Yes, You Can Do Disney with a Newborn (and Love It!)
Yes, You Can Do Disney with a Newborn (and Love It!)
Let me say this right up front: if you’re wondering whether it’s really possible (or sane?) to go to Disney with a newborn, the answer is YES—and you might even love it more than you think.
We had planned a long-awaited Disneyland trip for January—finally!—after years of pandemic postponements. Then we found out we were expecting a November baby. Cue the second-guessing. Was it crazy to go with a 2-month-old? Would I enjoy anything? Would it even be worth it?
But here’s the truth: we went. I wore the baby, pushed the stroller, fed her on benches, and watched her nap through fireworks while my big kids danced to the music. And you know what? It was magical.
Here’s everything I learned (plus tips I wish I’d known!) for doing Disney with a newborn or young baby—without losing your mind.
🎡 Yes, Babies Are Welcome (and Free!)
One of the most reassuring things about going to Disney with a newborn is that babies under 3:
- Don’t need a park ticket.
- Don’t need a plane ticket if they’re are under 2 and flying in your lap.
- Can ride any attraction without a height requirement (and that’s a lot!).
From Pirates of the Caribbean to “it’s a small world,” I was able to snuggle my baby right through most rides.
Also, take advantage of Rider Switch—Disney’s way of letting parents take turns on thrill rides without waiting twice. Here’s how it works:
- One adult waits with the baby while the other rides.
- When the first rider returns, the second adult can skip the line (and usually bring one other person with them).
- Just ask the Cast Member at the entrance of the ride to set it up!
🧺 Bring the Right Gear to Disney with a Newborn
You don’t need everything, but the right gear makes all the difference when doing Disney with a newborn:
- Bring Your Own Stroller – We used one that let the car seat snap right in, and it was perfect. Familiar, cozy, and ideal for long naps. I could roll her through the parks while she snoozed, and that little bit of consistency made a big difference.
- Baby Carrier (I Love My Tula!) – A comfortable baby-wearing option is gold. I wore my little one when she wanted to be close or nap during busier moments. It also made lines and crowds much easier to navigate.
- Stroller Fan – Especially in the hot months, a stroller fan is gold. It can help keep baby cool while also providing a little bit of white noise.
🍼 Use (or Don’t Use) the Baby Care Centers
Disney’s Baby Care Centers are a hidden gem—every park has one. These quiet, air-conditioned spaces have:
- Rocking chairs for nursing
- Changing tables
- Baby supplies for sale (diapers, formula, wipes)
That said… I honestly found it easier to nurse on a shaded bench or tucked-away corner. No long walks, and my older kids could keep snacking or playing nearby while I fed the baby. But if you need a break or a calm space for baby (or you!), the Baby Care Centers are wonderful.
🎠 Adjust Expectations, But Know the Magic Is Still There
Let’s be honest: traveling to Disney with a newborn means you’ll be moving slower. And that’s okay. You don’t need to rope drop every morning or close out the park every night to make magical memories.
Here’s what helped me most:
- Split up when needed. My husband took the big kids to thrill rides while I strolled with the baby. Then we would switch.
- Plan breaks. Indoor shows, shady benches, slow rides, or even a mid-day break back in your hotel room—these are your best friends.
- Don’t stress about naps. They’ll happen in the stroller, on you, or during shows. Let go of the perfect schedule.
- Celebrate the small moments. First castle photo? Heart-melting. Baby yawning during fireworks? Core memory.
📸 Take the Photos (Even If You’re Exhausted)
You might not feel super “vacation ready” with a 2-month-old attached to you, but take the picture anyway. Sleeping baby in front of the castle. Snuggles during “The Tiki Room.” Matching Mickey onesies. These are the moments you’ll treasure long after the trip.
Final Thoughts on Disney with a Newborn: You’ve Got This, Mama 💛
If you’re thinking about doing Disney with a newborn, let this be your sign: you can do it. Yes, there will be slower days, early nights, and a lot of feeding. But there will also be giggles, snuggles, and magical memories you’ll talk about for years.
And if you’re standing in the park with a baby strapped to you and a toddler eating pretzles from the bottom of your bag? Just know—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And I promise: the magic is real.
