Going to Disney World with a baby but don’t know where to start? With this series, I’m giving you my best tips so you can have the stress-free vacation you deserve!
Last month, I started this series to help those who are thinking about taking their baby to Disney World, but are completely overwhelmed by the thought. Is it stressful and difficult? It doesn’t have to be. Does it take a little thought, planning, and effort? Yes! It can still be fun AND stress-free to do Disney World with a baby. It will definitely be a trip you’ll remember forever and you’ll cherish all of the memories you will make!
In my last post, I went over what to pack for your baby’s first trip to Disney World. For this post, I’m going to be sharing with you some things to consider when deciding on where to stay. If you book your vacation with me as your travel advisor, I will help you pick out the best resort that fits your needs! So if you are overwhelmed and don’t know how to pick the right resort for you, contact me at theweavers@travelbytheweavers.com!
If you are still looking for a few tips on picking out the best resort for your family, here are some things to consider:
Do you need a full kitchen?
Babies need a lot of stuff! Bottles, formula, breas tmilk, baby food, spoons, bowls; it can clutter up a small resort bathroom sink very quickly. The value resort rooms (and some moderates) come with a mini fridge and that’s about it, other than a sink outside of the bathroom. There are no microwaves, kitchen sinks, dishwashers or any other kitchen appliances in the standard and preferred rooms at the value resorts. If you are looking for a kitchenette, consider getting a suite at All-Star Music, Art of Animation, or a Deluxe Villa Studio. If you want a full kitchen (dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, a toaster, and full-size fridge and freezer), you might want to go with a Deluxe Villa resort and get a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suite. You can also get a full kitchen in the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.
Do you need to be close to the parks?
Sometimes parents like to go back to the room in the middle of the day to let the baby take a distraction-free nap. In that case, you’ll need to be closer to the parks in order to save lots of time. If you’d like to get to the parks quicker without having to take a 15-20 minute bus ride, I suggest staying at a resort where you can walk to the parks or take the monorail. You can get to Magic Kingdom by monorail while staying at The Polynesian Resort, The Contemporary Resort, and The Grand Floridian Resort. You can also walk to Magic Kingdom from these resorts as well, which keeps you from folding and unfolding strollers. The Magic Kingdom resorts have boat transportation as well but that will be a longer ride to parks (but may be fun if your little ones love boats!). If you want to be close to Epcot, try The Caribbean Beach Resort, The Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, or the fantastic new resort, The Riviera! If you’re an Animal Kingdom fan, go with the Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Do you want a pool with a water slide?
If you have older kids coming along with you, a good pool and water slide can help them burn off steam while the baby is taking a nap in the room. All Disney resorts have pools, but if you want something a little more themed or one with a water slide or splash pad, I would recommend staying at a moderate or deluxe/villa resort. The Grand Floridian and Polynesian have my favorite pools, which include a water slide and a splash pad.
Do you need a suite with separate rooms?
Some parents like to have a suite with separate bedrooms and a living area so they can continue to do other activities while the baby is sleeping in the other room. Disney’s All-Star Music and Art of Animation have suites, as well as the cabins at Fort Wilderness and the deluxe villa resorts. At all Disney resorts, you can request a pack-n-play and highchair to be placed in the rooms before your arrival. Keep in mind that a pack-n-play (and all of baby’s stuff!) can take up a lot of space in the small standard and preferred rooms at the value resort and even in a small value resort suite. If you are looking for a little extra space, I would consider staying at a moderate, deluxe, or deluxe villa resort.
Do you need laundry facilities?
Blowouts can happen at any unexpected time (trust me I’ve learned from experience!), and you may suddenly realize you didn’t pack enough clothes for baby and you need to wash some. All of Disney’s resorts have self-service laundry machines and detergent available for you to use any time you are in need. If you don’t want to have to go outside of your room to do laundry, consider staying at a deluxe villa in a 1 bedroom or larger room. There are washers and dryers inside the room!
Do you want club level service?
As we all know, being a parent is hard and sometimes you just need a little extra pampering on your vacation! When you stay at a deluxe resort, you’ll get access to the club level services. These services include:
- Evening turndown
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge
- Refreshments served 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily (7am-10:30am – pastries, fruit, cereal, beverages, 12pm-4pm – chips, cookies, beverages, 5pm-7pm – hot item samples, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer, 8pm-10pm – assorted desserts and cordials, All day – whole fresh fruit and beverages) 2:30pm-4pm – tea and scones at Royal Palm & Sugarloaf ONLY
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Access to Concierge service
- Complimentary health club access
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
You are much braver than I! I did not take my kids to Disney until they were 10 and 12!!!! But this is some great advice! =)
This is such a great post! I’ve only ever stayed at All-Star Resorts but I would love to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Polynesian Resort.
these are excellent tips for traveling with an infant, especially when going to Disney
Love these tips!!! You are way braver than I taking a little one to Disney! You go girl!!!