Top Tips & Tricks: Orlando With Small Kids

When you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with toddlers and other small children, save yourself time, energy and money with these helpful vacation strategies. Organize now so you can enjoy a story-filled adventure when you get here.

Learn more: First-Timer Guide to Orlando With Kids

Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel in Orlando, and check with your favorite attractions and other businesses for their current status.

Know Before You Go

Give some thought to these considerations before you depart for your Orlando family vacation. You can also explore everything you’ll want to do ahead of your visit with our Orlando Virtual Tour. Need more guidance? Book an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable Vacation Planners, who can answer any and all questions about visiting Orlando with kids.

Strollers

It’s easier to leave your everyday stroller at home. Consider purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight stroller for maneuvering through crowds, or renting one at a theme park. You can also take advantage of one of many options for Orlando stroller rentals.

Packing List

Don’t just wonder what to bring to a theme park in Orlando: Create a realistic list of the things you’ll need on your trip. Remember to bring liquid soap in case you need to wash bottles and baby wash for your little one’s bath time. Here are some essentials you’ll need during your day:

• Bathing suits for the kids
• A lightweight stroller
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Wipes and hand sanitizer
• Inexpensive rain ponchos
• A light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned hotels & restaurants
• Face coverings for children 2 and up
• Hand sanitizer

If you want to keep things light when packing, you can ship diapers and baby food directly to your hotel.

Snacks

Avoid dealing with a grumpy toddler by having snacks on hand. Snacks become especially important when you have a longer-than-expected wait time for your next meal, or for finicky eaters.

Create a Trip Playlist

Generate a level of excitement around your visit by creating a playlist of favorite songs from Disney and Universal Studios movies. When you return home, your family can relive the happy memories by singing favorite tunes.

Hotel Considerations

When it comes to your toddler’s needs, most hotels will have free cribs and highchairs available, but it’s best to reserve those in advance when you book your stay.

Allergies

Most theme parks will make every effort to accommodate guests to the best of their ability. Again, this is something you’ll want to research ahead of time. Check theme park websites for allergy information. Additionally, you can bring your own food and water into Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort theme parks if you choose, as well as baby food and other specialty dietary items at SeaWorld® Orlando.

Special Needs

Please contact Guest Services at each theme park to inquire about an attraction's assistance pass for your child or family member. Click here to read more about special needs services at Orlando theme parks.

Visit Orlando App

Download Visit Orlando’s complimentary mobile app. It’s the ultimate, easy-to-use guide to navigating Orlando like a pro and getting trusted trip-planning advice before your arrival.

Discount Tickets

Save money and time by purchasing tickets in advance to your favorite theme parks and attractions with discounted tickets from Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com and special offers.

Learn more: Things to Do Beyond Theme Parks

Express & Fast Passes

To give your toddler the least amount of wait time, obtain these passes when available for your must-see theme park rides. Universal Orlando Resort offers Universal Express™ Pass, which requires an additional fee but has no designated time frame.

Also for an additional fee, SeaWorld offers Quick Queue® Unlimited for front-of-the-line access. LEGOLAND’s paid service is Fasttrack, which is available in Unlimited and 3-Pack versions.

Available in the My Disney Experience app, the complimentary Disney Genie Service will help you maximize your park time at Walt Disney World Resort. It also includes paid Lightning Lane options for expedited attraction access.

Please check with your preferred theme parks for the availability of express passes at the time of your visit.

Once You're Here

If you’ve followed our pre-arrival suggestions, you’ll be in good shape for a hassle-free family getaway in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Once you’ve arrived, make plans for the following.

Scheduling Breaks

Although it’s tempting to want to pack it all in, it’s smart to give your toddler time for a break to avoid exhaustion or meltdowns. Everyone will feel refreshed by heading back to the hotel for an afternoon nap or cool dip in the pool.

Rider Swap or Switch

Here’s how it works: A family member informs a ride employee of their need to ride switch, whereupon one parent will be directed to wait at a designated area with the baby or toddler while the other parent takes the older child on the ride. Once the ride ends, the parents meet back up and switch off. This service is featured at all the major theme parks — just let a ride attendant be aware of your need.

Child Care Centers

Every theme park has designated areas for diaper changing, nursing stations and more to accommodate those with babies and small children. Research your theme park ahead of time to learn where the respective baby care or family services centers are located. Forgot formula or a pacifier for the day? You’ll be able to pick one up at a baby care center, too.

Fireworks

Catching the fireworks show is something magical and unforgettable that kids won’t want to miss. Be sure to venture back to your hotel or resort before dinner for a much-needed break, then return to the parks rejuvenated and ready to soak up the moment.