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As much as I wanted to surprise my kids with our upcoming Walt Disney World vacation, I just couldn’t keep it a secret. So, I opted to share everything we plan to do with them to get them excited.
I have a few tricks up my sleeve to surprise them with goodies and treats while we’re there, but for the most part they know the parks we are visiting, as well as where we are staying.
To say I’ve been planning this vacation for months is an understatement. My husband jokes with me and says “Are we going to talk about Walt Disney World every day until we leave?” And my answer, of course, was “YES!”
One of the best parts of taking a vacation is the planning. It’s where you get to imagine everything is going to be perfect even though you know there might be tears and exhausted little kids.
I have researched some very cool ways to make this vacation a little more magical for our family.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Accommodations
There are a million and one reasons why staying at a Walt Disney World hotel is the best way to go when visiting Walt Disney World.
Here’s why I knew this was the ultimate choice.
Obvious Reasons
Complimentary Parking. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking throughout the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and hotel areas at no extra cost.
Early Access to FastPass+ Planning. When you are in the 60 day window of your vacation you can reserve your place in line at rides, attractions and shows. This is a great option to have when you have children who nap. It really helps you plan the day.
Super Cool Reasons
Resort Package Delivery. Walt Disney World Resort guests have the fabulous convenience of not having to lug around their gift shop purchases while visiting one of their parks. Purchases can be delivered back to your hotel gift shop for you to pick up later. This perk is especially handy if you buy something fragile as a keepsake.
Access to Extra Magic Hours. This is when the park opens one hour earlier or two hours later for for on-site guests. This is an amazing perk if you have small children that are up really early.
Get a wake-up call from a character! When staying on-site, you can get a wake up call from a character. To do so, all you need to do is call the front desk of your hotel or press the wake-up call button on the phone inside your hotel room.
There are so many beautiful hotels to choose from and to be honest I picked mine based off of what was best for our family. We have three small children, so I knew we needed space.
I chose Walt Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. We are staying in a suite with a toaster, microwave, high chair, pack n’ play and more.
Having the suite allows us to eat breakfast in the room, since we’ll have some of the amenities to do so.
Tip*** There are some local supermarkets that will deliver groceries to your hotel room.
We’ll use this service to order some cereal, fresh fruit, snacks and drinks. A full belly is a happy kid!
I plan to bring some of these snacks in my diaper bag so I can feed my littlest one while inside the park.
Transportation
Walt Disney World has a wonderful transportation system. Whether you’re using the Magical Express from the airport, or using the monorail or bus from your hotel, you have a ride anywhere no matter what.
The only reason we decided to rent a car for this vacation is because we are visiting family right after our days in Walt Disney World and figured it was easier to have it from the beginning.
Tip*** If you do drive your rental car to the parks, take a photo of where your car is located in the parking lot so it’s easy to find at the end of the day.
Inside the Park Toddler Tips
- Connect your smart phone to the free wifi the park offers. Not only is free wifi available at your hotel resort, but it’s also available inside the theme parks. Wifi will help enhance your experience if you plan to use My Disney Experience App. I highly recommend it for getting wait times for attractions and showtimes for fireworks and parades. You can also find Character greeting locations and times or to check out a restaurant’s menu.
- Use Rider Switch. This handy feature allows adult Guests to take turns waiting with youngsters or Guests unable to ride.
- Utilize the Baby Care Centers inside each of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. Offering more than just privacy, Baby Care Centers are fully staffed and feature a host of amenities for parents with infants and toddlers.
- Amenities include: Private nursing room with rocking chairs, changing room with tables and a unisex bathroom, feeding area with high chairs, kitchen with microwave, oven and sink, and more.
Tip*** Be sure to stock your diaper bag full of diapers and wipes. We are big fans of Huggies® Little Movers. They are perfect for babies on the go.
The reason I love them is because they are Huggie’s most absorbent diapers. And with Leak Lock® they have up to 12 hour protection.
I picked up our box of Huggies® Little Movers at BJ’s Wholesale.
In fact, BJ’s Wholesale and Huggies® are all about family firsts, including one family’s chance to experience the magical firsts of Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.
Every Huggies® purchase gets you another chance to win a 4-Day, 3-Night Walt Disney World® Experience!
Here’s how to enter:
- Buy Huggies®.
- Upload your receipt
- Visit for more details.
We are so excited about our upcoming vacation to Walt Disney World. This our first time taking our 2 and 3-year-old along with us, so it is going to be extra magical.
Have you ever been to Walt Disney World? If so, what is your favorite thing to do there?
Melanie says
We took our kids for the first time this year! It was awesome! #client