One of the biggest questions I’ve had is, “Is Walt Disney World toddler friendly?“. I had my reservations taking our three-year-old to Walt Disney World for the first time. Especially traveling all the way from Washington State to Florida. Can you relate to the fear of traveling a long distance with a toddler?

Is Walt Disney World Toddler Friendly

I hoped it would be worth it because clearly, I understood that this trip wouldn’t be like before where my husband and I went alone. I was surprised how different, but how enjoyable it could be to vacation with a toddler to Walt Disney World.

As someone who lives on the West Coast but frequents the East Coast, I always said I would wait until my kids are “older” to go to Walt Disney World. I’m glad we didn’t wait! It was worth every moment seeing my kids enjoy Walt Disney World. There is a lot more to do than what people might expect for this age group.

My biggest recommendation is to be sure to utilize your downloaded My Disney Experience app. You will be able to quickly navigate the map, from where you are, for access to restrooms, first aid, Baby Care Centers and quick service restaurants. Some areas you might need to get to quickly.

Forget Something or Need a Rest?

Speaking of Baby Care Centers, these are a perfect place to get away during the heat or when needing a rest. If your little one comes down with something, they offer over-the-counter medications to purchase, as well as other items like wipes and extra clothing. A good thing to know for emergencies.

What Can Toddlers Do at Walt Disney World?

Like I was saying above. This vacation with our toddler was nothing like I expected. It had its rough moments, yes, but overall it was a lot of fun to see Disney through the eyes of my children. Walt Disney World can be entertaining for a toddler. There is a lot to look at and explore. Disney has a way of ensuring everyone, of every age, has fun.

Toddler Rides At Disney

Walt Disney World toddler friendly rides are available. Our son had fun on ‘The Seas with Nemo & Friends‘. There are plenty of rides that are slower paced and interactive for young children. Here are some of our top favorites.

Magic Kingdom

• Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Dumbo the Flying Elephants
• Jungle Cruise
• Main Street Vehicles (if your toddlers love cars and vehicles, these are the best)
• Peter Pan’s Flights (ensure your toddler is okay with heights)
• Walt Disney World Railroad (awesome for train lovers)
• Astro Orbiter
• The Magic Carpets of Alladin
• Buzz Lightyear’s Scace Ranger Spin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway

Epcot

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Frozen Ever After (get FastPass+ for this ride early and ensure your toddler is okay with one small drop in the ride)
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Hollywood Studios

• Toy Story Mania!

Animal Kingdom

• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train

Don’t Forget Attractions

Attractions can also be great for toddlers. They give their feet a rest and gets them interacting with fun adventures. A great way for some “downtime” while at Walt Disney World. Here are my top favorite Walt Disney World toddler friendly attractions.

Magic Kingdom

• Country Bear Jamboree
• Mickey’s Philhar Magic
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

• Innovations
• Kidcot Fun Stops around World Showcase
• SeaBase
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Hollywood Studios

• Disney Junior Live On Stage
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (get to sign up right as the park opens)

Animal Kingdom

• Affection Section
• The Boneyard
• Conservation Station
• Discovery Island Trails (there are many fun trails throughout the parks and animals to see)
• Fossil Fun Games

Toddler Friendly Foods

I didn’t think about it until we got there, but sometimes toddlers can be picky about what they eat. Disney does a pretty good job at offering foods that they might like. Various counter services and resort food courts offered “Uncrustables“.

There is also various fruit stands in Animal Kingdom. GoGo squeeZ is also offered at various locations in the Parks. I also recommend grabbing some yogurt and fruit for an on-the-go snack when leaving your selected Disney Resort hotel in the morning from the food court. Mickey Waffles are also something our kids could never get enough of at breakfast. Walt Disney World toddler breakfast of champions, right there.

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Meet Favorite Characters

Don’t forget to catch all of your child’s favorite characters at the different parks. Many meet and greets have FastPass+, so be sure to utilize the My Disney Experience app again. The Magic Kingdom is wonderful for interactive fun with characters, like Pirates of Walt Disney World and Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Another fun thing to do is book a Character Dining reservation. I personally recommend Ohana at the Polynesian Resort. I feel like you get the best food for your money with their family style breakfast. Plus, those Mickey and Stitch waffles just keep coming. It is never very busy, so you get a great time with the characters. Smile for the photos!

More Walt Disney World Tips for Toddlers

I highly recommend getting yourself an umbrella stroller. At first, we didn’t think we would need a stroller for our three-year-old. Boy, were we wrong.

I’m so glad we listened to others because it was a life saver when he was too tired to walk. Avoid the meltdowns and snag one. You can easily order on similar to what we used below. It was perfect with no bending over to push it and simple to transport.

Disney Umbrella Stroller with Basket, Mickey

Use a  small backpack to pack a couple of snacks, wipes and extra pair of clothing in. Plus, you can throw in the sunblock, an empty water bottle and anything else you might need. Pack light to the Parks with kids in tow. However, a few essentials are worth having on hand.

Booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Check out Disney Cruise Line Dining: What to Expect.

Sleep In to Stay Out Later

I know a lot of people say to get out early and get the rides done, but I’m going to say to sleep in and hit the parks closer toward the afternoon. Especially if you are traveling across the country with the time change.

The resorts offer great food courts to snag some breakfast before heading out. This way, you can make it to fireworks in the evening. Or if you do go early, utilize your resort room for an afternoon nap before heading back to the Parks again.

Most of all, bring your patience. There might be meltdowns, there will be things your toddler has no interest in doing. I was seen once with a crying toddler in tow behind me once or twice. Welcome to life. Just know you will make memories and have a lot of fun.

Is Walt Disney World toddler friendly? Absolutely. I know people worry if their little ones will even remember the experience, but I think they will. Our son still talks about it still. When he sees a commercial, he yells out, “That Disney World!”. The magic is there.

Enjoy the moments that make the vacation. Our son meeting his’ favorite characters were the best moments possible. I didn’t get to ride every ride and eat everything on site like I’m used to, but I got to see our kids make the magic of their own. That was worth every moment.

Love bringing home Disney Pins? Check out my DIY Disney Pin Board to make and display in your home.