If you’re planning a trip to Disney World with little ones in tow, you’ll need to be prepared for every possible scenario. Here are a few of our top tips to make traveling with little ones smooth sailing the next time you are headed to Central Florida.
Tips for Flying
If your journey to the Orlando area involves air travel, you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid common travel pitfalls, like toddlers that are hungry or bored. To start, try booking an early morning flight, as flights earlier in the day historically experience the least amount of delays. Next, be sure to pack plenty of surprises to keep your little one engaged while in the air. Assume that the plane will not serve food, or won’t have the food that your toddler prefers, and bring your own portable, mess-free snacks for the flight (like spillproof sippy cups and puffs). Bring along age-appropriate toys (think board books, coloring books, even the iPad) and introduce new books or small toys that your child hasn’t seen before once you are up in the air. The name of the game when flying with little ones is to keep them fed, comfortable, and distracted for the duration of the flight.
Tips for Driving
If the parks are a bit closer to home, there are still several things you can do to make the drive with your little ones less stressful. Again, pack plenty of snacks, and take advantage of the opportunity to bring a few more favorite toys than you would on a plane. There are countless engaging road trip activities that you can purchase for the trip, like quiet books, fidget toys, and games with magnets. You can help pass the time with sing-a-long soundtracks and movies. Also, be sure to schedule many stops along the way so your toddler can stretch their legs and take in some much-needed fresh air. Frequent stops will help break up the journey and stave off irritable moods and potty accidents.
Packing Tips
Regardless of how you get there, you’ll need to pack. When packing up your little one, planning is again key. There are lots of packing lists available online, but don’t fall prey to including every single item suggested and overpacking. When packing your little one for a trip to Disney World, regardless of the time of year, pack sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses as well as plenty of socks and extra shoes. If you’re saving space, pack diapers and sunscreen minimally and plan to purchase the rest once you arrive at your hotel near Disney.Â
Once you make it to Orlando, let where you stay be worry-free. Check out the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc, and Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport for reliable and affordable digs, or consider Aloft Orlando International Drive, Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, or Best Western International Drive near I-Drive. If you’d prefer to stay close to Disney, solid bets are Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista or the Fairfield Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista.Â
