Planning Your Disney Trip: Family-Friendly Tips for Traveling with Kids

Disney is built with families in mind, offering a wide array of services and amenities to make traveling with children as smooth as possible. Here’s how to plan a magical family vacation that accommodates the needs of both kids and parents.

1. Essential Tips for Traveling with Kids at Disney

When traveling with young children, it’s important to consider the pace and needs of the entire family. Here are some practical tips to help ensure everyone has a magical experience.

  • Plan for Rest Breaks: Disney parks are large, and even the most energetic kids will need breaks. Plan to rest periodically to keep everyone comfortable and happy. Disney provides plenty of shaded areas and benches, and taking advantage of indoor shows or rides with air-conditioning can provide much-needed breaks from walking and heat.

    Tip: Utilize the My Disney Experience app to find indoor attractions, such as Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios or Finding Nemo – The Musical at Animal Kingdom, which offer a cool break from the outdoor excitement.

  • Stick to Your Family’s Schedule: Try to keep to your children’s usual nap and meal times as much as possible. Early mornings and evenings often have lighter crowds, so you can maximize your time in the parks around naps and mealtimes. Some families find it helpful to visit the park in the morning, return to their hotel for a nap or swim, and come back to the park in the afternoon.

    Tip: Consider staying at a Disney Resort Hotel to make returning to the hotel for naps more convenient. Disney’s resorts are close to the parks and offer transportation options that make midday breaks easier.

  • Plan Ahead for Dining: Many Disney restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and the My Disney Experience app allows you to make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance. Character dining experiences are a great way for children to meet their favorite Disney characters without long lines. Options like Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Tusker House at Animal Kingdom offer both character interactions and child-friendly menus.

    Tip: If your kids are picky eaters, look at menus in advance to ensure there are options they’ll enjoy. Mobile ordering is also available at most quick-service locations, so you can order in advance and avoid lines.

  • Bring Comfort Items: Disney can be overwhelming for little ones, so it helps to bring familiar comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal, small blanket, or pacifier. These items can help soothe children during busy moments or while waiting in line.

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2. Stroller Rentals and Baby Care Centers

Navigating Disney with young children is much easier with the right equipment. Disney offers stroller rentals and family-friendly amenities to help make your visit smoother and more comfortable.

  • Stroller Rentals: Strollers are available to rent at each of the Disney parks on a first-come, first-served basis. Disney offers both single and double strollers, which can be rented daily or for the length of your stay. If you plan to spend full days in the park, a stroller can provide kids with a place to rest between attractions.

    • Single Stroller: $15 per day or $13 per day for multi-day rentals

    • Double Stroller: $31 per day or $27 per day for multi-day rentals

    Tip: If you prefer to have a stroller outside the park as well, consider renting from an outside provider. Companies like Kingdom Strollers and Magic Strollers deliver to Disney resorts and often offer more comfortable options than Disney’s park rentals.

  • Bring Your Own Stroller: If you’re comfortable with it, bringing your own stroller can be a cost-effective option, and it’s especially convenient for transporting kids around the resort and parking areas. Make sure to check Disney’s stroller size requirements, as larger strollers and wagons are not permitted.

    Tip: Mark your stroller with a unique ribbon or tag for easy identification, as stroller parking areas can get crowded.

  • Baby Care Centers: Disney’s Baby Care Centers are family-friendly facilities located in each of the parks, providing a clean, quiet space for feeding, changing, and nursing. Each Baby Care Center is equipped with changing tables, nursing rooms, high chairs, and microwaves. The centers also sell baby essentials, like diapers, wipes, and formula, in case you need to restock during the day.

    • Locations:

      • Magic Kingdom: Near the entrance to Adventureland

      • EPCOT: Next to the Odyssey Center between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion

      • Hollywood Studios: Near the entrance of the park, next to First Aid

      • Animal Kingdom: To the left of the Tree of Life in Discovery Island

    Tip: Baby Care Centers are an excellent resource for parents with young children, especially when your child needs a quiet break from the excitement.

3. Family-Friendly Attractions and Rider Switch Program

Disney’s parks are filled with family-friendly rides and attractions, and the Rider Switch program helps make it easier for families to enjoy thrill rides when traveling with young children.

  • Top Family-Friendly Attractions by Park:

    • Magic Kingdom: It’s a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Peter Pan’s Flight are classic attractions loved by young children.

    • EPCOT: Frozen Ever After and The Seas with Nemo & Friends are gentle rides with beloved Disney characters that kids will enjoy.

    • Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania!, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway offer playful experiences suited for young kids.

    • Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris and TriceraTop Spin are both great for families with young children, providing a mix of animals and fun.

    Tip: Be sure to check height requirements in advance on the My Disney Experience app, as some attractions have height restrictions.

  • Rider Switch Program: Disney’s Rider Switch program allows adults to take turns riding thrill rides without waiting in line twice when traveling with young children who can’t or don’t want to ride. Here’s how it works:

    • One adult waits with the child while the other rides.

    • The second adult can then ride without waiting in line again, using the Rider Switch pass.

    Tip: Use Rider Switch in combination with Genie+ or Lightning Lane passes to make the most of your time and reduce wait times even further.

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4. Packing Essentials for a Day at Disney with Kids

Packing the right essentials can make your day at Disney easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s a checklist of items to consider:

  • Snacks and Water: Disney allows guests to bring in snacks and water, so pack plenty of easy-to-eat items like fruit, granola bars, and crackers. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Florida’s warm climate.

  • Sunscreen and Hats: Protect kids from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day.

  • Extra Clothes: Pack an extra set of clothes for each child, especially if you plan to go on water rides or let them play in water play areas.

  • Portable Phone Charger: Disney’s My Disney Experience app is essential for navigating the parks, so bring a portable phone charger to ensure your phone stays charged.

  • Rain Ponchos: Florida weather can be unpredictable, and a quick rain shower is common. Ponchos are easy to pack and can be a lifesaver in the event of a sudden downpour.

    Tip: Consider bringing a small backpack or diaper bag that fits under your stroller or is easy to carry throughout the day.

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5. Family-Friendly Amenities and Services

Disney offers several family-friendly amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all ages.

  • PhotoPass and Memory Maker: Disney’s PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the parks, capturing memorable moments that can be accessed digitally. Memory Maker allows you to download all photos taken during your stay, making it easy to capture and keep special memories without worrying about taking photos yourself.

  • Dining Reservations and Mobile Ordering: Making dining reservations in advance is especially helpful for families, as it ensures that everyone can rest and enjoy a meal together without a long wait. Mobile ordering is available at many quick-service restaurants, allowing you to place your order ahead of time for a quick and convenient dining experience.

  • First Aid Stations: Each park has a First Aid station where guests can receive basic medical care. If your child has a minor injury or isn’t feeling well, First Aid can provide basic supplies and assistance.

    Tip: Locate the nearest First Aid station on the My Disney Experience app as soon as you enter the park, so you’re prepared in case of emergencies.

  • Kid-Friendly Entertainment Options: Disney provides plenty of kid-friendly shows and entertainment options, such as parades, character cavalcades, and stage shows. These entertainment options offer a break from rides and are often shaded or indoors, providing a cool break during the day.

Tip: Character sightings and shows can be located in the My Disney Experience app, so check the schedule to plan around your family’s favorite characters and shows.

Final Thoughts on Family-Friendly Disney Travel

Disney is a family-focused destination, and with a little planning, your trip can be magical for kids and adults alike. From renting a stroller and using Rider Switch to planning rest breaks and making dining reservations, these tips will help you create a smooth and enjoyable experience. With thoughtful preparation, your family can make memories to last a lifetime at the most magical place on earth.