Top 5 tips for parents visiting Walt Disney World with kids for the first time

 This blog post is sponsored by Enterprise, the Official Rent-A-Car of Walt Disney World. Enterprise has a variety of locations in Orlando and an on-site location next to the Magic Kingdom providing freedom and convenience to plan the dream Disney vacation!  

My boys have grown up going to Walt Disney World and I love how kid-friendly Disney is for kids of all ages. Today along with Enterprise, I am sharing my top 5 tips for parents traveling with kids to help you prepare for your Disney trip.  

 1. Use the Baby Care Centers

A hidden gem in the parks, the complimentary Baby Care Centers provide everything you’ll need to care for your little one(s) on vacation. They provide a quiet place for feeding, changing, and relaxing with conveniences such as highchairs, nursing rooms, changing tables, and TVs. You can also stock up on any necessities such as baby food, diapers, wipes, and more!  

• Magic Kingdom Park: located in between Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace off Main Street, U.S.A 
• EPCOT: located next to The Odyssey Events Pavilion building before you enter the Mexico Pavilion  
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: right by the entrance next to Guest Relations  
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: toward Africa after the Comfort Creatures (Starbucks) 

2. Experience other fun activities 

   

   Playground at EPCOT is a great place for kids to play and the parents to relax

There are so many kid-friendly activities offered in the theme parks beyond the rides! My kids love the many playgrounds scattered throughout, especially The Boneyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; the maze in the United Kingdom pavilion and the indoor playground at Mission: SPACE in EPCOT; and the playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride at Magic Kingdom Park. 

They also enjoy the scavenger hunts available during each EPCOT Festival or the Wilderness Explorer activity at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park that teaches guests of all ages about animals, plants, and conservation. 

3. Bring or Rent Strollers  

Even if your kids are strong walkers, I still highly recommend strollers at Walt Disney World because there is a lot of walking! I used my double stroller with my oldest until he was 7 years old. Strollers are also helpful for naps or even bedtime if you’re planning on closing down the parks.  

You can rent strollers inside the theme parks, from independent companies, or bring your own! 

4. Try the Rider Switch Service

While Walt Disney World has many kid-friendly rides, there are still rides geared toward the older kids and adults that have a height requirement. If your little one is not tall enough or ready for a certain ride, parents can utilize the Rider Switch Service feature to allow both parents to experience the ride.  

Simply visit a Cast Member at the entrance of the ride and inform them that you’d like to use the Rider Switch Service. The parent staying behind with the child will receive a return time to ride the ride after the first group has enjoyed the ride. This parent will enter the ride via the Lightning Lane and can bring another 2 guests to ride with them. 

Find attractions that utilize the Rider Switch Service here!  

 

5. Take a Midday Break

As we approach the summer months, the weather starts to get very hot in Central Florida. Therefore, we usually always need to take a midday break to cool down and rest during the sweltering afternoon hours. 

I recommend saving longer indoor attractions such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, or the indoor playgrounds for the afternoon. And if we are staying at a Disney Resort during our visit, we often like to return to our resort for a midday swim or nap! By doing so, we stay cool and refreshed for the rest of our Disney day! 

 *Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of Enterprise.