Are You Planning Your Baby’s First Disney Trip?

I was so nervous for my baby’s first Disney trip! Would she enjoy it or would the experience be completely miserable for both of us?

This was especially true since I was breast feeding at the time and not so confident doing so in public.

She was 11 months old and loved taking in the sights and sounds around her, so I felt like she would love it.

We are Southern, California residents and usually make the trip to Disney once per year. Since I had been pregnant the year before we didn’t end up going, so we were all pretty excited about this trip with the kids.

If you are thinking of going to Disneyland or Disney World with your baby I think you should go for it. Here are 10 things that will make your baby’s first Disney Trip Magical to help you plan your Disney vacation.

10 Things That Will Make Baby’s First Disney Trip Magical

1. Pack a Stroller and Baby Carrier

I highly recommend bringing both a stroller and your favorite baby carrier. We brought both and just stuck our baby carrier under our stroller when we weren’t using it.

The stroller helps because you will be doing a ton of walking. Disneyland has tons of designated areas for stroller parking and you don’t need to worry about leaving your baby gear in your stroller. At least in our experience everyone is very respectful of others strollers.

A baby carrier is great for the long lines or if your baby just wants to snuggle in for a nap. Juliana took one long nap in her carrier each day we were at Disneyland (she likes to be close to her momma).

2. Stay Close To The Park

Finding a hotel close to the park is great when you have a baby. You will want to be close to your hotel at the end of the day when baby is tired and cranky.

Check out the Disney Good Neighbor hotels to get a good idea of what is closest to the park. Most of these hotels have free shuttle services that will take you from the hotel to the park and back.

3. Pack lots of easy to grab snacks

If your baby has started on solids make sure to pack a lot of easy to grab snacks for the day at the park. I love baby food packets for trips like this because they are so easy to store, grab, and you don’t need a spoon.

4. Protect Baby from the sun

Don’t forget a good protective baby sun screen and a hat because Disneyland can get sunny and hot during the day.

Save money by sharing sun screen with your baby. Honestly I always buy baby sunscreen and we all wear it on vacation. It helps since we have sensitive skin. Aveeno is our favorite go-to brand!

5. Take Baby on Rides

Don’t be nervous about taking your baby on rides. There are plenty of ride options that don’t have height requirements.

Our 11 month old got a big kick out of The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. I was happy we tried to take her on these rides with us because our whole family had fun together.

6. Cool Off at Sit Down Restaurants

Disneyland can get hot during the day and babies get tired easily. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from walking around to eat in a sit down restaurant.

There are lots of options in Disneyland and outside the park in Downtown Disney.On our last trip we took the monorail to Downtown Disney and chose Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen to cool off and have some great food.

If you are in a rush they have a cute cafe next to Ralph Brennan’s that’s great for breakfast or lunch.

7. Visit the Baby Care Center

If you are a nursing mom you don’t want to miss the baby care center at Disneyland and California Adventure. They are so sweet and accommodating to anything you need!

There is a private room with comfy chairs for nursing and a curtained off area if you need to pump. They have a huge changing room and an area with high chairs and a microwave for feeding.

If you need baby supplies you can find baby powder, food, formula, and other essentials here. Remember they only take cash for purchase of baby items.

8. Take it Easy

Disneyland with a baby is still a ton of fun, but it is a different experience. Remember to take it easy and let your baby experience the sights and sounds.

Our baby loved listening to the music, watching the parade, and playing with her brother at the Wilderness Explorer Camp.

9. Play Dress Up

Dressing your baby up is a big part of the fun! Here is a list of some of the cutest baby Disney costumes.

We couldn’t help buying a Snow White costume while we were at Disneyland. They have so many cute outfits for babies in the park!

10. Ask for a ride swap pass

If you are looking to ride some of the thrill rides at Disneyland take advantage of the ride swap. Ask a Disney cast member for a pass while you are in line.

Someone will have to stay behind with the baby and when they get off the ride you can swap. The second time you go straight to the fast pass line. This can be used for up to 3 people, so nobody will miss out. It’s great to do this while the baby is napping or having snack time!

Are you planning a Disney trip with your baby? Do you have any tips on taking your baby to the park? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!