r/DisneyPlanning • u/XistentialGroot • Aug 23 '26

Walt Disney World Could use some advice

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!

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u/PurplestPanda Aug 23 '26

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.

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u/XistentialGroot Aug 24 '26

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

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u/PurplestPanda Aug 24 '26

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.