How to Travel to Disney World With Toddlers

Set realistic expectations for the day. If you enjoyed the Disney World park regularly before you started a family, you will need to adjust your perceptions of how the day will go. This trip to Disney will be all about your toddler, not about your favorite attractions. Realistically, you will not get to every part of the park, but you can still fit in a few of your most loved rides.

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines with impatient toddlers. Children under three will receive free admission to the park. Tickets can be bought over the phone by calling 407-939-7675 or online (see Resources).

Pack a swimsuit for the day. Especially during the hotter months, toddlers love to run through Disney fountains. This will give you an opportunity to rest, and your child will love a chance to cool off while they play with other kids.

Measure your toddler's height before you arrive at the park. Many Disney rides have a height requirement. Measuring your child beforehand gives you the opportunity to research what rides will be available for them in the park. This information can be located on the Disney World Website, which you will find listed as the third resource. Click on any attraction that interests you to get more information, including the height requirement. Planning the rides might be your number one defense against toddler tantrums during the day. You can carefully avoid the off-limits rides, instead of measuring them at the attraction's entrance and risking a meltdown when you tell your toddler they can't ride this after all.

Prepare your toddler for the costumed characters. Many children find themselves shy--or even terrified--at the sight of a giant Mickey Mouse. If you are hoping for a classic costumed character photography session with your toddler, you will need to start mentioning that he will meet "Big Mickey" when you arrive at Disney World. Don't let the size of the characters take your children by surprise. Watch a few movies featuring Disney characters before you arrive. Buy your children autograph books to get the characters' signatures. Keep in mind that Disney also has villain characters walking around, and these characters might frighten small children.

Introduce your toddler to a Disney cast member as soon as you arrive to the park, calling special attention to her Disney name tag. Let your child know that, if he gets separated from you, any Disney cast member with a similar name tag can help him locate you.

Grab a Fast Pass ticket from outside rides with long lines. These tickets will give you a time to return and enjoy the ride without the long wait. The Fast Pass system is ideal for families with antsy toddlers, who might struggle with long and uncomfortable waits.

Locate Disney's Carnation Comfort baby center. In these stations, you will find high chairs, changing stations, breast feeding rooms, wash sinks and a room filled with toys. If you forgot anything--such as diapers or formula--you can buy these necessities here.

Enjoy a mid-day nap back at your hotel, especially if your toddler is used to daily rest times. Skipping over this essential part of his schedule will make the last half of the day uncomfortable for everyone.