Read on for everything you need to know before visiting Disney World with a baby!
Visiting Walt Disney World with a baby should be filled with magical memories, not moments of worry and strife. Well, we’re here to provide some guidance in order to ensure your vacation’s a lot more comfortable, especially when bringing your little Mousketeers along. In this article, we’ll discuss Disney’s Baby Care Centers, breastfeeding laws in Florida, and all the other important info you need. Our goal is to give you the confidence to be comfortable throughout your visit. So, sit back and think happy thoughts, as you start planning your dream vacation to the most magical place on earth!
Hey, real quick, traveling with a baby is challenging. Check out our Traveling with Baby Checklist, and make your journey a little easier.
Now then, it’s time to put on your mouse ears and start the show!
First, we’d like to point out that you don’t have to hike across the park to a Baby Care Center just to feed your little one. In 2018, the state of Florida made it legal to breastfeed in public. Anywhere that the nursing mother is allowed to be, publicly or privately, she is allowed to openly breastfeed her child(ren). The law also states that moms decide whether they want to cover as they breastfeed, providing nursing mothers the freedom to choose the option they’re most comfortable with. However, Baby Care Centers offer more than just an indoor place to breastfeed.
For parents looking to unwind, recharge, and cool down with their babies and toddlers, Baby Care Centers are located within all four of the main Walt Disney World parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios). Little ones can comfortably nurse, eat, and be changed in a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. Plus, a full staff of cast members are available to help, during regular park hours.
NOTE: Baby Care Centers are the only locations within the parks that provide microwaves to heat up food brought from outside of the park. In addition, there are on-site shops stocked with purchasable items. These items include wipes, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, formula, and juice.
Further, each location has private nursing rooms with low or dimmable lighting. While expressed breast milk cannot be stored at the center, ice packs are available at the First Aid stations. Additionally, breast pumps can be held at the First Aid stations, meaning nursing mothers have one less thing to carry and/or worry about while visiting the parks.
However, it’s important to note that Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney Springs do not offer Baby Care Centers. Instead, there provide roomy baby changing stations inside most restrooms scattered across each of those parks.
Below is a quick visual guide to each Baby Care Center located within the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
At Animal Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is located on Discovery Island between First Aid and Creature Comforts.
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is near the main entrance, to the left of Crossroads of the World.
Epcot’s Baby Care Center is near the Epcot Experience (the blue roofed building), right next to First Aid, close to Mexico.
Finally, the Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center is between Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace, near the end of Main Street and to the left.
All Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs offer single and double stroller rentals. Single strollers accommodate children up to 50 pounds (23 kg), while double strollers can hold 100 pounds (45 kg) or less. There’s also options to rent strollers for the day or for the entire length of your stay.
Length of stay rentals must pre-pay for the number of days they plan on using the strollers. Doing this saves money as opposed to renting on a day-to-day basis, so it may be worth looking into.
Importantly, when hopping from park to park, you must return strollers to the rental location prior to departure. Later, while visiting a different park, simply show the rental receipt at the stroller rental location and get a fresh stroller for your visit.
As for locations, stroller rentals are at the main entrance of all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Additionally, Epcot has a second stroller rental location at the entrance of International Gateway. While, Disney Springs rents strollers at Sundries (near the bus stop at Town Center).
While you’re thinking about strollers, check out our list of the best double strollers and more!
Here’s a few suggestions for must-have items, if you’re looking to save money before visiting the parks.
At each Walt Disney World park, Disney installed hygienic water stations as part of their initiative to become more eco-friendly. These hydration stations are located all around the parks. Best of all, they’re completely free and much easier to use than using a standard drinking fountain.
If you’re wanting something more personal, check out these customizable water bottles that come in a variety of colors and Disney characters.
Disney Universal Stroller Rain Cover
Depending on the season, rain showers happen daily in Florida. So, whether you rent or bring your own stroller, your little one can enjoy the enchanting scenery while not being affected by the elements with this rain cover. Importantly, this fits over most strollers, including the rentable ones at the parks.
Your little Mousketeer can roll in style with this Mickey (or Minnie!) themed compact stroller. First, it’s lightweight and easy to fold and store when not in use. Next, the stroller’s ultra smooth ride and five-point safety harness lets you to enjoy your walks worry-free as you take in the sights.
Bring a personalized stroller tag and eliminate the stress of searching for your stroller amongst all the others in the designated Stroller Parking areas (typically located near the entrance and exit of the attractions). Many guests have similar-looking strollers, especially the rented ones, so a customized stroller tag makes it much easier to spot your own.
Mickey Mouse Carrier & Breastfeeding Cover
Comfortably shield your child, whether in their carrier or while breastfeeding, with this cover. The knit-rayon material stretches easily over carriers, or you can wrap it around yourself to use as a privacy barrier when breastfeeding. It’s even strong enough to support your baby in swings or shopping carts.
This set of sunscreen necessities meets the required guidelines for traveling with containers. Ensure that your baby is ready for the Florida sun with proper SPF protection, without paying the high cost for sunscreen at the parks. Bonus, this set includes an adorable stuffed monkey as a traveling companion.
Baby Wrap Carrier for Newborns & Infants
So, what if your baby wants to be carried, versus sitting in a stroller? Then get this Disney-themed wrap. You can walk around hands free, and your little one can feel safe and secure. Plus, you can use it as a cozy blanket, on the ride back to the resort.
This stroller organizer has two expandable cup holders, two zippered compartments, and can strap onto all strollers. Further, a large mesh bag is ideal for holding onto the many souvenirs that you collect during your vacation. When not in use, fold the organizer up and place it inside the diaper bag. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Don’t let soggy clothes dampen your day. Instead, place them inside of this Mickey-themed waterproof wet bag. Perfect for when a change of clothes may be called for during a trip to the parks. In addition, the bag is hand or machine washable and has quick-drying material, so you can use it again and again.
Your infant will look adorable in their matching Minnie hat and bootie set (which come in pink or red). These accessories are great for blocking the sun from your Mouseketeer’s face and feet. The lightweight, cotton, material is ideal for a day at the park, then a dip in the pool. A Mickey set is available here.
The sun can get quite bright in Florida. So, to keep harmful light away from your baby’s eyes, baby sunglasses are ideal. These come in an array of colors. Perfect to mix and match with some adorable Disney-inspired outfits. Your tyke will be ready (and protected) for a magical day out to the parks!
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