Traveling to Walt Disney World with little ones can be magical and, at times, a bit overwhelming. As someone who has visited the parks with my children yearly since my youngest was the age of 4, I’ve learned a lot about how to keep the experience fun and manageable. With a little planning and some flexibility, it’s absolutely possible to have a wonderful time without anyone feeling burnt out.
1. Set Expectations
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to set expectations with your kids. I always talk to my children beforehand about what the day will look like—whether we’re heading to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios. We discuss what rides or shows we plan to do, how we will take breaks, and what snacks we will try. This way, there are fewer surprises and the day goes more smoothly.
2. Discuss Plans with Your Kids
While setting expectations is key, I also involve my kids in the planning process, getting their opinion on which rides and attractions we’re aiming for. It gives them something to look forward to and helps avoid those, “but I thought we were going on this ride!” moments. This also includes letting them know when we will need to wait in lines and that patience is part of the Disney experience.
3. Pack Your Park Bag Wisely
A well-packed park bag can be a lifesaver. Over the years, I’ve learned which essentials to have on hand to keep everyone comfortable and happy. Some of my must-haves include:
Anti-chafe cream (for long park days and sweaty little legs)
Blister tape and band-aids (because blisters happen!)
Hand sanitizer
Water bottles (hydration is key)
Small toys (great for keeping little ones distracted while waiting)
Diapers and wipes (if needed, and wipes always come in handy for sticky hands!)
4. Utilize the Baby Care Centers
Walt Disney World’s baby care centers are amazing if you have infants or toddlers. Each park has one, and they’re a great place to take a break, change diapers, or nurse. They’re fully equipped with changing tables, high chairs, and quiet spaces, which can be a godsend in the middle of a busy park day.
5. Take Advantage of Rider Switch
Rider Switch is one of the best services Disney offers for families with young children who may not meet height requirements for certain rides. On my daughter’s first trip, we used Rider Switch for Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom because she was too short to ride. While other members of our party rode the attraction, she and I went to see the “Lamingos” (flamingos) nearby, and she still talks about that memory years later!
6. Keep Them on Their Schedule (As Much as Possible)
While it’s tempting to try to maximize every minute at Disney, I’ve found it’s important to stick to my children’s normal routine as much as possible. If your little ones are used to napping, try to incorporate a midday break or a stroller nap. This prevents meltdowns and keeps everyone in a better mood.
7. Schedule Breaks
It’s a long day at Disney, and small children can’t usually handle park days from open to close. I always schedule downtime, whether it’s returning to the hotel for a nap or finding a quiet spot in the park to relax and recharge. Our favorite spots include areas like The Seas Pavilion and Imagination Pavilion at Epcot, where my kids love to explore and roam freely.
8. Dining with Small Children
Dining at Disney can be tricky with small children, especially if they’re picky eaters. We usually limit sit-down meals to one or two per trip, as character meals can last anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours. When you are little, a 90 minute meal can feel like an eternity. If you’re booking table service, be sure to check the menus ahead of time to make sure there’s something your little ones will enjoy.
9. Resort Rest Days
Don’t underestimate the power of a rest day! Taking a break from the parks to enjoy your resort can make a huge difference in keeping little ones (and parents!) happy. Walt Disney World resorts offer fantastic pools, splash pads, playgrounds, and even scheduled activities like movies under the stars. A rest day gives kids time to recharge, prevents overstimulation, and helps everyone stay in good spirits for the rest of the trip. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to explore your resort, enjoy a leisurely meal, or take a midday nap without feeling rushed.
10. Personalized Travel Planning
Traveling to Disney with small children can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s a magical experience for the whole family. For a stress-free trip, I recommend working with a travel agent to handle all the planning. If you’d like personalized recommendations, trip proposals, and expert tips, feel free to reach out through the link below!
Hi! I am Katie Peters, a family travel expert, professional travel agent since 2023, and a mom of two who loves making vacations stress-free and magical. With personal experience traveling to destinations like Walt Disney World with kids of all ages, I specialize in helping busy families plan unforgettable trips. Whether it’s a theme park adventure, a relaxing cruise, or a bucket-list destination, I take care of the details so you can focus on making memories. Let’s plan your next adventure together!
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