Best Time to Visit Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Choosing the right time to visit Magic Kingdom can make a huge difference in your experience. Since Magic Kingdom tends to be busiest during holidays and school vacation periods, consider visiting during the off-peak months like January, February, or September. The parks will be less crowded, and wait times for rides will be shorter.
Also, keep in mind Florida’s hot weather. During the summer, temperatures can soar, so if you’re visiting then, be sure to take breaks, drink plenty of water, and find shady spots to cool off.
Plan for a Relaxed Pace
Magic Kingdom is vast, and even though toddlers have endless energy, a day of constant activity can be overwhelming. Focus on one area at a time and keep your itinerary flexible. Prioritize your toddler’s favorite attractions, but make sure to leave time for rest and snacks.
With toddlers, it’s also crucial to plan for naps. If your little one still takes a nap during the day, consider returning to your hotel in the afternoon for a break. Many families find that starting their day early, leaving the park for a break, and returning in the evening works well for everyone.
Toddler-Friendly Rides You Won’t Want to Miss
Magic Kingdom is full of rides that toddlers will love! Here are some of the most toddler-friendly attractions to enjoy:
It’s a Small World: This classic boat ride features colorful, singing children from around the world. Its gentle pace and cheerful music make it perfect for toddlers.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A must-see for toddlers! They can fly their own Dumbo in this fun, spinning ride. It's especially exciting when they get to control how high or low their elephant goes.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A calm ride through the Hundred Acre Wood, where toddlers can meet Pooh, Tigger, and their friends while enjoying soft music and whimsical scenes.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic: This 3D show is entertaining for the whole family. It’s filled with beloved Disney characters and has a lighthearted storyline that will captivate your toddler.
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid: This slow-moving ride takes you under the sea to experience the story of *The Little Mermaid*. With its bright colors and catchy tunes, it's a hit with young kids.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: A gentle, classic carousel ride where your toddler can choose a horse to ride while enjoying the park's beautiful views.
The Jungle Cruise: For toddlers who enjoy a bit of adventure, this gentle boat ride takes you through exotic jungles with a humorous tour guide.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: A relaxing, indoor show where singing birds, flowers, and tikis put on a delightful performance. It’s a perfect way to cool off and sit down for a while.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Meeting Disney characters is a magical experience, especially for toddlers who adore the iconic Disney crew. Magic Kingdom is the place to meet many of your toddler’s favorite characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Cinderella. You can find character meet-and-greets scattered around the park, but be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the times and locations of where to find them. And, don't forget your AUTOGRAPH BOOK. All characters will sign autographs during meet-and-greets!
A character dining experience, like the Cinderella’s Royal Table, is also a great way to meet multiple princesses in one sitting, while enjoying a meal in the heart of Cinderella Castle. Book these dining experiences in advance in the app!
Stroller Tips for Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is huge, and toddlers will tire out quickly, so having a stroller is a must. You can bring your own, or rent one at the park. Disney strollers are comfortable and spacious, but if you have a toddler who still naps during the day, having a stroller they’re familiar with can make a big difference. Tip: Tie something on your stroller so you can easily identify it in a sea of other strollers. I used a red scarf!
Consider renting a double stroller if you have two toddlers. It’ll make moving around the park much easier and ensure that your toddlers have a comfy spot to rest when they need it.
Tip: Disney has stroller size restrictions, so before bringing your own make sure it’s Disney-approved here.
Eating at Magic Kingdom
Toddlers can get cranky when they're hungry, and the excitement of Magic Kingdom can work up quite an appetite. Make sure to pack some easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, crackers, and fruit for quick energy boosts.
For meals, Magic Kingdom has several kid-friendly dining options. *The Crystal Palace* on Main St. USA, offers a character buffet with Winnie the Pooh and friends, which is a hit with young kids. Book character dining well in advance on the Disney app. For something more casual, *Casey’s Corner* offers hot dogs and fries, perfect for a quick bite.
You can also take advantage of Disney's mobile ordering system, which allows you to order food in advance, skipping the lines and saving time.
Tip: Pack a cooler with water, snacks and lunch to save money. Eating at Disney can get expensive, but they allow you to bring a small cooler with food and drinks into the park. Make sure it fits in your stroller!
Rest Spots
A day in Magic Kingdom can be overwhelming for toddlers, so it’s important to find some quiet spots to rest. Look for shaded areas or indoor attractions where you can cool off and relax. The *Hall of Presidents* and *The Enchanted Tiki Room* are both air-conditioned spaces where you can take a break.
Tip: if you plan on spending 12+ hours at the park to catch the fireworks at night it’s also a good idea to take a midday nap break at your hotel. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, it's easy to return to your room for some downtime before heading back to the park later in the day. There are in and out privileges with your Disney parks tickets!
Parades and Shows
Magic Kingdom offers a variety of parades and live shows that your toddler will love. The *Festival of Fantasy Parade* features vibrant floats and beloved characters like Elsa, Anna, and Mickey. *Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire* is a fantastic stage show that brings characters like Rapunzel, Elsa, and Moana to life in front of Cinderella Castle. Check the app for daily parade times.
Be sure to find a good viewing spot early, as parades and shows can get crowded. Consider arriving 30 minutes before showtime to ensure a great view for your toddler.
Tip: If there is a noon show we suggest arriving at 11:30 and enjoying your lunch while you wait for the parade!
What to Pack for Disney with Toddlers
No matter how well you plan, toddlers can be unpredictable. Be prepared!
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Hat
- Change of clothes
- Sweater or jacket for evening
- Disney approved stroller (I love the Ergobaby Metro+ for travelling, buy it here!)
- Stroller fan (for hotter months)
- Travel sound machine
- Refillable water bottle
- Disney outfit
- Comfy walking shoes
- Disney character autograph book - shop here!
- AirTags (put one on each child and one on your stroller). Buy AirTags here!
For more Disney essentials, click here.
Where to stay near Magic Kingdom
There are many options for accommodations near Disney World, but I do have some recommendations depending on your budget.
Staying at a Disney World Resort is obviously the most incredible experience. With access to the monorail, Disney transportation, ferries, etc.. staying at a Disney World Resort definitely has its advantages. It does come with a larger price tag though.
For our last Disney World vacation, we stayed just off property in the Celebration area at Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration and we had an incredible experience. Not only was this hotel BUDGET-FRIENDLY, it was also family-friendly and checked all of our boxes.
Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration has:
- Family suites with a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a living room and bedroom.
- Free shuttles to Disney Parks daily
- 2 outdoor pools, one that has a water slide
- Daily activities by the pool
- On-site restaurants and bars
- Delicious buffet breakfast ($)
- 12-minute drive to Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs
The Disney App: Your Ultimate Planning Tool
The My Disney Experience app (download here) is an essential tool for planning your day at Magic Kingdom, especially when traveling with toddlers. This app allows you to make park reservations, check wait times for rides, view character meet-and-greet schedules, and even order food ahead of time to skip the lines. The app also provides a map of the park, helping you navigate Magic Kingdom with ease and locate toddler-friendly attractions or rest areas. You can use the app to book Lightning Lanes for select attractions (if available), which can help reduce wait times for popular rides. With real-time updates, the My Disney Experience app ensures that you stay organized and make the most of your day in the park, allowing you to focus more on the fun and less on the logistics.
A day at Magic Kingdom with toddlers is an experience filled with magic, joy, and unforgettable moments. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can ensure that your toddler has an enchanting time while creating memories that will last a lifetime. From gentle rides and character encounters to snacks and rest breaks, Magic Kingdom has something for every toddler—and their parents too. So, grab your stroller, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic!
Want to extend your trip to Florida? Think about visiting Florida's Gulf Coast and exploring 30A. Learn more about 30A here!
