Visiting Disney World with Small Kids? Read this first!
As a family travel planner and the mama of two boys in elementary school, I know a trip to Disney with little ones can be an enchanting experience, but it also requires careful planning to ensure everyone has a magical time (including you mama!) Here are my top tips to make the most of your Disney adventure with toddlers/small kids.
Timing Is Everything
Avoid peak seasons and high-traffic times if possible. The best times to visit Disney with toddlers are typically in the early fall, late winter, or early spring when crowds are lower and temperatures are milder. Arriving at the parks early in the morning also helps beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter wait times. I know that avoiding school breaks might not be an option for you, but if it is you will most likely encounter might lighter crowds than “vacation weeks” like Christmas break, February break and Spring break!
Choose the Right Rides and Attractions
Your smaller kiddos might not be able to ride ALL the rides due to height restrictions, but there are plenty of options in every park that have no height requirements. You can see those rides below under their respective park:
Magic Kingdom:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
"it's a small world"
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney World Railroad
Epcot:
Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Living with the Land
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Spaceship Earth
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Toy Story Mania!
Disney's Animal Kingdom:
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Na'vi River Journey
Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Plan for Breaks and Rest Stops
Even energetic kids will need downtime. Whether it’s a midday break at your hotel, grabbing a snack in a shaded area, or visiting a sit-down show, planning rest periods will help prevent exhaustion. Do whatever works for your family!
Bring a Lightweight Backpack
Believe me even if you think you don’t need to carry a backpack, you will be thinking me later!! Your Disney day bag should include (at a minimum):
Snacks and refillable water bottles (Disney allows you to bring food!)
Sunscreen and hats (don’t buy sunscreen in the park because it is going to cost you so much more $$)
A change of clothes and socks (for unexpected messes, water rides or that random Florida rainstorm that comes out of no where!)
Wipes and hand sanitizer
Autograph books and pens for character meet-and-greets
Take Advantage of Rider Switch and Lightning Lane Multipass
Disney’s Rider Switch program allows one parent to wait with a younger sibling while the other rides, then switch without waiting in line again. The Lightning Lane Multipass system can also help reduce wait times for popular attractions, so consider purchasing it for a smoother experience.
Meet Characters Wisely
Meeting Mickey, Minnie, and their friends is a highlight for many kids, but the experience can sometimes involve long waits. Consider booking character dining experiences to meet beloved characters while enjoying a meal, rather than waiting in lines.
Utilize Play Areas and Interactive Attractions
Disney offers several interactive spaces where kids can take a break from rides while still having fun. Check out the Dumbo The Flying Elephant Queue Play Area (Magic Kingdom) or The Space Base inside the The Mission Space Advanced Training Lab (Epcot) for great play areas where kids can burn off energy.
Embrace the Magic, But Be Flexible
Disney is all about magic, but with young children, flexibility is key. Don’t stress if you can’t check everything off your list. Go at your child’s pace, enjoy the little moments, and soak in the wonder through their eyes.
End the Day with a Magical Memory
Kids might not remember every detail of their trip, but creating a special moment before leaving—like watching the fireworks from a quieter spot or picking out a small souvenir—can make the experience extra special.
I know that with these tips, your Disney trip can be an unforgettable adventure! Happy travels, and may your family’s Disney experience be filled with magic and joy!
Bio: Kim is a Travel Planner with Goldgell Getaways. She specializes in helping moms and families book less stressful vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, cruises and other Disney destinations. Kim walks clients through the planning process step by step and takes the guesswork (and stress) out of travel! From research to booking and recommendations to reservations, Kim is your one stop shop for a fabulous family vacation! Kim was previously a health and mindset coach for moms who specialized in stress management. She decided to pivot to travel planning so that she could focus on reducing stress and increasing fun in one specific area for moms - travel and vacation planning!