Where to stay with a toddler

Question

Hello everyone. my husband and I along with our 20 month old toddler are visiting Orlando on a last minute trip this weekend and will be there for 6 full days. We are planning to rent a car.

We plan to visit Legoland, Peppa Pig park, Magic Kingdom and maybe Aquatica.

- Should we first stay near Legoland for 2/3 nights and then switch base near MK?

- Is Aquatica too cold to visit this time of the year?

- One day at Legoland, 1 at Peppa pig and 1 each at MK and Aquatica. Rest of the 2 days to chill at the hotel. Is that doable?

I am open to your advice and suggestions. Thank you so much 😊

Answer

Visiting Orlando with a 20-month-old toddler can be a fun but busy experience, and your plan is doable with some adjustments and realistic expectations. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your trip:

Where to stay: Splitting your stay into two bases is a practical idea.

Legoland area: Staying near Legoland for 2–3 nights makes sense since it reduces driving time and allows for a more relaxed morning visit. Hotels in Winter Haven or nearby Kissimmee offer family-friendly options.
Magic Kingdom/Walt Disney area: Moving closer to Disney for the remaining 3–4 nights is convenient, especially with a toddler. Staying in the Disney Springs area, Lake Buena Vista, or Kissimmee gives you easy access to MK and Aquatica, minimizing long car rides.

Visiting Aquatica in early spring:

The water park in Orlando in early spring can be cooler, especially in March or early April, as temperatures can range from mid-60s to low 70s in the mornings. Unheated pools and slides may feel chilly for a toddler.
Consider either going later in the day when the sun warms the water or skipping Aquatica if your toddler is sensitive to cold. Some families prefer to swap this day with a more indoor-friendly activity or another park with toddler rides.

Park schedule and pacing:

Legoland – 1 full day is ideal for toddlers; plan for a morning start and breaks for naps or quiet play.
Peppa Pig Theme Park – 1 day is sufficient; this park is compact and toddler-focused.
Magic Kingdom – 1 day can work if you prioritize toddler-friendly rides and shows. Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane to skip lines and reduce waiting times.
Aquatica – 1 day may be too chilly for a toddler, as mentioned, so consider this optional or plan a shorter visit just for a few attractions.
2 chill days – perfect for relaxing at the hotel, swimming in heated pools, or exploring nearby family-friendly areas. This downtime is important to prevent toddler burnout.

Additional tips:

Renting a car is ideal for your plan, as it provides flexibility for midday breaks or early exits from parks.
Bring a lightweight stroller for both Legoland and Disney; long days and walking can be tiring for a toddler.
Pack snacks, water, and a sun hat for outdoor activities.
Consider adjusting the order: If the weather is cooler, visit Aquatica last so you can gauge the comfort of your toddler before committing to water park fun.

Overall, your plan of 1 day per park plus 2 chill days is reasonable. Splitting the stay between Legoland and Disney areas is smart for convenience. Just keep in mind Aquatica may be too cool for extended toddler play, so flexibility is key.

Where to stay with a toddler

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