Taking Our Son to Disney for His 1st Birthday: Tips, Tricks & Magical Moments
There’s nothing quite like celebrating a first birthday at the Most Magical Place on Earth! For our son’s first trip to Walt Disney World, we stayed at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and explored Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. From his very first haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop to splashing around in the incredible pool and splash pad, this trip was packed with magical moments. If you’re considering a Disney trip with an infant, here’s a recap of our experience, plus some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and stress-free!
Where We Stayed: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
We chose Art of Animation for its larger-than-life theming and family-friendly amenities. The resort’s Big Blue Pool and splash area were absolute highlights! The Finding Nemo-themed splash pad was perfect for little ones, offering a safe and fun water play area. Staying at a Disney resort also meant we had easy access to complimentary transportation, making it a breeze to get to the parks.
Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios & EPCOT with an Infant
We spent our park days soaking up the magic across three parks:
- Magic Kingdom: The ultimate park for little ones! From classic attractions to character meet-and-greets, there was so much to enjoy. Our son loved the gentle boat ride on "it’s a small world" and the soothing motion of Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Hollywood Studios: While this park is known for thrill rides, we found some great options for babies, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania (he rode on our lap!).
- EPCOT: This park had a great mix of attractions and open spaces for stroller breaks. He enjoyed The Seas with Nemo & Friends and the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride in the Mexico pavilion.
Baby’s First Haircut at Harmony Barber Shop
One of the most special moments of our trip was our son’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom. The experience was truly magical, complete with a set of “My First Haircut” Mickey ears, a certificate, and a sprinkle of pixie dust. As an extra surprise, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet stopped by to sing their special “First Haircut” song—it was a moment we’ll never forget!
Best Disney Rides for Babies (No Height Requirement!)
Disney has plenty of attractions that the whole family can enjoy, even the littlest visitors! Here are some baby-friendly rides with no height restrictions:
- Magic Kingdom: Peter Pan’s Flight, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean
- Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania
- EPCOT: The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, Spaceship Earth
Baby Care Centers: A Must-Know for Parents!
Each Disney park has a Baby Care Center, which is a lifesaver for parents traveling with little ones. These centers offer:
- Private nursing rooms
- Changing tables
- Highchairs
- Microwaves for heating food
- A small shop with baby essentials (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.)
Located near The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, near the entrance to EPCOT’s World Showcase, next to First Aid at Hollywood Studios, and near Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom, these centers provide a quiet retreat when your baby needs a break.
Tips & Tricks for Visiting Disney with an Infant
- Stroller-Friendly Navigation: Bring or rent a lightweight, comfortable stroller. Disney requires strollers to be no larger than 31” wide and 52” long.
- Use Rider Switch: If you want to ride attractions with height requirements, use Rider Switch so one parent can ride while the other stays with the baby, then switch without waiting in line again.
- Take Breaks: Utilize shaded areas, air-conditioned attractions, and downtime at the Baby Care Centers to keep your baby happy.
- Pack Smart: Essentials include extra outfits, sunscreen, a stroller fan, baby snacks, and a small blanket for nap time.
- Plan Around Nap Time: We scheduled indoor rides and shows during his nap to keep him cool and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Taking our son to Disney for his first birthday was an experience we’ll always cherish. While traveling with an infant requires some extra planning, Disney makes it easy for families with little ones to have a magical time. Whether it’s a first haircut, a fun splash pad, or baby’s first ride on it’s a small world, there’s something unforgettable about those early Disney memories!
Have you taken your baby to Disney? Let me know in the comments what your favorite tips and experiences were! Let's book your next trip get a free quote today!
