disneyworld » and another thought

DisneyWorld is a favourite vacation sport for the whole family. Our first trip was in 2006 with our kids, two and four, and I was seven month pregnant with baby 3. We have been two more times since (one was a surprise for our son’s 5th birthday) and have another trip planned for the end of this August.

Young kids can pose unique travel requirements and visiting family oriented DisneyWorld is no different. Here are a few tips that have helped us:

• Rent a Stroller - All four theme parks offer single and double stroller rentals ($15/day for a single passenger, $31/day for a double passenger, multi-day discount is available). Unless you plan on visiting other areas outside the Disney parks, why struggle with getting kids AND stroller on the Disney buses. (If you have cash handy, hit the express stroller rental booth just outside the Magic Kingdom entrance to bypass the line inside. Then you can just go in and pick-up your stroller).
• Skip the Park Hopper/Water Park Option - We found with young kids planning one theme park a day was enough. If we pushed it and jumped from park to park, things would usually end in a melt down. The water parks are great if your kids are over 48″ (the height requirement for most of the water rides). Under that, they’ll probably have just as much fun at the hotel pool and you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
• Use the Rider Swap Program - If you want to try some of the cooler rides yourself or with your older kids, rider swap allows one parent to ride while the other waits. The waiting parent will be given a fastpass (which is good for up to three riders). When the first parent is finished riding, pass off the young kids and the second parent can go through the fastpass line. It saves a lot on waiting and you both get to ride.
• Bring a Water Bottle - you’re allowed to bring outside food and drink on to the Disney grounds so pack a water bottle for easy fill-ups at the fountains. This will save you from buying high priced water in the park.
• Try the Goofy Coaster - You’re child may meet the height requirements for some of the larger roller coasters, like Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain, but they may not be ready for that excitement yet. Take them on the Goofy Coaster in ToonTown (Magic Kingdom). The ride is smaller but the speed and turns will give you (and your child) a sense of what to expect on the bigger rides.
• Pick-Up your Free Button - Is this your first time visiting DisneyWorld? Are you celebrating a birthday or another special moment? Be sure to grab your FREE button at the Town Hall, just inside of Magic Kingdom. They make great souvenirs too.

Enjoy your trip. And when you come back, be sure to share any other tips that helped you too.

Visiting Mickey Mouse