Taking a baby to Disney World sounds like an insurmountable task, but you may be surprised at how many things Disney has in place to make it easier. After all, Walt Disney's dream was to build a place for families, and families have babies!

If you have a child who is old enough to enjoy Disney World, but are skeptical about going because of your younger baby or toddler, read more for tips on making it work!

Cost

Did you know that children under age 3 are free at Disney World? If your child has not yet turned 3 on your arrival date, he/she will be free for the entire stay! This includes theme park admission and all-inclusive dining experiences (though if you want to order your child a meal at a quick service or other table service restaurant, you will have to pay). In addition, your child under 3 does not contribute to the maximum room allowance at resorts, so if you have a family of 5 (and one is under 3), you can stay in a room for 4.

Baby Care Centers

Disney has Baby Care Centers at each of the four major theme parks. These centers include:

nursing areas
changing tables
high chairs
microwaves
purchase of limited selection of baby care items (formula, diapers, food, etc)
child activity areas for older children

These centers are air-conditioned, and much more comfortable than sitting in the hot sun or waiting in a restroom to take care of your baby! These Baby Care Centers saved my sanity when I took my 10-month-old!

Rider Switch

Do you want to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Space Mountain, but someone has to stay with the baby? That's what the Rider Switch is for!

Rider Switch allows one adult to stay behind with the child(ren) who do not meet the height requirement for the ride. Everyone goes to the entrance of the line together, and tells the Cast Member there that there is the need for a Rider Switch Pass. The adult staying behind gets the pass, while everyone else goes through the line and rides the ride.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios

When the first riders return, another adult stays behind and the first adult can use the Rider Switch pass to bypass the line (usually through the Fast Pass line, if there is one). The Rider Switch Pass allows up to 3 people to use the pass. My girls love this because the older 2 can ride twice: once with dad and once with me! (Please note: this is for those who do not meet the height requirement, not those who don't *want* to ride.)

Conclusion

Having a baby or toddler doesn't have to mean that you can't enjoy Disney World! It's so much fun to watch the little ones enjoy the magic. Age doesn't seem to matter at Disney World; that's one of the reasons I love it so much!

What do you think?