Tips From A First Time Disney Dad

There is no magic like Disney Magic.

As a lifelong Disney vacationer, I’ve grown up on trips to Disney World. I’ve also visited Disneyland, but Disney World has been and will continue to be my vacation home. One of the highlights of my year is when you drive up to the resort, and the security tells you “Welcome home”.

Still, now that I’m a dad to an incredibly rambunctious 1 year old daughter, I’ve Disneyed differently now. I’ve walked a lot of Disney walks, but this is a totally unique and special lens to view the Happiest Place on Earth.

That revealed a few somethings that weren’t there before. Here are my hot takes from my most recent trip.

The Classics Need A Come Up

Before my most recent trip, I couldn’t tell you the last time that I rode on Peter Pan. With a one-year-old, it’s suddenly become an option. I’m going to assume that it wasn’t nearly as dark. I felt like the ride was a shake from breaking down, there were lights out, and I couldn’t hear the music.

Small World is a favorite, but what would be wrong with labeling the countries? Adding in some odes to the various movies and characters in them with these exotic locals. Nothing drastic, just a sprucing.

There are a few nitpicky things across all of the parks. Living with the Land is starting to feel a bit dated, and the fruit and veggies growing section is looking fake. In Hollywood Studios, the flow feels disjointed, and some magic could be added back into the Chinese Theater.

Animal Kingdom basically is cleaning itself up with the huge renovations, and since it’s basically outdoors, it can’t exactly be spruced.

Make Way For Mid-Tier Dining

As a kid, I loved the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater at MGM Studios. It’s Hollywood Studios now, but the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater is still there, and it’s still one of my favorite bites of the trip. I get to sit down, the trailers and clips are fun, the seating is delightfully on theme, and the options are punched up, but classic.

Thankfully, you can get chicken fingers or something alike for kiddos anywhere. We know that Disney has no shortage of snacks and quick service meals, and their upscale dining options are fantastic, but for me the mid tier dining options are the ones I’ll rely on and look for most often.

After a tough morning in the parks, a sit down lunch is the perfect requiem. Yes, trying to do everything the park has to offer means a long day, but taking that team to eat and regroup does a dad carrying bags and kids good. So keep and eye out for Sci-Fi Dine In, Skipper Canteen, or Spice Road Table, or hit your own favorites.

Don’t Plan A Big Day One

This is a caveat for those traveling longer distances, especially by car. My father hated being stuck with Disney transportation. Still does. I’ve inherited the anxiety around not having a car, and the need to buy an annual pass for the free parking and “just in case we can sneak down again”. Which means that I spent 14 hours driving to Disney World from Nashville.

It shouldn’t have taken that long; I blame Atlanta and inexperience. However, either way, it was a long travel day. Then Day 1 was the Magic Kingdom. Ambitious to go after the premier park, yes, but really, we shouldn’t have scheduled a park at all.

Take a pool day! Maybe schedule a water park. I think I would’ve enjoyed my golf day a bit more had I not already been run down by going 35,000 steps in the two days before.

If you’re staying for a bit, take a day. It’s worth it.

Don’t Overdo It On The Stroller

We’ve got a great stroller. I really enjoy it, and it has been so easy to use in most situations.

Here’s the rub. Parking strollers in Disney is annoying. It is never convenient. You’ll be running around pushing this thing back and forth a lot. Ours is a bit heavy-duty, and you grow to hate pushing it after a while.

Then there’s the tram. For the record, I hate the tram and would rather walk in all but the furthest parking zones. However, with a big group, it’s just easier to save the steps. However, folding this thing up, carrying it up the tram, down the tram, being cramped on the tram, stinks.

If you need a stroller, you need a stroller, but I would recommend pairing down to the lightest model possible.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Taking Babies

I’ll admit it, I said the earliest I would take a kid to Disney was at 3 years old. I didn’t want to bother with strollers; I wanted them to be able to talk, eat full meals, basically be a mini me. I was worried when we went to Disneyland with my daughter at 4 months, but it was really magical.

Disney World is an even bigger magic mountain to climb, and she handled it wonderfully. Her face lit up at every turn; she enjoyed her food, and lucky for us, she started walking at 7 months, so she was very happy when she did get a chance to walk, and it was really amazing for us to watch her bouncing around.

Those will be some of the greatest memories of my life. I’m so glad I was wrong.