Enjoying Walt Disney World with an Infant
If you're heading to Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler in tow, first of all—congrats! You're about to experience the parks in a new and truly magical way. And second—let’s talk about what that really looks like.
I have a full blog post that covers everything you need to know about taking a baby or toddler to Disney, so if you want a survival-specific breakdown of the gear, rides, and day-to-day logistics, head over there first.
But this blog? This one is different. This one is for the moms (or dads or caregivers!) who are doing Disney with a baby on their hip and maybe haven’t had a full night’s sleep in...well, a while. Because it’s not just about how to care for your baby. It’s also about how to nurture yourself—body, mind, and spirit—while you do it.
The Truth: Disney With a Baby Is a Different Kind of Magic
When our fourth baby was born, I had this little voice in my head saying she had to make it to Disney before she turned one. (Don’t ask me why. Disney adults, you get it.) Life happened, and we didn't make it. But here she is—now 19 months old and about to go on her fifth trip. Every age has brought something different, and honestly? Traveling with multiple kids, including an infant or toddler, has taught me more about myself than I expected.
So here’s the truth: bringing a baby to Disney is not just about the baby. It’s also about recognizing that you’re likely still in the thick of postpartum life. Even a year later, your body and mind may be healing, adjusting, and balancing a new normal. That’s not always easy in a theme park. So let’s dig into how to care for your baby—and yourself—on a Disney day.
Your Must-Have Baby Gear at Disney
A Stroller That Works For You
The stroller is not just a convenience—it's your baby's home base. This is where they nap, rest, snack, and cruise through the parks. Make sure it reclines, has a strong sunshade, and works well for your baby’s needs.
Don’t forget: a rain cover, a lightweight or cozy blanket depending on the season, stroller fan for hot months, and stroller tag to identify yours among the hundreds parked outside rides.
Personally? I think strollers are essential until age 6 or even 7 depending on your child. You’ll thank yourself later.
Sun Protection
Florida sun is no joke. Pack:
Baby-friendly sunscreen
Wide-brimmed hat
A muslin swaddle or clip-on shade extender for added coverage
A stroller with a generous canopy is ideal.
All the Essentials (and Then Some)
Think of Disney as a full-day event with no quick run back to the car. Pack extra:
Diapers, wipes, changing pad
Formula and bottles if needed
Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer
Bottled water for formula prep
Pacifiers or loveys for soothing
Tip: I always overpack diapers and underpack distractions—grab a few small toys or books they love.
Baby Carrier
I am team carrier all day. My baby girl loved being close during our park days, and a good carrier was a game-changer.
For infants, the BabyBjörn Carrier was a dream.
As she grew, I upgraded to the Líllébaby® Carryon Airflow Toddler Carrier, perfect for those late-night walks when she was too tired for anything but cuddles.
Pro tip: Wearing your baby makes stroller folding easier on transportation like buses and trams.
How to Actually Enjoy Your Day (Not Just Survive It)
Nursing in the Parks
Walt Disney World is incredibly nursing-friendly. You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the parks, and there’s no need to cover up unless you want to.
Need a quiet place? Head to the Baby Care Centers (more on those below) for peace and privacy.
Diaper Changes
Changing tables are available in all women's and most men's restrooms. There are also several companion restrooms throughout the parks—great for extra space or if you're changing multiple kids.
Use the Baby Care Centers—Seriously
These are underrated gems. Every Disney park has one, and they offer:
Private nursing rooms with rocking chairs
Changing tables
High chairs
Microwaves and sinks
Emergency baby supplies for sale
Even better? It’s a calm, air-conditioned break from the noise and stimulation. I’ve used them just to rock my baby and get a moment of quiet to reset my own nervous system.
Be Flexible With Your Plans
This is not the trip to rope drop and close the parks (unless you’re alternating shifts with another adult). Take breaks. Skip rides. Stay in one land longer. Slow is the pace of baby travel.
And remember to use Rider Switch so you can still ride big attractions while someone stays with the baby.
Nurturing Yourself While at Disney
Now that we’ve covered how to care for baby—let’s talk about you.
1. Take Breaks—Not Just for the Baby
Yes, use the Baby Care Centers for baby needs, but also use them to sit, breathe, and just be. Grab a snack, close your eyes, and remember: your experience matters too.
2. Nourish Your Body
Don’t skip meals, and don’t forget water. It’s easy to focus on bottles and snacks for your child and completely forget about your own hunger cues. Aim to sit down for at least one meal a day—your feet (and mood) will thank you.
Bring protein bars, fruit, or nuts in your bag. Better yet, mobile order a coffee and a croissant from a quick-service location while your baby naps in the stroller.
3. Adjust Expectations
You won’t “do it all.” But what you’ll gain are the moments—your baby’s first parade, the joy of a Mickey balloon, the stillness of rocking your child near the castle. Let those be enough.
4. Tag-Team When You Can
If you're traveling with a partner or family, trade off responsibilities. One of you strolls the baby while the other takes the older kids on a ride or grabs a snack. It doesn’t always have to be you.
Unexpected Perks of Bringing a Baby to Disney
There are actually some big wins when traveling with an infant:
🎟 Free Admission: Babies under 3 don’t need a park ticket.
⚡ No Genie+ Needed: They don’t count toward Lightning Lane selections.
🏨 Room Sizing Perks: They count in the 5+1 setup for Disney resort rooms.
✈️ Fly Free: Lap infants under age 2 fly for free on most airlines.
🍽 Free Dining: Babies eat free at all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants.
📸 Memories for Life: No, they may not remember it—but you will. That’s enough.
Final Thoughts: Disney as a Postpartum Parent
You’re doing a hard and beautiful thing—navigating a dream vacation with a baby in tow. You might cry happy tears watching the fireworks with your infant asleep in your arms. You might also cry real tears when your back is aching and the diaper bag is too heavy.
Both are valid.
Taking care of a baby means tuning into their needs—but don’t forget to tune into yours. Rest. Laugh. Hydrate. Breathe. Take the picture, even if you feel exhausted. One day, you’ll look back and see a version of yourself who was doing it all with love.
And that, my friend, is Disney magic in its purest form.
Want to know more about what to pack, what rides you can go on, or how to plan your park days with a baby? Check out my Complete Guide to Taking a Baby or Toddler to Disney for everything you need to know. 💫
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic?
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
