Taking Potty Training Toddlers to Disney World
It can be exciting to finally get rid of diapers, but if your toddler is in the middle of potty training or newly potty trained, going on vacation and trying to stick to a routine can feel challenging. Luckily, Disney World is one of the most kid-friendly destinations, and there are ways to make things a little easier.
Take Frequent Breaks
Just like you’re probably already doing at home, take frequent restroom breaks. Consider stopping at the restroom before getting in line for any attraction and before or after meals. If you still find yourself in the middle of a line for an attraction with a toddler who has to go right away, talk to a cast member. He or she can help you get out of line to head to the nearest restroom.
Bring Plenty of Extra Clothes and Pull-ups
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best: pack lots of extra clothes, pull-ups, and wipes for cleaning on the go. Keep a set or two of pants or shorts and underwear in a wet/dry bag within your park bag. This way, you have a place to store any soiled clothing while you are out and about. Some parents prefer to keep their toddlers in pull-ups to help avoid accidents. Others prefer keeping their toddlers in underwear with the pull-ups over that, so their kids can sense if they’re wet but still have the protection of the pull-up.
Cover the Automatic Flush Sensors
If your little one is more accustomed to using the potty at home, he or she may get startled by the automatic toilets in the public restrooms. Some parents recommend bringing Post-it notes or a roll of masking tape to temporarily cover the flush sensors, so the toilet doesn’t flush until your child is ready.
Visit the Baby Care Centers
Just because your toddler is out of diapers doesn’t mean that he or she cannot go to the baby care centers anymore. In fact, the baby care centers in each park have a small toilet that is meant for children under 42 inches tall.
While these toddler-sized toilets are great, sometimes the location of the baby care center isn’t convenient when you’re across the park, and your toddler has to go right away. Instead, opt to bring your own foldable travel toilet seat cover and a small package of disinfecting wipes to clean off the seat after each use. This way, your child is ready to use any toilet that is close by when there is a potty emergency. If you need a little more space, there are also companion restrooms available. The travel seat is also helpful for making the bathroom in your resort room more toddler-friendly.
Use the Laundry Facilities When Needed
Accidents happen, and you may need to do a load of laundry. Rest assured that every Disney resort has a guest laundry room. They have detergent in a vending machine, but you may prefer to bring your own. If you stay in a One Bedroom DVC Villa or a larger DVC room, it will have its own washer, dryer, and a small container of detergent which are incredibly helpful. Even when staying in a Deluxe Studio or any other DVC accommodation that doesn’t have its own washer and dryer, you have access to the free DVC washers and dryers. You can find a list of DVC laundry room locations here.
With full kitchens, washing machines, and dryers, DVC villas are some of the best accommodations for families with young children. Rent DVC points to stay in these rooms for up to 65% less than the booking directly through Disney!
