What to Bring to the Parks

Here are some ideas for what to bring for a day at the park.

 

Baby carrier: A Snugli or Baby Bjorn–type carrier or Playtex Hip Hammock for infants or toddlers between 15 and 35 pounds keep you hands-free while waiting for the bus, standing in line, tendingto your older kids and browsing in shops. You can also take your toddler on some rides in them.

 

Beach towel: This will come in handy if you let your little ones splash in the fountains and water play areas. You can also use a large beach towel to make a canopy over your stroller. This will offer more sun protection and privacy for naps.

 

Bicycle lock: If you’re concerned about your stroller being stolen, bring a bicycle lock to secure it.

 

Blanket or towel: If you rent a stroller, bring something soft to cushion the hard plastic seat.

 

Change of clothes: Many parks have water rides and water play areas, such as Donald’s Boat in the Magic Kingdom.

 

Coins: Kids love to toss coins into the fountains. Pennies are also great to use in the pressed penny machines. (Keep them away from small children because they’re a choking hazard.)

 

Diapers, diaper wipes, and diaper rash ointment: Bring lots of them; you'll use as many as ten diapers per day (or more!).

 

Disposable camera: Give an extra one to your toddler or child. Disney looks very different from a stroller. Sure you’ll get some shots of the ground, but you’ll likely get some other great photos.

 

Earplugs: If your little one is frightened by loud noises, bring a pair of ear plugs.

 

Fanny pack: Get one for each member of your family and stash them with sunglasses, snacks, wet wipes, and toys for the kids.

 

Feeding supplies: Bring formula and bottled water and/or baby food, dishes, and spoons. Bottles that use disposable bags are more convenient for trips.

 

Harness: If you have a young child of “bolting” age, she can run around with a harness on with limited freedom and you don't have to cling to her hand. Or you can buy a hand holder—an elasticized band that Velcros around your child's wrist with a loop on the other end for you to hold or slip over your wrist.

 

Hats and sunglasses: That Florida sun can be brutal.

 

Key chain light, pen light, or glow worm: If your child is apprehensive of the dark, with a small light, she’ll feel a bit in control. But these lights are not so bright that they’ll disturb anyone else.

 

Medicine: Remember Tylenol drops, Mylicon drops, nasal aspirator, and prescription medications your child takes.

 

Ponchos: You can buy these in the parks, but they’re far cheaper at home.

 

Straws: If your kids prefer to drink with straws, bring extra long straws from home. These come in handy when you buy bottles of water or soda. Regular straws are too short.

 

Stroller cover: Stroller covers cost around $9 and can also be used safely with the child in the stroller because they have mesh for air to circulate. They keep rain out, and don’t blow off like ponchos.

 

Sunscreen: The American Academy of Pediatrics now believes that sunscreen in small amounts is safe for young babies, even younger than 6 months old.

 

Toys: Quiet toys will be especially helpful as distractions when there are lots of other people nearby. Plastic links that can attach the toys to your baby’s stroller or highchair will help keep the toys within

reach. Small toys, such as Matchbox cars and blowing bubbles can occupy older kids in lines.

 

Travel size toiletries: Small containers of tissues, wipes, Band-Aids, and sunscreen are much easier to tote around the parks than their full-size bottles.

 

Who’s Shoes ID: You place these creative ID tags under the shoelaces in a child's shoes. They have space to write in your child’s name, your name, phone number, and medical information, and they cost $7.99 at www.whosshoesid.com.

 

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971, under the supervision of Walt Disney's brother, Roy  Disney. Although the Magic Kingdom shares the same name as it's sister park in California, there are subtle differences throughout the park. When you first arrive in the Magic Kingdom you are whisked away to Main Street USA, a town modeled after the early 1900s. From there the Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed lands: Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland,  Mickey's Toontown Fair, and Tomorrowland.

 

Here are some preschooler-friendly attractions and tips to enjoy your Magic Kingdom visit.

 

Coming soon!

 

Epcot

Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened on October 1, 1982.

 

Here are some preschooler-friendly attractions and tips to enjoy your Epcot visit.

 

Coming soon!

 

 

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios opened May 1, 1989. It is a theme park devoted to bringing the magic of  television, radio, and movies to the public in a way that only Disney can.

 

Here are some preschooler-friendly attractions and tips to enjoy your Disney's Hollywood Studios  visit.

 

Coming soon!

 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The theme park opened on Earth Day April 22, 1998. Disney's Animal Kingdom is 500 acres of exotic landscapes with 600 species of trees, 350 species of grasses, and 1800 different shrubs, ferns, mosses, vines, and perennials.

 

Here are some preschooler-friendly attractions and tips to enjoy your Animal Kingdom visit.

 

Coming soon!

 

Parks