Best Tips for Disney World with Kids
Posted by KAIT SCHEELE

Here are some top tips for planning a fantastic Disney vacation with your kids:
1. Plan Ahead
- Book Early: Secure your accommodations and park tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations as soon as they open (typically 60 days in advance). Sometimes you can sneak into the restaurants for lunch, but the weekends is a must, unless you want to eat at 8:30 at night. Frequently check the Disney App to see if someone dropped their reservation. We have often scored last minute reservations. Only do this is your party is under 4 people.
2. Utilize the My Disney Experience App
- Park Maps and Wait Times: Check real-time wait times and navigate the parks effectively. This will always fluctuate.
- Mobile Food Ordering: Order meals in advance to save time. Mobile ordering is absolutely something you want to consider. This will not only save you 40 minutes in line, but better plan on focusing on what’s most important.
3. Arrive Early
- Rope Drop: Arrive at the park before opening to enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.
4. Prioritize Attractions
- Must-Do List: Identify your top attractions and prioritize them. I suggest
- Genie+ Service: Consider purchasing Genie+ for access to Lightning Lane entrances for popular rides.
5. Take Breaks
- Rest Periods: Schedule downtime in the afternoon to recharge, especially if traveling with young children. lunchtime trips to the hotel for swimming is sometime the best way to reenergize the family.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
6. Explore Beyond the Parks
- Resorts and Disney Springs: Visit the themed resorts and Disney Springs for dining, shopping, and entertainment. One of our favorites spots is The LEGO Store: A fun stop for all ages, featuring impressive LEGO sculptures and interactive play areas. It’s super entertaining for the kids and they have LEGO sets from all prices ranges available.
7. Character Meet and Greets
- Plan for Meetups: Check character schedules and locations in advance to get the best experiences. We always randomly check in to see how long the line is. Just remember to be flexible with your day, things the best way to get tons of fun rides and adventures in. Make sure you plane the perfect outfit and head to Bowtism.com for tons of mouse inspired designs. Bowtism also specializes in matching outfits for the entire family. Mouse Collection | Bowtism
8. Stay On-Site
- Benefits of Disney Resorts: Enjoy perks like early park entry and complimentary transportation to the parks. One of our absolute favorite places to stay is Disney's BoardWalk Inn: Located near Epcot, this resort has a charming boardwalk atmosphere with dining and entertainment options nearby. It's perfect for those who enjoy evening strolls. The kids love to take the boat to the other parks and it has tons of dinning options all around the lake.
9. Pack Smart
- Comfortable Shoes: Expect a lot of walking; wear comfortable footwear. Don’ t forget your. Nike’s for the family.
- Weather Preparedness: Check the forecast and pack accordingly (rain ponchos, sunscreen, etc.).
10. Have Fun and Be Flexible
- Enjoy the Moment: While planning is essential, embrace spontaneity and the magic of Disney!
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Disney vacation and create unforgettable memories!