Car Seats at Disney World? Everything You Need to Know About Safe Transportation for Toddlers & Babies

Planning a Disney World vacation with toddlers involves countless decisions, and figuring out your car seat strategy might be one of the most important. As a parent, you want to ensure your little one’s safety while also managing the logistics of traveling with bulky gear. The good news? Depending on your transportation choices, you might not need a car seat at all.

Car Seat Requirements for Disney World Transportation

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is access to Disney’s complimentary transportation system, which doesn’t require the use of car seats. Here’s what you need to know about each option.

Disney Resort Buses: These complimentary buses run continuously between all Disney Resort hotels and theme parks. Car seats are not required or used on these buses. While you’ll need to fold your stroller, your toddler can sit safely on your lap or in a seat.

Disney Skyliner: This innovative gondola system connects several resorts to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No car seats needed – just hop in and enjoy the scenic ride!

Monorail: The monorail system connects several deluxe resorts to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Like other Disney transportation, no car seats are required.

Disney Boat Transportation: Water taxis and ferries operate between various locations, and they don’t require car seats either.

RELATED POST: Essential Guide to Disney World Transportation with Toddlers

Does Minnie Van By Lyft have Carseats Available?

Minnie Van is Disney’s on site Lyft service that offers transportation to locations around the property. Each van is equipped with two Graco 4ever carseats which can be used rear or forward facing. These are a popular option for carseats since they can accommodate both babies and toddlers. Accessible vans are equipped with one carseat. Cast members who drive Minnie Vans are trained to properly install the seats for your use.

You can read more about this service on the official Disney World website.

Car Seats for Off-Site Transportation

When venturing beyond Disney transportation, car seat requirements come into play. Florida law requires children age 3 and under to be secured in a child restraint device, and children age 4-5 must be in either a car seat or booster seat.

Rental Cars: All major rental car companies serving Orlando International Airport (MCO) offer car seat rentals, typically costing $10-15 per day. Companies like Alamo, Enterprise, and Hertz allow you to reserve seats in advance.

Uber/Lyft: While both services offer car seat options through Uber Car Seat and Lyft Car Seat Mode, availability can be limited. These services typically provide forward-facing car seats suitable for toddlers over 2 years old. Keep in mind, you can also use Minnie Van by Lyft for airport service.

Mears Connect/Sunshine Flyer: These airport shuttle services do not require car seats for their vehicles. Occasionally limited carseats may be available for their van services for families who prefer to use one, or you may be able to use your own.

Options for Securing a Car Seat at Disney World

Let’s explore your main options for ensuring you have an appropriate car seat if and when needed:

Bringing Your Own Car Seat

Pros

• Familiar to your child
• No extra rental costs
• Guaranteed cleanliness and safety history
• Available immediately upon landing

Cons

• Extra item to transport through airport
• Storage needed at hotel
• Can be heavy and cumbersome

Renting a Car Seat

Pros

• No need to transport through airport
• Usually well-maintained
• Convenient with rental cars

Cons

• Daily rental fees add up
• Unknown history
• Availability not guaranteed
• May not be latest models

Buying Upon Arrival

Pros

• Brand new seat
• Can donate after use
• No transportation hassle

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Time spent shopping
• Limited selection at local stores

Travel Car Seats for Babies and Toddlers

To avoid added costs or longer wait times, you may consider traveling with your own carseat. We would advise that you don’t bring your everyday seat, just in case it is lost or damaged at the airport or in transit. Instead, opt for an affordable lightweight option. You may also want to consider picking up a carseat belt strap to attach it to your carry on to make carrying it through the airport easier. If you plan to check the seat with your luggage, consider getting a travel bag to protect it.

If you decide to bring your own seat, here are a couple of popular travel-friendly options:

Cosco Onlook

• Lightweight (12 lbs)
• Budget-friendly (~$75)
• FAA approved for air travel
• Suitable for children 5-40 lbs with front and rear facing options

Amazon Link: Cosco Onlook Carseat

Safety 1st Guide 65

• Compact design
• Converts to booster
• Lightweight – 11.5 lbs
• Fits children 5-65 lbs with front a rear facing options

Amazon Link: Saftey 1st Guide 65 Carseat

Carseat Options for Older Kids

For children over 3, the options become a bit more compact. From a buckled harness to an inflatable booster, here are a few travel friendly options you may consider getting for your trip.

Mifold Hifold Adjustable Kids High Back Booster Car Seat 
A travel-friendly high back booster seat designed for children 4 and up which comes with a built in strap for easy transport. It weighs just 10 lbs.
Amazon Link: Foldable High Back Booster

RideSafer Travel Vest
For older toddlers who meet the requirements, the RideSafer Travel Vest is a legal, portable alternative to traditional car seats. It’s compact enough to fit in a backpack but should only be used according to manufacturer specifications and local laws.
Amazon Link: RideSafer Travel Harness

hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat
Recommended for children ages 4-11, this ultra travel-friendly option deflates and packs away in its own travel bag and inflates with just a few breaths.
Amazon Link: Inflatable Booster Seat

Plan Ahead for a Magical Trip

The decision about car seats at Disney World largely depends on your transportation plans. If you’re staying on-property and exclusively using Disney transportation, you can skip the car seat entirely. However, if you plan to rent a car or use ride-share services, you’ll need to arrange for appropriate child restraints.

For most families doing a combination of transportation, I recommend:

• Bringing a lightweight, travel-friendly car seat if you’ll use it more than 2-3 days
• Renting from your car rental company if you only need it for 1-2 days
• Using Disney transportation whenever possible to avoid car seat needs entirely

Remember, while logistics are important, safety should always be your top priority. Choose the option that best balances convenience with your child’s security needs.