We love a Disney vacation, but we’re first to acknowledge that it’s just about as overstimulating as can be! Depending on the time of the year you go (which is most of the year), Florida is hot and humid. And then it’s usually crowded and somehow most of the people around you seem to be trying to walk in your way. Then there’s all the NOISE of people talking, kids laughing and yelling, music is playing; it’s amazing, but crazy! Visiting Disney with toddlers – they’re going to be extra sensitive to the stimulation.
Enter here:Disney baby care centers. At each of the four Disney World parks there is a dedicated baby care center. These are quiet, air-conditioned sanctuaries that allow you and your family just a brief escape from the crazy. What’s better is that these spaces are completely free for all guests. Whether you’re small group with some littles or a big multi-generational group taking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, take advantage of these spaces.
Where to Find the Disney Baby Care Centers
Each park has one baby care center. If we had a complaint about these centers, it would be that there is just one per park. Anyone who’s been to Disney World knows that the parks are HUGE. We think the parks would really benefit from having at least two baby care centers per park; one on either side of them.
- Magic Kingdom: Tucked away next to The Crystal Palace (near the entrance to Adventureland).
- Note: It’s probably because Magic Kingdom is the best park to bring babies and toddlers to, but this baby care center had the cutest, most elaborate theming. Being inside was like a queue for one of the rides!
- EPCOT: Inside the Odyssey building (between Test Track and Mexico).
- Note: Considering the size EPCOT, we feel like this one might be the most conveniently located as it’s in between World Showcase and the rest of the park.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Right at the front of the park inside the Guest Relations building.
- Note: Hands-down, this was the worst of the three baby care centers. While were grateful to have access to it, it’s location isn’t at all convenient and the set-up, in comparison to the other baby care centers, felt very much like afterthought.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: To the left of the Tree of Life, near Creature Comforts (Starbucks).
What’s Inside the Baby Care Centers
Private Nursing Rooms
For those who nursing or might want quiet time to pump, each baby care center has private nursing rooms. These rooms are equipped with rocking chairs and have dimmed lighting.
Changing Stations
Of all of the amenities in the baby care centers, we found the most use out of the changing stations. Each of the baby care centers has 4-5 cushioned changing tables with sanitary paper covers you can put down before changing your baby/toddler. Skippy can be a little bit extra and doesn’t even like to lay on a changing mat on top of carpet. They like the cushion. So especially when we were in Magic Kingdom, we tried to prioritize changes at the baby care center when we were close-ish to Adventure Land.
Feeding Area
Each of the baby care centers have a dedicated space with highchairs, microwaves, and sinks. The highchairs offer a solid option to add a splash of a normal routine for your little. Instead eating on the go in their stroller, they can have a few minutes to down some food in a highchair. If you’ve packed some food from the hotel, you can use the microwaves to reheat it. We did this once with some Mickey waffles!
The Main Room & Shop
Each of the baby care centers have what we’d refer to as a main space. At the Magic Kingdom baby care center, this was an open space with seating and a TV. Alice and Wonderland was playing when we popped in! It’s nice that even when taking a little break from Disney with your toddler, the space was still themed so nicely. Adjacent to the main space, as is the case with all of the baby care centers at Disney World, was a shop. This shop was stocked with a bunch of baby/toddler essentials. There were diapers, wipes, food pouches, sunscreen, and even some over-the-counter baby medicine. We didn’t scope out the pricing of any of the items, but we’re willing to assume there was an up-charge on all of the items. That’s not to say we wouldn’t have totally bought some diapers if we needed!
Pro-Tips for Caregivers of Toddlers
- Breaks for Toddlers: You do not need an infant to take advantage of the baby care centers. Stopping at a baby care center can be a great option for an over-stimulated toddler. They can take a moment to sit down away from the crowds before diving back into the fun.
- Air-Conditioning: Remember that all of these spaces are fully air-conditioned. If your littles (and you!) could use an escape from the 90-degree Florida heat, do it!
Why Disney Baby Care Centers are a Game Changer
All in, we absolutely loved that the baby care centers were an option. We took full use of the changing tables several times across a few of the parks. While we went to Disney with toddler, we feel like that we would have been equally equipped bringing a younger baby to Disney World. Knowing that there are spaces specifically designed for guests with babies is super re-assuring. As first-time moms, we frequently have the conversation that a lot of the world really isn’t supportive of bringing babies around. Disney World, on the other hand, is totally ready and supportive. So when you’re visiting Disney World and need a quiet, air-conditioned moment to feed or change your baby, don’t head back to the resort/AirBNB – head to the baby care center!