17 Tips for Traveling to Disney World Alone with Toddlers
Yes, You Can Do Disney World Alone With Toddlers!
Solo parenting is hard. Whether you do it occasionally or full-time, being the only caregiver can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and sometimes even isolating. But that doesn’t mean you have to put the things that bring you joy on hold!
For me, that joy is traveling—especially to Disney World. Over the past year, I’ve taken multiple solo trips there with my two toddlers (1.5 and 3 years old at the time of writing this), and through trial and error, I’ve perfected the art of tackling Disney alone.
If you’re planning a solo Disney trip with young kids, here are 17 essential tips to help you navigate the parks with confidence, ease, and maybe even a little extra magic!
Packing & Airport Tips
1. Pack Light—Only Bring the Essentials
When I travel alone with my toddlers, I pack as lightly as possible. I skip the car seats, Pack ’n Plays, SlumberPods, and other bulky travel gear often marketed to parents on social media. Instead, I rely on what Disney provides—like free hotel cribs and transportation options that don’t require car seats.
Ask yourself: What do you really need? If you can rent or borrow it at your destination, leave it at home!
2. Utilize Premium Parking at the Airport
I always park in the closest parking garage so I have a shorter walk to the check-in desk. Yes, economy parking is cheaper, but the convenience of avoiding long walks or shuttle buses with a stroller and luggage is so worth it.
3. Check Your Bags (Even Small Ones!)
Even though I use a carry-on-sized suitcase, I sometimes still check it at the airport. Pushing a stroller, carrying luggage, and managing toddlers through a busy terminal all at once is just too much.
I only bring a backpack onboard with our essentials—hands-free and hassle-free!
4. Fly First Class (If You Can!)
This one isn’t necessary, but when I had the chance to fly first class with my toddlers, it was a game-changer!
- Extra space (great for lap infants!)
- Early boarding & deplaning (so much easier with kids)
- Attentive flight attendants (one even helped grab my toddler’s blanket from our bag while he was asleep on my lap!)
If an upgrade is in your budget, it’s definitely worth considering.
Navigating Disney World With Toddlers
5. Seek Out Play Spaces
Toddlers need movement, so I take advantage of playgrounds whenever possible—at airports, hotels, and even inside Disney parks!
My favorite Disney play spot is a playground in EPCOT—I get to enjoy my favorite Disney park and they get to have some independence in a day that is otherwise pretty well dictated by an adult.
6. Use Family Restrooms Whenever Possible
Family restrooms are a lifesaver when you’re traveling alone. You can push a stroller inside, keep your toddlers contained while you use the restroom, and always have access to a changing table.
7. Find a Good Travel Stroller
My Zoe Twin+ is an absolute essential for our Disney trips. But if it’s not the right fit for you, here’s what matters most when choosing a stroller:
- One-hand fold (so you can manage it while holding a child)
- Lightweight & easy to carry
- Single push bar (not two separate handles—so you can push one-handed!)
Need help parking your stroller? Check out my Magic Kingdom and EPCOT stroller parking maps.
8. Use a Handle Attachment for Your Stroller
If your toddler wants to walk, this stroller handle attachment has been a lifesaver for us. It keeps them close while you have your hands occupied pushing the stroller.
Disney Transportation & Park Strategy
9. Know Disney Transportation Stroller Rules
Disney offers amazing free transportation (bus, monorail, boat, Skyliner), but stroller rules vary on each one.
- Monorail: Strollers can stay open
- Bus: Strollers must be folded
- Skyliner: Strollers can stay open (if under 30” wide)
- Boat: Stroller rules will vary based on boat type – be prepared to fold
Tip: If wrangling kids and folding a stroller sounds stressful, stay at a hotel within walking distance or rent a car!
10. Use Mobile Food Ordering
The My Disney Experience app lets you order food ahead of time at most quick-service restaurants. I can order food from my phone before we leave to pick it up, and then it’s ready to grab when we arrive. No waiting in long lines with hangry toddlers!
11. Use Lightning Lane Passes
Lightning Lane is Disney’s paid system for skipping lines, and trust me—it’s worth every penny. Even for rides with shorter waits, skipping 10 minutes in line with a restless toddler can make all the difference.
12. Visit the Baby Care Centers
Each Disney park has a Baby Care Center, and they’re phenominal. They provide:
- Private nursing rooms
- Bottle warmers & microwaves
- High chairs
- Emergency supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, pacifiers)
- And more!
Find them near Main Street (Magic Kingdom), The Odyssey (EPCOT), Creature Comforts (Animal Kingdom), and in Guest Realations (Hollywood Studios).
Making Your Disney Trip Smoother
13. Use Accessible Entrances
Every Disney building has an accessible entrance with ramps and automatic doors. This is a huge help when pushing a stroller alone!
14. Take an Afternoon Break
Don’t try to power through the whole day. Florida is HOT, and toddlers get overwhelmed.
Tip: Head back to the hotel mid-afternoon for a nap, then return in the evening refreshed and ready for more fun!
15. Use Small Toy & Snack Bribes
I save buying toys or fun snacks for when my toddlers are getting antsy but we need to push through. This is best for situations like waiting for fireworks to start past their bedtime.
A light-up toy before a nighttime show? Instant mood booster!
16. Be Flexible
Things won’t go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. Go with the flow, adjust as needed, and focus on having fun.
17. Enjoy the Magic!
The pride you’ll feel for pulling this off alone will be unmatched!
You’ll make memories that last a lifetime, and you’ll prove to yourself that you can do this.
Final Thoughts: Solo Disney Trips With Toddlers Are Possible!
I know some of these tips involve extra costs (first-class flights, premium parking, Lightning Lane), and not everyone can or wants to spend extra. That’s totally okay!
Disney can still be magical on any budget. The most important thing? Go in prepared, be flexible, and soak in the special moments.