WDW for Mommies

A friend of mine recently asked me about nursing a baby while at Disney World.  I must admit, as a self-proclaimed Disney Dork, I was so proud that she was willing to take her infant to WDW, and was really trying to find a place of solitude in which to feed her.  Most of the people who seek my advice when planning trips to WDW have children who are at least 2 or three years old.  But the majority of the novice Disney planners won't even breathe the words Disney World until their children are "old enough to appreciate it."  So many people believe that they can't go to Disney World until their children reach a certain "magical" age.  This couldn't be further from the truth!  Disney World can be a wonderful trip with children at any age!  Disney makes accommodations for everyone!  From changing tables to wheelchairs, Disney can make any age magical!


Both of my children took their first trip to The World following their first birthday.  While it is true that they will likely not remember this first trip to Disney World, the looks on their faces was incredible!  Sure, they probably won't remember the first time they saw Mr. Mouse himself strolling down the pavement at Magic Kingdom, but I will never forget the look of admiration, wonder, and pure MAGIC on their faces!  My son threw both arms in the air when he saw the sign as we entered into the Magic Kingdom.  He had just turned one, and knew that he was in the most magical place on Earth!

Entering the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney world is designed for children of all ages, so it goes without saying that they have made great accommodations to families with smaller children.  Each park is equipped with Baby Care Centers at no additional charge.  These centers have everything a mother might need for her young children.  I have found that these are the quietest places at WDW, and provide much needed shade and rest for tired families with small children!  They are often difficult to find, unless you are really looking hard for them!  I wanted to be sure to point out where they are located in each park, and the perks that each provides.    


Magic Kingdom
The Baby Care Center at MK is near the First Aid Station near the front of the park, just at the end of Main Street USA.  There are four rooms: a waiting room with a sofa & chair; a kitchen with a microwave, sink & counter space; a private nursing room, which can accommodate up to 4 mothers, with rockers, and electrical outlets for breast pumps; a changing room with 5 changing tables, and a restroom.  There are highchairs in the feeding area, with room for the rest of the family while baby gets his meal. 


There are also items for sale in the kitchen area.  This was a great thing for us on our last trip, when we forgot our youngest child's pacifier!  A quick run to the Baby Care Center, and for a reasonable price (a Disney irregularity!), my husband purchased a new "nay-nay" and we were set!  


Epcot
This baby Care Center is much larger than other centers at WDW.  It is located near Test Track and it's size makes for a great rest haven for children of all ages while at Epcot.  It has the same rooms as found in other Baby Care Centers, but also provides a playroom with toys, books, and coloring pages.  At this Baby Care Center, you could easily find yourself staying for a while, away from the noise of the other guests!  I find that most of Epcot is relaxing, and nice places to rest abound throughout the park as well. 



Hollywood Studios
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is located near the main entrance.  This is a very small center with a main room with a television, sink, and microwave.  The changing area has 2 changing tables, and children's restroom.  There are two booths for nursing mothers and their children, and are not completely private.  Items cannot be purchased at this baby Care Center, but are available at a nearby gift shop.  In my opinion, this center was poorly planned, but works in a pinch with a screaming, hungry baby!  


Animal Kingdom
You'll find this BCC right before the bridge into Africa near the Tree of Life.  It is quite large, and you can even bring your stroller into the building, while the other centers require stroller parking outside.  Although there are fewer rooms (only 3), more space is offered than other Baby Care Centers.  The entry room sells Disney merchandise and other necessities.  The front room has a television, nice seating that lines the walls, and a children's table and chairs.  The back area has ample space for feeding and changing baby with several highchairs and changing tables available, along with a microwave, sink, and two private nursing rooms.  This BCC provides a great place to rest and take care of baby's needs in a quiet atmosphere.  




Overall, the Baby Care Centers at WDW provide a nice rest haven for weary parents and young children.  My last several trips have been with children under the age of 3, and I have visited these Baby Care Centers for feeding, purchasing items, and air-conditioning!  I must also say that to enter these centers, one need not have a baby in hand.  These centers are very well maintained and are very clean.  I opt for the centers as often as I can   for restroom breaks, and to refill water bottles in the kitchen sinks.  I couldn't stomach the water fountains as bottle refilling stations!  Moreover I would urge those who think that their children just aren't old enough to enjoy Disney, that they will have more magical moments that the adults on the trip.  You just can't replace the memories made at Disney World.  The Magic of Disney encircles us all!

  


Information supplemented by www.wdwinfo.com