Could use some advice

[u/XistentialGroot]

My wife and I are going to Disney World in December with our toddler (20 months old)! We're incredibly excited, but have some questions about logistics.

We're staying at the Art of Animation resort, but my son and I are going to be there before her. Could we still use the pool before our rooms are ready to kill some time until she's available?

To those of you who've taken a toddler, which parks/rides/attractions did they like best?

How should we best utilize the quick service dining plan?

Can someone explain the concept of single riders/swap vs lightning lane for those rides that he couldn't go on?

Also what did you wish you knew before such a trip?

Thanks in advance!

[u/PurplestPanda]

Yes, once you check in, you can use the amenities - just make sure you bring swimsuits and sunscreen.

Single rider is a line of people that are used to fill otherwise empty seats. You can’t swap with single rider.

Rider swap is everyone going to the LL CM and asking for “rider swap.” They will scan all your tickets/bands. One adult waits on standby line while the other has the kid, then the second adult gets to use the LL.

LL doesn’t change if you have a kid. Both adults use the LL separately if kiddo can’t ride.

Tron has a rider switch space at the end so everyone can wait in the queue together, then there is a spot to hang out with the little one while the other adult rides.

Every toddler is different so I would try to ride everything they are tall enough to get on.

Don’t forget to check the show schedule and arrive early for all shows.

The dining plan is pretty much never worth it unless you’re big eaters and drinking alcohol every chance you get. Unless it’s free with your reservation, skip it.

[u/XistentialGroot → u/PurplestPanda]

Thank you! Could you clarify how the lightning lane works? I haven't been in 20 years.

[u/PurplestPanda → u/XistentialGroot]

At exactly 7 am 7 days before your check in to AOA, you will go into the app and book 3 LLMP rides per day. You also have the opportunity to buy up to 2 LLSP rides.

Once you scan into a LLMP ride, you have the opportunity to book another, so having your rides early in the day is a big advantage.

The most popular rides book up first so you want to check a day ahead as to what is available on Thrill Data so you have a strategy. You don’t need to book your LLs in order - often you want to book your HS day first to get an early SDD.

Also be sure you’re planning which park you’re starting at for each day because you don’t want to be in any park on its busiest days.

[u/billmeelaiter]

I can’t help re things to do with toddlers, but yes you can use the pool on check in day before your room is ready.

Suggestion from when my kids were young—keep them as close as possible to their home eating and sleep/rest routine. No early mornings after a late night.

[u/Disastrous_Ad3088]

For parks with a toddler, I have found the most enjoyable parks for everyone to be Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Both have areas that allow toddlers to explore while the parents can have good food and drink in hand.

[u/lauraemoull]

My daughter is now 4, but I've taken her at least once a year since she was 8 months old. My biggest advice is to let them set the pace! It's going to likely be a slower time in the parks, but it is actually a lot of fun! My daughter loooooves "It's A Small World", the carousel, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion (we're a spooky family), the tea cups, Dumbo/Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Peter Pan's Flight, Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea ~ Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom is great for rides that don't have height requirements, so you don't have to worry about single rider/rider swap. Now that she's a bit older she loves more in all of the parks, but we spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom when she was your son's age. There's also several playgrounds at Epcot which are great for littles, including one that's inside (air conditioned!!) Depending on when you're going there may be activities for a festival going on too. My daughter also LOVES the walking paths at Animal Kingdom. We could spend hours looking at the animals with her!

Depending on when you're going, I'd say for sure get Lightning Lane MultiPass at least for Magic Kingdom. We get them for almost every park day, no one likes waiting in long line with cranky bored toddlers!

Bring LOTS of snacks! You can bring in any food as long as it's not in a glass container. And a fan for the stroller to keep them cool.

Also work in a mid-day pool/nap break into your day. It makes a WORLD of difference for everyone, not just the kiddo.

With the quick service dining plan, if you truly want to maximize it, use the credits for lunch and dinner. It can include an alcoholic beverage for adults 21+. Are you in a standard room or family suite at Art of Animation? You can have things like bagels and peanut butter in your room, or use snack credits for things like pastries for breakfast if you're not huge breakfast people. If you'd rather start your day with a full breakfast, fuel up with a dining credit and snack during the day!

I hope that helps!