Mother Knows Best : MVT’s Parent Hacks for Walt Disney World with Kids

Make the most of your time, money and memories with some parent tips to make your Walt Disney World trip that much more magical.

Walt Disney World is all about making lasting memories for kids of all ages – but there’s no shame in admitting that sometimes, we need a little help to keep the magic alive before departure day.

At Magical Vacations Travel, our agents have decades of collective experience bringing children to the parks and resorts. That experience translates to some rock-solid advice for making the most of your trip.

“Always have a stroller. Don’t think twice.” Echoed by most, Agent Meg stresses how valuable a stroller can be, especially when you don’t have one.

“I have guests say no, and call me after a few days begging to get a stroller to them,” she said. Seasoned Disney veterans know that this is no place to put on a brave face – or foot – when traveling with littles. You’re logging tens of thousands of steps, and if you’re tired, you bet your kids are, too.

Plus, one of the many wonderful parts about Disney is how most parents are in the same boat. We’ve seen everything from newborns to kids of double digits making most of the set of wheels pushing them around.
We listen, and we don’t judge.

It’s not just about packing up your everyday stroller, though. Consider how you’ll be using it, and plan ahead.

“As a mom of twins, a double stroller was a necessity when they were babies, but to me, not at WDW,” said Agent Angela. “Having separate strollers made it easier to navigate through congested areas. If a family has more than one small child and they can swing it, I stand by having two smaller strollers instead of a double-wide.”

While you’re at it, go one step further and spring for the rain cover. Orlando is notorious for the quick-onset downpour come mid-afternoon, and you’ll be grateful to have the extra protection when you return to stroller parking to find everything (but your belongings!) sitting in puddles.

“Not only to protect your kids in the rain, but also your stroller when you go on a ride,” said Agent Sharon. “There’s nothing worse than coming out to find your stroller soaked, along with all of the stuff you squash in it.”

Parents don’t often have the luxury of packing light, but there are some tricks to remember before zippering the suitcase shut.

“Make sure you pack your swimsuits and essentials in a carryon bag or purse/tote for the day of arrival,” said Meg. “You never know what time you’ll be able to check into your room.”

If you’re waiting a while at the resort, having poolside basics can make the difference between boredom breakdown and smooth sailing. Plus, Disney is currently offering free waterpark admission on your arrival day, so instead of killing time in the resort lobby, grab the essentials and head to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

Some tricks are niche, but pure genius for those who’ve experienced them firsthand.

“If your kids are afraid of automatic flushing toilets,” said Sharon, “bring post-it notes to block the sensors.” Bathrooms in the parks are a flurry of automatic flushes, but saving even the tiniest of space for some sticky notes can alleviate anxiety for kids and parents alike.

Stressed about your picky eaters? Park hop with confidence by planning ahead and packing what you know your little one will eat.

“Disney allows you to bring outside food and nonalcoholic drinks into the parks,” said Agent Darcy, “this can be especially helpful when traveling with kids. Ordering groceries to your room is also a great way to have some of your kids’ favorite snacks ready to go each day.”

Delivery services typically bring your groceries to the resort main lobby, so you’ll want to account for any additional Bell Services gratuity or resort charge for your order – and don’t forget to check out our picks for local grocery delivery services that our own agents swear by.

Ask almost any of our agents their top tip for visiting Walt Disney World (with or without kids!) and they’ll tell you, be flexible.

With so much going on in one bubble, there’s bound to be any number of things out of your control. It could be weather, wait times, tantrums, potty breaks, you name it. We know the best way to get past – or prevent – a hiccup is to roll with the punches.

“When it’s not fun any longer – think, summer heat and crowds – be prepared to pivot,” said Agent Sue. “Even consider heading back to your resort for a nap in the AC or a swim and start over later in the day when it’s not so hot and your crew has regrouped. Most importantly – be prepared to pivot.”

Even the most perfect itinerary must account for breaks and changes, which in turn makes your trip so much more enjoyable. Plus, the younger the guest, the more grace they may need.

“For babies and toddlers, when at all possible, make use of the Baby Care Centers,” said Agent Elisa. “It is such a welcoming, calm, ‘like home’ environment for diaper changing and feeding. There are comfortable nursing rooms. They also sell baby essentials.”

Each park has a Baby Care center, so be sure to scope it out and plan for at least one or two breaks there during the day if you have an infant or toddler. These oasis-like spaces are air-conditioned, clean, calm, and just what you (and your young one!) need to reset and go back to your scheduled programming.

Parents, guardians, older siblings… don’t forget your own needs.

Between planning, packing, feeding, herding and sunscreen-ing your crew, it’s so easy to miss taking care of your own wellbeing.

“My biggest advice to parents of small children – sometimes the parents need a nap and a snack just as much as the kiddos do!” said Agent Jessica. “Make sure EVERYONE is being taken care of, and don’t forget yourself!”

Taking care of yourself at Disney is just as important as caring for the larger group. Be sure to properly nourish your body and give yourself some rest, or take a breath. If you’re recharged, you’ll be better suited to make the magic for your littles.