Disney World and the Energetic Toddler

When thinking about taking a toddler to Disney World many thoughts probably cross your mind. Are they too young to remember, will it be a challenge to bring them, is Disney World really for little kids? Well the answer is "yes" to all of the above.

Disney World is a great place for toddlers even if they are too young to remember. They are too young to remember their first birthday and many parents go all out for that event. It is all about memories that you are creating for your entire family. Even if your toddler does not remember the first time they meet Pluto you surely will. Take lots of pictures or capture the moment on a video.

Take Disney World at a toddler's pace. Do not plan on doing everything. It will end up as a source of frustration once you realize that you cannot complete it all. Pick a hotel where you and your family feel comfortable and take frequent breaks there. Let your kids splash around in the hotel pool or nap in the cool of the room.

Plan sit down character meals. This way if your child is scared of the character it is easy to distract them for a minute or to politely tell Mickey, and wave him pass the table. It is different if you wait in line for close to an hour; at that point everyone is frustrated and you want to take that picture anyways.

Hot sweaty toddlers equal miserable toddlers. Travel during the cooler months or plan ahead to keep your little ones hydrated. Lots of water, hand-held fans, and splashes in the water playgrounds will work. One of my favorite water areas is in Ariel's Grotto. Here the children can run around on soft blue mats and cool of in the sprinklers that come right up out of the ground.

Consider traveling during an off-peak time. With less crowds it is easier to get a stroller through the maze of Disney travelers. Speaking of strollers sometimes it can be tricky getting a stroller on and off the buses. Renting a car may be a good option for you. This way you can come and go as you please from the parks.

If you are lucky enough to have the help of another family member then take it. Go out and leave your child playing in the room or around the hotel grounds with them. If you do not have the help of another, remember Disney offers things such as "Baby Swap" on rides. This allows one parent to ride while the other stays behind with the child and then they can switch spots without the hassle of waiting in line all over again.

If your child is slightly older than a toddler consider using one of Disney's club for an evening out. Many of the resorts host events for children; they feed them, play games, all in a safe environment. During the day take them to Epcot. You can go all "around the world" and make crafts in each country.

Consider purchasing tickets for only a portion of your stay. For instance if you are staying for 7 days then only purchase park tickets for 5. This way you do no feel compelled to go to the parks everyday. Disney offers so much more beyond the parks. You can hang out at your resort, take a stroll at the Boardwalk, head to Down Town Disney for some shopping, or head over to one of the miniature golf courses.

Make this trip as much about your toddler as you can. Take Disney World one day at a time. It is a huge place and can be very exhausting for adults. How many of us have come home from here and needed another vacation?