Disney Hollywood Studios for Infants
Since Hollywood Studios was once a working movie set and it was not originally set up as a theme park this makes a visit with infants a bit more challenging. Then again, several of the shows are aimed directly at children, albeit usually older than infants. Most visitors find they can see everything they desired on the first day, without needing to return.
Special Tip – When planning your days at the Disney World parks understand that the weather in Orlando can be extremely hot, especially in the summertime. Set a schedule where you return to your hotel or Disney World condo to let the little one take a good nap. Most families with infants head to the park in the morning then return to their lodging establishment in the early afternoon and then back to the parks in the late afternoon.
Changing Tables
Every restroom in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is equipped with a changing table.
Baby Center
The child care center is a godsend for parents with infants. At Disney-Hollywood Studios, it’s located just inside the main gate, off to the side near First Aid. Here nursing mothers may step into private rooms and feed their babies. In the center of the room is a space set aside for changing tables, a play area for older siblings (it includes a TV playing Disney movies), bathrooms and training potties, and a shop selling baby products like diapers, wipes, creams, and clothing. Just about everything you could possibly need is sold here.
Nursing
In addition to the baby center, mothers may nurse anywhere in the park. No one will ask nursing mothers to stop or move. Good spots in Disney’s Hollywood Studios include restaurants or even noisy attractions with lots of action, such as the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.
Rides and Entertainment
Since infants don’t particularly care about their surroundings, and we suggest leisurely walking through the park and enjoying your new addition to your family. There are two attractions which we would recommend
- Muppet*Vision 3D – Joint Kermit and the gang for a hilarious film and live-action extravaganza.
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – Get ready for a high-powered, immersive, unique show racing against some of our beloved Cars characters.
Then, there are rides that you will either have to skip, or ride without your infant:
- Star Tours
- Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The thrill rides are the only attractions to generate any real lines (with the exception of Star Tours, which never has much of a wait). Rock ‘n Roller Coaster tends to have slightly longer wait times than Tower of Terror, so if you’re visiting early and before the crowds arrive, ride Rock ‘n Roller Coaster first and then Tower of Terror. It may also make sense to FASTPASS these two attractions, one after the other. On very busy days, however, the Return Time for the first attraction is so many hours later in the day that you won’t be able to FASTPASS the second one, and will have to stand in the standby line.
Characters
The biggest hit with parents bringing their infants to Hollywood Studios is having the newborn pictures taken with the Disney Characters. There are really two great ways to do this: 1) attend a character breakfast or 2) meet the characters in the park. Here are some great places to have your infant’s pictures taken with the Disney Characters.
- Disney television characters – the long stretch of Mickey Blvd often see characters from JoJo’s Circus, Little Einsteins, or Kim Possible standing in front of actors’ trailers. Classic Disney characters also make an appearance here sometimes.
PhotoPass
Didn’t bring your camera or do you want a family picture? Don’t worry the parks are full of Disney photographers who will take your picture in front of the Sorcerer Hat or with the Disney characters. This is a free service and ideal for families with infants. The first time you get your picture taken you will be given a card. On all future encounters, hand over the card and they’ll swipe it, making sure that whatever photos are taken get added to your account. When you return home after your Disney World vacation, you can view the pictures online, and order prints of any that you desire, with no pressure whatsoever.