How to Stay, Play, and Make the Most of Disney World with Kids. Visiting Walt Disney World with young children does not mean you have to overplan and become overwhelmed. There are ways to make the most out of your stay and go back home with magical memories that hopefully last a lifetime, and maybe even start a new generation of Disney fans. We are here to guide you, whether this is your first trip with the kiddos, or you are an official member of D23 and have a Disney World Annual Pass.
The biggest advice we can give is to get a Travel Advisor! Mouse Fan Travel is your trusted source for any vacation destination and our preferred partner. Their services are always fee-free, and they focus on planning so you can focus on the memories. They are experts with first-time family travelers! MouseFanTravel.com for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
A Walt Disney World Resort vacation is full of “firsts” that create lasting memories for kids of all ages. Staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel and experiencing can’t-miss attractions paves the way for making the most out of a visit to The Most Magical Place On Earth.
Extra special adventures await around every corner with magical touches along the way. Being tall enough to ride a roller coaster for the first time – is thrilling; hugging a favorite character – enchanting; getting outfitted with Mickey Mouse ears – iconic. And it’s all served up with distinguished Disney service and a sprinkle of pixie dust.
Being a first-timer at Walt Disney World Resort is a magical experience where dreams come true, and memories are made that last a lifetime. The only thing better? Being a parent and creating those experiences with your child.
Whether visiting for the very first time or for the first time as a parent, here are tips and can’t-miss experiences for planning an unforgettable vacation. To learn more about how young families can create magical moments visit DisneyWorld.com/First.
Planning a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation
Walt Disney World offers tools that can streamline vacation planning, letting guests customize options for resorts, dining, attractions and other experiences to ensure everyone’s visit is truly magical. Three tools that are a must for every parent are:
DisneyWorld.com: The official website of Walt Disney World Resort, offering all the details and tools to research and book the vacation of a lifetime.
My Disney Experience app: The official mobile app of Walt Disney Resort helps simplify the vacation experience. Guests using the app on select mobile devices can:
- Enter the theme parks (with valid theme park admission and theme park reservation),
- Check into their resorts and access their rooms with a digital room key,
- Order food and make dining reservations,
- Redeem virtual queue and Lightning Lane selections, pay for purchases and so much more.
planDisney.com: The official digital resource for helpful tips, heartfelt advice and insights from guests who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations.
To plan your vacation, follow these simple steps:
First: Book your Walt Disney World vacation: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/vacation-planning/
- Decide on Dates & Length of Stay
- Choose Your Resort
- Explore Dining Plans
- Purchase Theme Park Tickets
Second: Download the My Disney Experience App and Create Your Account:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/manage-plans
- Add travel party to your Family & Friends list
- Link your Disney Resort hotel reservation
- Complete Online Check-In
- Purchase/Link your MagicBand+
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magicband-plus/
- Link your Theme Park Tickets
- Make Theme Park reservations (if applicable)
- Make Dining reservations up to 60 days in advance
- Learn about Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane entrances
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/virtual-queue/
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie/lightning-lane/
Be sure to keep a lookout for special offers. The best place to find those is DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers.
Vacation Planning Tips
Here are some planning tips that will make your visit to Walt Disney World Resort even more enjoyable!
- Baby Care Centers available in all four theme-parks offer respites for parents and infants alike. Complete with private nursing rooms and comfortable changing stations, they are also stocked with last-minute essentials.
- Rider Switch at our most popular attractions is a big hit with families. It allows adult guests to take turns waiting with children who might not meet a height requirement.
- Strollers are available for rent in all four theme parks and Disney Springs, making it easier for families traveling with younger children. Length-of-stay rental options are available.
- Parents can order meals and snacks from anywhere and avoid waiting in line when using Mobile Order through the My Disney Experience app at participating dining locations. Specially designed kids’ menus are available at nearly every location.
- Children under the age of three can eat for free at many restaurants that feature all-you-care-to-enjoy or shared family-style menus.
- Guests can bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages for their personal consumption. Note that these items must not be in glass containers or require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control.
- Complimentary cribs and Pack ‘n Plays are available for guests at all Disney Resort hotels, helping make a family’s stay even more comfortable and convenient.
- For families who want to pack less, Disney Resort hotels offer self-service and valet laundry facilities.
- Thoughtfully designed Splash Zones and play areas in our theme parks and at a variety of Disney Resort hotels are the perfect place for kids to cool off on-the-go and work out their zoomies.
- It’s fun and easy to get around Walt Disney World Resort! Our complimentary network of motor coaches, boats, monorails – and even aerial gondolas – can transport you between Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks and shopping venues. Collapsible strollers that can be stowed while riding aboard Disney Transportation are required.
Theme Park & Other Experiences
Each Walt Disney World theme park was created for families of all ages. Here are just some of the experiences that are especially popular for families with young children.
MAGIC KINGDOM PARK
Fantasy reigns for guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park with its six enchanted lands and the iconic Cinderella Castle in the center of it all. A whimsical variety of experiences are sure to delight pint-sized tykes, older kids and their families alike.
Attractions
- The whole family can explore a circus-themed playground before soaring into fun at Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
- Spin in a giant, twirling teacup at Mad Tea Party inspired by the Disney animated classic “Alice in Wonderland.”
- Chart a course for high adventure on a scenic and comedic boat tour of scenic rivers across the globe on Jungle Cruise.
- Race through the diamond mine on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a swaying family-coaster ride.
Entertainment
- Classic character encounters are at the heart of a Magic Kingdom day including Meeting Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater and meeting Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall.
- More characters from beloved Disney stories come to life during the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.
- Happily Ever After Presented by Pandora Jewelry, a nighttime spectacular celebrating Disney stories, features fireworks, projections, lasers and a musical score of Disney songs. If guests wish hard enough, Tinkerbell may even take flight over the Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT
At EPCOT, discover the power of imagination, wonders of science and technology, legendary Disney stories and immersive cultures from around the world.
Attractions
- Water comes to life in the newly opened Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana where you can explore the wonders of water along an interactive trail that’s fun for all ages.
- Zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s Kitchen on the exciting 4D attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
- The enchantment of the Disney animated classic “Frozen” comes to life on a musical voyage to Arendelle aboard Frozen Ever After.
- Playful clamshells transport you under the sea on a gentle ride based on the Disney Pixar animated feature “Finding Nemo” at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Afterwards, kids can get up close with clown fish, sea turtles, rays, sharks and more as they explore a massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium.
- Kids can make and collect craft souvenirs at Kidcot Fun Stops, while discovering the sights, sounds and flavors of 11 different countries represented in World Showcase.
Entertainment
- Meet one of the coolest dudes in the sea at Turtle Talk with Crush.
- The skies come alive with Luminous The Symphony of Us, an all-new nighttime spectacular with fireworks, fountains, lights and music.
- Be on the lookout for the wayfinder herself, Moana, at her character greeting location in World Nature, and make a wish with Asha near World Showcase Plaza. Other character greeting opportunities in World Showcase include Anna and Elsa at Royal Summerhus in the Norway pavilion, Alice in Wonderland in the UK pavilion, and many more.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
There’s so much fun awaiting you at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where families can step into incredible worlds and live out their favorite stories.
Attractions
- Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany ride through a cartoon universe aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
- Play big in Toy Story Land where you can spring through the skies on Slinky Dog Dash, spin through space aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and blast away at an array of moving targets on the 3D attraction Toy Story Mania!
- For the perfect family adventure, fly the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or join the Resistance in an unforgettable battle on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Entertainment
- Some experiences are worth melting for, like singing along with heartwarming moments from “Frozen” during For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
- It’s a lively celebration with Mickey Mouse, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and other friends at Disney Junior Play and Dance!
- Be there as the forces of good and evil battle it out Mickey’s dream during Fantasmic!, an extravagant, open-air, nighttime musical.
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK
There are so many ways for families to play as they explore animal and cultural adventures – both real and imagined – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Attractions
- Pandora – The World of Avatar transports young adventurers to another world for an illuminating voyage through a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey. Children meeting the 44-inch height requirement can also take a breathtaking 3D flight over an otherworldly landscape on Avatar Flight of Passage.
- A wildlife preserve teeming with exotic creatures like lions, elephants, hippos and zebras is waiting to be explored on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Awesome views of incredible animals can be seen while trekking the winding trails at Maharajah Jungle Trek and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
- Kids can encounter adorable animals at Affection Section, the only Walt Disney World petting zoo.
Entertainment
- It’s Hakuna Matata! for guests at Festival of the Lion King, a larger-than-life show filled with pageantry, puppetry and classic songs from the animated classic “The Lion King.”
- Just keep swimming into fun with Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, a musical packed with puppets, live performers and undersea special effects.
- Donald Duck celebrates his newly discovered dinosaur heritage with Donald’s Dino-Bash!
DISNEY SPRINGS
Shop, dine and play at Disney Springs, a one-of-a kind retail, dining and entertainment complex located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort. Family-friendly experiences abound:
- Shop all kinds of magic at stores such as World of Disney, which has the world’s largest collection of Disney merchandise; The LEGO Store, Coca-Cola Store, M&M’s, Once Upon a Toy, Goofy’s Candy Company, Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Super Hero Headquarters.
- Dine at more than 60 eateries, including kid-approved D-Luxe Burger, T-Rex, Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Cookes of Dublin and Summer House on the Lake.
- Discover incredible ways to play all day and into the night with experiences like “Drawn to Life” presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theaters, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Vintage Amphicars tours and Aerophile—The World Leader in Balloon Flight.
Come experience it all at Disney Springs and discover happily whatever you’re after.
DISNEY RESORT COLLECTION
Disney Resort Collection hotels let families stay in the magic with the same legendary storytelling, detail and guest service found in the theme parks plus magical touches that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Staying at a Disney Resort hotel means you can enjoy 30 minutes early entry to any theme park every day – giving you even more time to make those magical memories.
Disney Resort hotels also open the door to more unforgettable experiences. You might see wild animals outside your hotel rooms, swim alongside Nemo and friends or discover the spirit of aloha – all without ever leaving your Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Throughout your stay, you will feel like you’ve left the world of everyday life and entered the world of happily ever after.
Families with kids can feel right at home in our Family Suites, Country Cabins and Deluxe Villas offering separate bedrooms, kitchenettes, and living and dining areas available at various Disney Resort hotels.
Benefits of staying in the magic include:
- Character dining available at select locations
- Proximity to theme parks
- Complimentary and unique transportation
- Extra hours in the theme parks
- Magic around every corner
- Legendary Disney service
