By Magic Maker®: Courtney Harris

There is nothing like seeing your child’s eyes light up the first time they walk down Main Street, U.S.A.® Area and see Cinderella’s castle, but vacationing with a toddler can be a stressful experience. It doesn’t have to be though. With a little planning, and the help of your Magic Maker®, it can be an incredible experience that neither you nor your child will soon forget.

The most important thing to remember is try to stick to your child’s schedule as best as possible. Don’t expect them to be able to go full force, from sun up to sun down, and not have a meltdown. If you hit the parks at rope drop, you can get a ton accomplished, and head back to your resort for a midday nap. Even if your child doesn’t normally nap, this is a great way to just unwind and recharge. After a nap or dip in the pool, you can head back out to the parks for dinner and more fun.

If you do find yourself in the middle of a meltdown in the parks, head for the nearest baby care center. Despite the name, these aren’t just for babies. Each park has an air-conditioned facility that has changing tables, rocking chairs, a microwave, and a t.v.  This is a great place for a short break from the stimulation and heat of the parks. They even have “toddler toilets” for children who are potty-training. Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® or check your park map for the location of the baby care center in each park.

Most likely, your child will love meeting all of the characters and getting autographs, but won’t love the long lines and heat. The solution? Book several character meals throughout your stay! The characters come to you at your table while you are dining, to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Reservations for character meals can be booked up to 180 days ahead, and tend to fill up fairly quickly, so be sure to ask your Magic Maker® for help in booking these experiences.

Bring a stroller! Even if you think your child is too old for one, you will be glad you did. The parks are huge and require a great amount of walking, which will quickly tire your child, leaving them whiny and more likely to have a meltdown. If you just can’t bring your own for some reason, rent one. Single strollers are available for rent at each park for $15 per day, or a double can be rented for $31. If this isn’t in your budget, ask your Magic Maker® about renting a stroller offsite and having it delivered to your resort.

Take advantage of Rider Swap for rides that your child isn’t tall enough to ride. One parent can ride alone or with older children while the other parent stays with the younger child. The other parent will get a rider swap ticket that allows them to ride later alone or with the older children, without having to wait in line again. This will really maximize your time and allow you to experience more rides throughout the day.

Pack lots of “distractions” in your park bag for those short attention spans. Whether you’re waiting in line for a ride, or waiting for your food to be delivered at a restaurant, being prepared with a coloring book and crayons, a small matchbox car, or even bubbles, can be a life-saver. If you have a smart-phone or iPad, these can serve as great distractions too.

Last, but certainly not least, remember to have fun and enjoy the time you are getting to spend with your child! You may not be able to do and see everything with a toddler in tow, but you will definitely make lasting memories for you and your child.