Hurry Back Vacations - Disney Parks with Toddlers & Families

Here are our recommendations for things you may need when visiting a Disney Park with a toddler to make the trip more comfortable.

You'll notice some overlap in recommendations here and our Toddler Carry-on list. This is on purpose, because we like to pack items that can be used in multiple ways on vacation and at home in real life.

As always, when you're ready to plan your next Disney Vacation, contact us by filling out a quote request.

FYI - The links below are affiliate links to Amazon and we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

Stroller:

I could (and probably will) write an entire page on strollers for Disney Parks. A good stroller can make the trip SO much smoother and smooth is my ultimate goal!

If you travel a lot and you can invest in a super light weight, packable travel stroller, do it! If you're the occasional traveller, or just looking for something more economical, there are a few good options.

I love strollers from Mompush - they are mid-tier in price but top-tier in features and they come with a rain cover, which will save the day during an infamous Florida downpour.

If you're planning to travel a lot, the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller may be the way to go. It is compact, and fits in the airplane overhead bins! So you won't have to worry about what is happening to your stroller or wait after the plane arrives for it be brought back up.

My must-haves for a good Disney Parks stroller:

Fits Disney's Stroller Dimensions: Disney has specific sizing for strollers and they do not allow wagon strollers (even if you push them in front of you). The exception to wagon's is if your child needs a wagon for medical reasons.
Easily Folds & Light Weight: You will have to fold it to use the Disney buses, and most of the boats.
One handed steering: Needing both hands to steer prevents you from taking a drink of water while walking or handing your kiddo a snack.
Storage Basket: To stash your diaper bag, park purchases, blankets, whatever. Just remember, you have to take that stuff out when you get on the bus/boat and, security will check through everything at park entry.

Stroller Accessories:

Cup holder: Cup holder or five! Most strollers come with only one cup holder - order another one, or two, to hold the whole family's drinks.
Stroller storage: The under seat storage basket is great - however, you will have to remove everything from the basket to board the Disney buses and most boats. I like to use this stroller organizer bag to hang on the back since it has zipper pockets, drink holders (best for sealed bottles), and a large mesh pocket. The best part is, it stays on the stroller when I fold it up. Additionally, I use this bag to organize their things for the airplane / airport and take it on as the plane with us.
Rain Cover: If your stroller doesn't come with a rain cover like the Mompush, find them for yours on Amazon.
Fan: I am all for building resilience in kids - but, that heat and humidity in Florida is something else! I like adding a rechargeable fan to keep the kids somewhat more comfortable during those long, hot days.
Snack Tray: Am I obsessed with snacks? Yes. Fed kids, are happier kids! - If your stroller doesn't have a snack tray built in, you should be able to find a universal snack tray that will work.
Apple Air Tag: For all rides and most restaurants, you will park your stroller in the designated stroller parking. Disney Cast Members moves strollers around in these areas for efficiency of space. Sometimes, your stroller could be in a completely different part of the parking lot when you come back. Track it down with the Air Tag. These also come in handy for travelling, or on the slim chance someone else takes your stroller.
Luggage Bag: Put your stroller in a bag before checking it on the airplane - this will keep it slightly safer while it's being handled by the airline. If you're traveling alone, the bag might be more trouble since you'll have to put it in before getting on the plane and get it back out when you arrive.

Snacks:

Snacks in the parks can be expensive and you have to wait in line AND they probably don't have your toddler's favorite things. There are a few reasons why resealable containers like these snack containers from Whiskware will make your days in the parks better.

The first is somewhat obvious - hard plastic containers prevent items from being crushed - no one wants a meltdown over smashed Goldfish crackers.

The second is that Disney squirrels love to steal food from unattended strollers (yes, I am 100% serious!). We prevent this by using these containers with twist on lids so they can't swipe our snacks!

And finally, these containers also make saving food from the restaurants easy, if your toddler doesn't want to eat or didn't finish their mac & cheese. Keep your left overs cold with these cooler bags.

Cooler Bag with Built-In Freezer Packs:

Disney doesn't allow loose ice in coolers. There are a few ways to get around this and keep your food cold:

Bring your own reusable freezer packs or freezable cooler bag.
Bring zip lock bag for getting ice from the hotel ice maker.
Freeze water bottles for your "ice

We've used all of these methods and our favorite is the freezable cooler bags. It is an all-in-one solution that works well and means I can pack less stuff. You place the entire bag in the freezer overnight and it is ready to go the next day. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on your family size and snack packing habits.

I like items that we can use in real life and on vacation, and these bags really come in handy for summer pool days, sporting events, school lunch, or just running errands.

Reusable Water Bottle:

This is another topic I could go on and on and on about! Am I the only one who cannot go anywhere without water? I'd recommend bring water water bottle your toddler uses at home. An insulated version is a good idea since you'll be spending most of your time outdoors. The tap water in Florida is awful in my opinion, it is undrinkable (sorry Florida). Here are a few strategies we've used to avoid tap water and stay hydrated.

Free Ice Water at Disney Quick Service: You can get free ice water at any quick service window, even if you're not ordering food. They will serve the water in their disposable cups and you can use them to refill your reusable bottles.
Water Bottle with Filter: Disney has been slowly adding water bottle refill stations around the park. These Brita bottles with the filter built-in work well to make the tap water drinkable. The water refill station water has been kind of cold, definitely not ice cold, if that is what you like.
Kids Meals: All kids meals come with a drink so I get the bottled water option (they are the small size Aquafina bottles). I still refill our reusable water bottles with the free ice water and then keep the bottles for later.
Grocery Delivery:We also order a case (or two in the summer) of bottled water to be delivered to our hotel with other groceries. This is a great way to save money vs. paying $4-$6 per water bottle in the parks.

Diapers & Bathroom Situation:

In the parks, I use these bags as mini diaper bags. My personal preference is to not lug huge backpacks or diaper bags into the bathrooms. These bags are a perfect size to hold diapers, wipes, clothes, diaper cream, etc.

When you're potty training, or potty trained, I've used these to hold the toddler seat for toilets, sanitizer wipes, and/or toilet covers. Since there are two, waterproof pockets, you can keep the toilet seat in the large pocket, and the sanitizing items in the small pocket. Use the toilet covers provided in the bathroom before placing the toddler toilet seat on to help keep things clean.

If you're thinking this is all too much, you are the lucky ones who have never experienced a toddler absolutely refusing to use a public restroom because the toilets are scary and they need a potty seat!

Disney Baby Care Centers: Don't skip the baby centers! These are located in all parks and have changing tables, bathrooms, bottle warmers, microwaves, seating, water fountains, etc. These centers offer a quiet place to change a diaper, change clothes, eat, etc. They also have a few supplies for sale if you forgot/run out of diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc.

Wipes, Wipes, MORE Wipes:

I don't think you can have enough wipes - from sticky hands, toys, cups, restaurant tables, I am using these things all the time.

Boogie Wipes brand are my personal favorite because they do not leave any residue behind on your hands or theirs. The alcohol free wipes are perfect for hands and face, and won't irritate sensitive skin.

Boogie Brand has a bunch of other products that we love including their hand sanitizer spray.

Sunblock Stick / Lotion:

Florida is pretty sunny (and rainy) - but mostly sunny! These sunblock sticks are great to apply sunblock without getting it all over your hands.

I prefer the sticks over the spray for a few reasons. The first, is the sticks last longer. The second, is you can use these on the kids faces without drama. The last, is you can apply the stick while waiting in line, or inside restaurants, etc. without being that obnoxious person spraying other people around them!

If you love the spray, I recommend using it as a base layer before you leave the hotel and then reapplying with the sticks or lotion in the parks.

Glow Sticks:

I don't know if it's just me but, the parks are SO dark at night, especially Magic Kingdom. I love adding glow sticks to the stroller and the kids so I can see them! Plus, what toddler doesn't love glow sticks! They are also easy to pack and take up little space in your bag. You can usually find them at the dollar store but, of course, Amazon always has a huge selection.

Shoes:

Depending on the time of year, it may rain during your trip. These shoes by Merrell have been awesome for the rain and shine. They come in toddler and big kid sizes and also different colors. We brought two pairs along with a set of tennis shoes, that way there is a different dry option every day.

Rain Jacket / Poncho:

Pack that rain jacket or poncho and keep it in your Park bag. Disney does sell ponchos in the parks, but they run out sometimes and the rain can be sudden. I prefer a rain jacket but other people like the poncho because they can cover their backpacks and is a bit longer to provide more coverage.

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