Parents Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World with Little Kids and Toddlers

EPCOT offers an array of slower-paced and exploratory experiences that keep little kids engaged.

Toddler-Favorite Attractions to Ride

• Frozen Ever After: Travel to Arendelle on this delightful, musical voyage through the world of Disney's animated film Frozen.
• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure: Feel like you've shrunk down to Chef Remy's size as you scurry through Gusteau's Paris restaurant on this big adventure based on the Disney and Pixar film.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends: Board a "clamobile" before slowly descending "below the waves" to join Nemo and his friends among colorful coral reefs. Following your underwater adventure, explore SeaBase, a massive aquarium teeming with sealife.

Character Moments

• Meet Beloved Disney Pals at Mickey & Friends: Stop by World Celebration for the opportunity to snap a photo and get an autograph.
• Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus: Receive a royal welcome from Anna and Elsa on a visit to their charming summer cabin.
• Turtle Talk with Crush: Enjoy some rest and recovery as you take a seat with your little one, then have a totally rad interaction with the most tubular sea turtle along the East Australian Current.

Shows, Parades & Sing-Alongs

• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along: Relax in this cozy French cinema for a musical retelling of the enchanting story of Disney's classic animated film, Beauty and the Beast, narrated by Mrs. Potts herself.
• ¡Celebración Encanto!: Take part with your little one during this joyous musical sing-along featuring Mirabel and the Madrigal family at CommuniCore Plaza.
• Luminous The Symphony of Us: Toddlers can marvel at this nighttime spectacular that features fireworks, fountains and lights all set to an original musical composition that will keep kids enthralled.

Play & Exploration

• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: Experience a lush, outdoor exploration trail on this self-guided tour where your child will have magical encounters with water and discover its playful personality.
• SeaBase Aquarium: Explore the mysteries of life below the waves at this magnificent ocean-themed aquarium.
• Kidcot Fun Stops: Take part in some interactive fun where little ones collect cards and mementos featuring the culture and traditions of each World Showcase station.

Toddler Tip: World Showcase features cultural activities and attractions across 11 countries, each of which offers fun activities such as face painting, scavenger hunts, interactive experiences and more that will enthrall toddlers ages 2 to 5.

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Explore EPCOT

There's plenty of action for toddlers ages 2 to 5 at this theme park that celebrates Disney movie magic.

Toddler-Favorite Attractions to Ride

• Slinky Dog Dash: Take a wild ride through Andy's oversized backyard on this family-friendly coaster for those 38" or taller.
• Toy Story Mania!: Little ones can put on 3D glasses then step into Andy's room and blast away at targets in this carnival-inspired attraction.
• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway: Board a "runaway" train car and then zig and zag through this zany adventure inside a cartoon universe.

Character Moments

• Meet Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams: Watch as your toddler gets the red carpet treatment during a photo op with Mickey Mouse and his leading lady, Minnie Mouse.
• Meet the Toys in Toy Story Land: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie are playing in Toy Story Land—a favorite photo op for preschoolers.
• Green Army Drum Corps: Your mission is to have a good time as The Green Army Drum Corps entertain Guests with their fun, precision drumming that's sure to get your toddler dancing along to the beats.

Shows, Parades & Sing-Alongs

• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Hear the history of the enchanted kingdom of Arendelle—then join Elsa, Anna and Kristoff for a sing-along to some numbers from Disney's Frozen.
• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: Relive Ariel's adventure as she follows her dreams to be a part of the human world. Fin-tastic set pieces and special effects are perfectly paired with musical numbers inspired by Disney's animated classic.
• Fantasmic!: Good and Evil battle it out in Mickey's dreams during this stunning show that features amazing effects, thrilling stunts and dazzling pyrotechnics all projected on a canvas of dancing water and set to an epic musical score. Although Fantasmic! may feature loud musical numbers and lots of action, toddlers generally love this spectacular show that offers the perfect way to cap off your day at the park.

Play & Exploration

• NEW! Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: There's a fun-filled, high-energy, interactive celebration at Mickey's house and you and your toddler are invited to sing and dance along with beloved Disney Pals.
• NEW! The Magic of Disney Animation: Watch your child's eyes light up as Disney stories come to life around them during this celebration of Disney animation. Enjoy different spaces where your toddler can sketch with Olaf, learn about the animation process, explore the Mary Blair-inspired playground and more!
• Toy Story Land: Enter this world featuring adventures for kids and grown-ups alike. With plenty of rides, shows, Character encounters, delicious food and more, there's so much for your toddler to see and do.

Toddler Tip: In order to maximize the magic of your toddler's visit, take note of their comfort level during shows and attractions with loud noises.

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Explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Here is a sample 5-Day itinerary for a vacation at Walt Disney World Resort with a toddler.  A stay of 5 or more days gives Guests more time to enjoy their must-dos.

 

DAY 1: DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK

Morning
Arrive early for Kilimanjaro Safaris, when animals are most active. 

Afternoon
At lunchtime, use the My Disney Experience app to preview menus and order ahead; then explore your must-do attractions until your meal is ready. Following lunch, continue your day in the park and enjoy more attractions.

Evening
Take in a show and ride more attractions before heading to one of the Resort hotels for an early Character Dining experience your whole family will love. Following dinner, head back to your Resort hotel to get some rest before your early start at Magic Kingdom park in the morning. 

 

DAY 2: MAGIC KINGDOM PARK

Morning
Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before opening and the rope drop takes place allowing you to be among the first to enter the park. Start with popular attractions while lines are shorter, then stop for breakfast.

Afternoon
Relax over lunch, ordering ahead in the My Disney Experience app. Then, catch a high-energy parade and continue with your must-do attractions.

Evening
Enjoy a relaxing dinner—reserve ahead to secure a table. Ride a few more attractions, watch the fireworks, then take complimentary transportation back to your Resort hotel.

 

DAY 3: EPCOT

Morning
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast either at your Resort hotel or at one of the theme park restaurants. If you are at the park during a festival, be sure to check out any activities or special events that may be offered throughout the day. Continue your morning in the park riding your “must-do” attractions. 

Afternoon
Try some authentic food and beverages at World Showcase as you take in the sights, flavors and activities throughout all 11 countries represented. Then, accompany your toddler back to your Resort hotel to play in the pool and relax. If you have an older child with you, use this time for them to go on attractions with a taller height requirement. Don’t forget to take advantage of Rider Switch during the day as well.

Evening
Meet back up in the park for a nice family dinner at one of the restaurants. After dinner, find a spot to enjoy the fireworks spectacular Luminous – The Symphony of Us. 

 

DAY 4: DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Morning
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to a Character breakfast at one of the Resort hotels. Then, take the complimentary Resort transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a fun-filled day.

Afternoon
After experiencing a few attractions and shows, enjoy lunch at one of the park’s many restaurants or quick-service locations. After lunch, ride some more attractions and take in some exciting shows.

Evening
Make reservations for a Fantasmic! dining package at one of the magnificent restaurants and then experience the extravagant nighttime musical Fantasmic! with VIP seating.

 

DAY 5: WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Morning
Wake up and head to breakfast at one of the Resort hotel restaurants for a delicious meal. Following breakfast, return to your Resort hotel to check out.

Afternoon
Spend the day making a splash at the Resort hotel pool. You can store your luggage with Bell Services to enjoy the magic after you check out.

Evening
If you are still in town, head to Disney Springs for some shopping. After you’ve worked up an appetite for dinner, pick out a restaurant that your whole family will love. 

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort with both toddlers and older kids requires considerations of expectations of both age groups. It is important to manage expectations of older kids.

Here are some tips for visiting Walt Disney World Resort with toddlers ages 2 to 5 and older kids:

• Begin the day together with all-ages attractions to ride in the morning when toddlers have the most energy.
• Spend time at shows, Character experiences and shaded areas as bridge moments that work for both age groups.
• Use Rider Switch which allows an adult to stay with the toddler while the older child rides with the other adult in your party. Then, the older child can ride a second time with the waiting adult without standing in line.
• Midday Breaks: While your toddler naps, your older child can enjoy the Resort hotel pool or just relax with some downtime. You can also use this time for one adult to stay in the park with the older child.