|
|||||||
Renting Strollers Beth, our travel agent, recommends these strollers: "My favorite company for wheelchairs and ECVs now carries strollers - and they're really nice! They have both single and side-by-side double strollers made by InStep. These three-wheelers have a basket below and a sun shade above, and the front swivel wheel locks into a stationary position for bumpy terrain. The strollers are light-weight and fold easily. Pricing is $20 for the first day, $10 each additional day; $60 for the week, $5 each additional day over 7 - and free delivery to your hotel! (The Disney cost is $15/day single, $31/day double with a discount to $13/$27/day for multi-day rentals - but the molded plastic is uncomfy and you cannot take the stroller out of the park with you.)" Affordable Disney members should log in to contact Beth about renting strollers from this company.
Camp Kidani at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge closed Friday
At World Disney World, children set sail on Disney's Pirate Adventure
cruises
Disney World kids’ centers give parents guilt-free night out
Tips for smooth travel with kids
Dilemma: How to let kids take risks, be safe from negligence? - Florida
is debating a law that allows parents to waive their children's rights in
case of negligence on behalf of the business owner. You need to be aware
of this.
Disney World’s knee high sites: The stroller debate
How to Treat Your Daughter Like a Princess in Disney World |
Resources
|
||||||
Birthday celebrations... Beth, our travel agent, writes: "No one cares that it isn't the exact day. These days about all they do is leave a card with a photo signed from Mickey with a Happy B'day message. Some resorts also leave a balloon. (Never at AKL, though, for the safety of the animals.) When she enters their first park she can go to Guest Services (or City Hall in the MK) and request a birthday badge. Her daughter can wear that the whole trip and they will all do special things for her in the parks."
Birthday Parties at WDW Resort Hotels: Call Disney's Recreation department at 407-939-7529 or see Disney's Mom's Panel for more information.
Magical Beginnings is a new Disney program which features entertainment for young children during the months of August and September. The program includes one hour of early access to certain rides in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland as well as a Playhouse Disney in Concert series at Hollywood Studios featuring children's entertainment. For a list of current activities, see Disney's official site. Magical Beginnings maps that show attractions suitable for little children can be downloaded here.
Tip For Mothers at Disney: Beth, our travel agent, writes: If you have a little one that isn't used to sleeping in a regular bed, call housekeeping from your room and ask for a bed rail (or two). There's no charge, and it can sure save your child from a nasty bruise or scratch!
WDW Child Care: "Take time to unwind. Mom and Dad can drop off the kids at one of Disney’s childcare facilities, available to resort guests for a nominal fee. Kids ages 4-12 who are toilet trained can join in the adventures of Peter Pan at the Neverland Club at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or enjoy Disney classic movies, video games and toys at Disney’s Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The Mouseketeer Clubhouses at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Harbor Club at Disney’s BoardWalk; Cub’s Den at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; and Simba’s Cubhouse at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also offer childcare facilities." (Source: WDW Press Release.)
Rids Restrictions...
Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland Speedway - 52" (They can
ride it with an adult)
Theme Parks and Very Young Children: The ideal age for kids visiting WDW is 4 years or older, but there are many wonderful things for younger kids to enjoy as well. Yes, you do have to switch off or pass on some attractions, but don't let that hold you back. See our tours of the parks for all the great rides and attractions very young children can enjoy at the WDW parks. We have heard from parents that visitors with very young kids should skip Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Strollers... You can use your own strollers. The only problem we have seen is people taking the wrong stroller when they leave the attraction. Be sure to identify your stroller with a ribbon or something so you and others know it's yours. Don't leave anything valuable in the stroller when you leave it parked outside the attraction. Those flying to WDW can avoid dragging their stroller on the plane by buying a cheap umbrella stroller when they arrive at WDW. They won't have to rent an expensive stroller at the Disney parks and can pass it on to someone else when they are ready to return home. The new strollers at the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot are hard. Put a blanket in the stroller so that it is more comfortable. The strollers at Hollywood Studios are not as hard. Strollers are available for rent at each theme park. Very convenient. You only pay for the stroller once. If you change parks, just present your receipt for another. Even if someone steals your stroller, Disney will give you a free replacement!
Parent swapping: Disney allows you to parent swap. See our Customized Tours of the WDW Theme Parks for advice about touring the parks with young children.
Tips for traveling with a diverse age group... Our daughter and son like to bicker. I would give older teens more freedom to do things on their own like DisneyQuest, but there are no easy solutions. He/she may find others his/her own age and want to hang out with them.
Lost children... Cast members are very good at spotting lost children. They will take them to the Baby Care Center or City Hall in the Magic Kingdom; to the Baby Care Center or Guest Relations at Epcot; to Guest Relations at MGM; to Guest Relations at the Animal Kingdom. Disney also has surveillance cameras everywhere and a computer program that immediately broadcasts the description of the child and the status of the search. No paging is allowed, but in serious emergencies, Disney will notify cast members park wide.
Nebulizers... Here are some important numbers to keep in hand. You may want to call Disney and express your concerns.
First Aid is available at all theme parks:
Birthday parties... See our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," for birthday parties at the resorts, on cruises, etc. You can also call 407/WDW-DINE for information about arranging parties at WDW restaurants.
Picky eaters... Goodings Supermarket in the Crossroads shopping center near Downtown Disney by the off property Disney hotels carries almost everything. You could take a cab for about $10 + tip. Why not have a town car pick you up at the airport? They will make stops along the way. Have him stop at Goodings. That would save you the $20 roundtrip cab fare! Most of the eateries at WDW cater to vegetarians. All Star serves grilled cheese sandwiches and salads. I don't see why they couldn't make a cheese sandwich with cucumber! You will find vegetarian choices at WDW almost everywhere. See the dining chapter in our book for more vegan suggestions. Magic Kingdom
Main Street Bake Shop Epcot
Innovention West: Fountain View Cafe World Showcase
England: Yorkshire County Fish Shop Hollywood Studios
Sunset Blvd: Starring Rolls Bakery, Anaheim Produce,
Catalina Eddie's, Sunset Market Ranch, and Rosie's All-American Cafe Animal Kingdom
Safari Village: Pizzafari If you are making reservations for priority seating at a Disney restaurant (407/939-3463), tell the person on the phone that you are a vegetarian (or you prefer kosher, lactose-free, low-sodium, etc.). They will make a note of it. If you're a Disney resort guest, Guest Services at your hotel can make these arrangements for you. Give them at least an hour's notice, although a day is better. If you're staying off property, call 407/824-2222 a day in advance and the switchboard operator will help you make arrangements. At Universal Studios, Guest services will give you a list of eateries that serve vegetarian cuisine. Islands of Adventure has not published any details yet on vegetarian choices at the park's eateries. Check with Guest Services when you arrive.
Babysitting services at Walt Disney
World... Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa also provides child care: Sitter Solutions 407-438-5684; All About Kids 407-812-9300. Camp Dolphin at the Dolphin Resort caters to kids 4-12 from 5:30 Pm - midnight. Children must be potty trained. $12 per hour per child. Call 407/934-4000. Kids Nite Out is the service that Disney recommends. They provide in-room baby sitting and will also accompany your child to the theme parks. Sitters are experienced, bonded and insured, and must be 18 or older. They come prepared with activities and games for your child and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at the WDW resorts. Rates: $13.50 per hour. Add $2 per hour for each additional child. For reservations or more information, call 407/828-0920, see Guest Services at your resort, or visit kidsniteout.com. All About Kids is another service worth considering. They are available for in-room care 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. They charge a minimum of four hours. Visits to the parks are possible, but you must pay admission for the sitter. Multi-lingual staff are available. Call 407/812-9300 or visit all-about-kids.com.
Should I stay at a WDW
resort? Should I use a rental car?
You don't need a rental car if you're staying on Disney
property. You can park your car until it's time to return home! That's how
good the Disney transportation is! We eat at different resorts and take the
bus. The buses don't go directly from one resort to another, but we know
how to do it from the theme parks and Downtown Disney. Easy directions are
in the book.
Choose a page and jump: Looking for something in particular?
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained on our site. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied. |