You don’t need to pack the whole house, but resort hopping requires a specific strategy. You aren’t just sitting in one spot; you are moving between boats, Monorails, and lobbies.
1. The Stroller Strategy
- The “Foldable” Rule: If you plan on taking a Disney bus to get between resorts, you must fold your stroller. Bring a stroller that you can fold with one hand while holding a toddler. (If you stick to the Monorail or Skyliner, you can usually roll right on without folding!)
- The Rain Cover: Even in December, Florida rains. A rain cover isn’t just for rain; it’s a great windbreaker for the stroller if the evening gets chilly on the boat dock.
- The “Identifier”: Tie a bright red ribbon or a battery-operated Christmas light string to the handle. When you park your stroller outside a restaurant with 50 other black strollers, you’ll thank yourself.
2. The “Bribery” Bag (Snacks)
- Pouch Purees: These are lifesaving because they don’t require dirty hands to eat and are generally mess-free in a lobby with white carpets.
- The “Slow” Snack: Bring something that takes a long time to eat (like Cheerios or raisins in a spill-proof cup) to buy yourself 15 minutes while you enjoy a coffee.
- Disposable Placemats: If you grab a quick bite at a Quick Service table, these stick-on placemats are sanitary and make cleanup instant.
3. The Potty/Diaper Kit
- Post-it Notes: (Crucial Tip!) Disney toilets have very aggressive automatic flush sensors that terrify toddlers. Stick a Post-it note over the sensor so it doesn’t flush while your child is sitting on it.
- Two Outfits (Not One): When resort hopping, you are far from your car or hotel room. If a blowout happens at the Grand Floridian, you want a backup immediately.
- Ziploc/Wet Bag: To contain the clothes from the aforementioned blowout.
4. Entertainment (Non-WiFi)
- Window Clings or Suction Spinners: If you ride the Skyliner or the Bus, these stick to the windows and are mesmerizing for toddlers.
- Water Wow Books: Paint with water. Zero mess, but keeps them busy while you wait for the boat.
- Glow Sticks: If you are out past 5:30 PM in December, it gets dark. Handing a toddler a glow stick in the stroller is instant entertainment.
5. The “Florida Winter” Layer
A Stroller Blanket: Florida December weather is tricky. It can be 80°F at 2 PM and 55°F at 7 PM. A blanket is better than a bulky coat because you can just tuck them in when the sun goes down.