Disney With Kids Tips: How to Make the Most of the Magic
One of our favorite family vacations? Disney! You can find us there at least once or twice a year, usually with the kids, and sometimes just Hans and me. There’s so much to do there, and even with the kids ranging from 14 to 4, there’s something for everyone! That said, the long days, crowds, endless walking (especially at Disney World), and disrupted routines can occasionally make it a tough trip for all parties involved – especially little ones. But I’m a firm believer that the magic and memories are worth the effort, and these Disney with kids tips make the whole experience so much easier!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my content!
Disney with Kids Tip #1: Bring a Sturdy Stroller
Ever heard the saying “buy it nice, or buy it twice”? It’s especially true when it comes to strollers. Your stroller is your home base when you’re away from your hotel or Airbnb, and it’s a lifesaver for tired kiddos. We’ve had several strollers over the years, and below I’m linking the ones that have held up best for us, plus a few must-have stroller accessories.
Before you lug yours along, check the stroller size restrictions for the Disney park you’re visiting. And expect it to be searched during security. If you’d rather not deal with packing a stroller, you can also rent one at the park.
Tip #2: Make a Kid Safety Plan
Losing track of your child in a crowd is every parent’s worst nightmare, and Disney is crowded year-round, even with seasonal ebbs and flows. Keeping a close eye on your kiddos is step one, but a few extra precautions can bring some peace of mind.
- Get an AirTag or another Bluetooth tracker, and have kids wear them as bracelets.
- Pick a meeting spot and teach kids to find a Cast Member (look for the name tag).
- Take a photo of each kid’s outfit every morning so you have it if you need to describe them.
- It also helps to know the process. If your child is lost, tell the nearest Cast Member or Baby Care Center. If you’re separated, one adult stays where the child was last seen while the other searches.
Disney with Kids Tip #3: Wear Comfortable and Waterproof Shoes
Between the water rides and long days outside, shoes that are at least somewhat waterproof are a smart move. We’ve been through plenty of Disney World rainstorms, and trust me, you’ll be so glad to have them when the walkways turn into puddles.
Tip #4: Pack for the Weather
Speaking of rain, ponchos are a must, especially at Disney World. They’re much cheaper to order ahead and pack than to buy at the park stores, though when it’s pouring, you’ll be grateful for anything (even if it eats into the churro budget). A spare poncho can double as a stroller cover, too.
Sunscreen is another item that costs much less when you bring your own. We spray everyone down before leaving the hotel, pack a second bottle for midday touch-ups, and use this powder version for faces.
Disney with Kids Tip #5: Bring a Portable Charger
There are so many moments worth capturing at the parks! And you’ll want to stay reachable and keep the Disney apps running. A portable charger keeps your phone ready when you need it. Just pull it out when you go through security at the entrance, so it doesn’t set off the scanner.
Tip #6: Give Each Park More Than One Day
This might be one of the most overlooked Disney with kids tips! But if you can, give each park more than just a day. You’re traveling all that way, so don’t cram four parks into four days. Spending two days at each lets you do a short morning, a midday break, and an easy evening, without the panic of missing something.
Disney with Kids Tip #7: Make Food Reservations & Use Mobile Ordering
No hangry kids (or adults) here! Plan your food stops ahead of time to keep everyone in a good mood and also to avoid long waits for meals. Here are a few of our go-to tips:
- Book a sit-down meal for lunch. Having a mid-day rest with air conditioning and recharging is a must!
- Reservations can usually be made up to 60 days ahead of time. If there’s a restaurant you don’t want to miss, or you just like knowing you’re prepared, book it as soon as you can.
- Use the Disney apps! You can do mobile ordering and takeout, check wait times, and more. They’re so helpful to have!
Tip #8: Get Belt Bags for the Kids
Older kids will appreciate having a place to store their hand sanitizer, trading pins, a small snack, and sunglasses. It’s also a good place to keep your phone number, just in case. These belt bags are a great size for kids!
Disney with Kids Tip #9: Give Each Kid a Souvenir Budget
Giving each child a set amount to spend helps cut down on store meltdowns (though it won’t erase them completely). Let the kids browse the Disney stores online beforehand so they have an idea of what they want. And remind them that if they spot something they love on day one, you can always come back the next day, in case they inevitably see something else later on.
To make the budget feel real, you could hand them the money as cash or a prepaid card so they can watch the amount shrink.
Tip #10: Use the Services Disney Offers
I always appreciate how accommodating the Disney parks are for families. There are so many services that make the day easier, like:
- Free water and refill stations: You can ask for cups of ice water at quick-service restaurants, which saves money and keeps everyone hydrated. And refill stations are located around the park – you can find the nearest one on your Disney app.
- Baby Care Centers: Every Disney World park has an air-conditioned one for feeding, changing, and resting.
- Rider Switch and Lightning Lanes! Rider Switch lets adults take turns on a ride without waiting in line twice, and Lightning Lanes shorten the wait for popular attractions. These make it so everyone gets a turn on the rides and you spend less time in long lines.
Disney Outfits
For me, part of the fun in a Disney vacation is picking out fun outfits beforehand! There’s just nothing cuter than a kid in Mickey gear.
A few good places to look are Amazon, H&M, Old Navy, Zara, and Etsy. Here are a few options I found for adults and kiddos!
I hope these tips help your next Disney trip run more smoothly. You can’t predict everything that will happen, especially with kids involved, but having a few tips and a plan in place definitely helps!
