Tips for Enjoying Florida Theme Parks with a Baby

Central Florida’s many theme parks are sure to provide hours of fun for the kids, teens, and adults in your vacation party, but did you know that most parks are equipped to accommodate even the youngest member of your crew? Here are a few of our favorite tips for making the most of visiting a theme park with a baby. 

What to Buy

The littlest guests in your family will almost certainly not need a ticket for entrance into whichever theme park you choose. At LEGOLAND, children under the age of two do not need to be ticketed for entrance. At Disney, visitors under the age of three do not require a ticket to enjoy the parks. The Universal parks also honor the under-three age set. And at SeaWorld, guests up to four years old can enter the park for free with SeaWorld’s FREE Preschool card. To qualify for the SeaWorld preschool card, you must register your child online before arriving for entrance at the park. 

What to Pack

Each theme park has its own guidelines as far as what you can and cannot bring through its gates, so be sure to do your research before you set out for your day of adventure. Disney’s park guidelines allow food, drinks, backpacks, purses, and tote bags through the gates, subject to a security screening, but have some specific restrictions regarding glass containers, loose ice, and stroller sizes. Universal Orlando Resort has abbreviated guidelines that allow baby food, formula, and strollers into their parks. 

What to Do

Whichever park you select, read up on their specific accommodations for babies. Disney’s Baby Care Centers are air-conditioned quiet rooms located throughout the parks that have microwaves, sinks, rocking chairs, and changing tables. Universal has family-friendly restrooms throughout their parks as well as nursing facilities at their first aid and family services station. SeaWorld has quiet rooms and a baby care center, too. 

Regarding what attractions you can take your baby on at each park, you may be surprised at the number of available options. Prior to visiting Disney, search their website for “any height” and “all ages” to receive a list of attractions that are appropriate for your baby. SeaWorld has Sesame Street Land, included as part of your SeaWorld admission, which features many little-kid-friendly attractions and is suitable for strolling with a baby. Similar opportunities are available at the other parks, you just need to do your research to find the most suitable options that will be open during the time of your visit. 

Where to Stay

After a day (or days) at the theme park with your young adventurer, you’ll certainly want a comfortable and quiet place to get some shut-eye. Luckily, there are many excellent accommodations surrounding each of the major theme parks. Adjacent to the Disney parks there are several choices including the Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista and the Fairfield Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Other options include the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc, and Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport. You may also consider staying near the entertainment venues that line International Drive at  Aloft Orlando International Drive, Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, or Best Western International Drive.