Top 11 Simple Essentials for a Magical Disney Trip With Your Toddler

Traveling to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming and even more so with a baby and/or toddler in tow. Young kids seem to need so much extra stuff like a stroller, fully stocked diaper bag, and snacks!

I am the oldest of four siblings and I’ve seen it all with14 years between me and the youngest! Now I have a toddler of my own that I have brought to Disney five times before she turned three.

Because before three kids are free 😉

With all this experience, I’ve compiled a list of must-haves for a successful trip to Disney with your toddler!

11 Essentials for a Magical Disney Trip With Your Toddler

Let’s get you packed and ready for a stress-free, fun filled, magical day at Disney World with your toddler. I promise all this stuff will be portable and easy to carry in the stroller. I’ve done it many times!

Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet in Epcot!
Photo Credit: Disney Memory Maker Photographer

1. Stroller

Long days at Disney call for a reliable stroller. Here’s what to consider when choosing one:

Lightweight and Compact: Opt for a stroller that’s easy to fold and unfold, especially if you’ll be using Disney transport. You’ll need to collapse it to board the bus, so having a bag for all your stroller accessories is essential.
Reclining Feature: Look for a stroller that can recline for nap time. Ours reclines almost flat and has an adjustable leg rest, making it perfect for snoozing toddlers.
Shade: A good canopy is crucial for protecting your child from the sun. If your baby is too young for sunscreen, shade becomes even more essential.
Storage: Ensure you have enough storage for snacks, rain gear, and souvenirs. While it’s common to leave items in strollers, avoid leaving valuables as theft can happen—even in the happiest place on earth. We keep our wallets and important items in small bags that we can take on rides.

Pro Tip: Remember to leave the stroller canopy pulled down when parked to keep the seat cool.

Pack lighter by renting baby gear at your destination! For the best baby gear rental options delivered right to your hotel, check out:
BabyQuip

2. Large Bag for Under the Stroller

If you are staying on property and taking Disney’s free transportation from your hotel to the parks, you will have to fold up your stroller to get on the shuttle busses and Skyliner.

That means all your stuff organized under the seat and in the cup holders will have to come out. We bring a large bag to hold everything like water bottles, sunscreen, fans, or other loose items in that fits under the stroller seat.

Think like big reusable grocery bag. Something spacious and flimsy that can also be folded up really small.

Walking through Journey of Water with my must-have Disney with a toddler #3 – Small bag to carry with me.
Photo Credit: Roc Bauman

3. Small Bag to Bring on Rides

Use a small bag or backpack, like a Loungefly, to carry valuables on rides so you can leave the giant diaper bag in the stroller. Standing in line is much easier with a small bag on your back instead of your entire diaper bag!

Your small bag should fit comfortably in the ride seat pocket or under your legs (consider leg-through-the-strap for faster rides). I also keep snacks in there to eat in long lines for rides.

4. Ponchos

Rain can surprise you, especially in Florida. A good rain jacket is helpful but ponchos are ideal because if you’re wearing a bag or backpack, the poncho can fit over bulkier items and keep more things dry.

I also use ponchos to throw over the stroller. This helps keep the stroller seat and everything underneath dry. I even do this if it’s not raining, but we’re going to wait in a long line. That way if it rains while were in line, I know the stroller will be safe!

Disney has ponchos to buy or you can just bring your own. I don’t recommend cheap and disposable ones though because they may not hold up for multiple days.

Memory Maker photo featuring Daisy Duck! My toddler resting in her reclined stroller.

5. Diapers/Toilet Seat

Never underestimate the need for diapers or wipes!

If your toddler is potty training, a portable toilet seat is a game changer. We have one that folds into a small travel pouch and suctions it to a toilet seat. My toddler feels more secure sitting on it because she doesn’t feel like she’s going to fall in. We took her one month after we started potty training her and she did great!

Worst case scenario the parks have diapers, wipes, and other essentials that you can buy if you’re in a pinch! For more information on the baby care centers at each park click here!

Strolling through Fantasyland
Photo Credit: Miranda Oliver

6. Change of Clothes

Always pack a change of clothes–two for babies! Accidents can happen, especially during potty training, so it’s wise to have extras on hand for everyone. Spills can occur at any age, so if space permits, bring a change for yourself too.

7. Tracker

This might sound extreme, but we use a tile tracker attached to our toddlers clothing for peace of mind in case she wanders off. Of course this doesn’t replace us holding her hand and teaching her what to do if she gets lost.

8. Portable Phone Charger

Between using the Disney app and taking pictures all day long, your phone battery will drain! Bring a portable charger so you don’t have to worry about your phone charge.

Our must-have Disney with a toddler #9 – snack set up in our hotel room at the All-Star Movies Resort.
Photo and Snack Credit: Miranda Oliver

9. Snacks and Water

Food costs can add up, but luckily Disney allows you to bring your own food in. We stick to non-perishable items like Uncrustables, crackers, granola bars, and fruit/veggie puree pouches.

Each of us brings a reusable water bottle that fits in the stroller, and you can ask for free water cups at quick-service restaurants to refill.

10. Beat the Heat

Visiting during the Florida summer? Bring a few extras to stay cool:

Stroller Fan: A must for babies and toddlers! Clip it to the stroller for a refreshing breeze. Remember to pack extra batteries or charge it nightly.
Mist Fan: These handy devices can be found at Disney or online. Fill with ice and water for a cool mist on hot days. Neck fans are also gaining popularity!
Cooling Towel: We purchased one on our first trip, and it’s been a lifesaver. Wet it, snap it, and it stays cool to the touch, perfect for keeping your little one comfortable in the stroller.

Let Me Help You Book A Disney Trip!

11. Games

This is more of a mental note than an actual item. Think of ways to keep your kids entertained during long lines.

Snacks work wonders!

Engage them with Disney songs, 20 questions, or hand-clapping games.

Discuss what the ride might be like or share your favorite parts from past experiences.

For older kids, check out the play app that Disney offers for interactive fun while waiting.

Let’s Recap: Top 11 Essentials for a Magical Disney Trip With Your Toddler

I hope these tips helped you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. I want each day of your trip run smoothly so you can focus on having a great time and making core memories. You can always reach out to me, your travel agent, to help plan your trip as well!

theresa.bauman@academytravel.com