I’m just going to come right out and say it… traveling to Disney with kids can be less than magical. I admit I’d gotten used to roaming without my littlest explorers due to the pandemic, and now that we are venturing out as a family, suddenly I’m having a crash course in being “mom” again in the Disney parks. Parenting in the parks carries with it this unique push and pull of wanting to be on “vacation” but realizing you’re a mom and that kind of thing doesn’t really happen because, shockingly, all your tiny humans still have countless needs that don’t disappear when you enter the Disney bubble.
But there is also no replacement for that “heart growing three sizes” kind of joy you get when you see the awe and wonder in your kid’s faces when they experience the magic. Those moments that you know they will remember forever, or if they don’t, at least you certainly will.
I’ve cried happy tears to “Baby Mine” while snuggling my little one as fireworks boomed above, and I’ve watched that same tiny human grow up and speed away all by himself in Autopia Mark VII race car. My oldest climbed his first stairs in Mickey’s house in Toon Town, and my (terrified of heights) youngest insisted on getting an Ikran toy after conquering her fear on Avatar Flight of Passage. And in every Disney moment, I watched and learned. I’ve seen my kids grow from park visit to park visit, measured who is tall enough for what ride, and observed how their experience changes as they grow. (Excuse me while I go get some kleenex and google directions to Neverland, we need some Lost Boy never-grow-up magic in here STAT, please!).
As a mom of three who has traveled to both Disney World and Disneyland with kids countless times over the years, I have seen meltdowns, blowouts, tears of both joy and sadness, illness, elation, unexpected goofiness, and been “pixie-dusted” with extra magic by Cast Members in ways that have been permanently woven into the fabric of our family. And I’ve learned a thing or two along the way, which you can read in the tips below.
But if you remember nothing else, remember this: The Disney moments with your kids are ones you will never get back. Hold them close.
The Disney moments with your kids are ones you will never get back. Hold them close.
Tip #1: Have a plan
…. but hold it loosely. My touring plans subscription is by far one of the best investments I make into planning my family trips because we don’t have to think too much or argue about what to do next. My kids help me go through the plan each day and hit “optimize” when it’s time for our next ride so we know where to go. There is no standing in the hot sun trying to agree on where to eat or what attraction to experience (ok, maybe there is still *some* of that… it’s a Disney family pastime!). If touring plans are not your thing, at the very least make dining reservations (well in advance) and some decisions about everyone’s “must-do” rides of the day before you begin (we like to discuss it at breakfast in our hotel room). That way even if you only get to a handful of attractions, most everyone will be content by the end of the day.
All that being said, any plans you make with kids, hold them so, so loosely. Kids need things, constantly, and by things, I don’t mean bubble wands and balloons (though they do ask for those constantly too). They need to stop and wave to a character. Or tie their shoe. Or go to the bathroom again. Or need cold water (we refill our water bottles frequently at counter service restaurants).
You get the picture.
Depending on the age of your kids, plan to get to about 50-75% of what you planned completed (I’m talking to you enneagram, 1s). Embrace your kid’s snail pace if they are walking. Just take a deep breath now and lower your expectations… If they are older and stroller-free, life will not be efficient.
If your kiddo is still stroller age (ours stopped about age 6 needing them, but everyone has their own needs and preferences), plan for extra time to park the stroller and find the stroller again when you come out of attractions. The cast members often move them around to organize them, so I usually put a bright-colored ribbon or piece of tape on our handle so we could find ours faster. Some others I know get a balloon to tie to the handle, as another option. You’ll also need to plan for time to climb in and out of strollers, get things from the bottom of the stroller, and load/unload the stroller.
The bottom line is, expect a slower pace. Make it your friend. Trust me on this one.
Tip #2: Take a break
And yes, I do mean literally mid-day taking a break, preferably in your hotel room out of the heat and the crowds. Older kids may be able to soldier through a full non-stop day in the parks, but odds are most will be happier and more pleasant to be around if they get out of the over-stimulating environment and chill for even just an hour.
My kids like to swim in the pool during our break times, but I do find this leaves everyone a little more tired and cranky than on the days we simply put our feet up. So, swim at your own risk!
When my babies were younger, we’d tour the parks early and then get back to our hotel for the afternoon nap where we would all sleep and it was GLORIOUS. Parents of small children, you are heroes. And I promise someday you will feel rested again. Sorta.
If you have a tiny human who is simply overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of the parks, make time to sit in some of the quieter places and let them have the pause they need. In the Magic Kingdom, there are lots of places in Fantasyland that are great for this purpose. In Epcot, I like the UK pavilion by the gardens. In Disneyland, the sitting area behind Fowlers Harbor/Harbour Galley is quiet and peaceful. In Animal Kingdom, look for seating tucked away by the river in Anandapur, or head to the area behind Flame Tree BBQ when it’s not the main mealtimes. In California Adventure, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a delightfully peaceful pause in the woods.
You know your kids, and you know the signs for when they’ve had enough. Try not to push for “one more ride”, just take a break. You will be glad you did!
Tip #3: Communicate your restroom plan
It seems silly to talk about this, but with kids, you need to. Our rules are, everyone goes if one person needs to go. That way you aren’t stopping 100,000,000 times per day at the restrooms (maybe a slight exaggeration, but it can start to feel that way).
With older kids, make sure you communicate that they are to wait in the restroom and not leave it without you. Some restrooms have two entrances/exits and it is super easy to lose mom or dad if they aren’t careful. We always point out what Cast Members’ nametags look like and tell our kids to find one of them if they can’t find us.
I’d also recommend pausing for a restroom stop before joining any long standby lines. I once stood in an hour-long line for Splash Mountain and then had to exit the queue right at the loading dock because my kiddo had to GOOOO and let me tell you, you don’t want to be that mom if you can help it.
If you have potty training kids, either pause training for your trip or bring some extra changes of clothes just in case. The same thing goes for infants… plan to bring at least one backup outfit/pair of pants, and at least two more diapers than you think you will need! I also bring extra wipes when traveling with anyone under the age of 5.
Tip #4: How to carry all the “stuff”
Park bag or no park bag? That is the question. And it’s a personal one. Some families insist on traveling bag-free, while others go with full backpacks. Whatever you choose is up to you!
Our family is the happy medium. I got my kids three one-shoulder bags that are super lightweight and washable, and they were my absolute favorite solution to no longer carrying a giant bag myself for everyone (see photo below of said bag). All three of my kids carried their own water, cooling towel, sunglasses, fans, poncho, and any miscellaneous items they picked up all on their own with very minimal complaint. (There are always some complaints… they are kids after all!) I personally carry an over-the-shoulder bag that is large enough for my Nikon z50 camera plus the necessary “mom” items. You can find a full list of my must-have items for the parks here!
If you have the luxury of stroller cargo space, use it! But make sure you don’t leave any valuables in it. We always packed our important items and diaper bag items in a backpack we pulled out quickly and when we parked the stroller. People sadly can (and do) steal items from strollers, and sometimes even strollers themselves, so a stroller lock might be something to consider if you have a higher-end model.
Speaking of stuff, I usually travel to the resorts with my suitcases 60% full to account for all the souvenirs and treats we plan to bring home. Sometimes I fill that extra space with consumables like snacks, breakfast foods, paper towels & bowls, etc that we will use up throughout the trip. Depending on your personal shopping style and budget, the amount of space you will need will vary. My best advice is to invest in an awesome digital luggage scale to toss in your suitcase if you are flying to make sure you don’t go over your weight limit for your bags.
Tip #5: Feed the masses
Hangry is a thing, and when you’ve been on your feet all day in the Florida/California sun, you might as well amplify it times 1,000. I’m convinced that 90% of all family vacation dysfunction can be remedied with a good snack and a nap (if baby Yoda has taught us nothing else, he’s taught us this).
My husband is brilliant at getting us fed on vacation. It’s like a secret ninja skill that comes out only when we are away from home, and I adore him for it. One of the ways we’ve discovered to get food into our tiny humans faster is to decide not only where we are eating but exactly what we will order during all that downtime in line long before we need it.
With mobile ordering, this is a cinch because you have to pick what you want when you order anyway. But even with our sit-down meals, we look at the online menu together, pull up the notes section on our phones, and write down exactly what each person wants to eat. Also, remember to choose your mobile order return time and put in your order early in the day for popular locations (I’m looking at you, Woody’s Lunchbox).
When it comes to snacks, consider buying a few to share rather than one for each person. We learned this the hard way in the great Melting Dole Whip Disaster of 2021. Maybe your six-year-old can eat an entire dole whip, but mine couldn’t. We discovered our family was happy sharing 1-2 pretzels instead of getting individual snacks and having leftovers go to waste.
Also parents… if you’re on a budget and there are two of you, consider splitting an entree, and then eating what your kids don’t (or won’t) eat. Between our three kids, there was always a portion of their food they never touch, and we just supplement our half-entree with their fruit, chicken, or whatever else they are too full to attempt. We never leave hungry, and we save a good $30-40 every meal.
For breakfasts, our family eats in our room in the mornings, with simple cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt to start our day. I also pack a snack or two in our park bags for in-between meals as needed. I usually use Amazon Prime Now and have groceries delivered on our arrival day, including some bottled water and a gallon of water for refills because Florida water is not to our taste.
If you want to bring the magic home, pack a few (not too delicate) Disney treats to take home in your suitcase. I often pack an empty Tupperware container and/or ziplock bags in mine for easy transport of any pastries, fudge, or other treats we want to take with us.
Tip #6: Your kids are still your kids
This seems like an obvious statement, but I think it’s easy for us as parents to think that our kids will suddenly become perfect angels enraptured by all the Disney goodness.
The truth is the kids you have at home all day every day are the same ones you brought with you to the parks. They are going to have good days and bad days. They are going to get hot, tired, cranky, and fight with siblings. If you have toddlers, they may still try to run from you all the time, or be frightened of the characters, or not want to ride the “scary dark rides”. Infants may have their schedules interrupted and not sleep well. And you may, at times, wonder why you bothered taking this trip at all.
When you have told your kids for the millionth time to stop hanging on the ropes or to move forward in line, take a deep breath and remember that they are just being who they always are, just at Disney. You will still have to remind them to be respectful towards others. You will likely have times when you need to get to their level and hear their anxieties about a ride and make a judgement call about whether they aren’t ready for the experience. And you might need to alter the course of your vacation because they have needs you didn’t anticipate.
Traveling with kids, like parenting kids, is truly an adventure. It’s a joy and the highest of highs when everyone is doing well, and can quickly feel like the worst trip ever when something goes wrong. Just keep swimming. A few bad moments do not mean your whole vacation is a wash.
Tip #7: You can’t do it all (nor should you)
One of the things I love most about my dear husband is how he reminds me that our vacation is not about accomplishing but about enjoying. It probably has to do with his relational enneagram 2ness, but I appreciate the reminder all the same. Any trip to the park you take is an opportunity to pause and just be with the people you are with, even if it’s simply sitting and having a Mickey bar together. You don’t need to see everything or do everything to have a great vacation. Odds are, your kids just want to be with you, and whatever you do, they are happy as long as you are with them.
And I do mean with them. Put down your phone. Put away your camera. Just be present, and listen. Watch their faces as they explore and adventure. Ask them questions, and let them ask you a few. Hold their hands (if they still let you). Take a few extra Photopass photos instead of rushing to the next attraction. Embrace rainy days together with laughter. And take the time to really see your kids.
I guarantee that the memories you bring back with you will not be ones of how many rides you went on, but of how many moments your heart broke that measuring device and filled to overflowing. Yes, there will be meltdowns, tantrums, attitude, and disagreements, but in the end, being together is all that matters, even in the imperfection.
There are thousands of more tips I could give about traveling with kids, and this is really only the tip of the iceberg. So please feel free to ask any and all questions in the comments if there is something you are curious about!
Have a great week, Disney friends! And don’t forget to subscribe below for more Disney tips, park history, and inspiration!
