Special Interests -- Tips and Advice

Here's information on Walt Disney World for:

• Traveling with a baby
• Traveling with children
• Adults at Disney

Head to Walt Disney World with your baby if:
-You've already got the "outing with the baby" down pat at home (all day forays to the mall or zoo don't intimidate you)
-You're a bit of an adventurous soul
-You can't bear the thought of no vacations for the next two years
-Baby is pretty easy going, and you suspect can handle travel well

What's in Store for You at the Parks
If you are nursing Baby, or if Baby needs peace and solace in order to eat, the good news is that each major park has a Baby Center onsite. These facilities are air-conditioned and offer nursing rooms (nice and dimly lit with rocking chairs), high chairs, microwaves, and a little quiet room with a TV for babies or toddlers who just need a little break. There are also some changing stations that allow for more maneuvering than the changing stations in the park restrooms. You'll also find baby essentials for sale at the Baby Centers, such as formula, diapers, and baby food (last time I checked).

Even though the Baby Centers are centrally located within the parks, there can still be some distance to walk. When our littlest one was a baby and was nursing, we planned a couple of stops at the Baby Center during the day, and everything worked out well.

Baby Exchange
Assuming you're traveling with at least two adults, Disney offers an innovative feature so that Mom and Dad can both enjoy the rides. The idea here is "Baby Exchange," or "Baby Swapping." Some of the rides offer an actual waiting area, while others provide a Return Pass for Parent #2 so that they have no wait when they go thru the ride.

Here's the basic run-down: Dad and Little Johnny go thru the line while Mom and Baby wait in the special waiting area. Dad picks up a special Ticket from the Cast Member at the start of the line. Once Dad and Little Johnny have taken the ride, Mom is given the special Ticket and then goes to the head of the line (no wait) along with Little Johnny (who's excited to ride again). Dad stays behind in the waiting area with Baby.

Each ride is a bit different, and you'll need to ask the Cast Member who's at the start of the ride how that particular ride works the swapping system. But I tell ya, it's ingenious, and stress-free. And if parenting has been bogging you down lately, this method of enjoying the parks can be absolutely spirit lifting! I don't care how old you are, if you 're not smiling after a zip thru Splash Mountain, there's just no hope for you!!!

Rides that are Baby Friendly
There are some shows and rides that are actually baby friendly (or baby tolerable, depending on your baby's temperament). Performance shows such as the Little Mermaid in Disney MGM are great for little ones. Every baby will eek out a smile in the It's a Small World ride in Magic Kingdom. Parades are a snap for babies (they love the music and entertainment unless they are zonked out in the stroller).

Dining with Baby
Another plus to Walt Disney World for families is that babies are warmly welcome in all the restaurants. This is a big bonus for Mom and Dad who have been avoiding their favorite restaurants at home in fear of the fussy baby factor. All restaurants have high chairs and car seat slings, along with Kids Menus. The only restaurant I would avoid with a baby is Victoria & Albert's (it's expensive, and your fellow diners might give you "that look," but the wait staff is truly compassionate). If Date Night is what you crave, you can pre-arrange private sitting in your Disney Resort room. Ask your travel agent for details.

Biggest Bit of Advice Traveling with Baby
If this is your first baby and/or your first trip with baby, follow this simple rule. Plan your day, and then cut your activity list in half. As you know already, Baby doesn't always cooperate. No sense in stressing yourself out! Plan on being at the Parks for ½ the day instead of the normal full day, and spend the other ½ back at your Resort with nap time and pool time. Remember that Florida gets warm mid-day, so this is the best time to be in your cool hotel room.
Disney with Toddlers
Traveling with a toddler is very similar to traveling with a baby. You'll need to preplan for meal times, diaper changes (or potty stops), and some down time in the afternoon.

You'll also want to consider your toddler's experience. Characters may be an exciting element, or they may be too frightening (yeouch, that massive duck is coming towards ME!). Some rides may require baby swapping due to height restrictions or the "fear factor" involved.