top of page

Caution: Traveling with Children


Too cool for Disney

It's probably a no-brainer that you're considering traveling to a Disney park with kids. Sometimes, you go without them. I cannot recommend that enough. Your kids will get over it, especially if they are babies or toddlers. They won't even remember. It's great. IT'S GREAT.

Now, if you are traveling with your precious offspring, I have a few tips and recommendations for you. These run the gamut of topics, so if there's something you want to know about that I may have missed, hit me up with a comment.

What do I bring into the park?

Recently, the bag sizes and allowances have changed for some Disney parks, but don't let that deter you from bringing what you need for your littles. Always refer to the Park Rules for anything specific you may need to bring.

A short list of Can'ts:

  • Anything on wheels besides a stroller

  • Selfie Sticks

  • Glass containers

  • Exceptionally large bags or coolers (24"x15"x18")

A longer list of YES (along with what you should bring):

  • Snacks

  • Drinks

  • Refillable water bottles

  • Ponchos for when it rains, because it will (Get dollar store ponchos and throw them away at the end of the day!)

  • Extra socks and shoes or flip flops for when it rains, because it will rain in FL

  • Sunscreen and hat (may I suggest a Goofy Hat)

  • Hand sanitizer (after every.single.ride)

  • Mobile phone external charger

  • Cheap sunglasses (in case they fall off your head)

Do I really need this?

  • First aid kit - there is a first aid station in every park, that will give you virtually anything you need. We've gotten doses of Benadryl, Tylenol, and bandaids. It's full service.

  • Camera (if your phone doesn't have a good one) - skip it. Get Memory Maker and take ALL THE PHOTOS! My cast member photos always end up better than the ones I take. TIP: cast members will take your photo for you with your own phone or camera, just ask!

I always carry a small drawstring-type backpack. I never have to leave it off the ride, because it fits under every seat at each ride, and it holds everything we need.

Size large child swap please

I'm in the park, and we want to ride Rock'n Roller Coaster*, but my kid is too short! WHAT DO I DO??? (*insert height requirement ride name here)

You do Rider Switch (aka Child Swap)! The Disney World website has a list of what attractions has Rider Switch available by park. Direct from the WDW website:

To Use Rider Switch:

1. First check with a Cast member to see if Rider Switch is offered at the attraction in question.

2. Once at the attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire party. At least one adult member of your party and the Guests who are not riding will be given a Ride Switch pass and asked to wait in a designated area (usually outside of the attraction). This group is “Party 2.”

3. The other party members (“Party 1”) ride the attraction.

4. After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2 and gives the Rider Switch pass to the adult member who will be riding. Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests.

5. Party 2 enters and boards the attraction without having to wait in the regular queue a second time. The Rider Switch Pass must be presented to a Cast Member at this time.

If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring one other Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass.

Now I'm going to be straight with you - we have done this many times. Never once have we been asked to "approach with the whole party." One adult should just go to the cast member to get the Rider Switch Pass. I highlighted the last bit because if you have older kids, they may get to ride the ride more than once!

There is so much more to cover about visiting the parks, but I'll stop here. Comment with your questions! I'll be sure to answer anything I can.

bottom of page