact, at the time of publication, Disney does not require any identification for guests under 3.

Can my infant ride safely on Disney transportation?

• Disney’s transportation services – buses, monorail, boats, and more – are safe for babies to ride on a caregiver’s lap. They will not need a car seat. Sometimes, they can even remain in their stroller. If you plan to book a Disney Minnie Van, every vehicle is equipped with two Graco 4Ever car seats (free of charge), and Cast Members are trained to install them safely.

What if I forgot a baby item from home?

• Refrain from fretting if you accidentally forgot a baby item at home or need to purchase more. Disney World sells a wide range of baby items at various locations. Your best bet is to check the Baby Care Centers within each theme park or a resort gift shop. Items sold are diapers, wipes, baby food, over-the-counter medication, sunscreen, and more.
• Additionally, several shops and stores (e.g., Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) within the property can easily be reached by car or Uber/Lyft.

Are there family restrooms at Disney World?

• Disney has many “companion restrooms” throughout the resort. They are designed for those who need assistance. While these bathrooms will be larger, many still need changing tables. Guests can find changing stations in the main restrooms and the Baby Care Centers.

Where can I breastfeed at Walt Disney World?

• Guests are welcome to breastfeed their child anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. This is because of a Florida public health law that allows mothers to breastfeed covered or uncovered in any public or private location.
  • If you prefer a more secluded spot to breastfeed in the parks, head to one of the Disney Baby Care Center Locations! They are designed to be a calming and quiet space for families and their teeny tinies. In fact, the Baby Care Centers have nursing rooms equipped with rocking chairs, dim lights, and air conditioning!
  • These rooms are semi-private at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and completely private at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
  • Additionally, if you are pumping, you can use one of the electrical outlets within the center. Find Baby Care Centers on park maps, My Disney Experience app, or, as always, you can ask a Cast Member.

Disney World Theme Park Q&A

How much does it cost for babies to go to Walt Disney World?

• This one may surprise you – children under three are FREE and do not require a ticket when visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. Yes, you read the right. It’s FREE! When entering a theme park, tell the Cast Member your child’s age, and they will be welcomed right through the front gates!

Does my baby need a theme park reservation?

• Babies and toddlers at Disney World do not need a theme park reservation as long as they are three years of age and under.

Can I bring my stroller into the theme parks? What about food and drinks?

• Yes absolutely! Do be aware Disney does have a size limit – maximum dimensions are 31″ wide and 52″ long. Also, wagons are not permitted.
• Disney allows food and drinks. However, they can’t be in glass containers or required to be cooked or refrigerated. If your items need to be kept cool, you can store them in a small cooler. (FYI: You can ask for a cup of ice at any quick-service restaurant!) Also, guests can bring in a diaper bag no larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high.
  • Please know that security will check these items when you enter the theme parks and Disney Springs. You can read more about Walt Disney World’s property rules here.

What if I need to heat my baby’s bottle or food while at Disney World theme park?

• If you need to warm up your infant’s food or drink, head to those all-encompassing Baby Care Centers! They are stationed with bottle warmers and microwaves. You can ask for a cup of warm water or milk when dining at a Disney restaurant. (FYI: Per health regulations, Disney restaurants are restricted from eating food not prepped inside the kitchen.)

Where can I keep my baby’s medication cool at Disney World theme parks?

• As mentioned earlier, you can bring a small cooler into the theme parks. Disney also allows storage for items like epi-pens and specialty dietary items at various in-park locations – one being (you guessed it!) the Baby Care Centers! For more details, speak to a Cast Member.

Can I rent a stroller at Disney World?

• Yup, you sure can! Disney offers single and double-stroller rentals, and you can choose how many days you want to rent. Stroller rental locations are at each of the four theme parks. You will find them right past the front gates once you have entered the park.

What rides can babies go on at Disney World?

• Several attractions are baby and toddler-friendly. I have covered them all here!

What if my baby can not go to an attraction? How does baby swap work?

• Your baby’s itty bitty size will not limit you and your family from enjoying attractions with height requirements. Disney has a program called Rider Switch (also known as “baby swap”) that allows your cutie to stay back with an adult while the rest of the party goes on the attraction. Once done, the adult who remained with the baby will get to “switch” and ride without waiting in line again. (They can bring one guest to avoid riding alone.)
  • FYI: Not all attractions offer Rider Switch, so ask a Cast Member or look online to confirm.

Are strollers allowed in attraction lines?

• Strollers are not permitted in ride queues while at Walt Disney World. They must be left at a stroller parking area, usually conveniently near the attraction’s entrance. Because of this, Disney has intentionally made the queues more engaging and fun for little ones while waiting to board the ride.

Where can babies nap while in the Disney theme parks?

• A stroller is an excellent place for babies and toddlers at Disney World to get some shut-eye. If your little one needs a quieter location, there are some great spots for babies to nap:

1. Firstly (and say it with me): the Baby Care Centers! They are quiet and cozy – a perfect place to get snoozy.
2. Try a trail that is off the main walking paths. Those are usually less populated and have benches scattered throughout. (My favorite is the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom. Beautiful too!)
3. Disney transportation, specifically, the monorail, trains, or boats. The hum of the moving engine is an extra bonus, too!
4. A quiet corner in an empty Disney restaurant. You will want to visit one that is not overly crowded. I like the second floor of Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House.

Disney Resort Q&A

Can I ship items to my Walt Disney World Resort hotel?

• Yes! This is a popular tip many families use to make packing easier, especially those with little ones. Bulky items like diapers, food, and drinks are frequently shipped via an online shopping site (such as Amazon).
  • If you want to ship items to your hotel room before you leave, send them to your Disney Resort hotel’s mailing address with the word “Guest” on the front and your arrival date. Do know that Disney World has employed a $6 per package handling fee for anything received through the Front Desk or delivered to your hotel room. This includes grocery delivery services as well. Check out more specific sending and receiving mail details here.

Are there refrigerators inside Walt Disney World hotel rooms?

• MOST Disney World hotel rooms offer refrigerators. They typically are minifridges or smaller beverage coolers. If your hotel room does not have one, call housekeeping to request one be placed there. (These are subject to availability.) You can find a complete list of Disney World hotels that offer in-room refrigerators here.

Disney Dining Q&A

Do I need to include my baby when making dining reservations?

• YES: unlike theme park tickets and reservations, all guests (no matter their age) must be included in the headcount when making dining reservations at Walt Disney World – even if they are not eating off the restaurant’s menu. When checking in for your dining reservation, you can tell the Cast Member that a baby is included in your dining party.

Will my baby still be charged if they do not eat at a Disney restaurant?

• Usually not! If the restaurant has a price-fixed menu, children under 3 are typically free of charge. These restaurants often serve family-style or buffet food. Additionally, you can share your meal with your baby or toddler at no additional cost. Families will be charged for their infant when they ARE eating items from the menu – for instance, you order them a side of mac-n-cheese.

Do Disney restaurants offer baby-friendly items like high chairs, baby utensils, bibs, etc?

• All table service restaurants and quick service will have wooden high chairs designed for babies who can sit unsupported. Additionally, some restaurants also have booster seats. As for other baby dining items like bibs, utensils, mats, and so on, those items will need to be brought in with you.

Can I bring my baby’s stroller to a Disney restaurant?

• Guests are not typically permitted to bring strollers into Disney World restaurants. (However, stories have been told of Cast Members not requiring families to remove their sleeping babies from strollers.) Guests will be asked to leave their stroller at a nearby section designated for strollers. If this is your preferred way to dine with a baby, look for restaurants with outdoor seating—strollers are usually okay there!
  • However, you can bring an infant car seat into the restaurant if it can be unattached from your stroller.

What if we miss our Disney dining reservation because my baby is napping, fussing, etc?

• It is essential to know that Walt Disney World has a dining cancellation policy of $10 per person for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the reservation time. That being said, if your little one can’t make it, as long as some of your party arrives at the dining reservation, you won’t be charged the penalty fee! It would be good to call the restaurant beforehand to let them know some will not be attending.

Are there allergy-friendly dining options at Walt Disney World?

• Yes! Disney World has made a concerted effort to provide wonderful dining options for all its guests, no matter their dietary needs. In fact, many restaurants offer full allergy-friendly menus. Guests can also speak to a restaurant Cast Member regarding their allergies, and they will do their best to accommodate.
  • Disney states, “In most cases, no advance arrangements are needed. While restaurants make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to meet all requests.” Learn more about Disney World’s special dietary requests here.

There are many moving parts when prepping for a trip with a little one – especially a Disney vacation! Feeling informed is a great way to set your vacation up for success. We hope these answers clarify any questions about your baby’s upcoming Disney trip. If you have any lingering questions (no matter how nuanced!), comment on this post, and we will do our best to find you the answer!

Most importantly, have FUN with babies and toddlers at Disney World! These are memories that will last a lifetime. I hope this FAQ list helps you. If you have any additional questions or suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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