There is nothing more magical that experiencing Disney World with young children, more importantly your own grandchildren. Their excitement and wonder is infectious and made my time there even more exciting.
We also had one adult who had never been to Disney before and his excitement was just as magical. He was just able to articulate it better. His perspective made me realize that we can find enjoyment in everything no matter our age. Because of my son-in-law I promise to approach each new experience in my life with the same sense of wonder.
Our oldest granddaughter is 6 and hit that ever important 44 inches in height over the holidays. She was tall enough to go on all the rides and fearless enough to really enjoy them. She was way braver than me going on the roller coasters and other thrill rides, which was very humbling. Even so I know my limits and she had plenty of other adults to accompany her.
My other granddaughter was only 18 months so not able to go on the bigger rides. The My Disney Experience app I discussed last article also offered tips on who could enjoy each ride such as height restrictions, considerations for existing health conditions and what thrills to expect. We used this information to find the rides and shows that we could all go on.
Having said that there were many rides the rest of us wanted to try, even if the youngest could not. Disney offers an excellent service called the Parent Swap. One parent (and their travel partner if there is a larger group) could stay behind with the baby while the rest of us stood in line and enjoyed the ride. When we got off the parents were able to go through the Lightening Lane and ride without waiting again. All the parents had to do was register at each ride then present their passes when it was time to get on. On one of them, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, they were given an open pass to use any time of the day because of the long wait times.
Some other tips that helped keep the little ones happy included breaking the day in half. We would arrive at the park
for early resort entry and do as much as we could until about noon. We then went back to the resort for a bite to eat, naps, swims or just to relax. Heading back into the park again around 3pm meant the little ones were able to last through a later dinner and fireworks.
Strollers were a common sight in the park. You can rent a stroller each day or bring one from home. We just brought a simple umbrella stroller because it was recommended by the airline. It was light weight, easy to fold down and transport. We could take in on the bus from the resort as well. There was ample stroller parking at each ride because you could not take them into the wait lines. Be sure to bring something to mark your stroller for easy retrieval in a sea of ones that are almost all identical. I saw brightly coloured scarves, pompoms and other personal items. Forget balloons as almost everyone had one of those as well.
Be sure to let your little ones interact with the characters when possible. Cast members are trained to ensure they are non threatening, approachable and keep it light and simple. Hugs are plentiful. Our littlest blew kisses and played hide and seek with Daisy Duck at dinner until we were all in tears. It was the best time.
I am sure that travelling with young ones in a group was easier with a number of aunts and uncles as well as grandparents available to help out. Without extra help though Disney is meant to be enjoyed by little ones so don’t wait until them are too old for their first visit.
And have a magical day!!