Since becoming a parent, one thing that continues to baffle me is this: why aren’t Disney’s Baby Care Centers bigger?
Disney Parks are built with families in mind. From the whimsical rides to the kid-friendly menus, everything caters to guests of all ages, especially families with young children. And while Disney is known for its exceptional service, the Baby Care Centers, while staffed by some of the kindest and most helpful cast members around, are surprisingly tiny given the enormous crowds they serve daily.
Each day, tens of thousands of people visit Disney parks—including countless families with babies and parents who need quiet spaces for breastfeeding/pumping, diaper changes, warming up bottles, or just moments to decompress from sensory overload for littles. Yet these essential spaces are often hidden away in small corners of the park, offering a much-needed but noticeably limited retreat from the surrounding bustle.
Some might say, “Well, if you need more space or privacy, just go back to your hotel.” But at Walt Disney World, that’s not exactly a quick trip. Getting back to your hotel, taking a minimum 30-minute break, and getting back to the park can easily take two hours—or more. And that assumes your entire family wants or needs to leave the park. For families with older kids who aren’t quite ready for a break, splitting up for hours just isn’t ideal.
Now, I understand that Disney can’t cater to every individual’s needs at every moment. But this one seems like low-hanging fruit. Expanding the Baby Care Centers—or even just adding an additional one in each park—feels like a logical step forward. Take EPCOT, for example. The existing baby care center, while centrally located, is still far from a lot of the park, because it is a large park. Think if you’re in the back half, like around Morocco or Japan in the World Showcase, it’s a hike to get there. A second, smaller location could make a huge difference.
Here’s another idea: in addition to what is there, offer private baby care rooms as a paid option. Give parents the chance to reserve a small, air-conditioned room for 30 minutes to an hour, just enough time to feed, pump, calm a toddler, or even let the whole family take a breather together. Personally, as a dad, I’d happily pay for that kind of convenience. It would mean my wife could nurse or pump in peace without having to trek across the park—or worse, back to the hotel—and our older child could stay close and relax too.
I know this isn’t a flashy fix. It’s not a new ride or fireworks spectacular. But for the families that Disney works so hard to serve, a little more space and support for the youngest guests could make a world of difference.
