Today’s post is from our daughter Katie. I asked her to write out her most helpful Walt Disney World planning tips as she is the mastermind behind our annual family trip that includes three generations. You have already heard how much Pete and I enjoyed Four Seasons Orlando in this post, now hear about the actual WDW experience. We think our 2024 Foster-Valle Disney holiday trip was a huge hit! Our vacation in November was 7 nights with kids ages 5, 7, and 9. Hopefully this article will provide tips that assist other families traveling to WDW with young children.
Tip Number 1 – Stay on property
It is so fun with kiddos to stay on property! It provides a significant advantage in booking dining and lightning lanes and Disney’s transportation—buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner—takes you wherever you need to go. We love the family suites at Art of Animation, with its Finding Nemo-themed pool, multiple playscapes, access to the Skyliner, and kid-friendly activities like t-shirt tie-dying, s’more roasting, and nightly movies. The kitchenette in the family suite lets us store snacks and pack lunches, saving time and money while keeping everyone ready for the parks. Tanya and Pete enjoyed the Four Seasons Orlando as she was working on a collaboration to create content for them. They’ve enjoyed many WDW Resorts over the years; most recently Disney’s Riviera Resort.
If you’re worried about the cost of staying on property, don’t overlook the Special Offers page on Disney’s website. Depending on the time of year and the resort, you can often find discounts ranging from 20% to 35%. Even better, if you book through Disney and a better deal pops up later, it’s easy to modify your reservation to take advantage of the savings.
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Tip Number 2 – Take the stroller
This continues to be a top tip from our family. Our kids are 5, 7, and 9 and EXTREMELY active. Normally they can run circles around us, but a Disney Trip is not a normal trip. We simply could not do all that we do if we were limited by the physical abilities and walking speed of our children. They exert so much energy in the morning through sheer excitement and sprinting all over the place that, without strollers, we would not make it – with smiles – to the evening. We take our single stroller from home and rent a double from Kingdom Strollers which can be delivered to and picked up from the airport or your hotel. Strollers are also a great tool to store all your stuff.
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Tip Number 3 – Bring the important stuff
Bring snacks and water! To make things easier, we have groceries delivered through Vacation Grocery Delivery on our first day and bring lunch and snacks in our Disney Tote Cooler Bag. We always pack the go-tos – sandwiches, yogurt pouches, cheese sticks, apple slices and pouches, jerky, and goldfish. Even if you plan on purchasing food at the parks, kids may not like it, lines may be long, or you might be in the middle of the wait for your favorite ride when someone needs a bite. Keep snacks at the ready to fight the hangries. Having good snacks and treats is also important if you or a kiddo have any food allergies.
Sunscreen and ponchos are must-haves for Disney—rain or shine, hot or cold. Shade helps, but sun exposure is unavoidable, and weather changes quickly. Ponchos are especially handy for water rides like Kali River Rapids, Frozen Ever After, and the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where getting soaked is part of the fun. Even on sunny days, a poncho can save the day!
For your little pirates, Jedis, stormtroopers, and princesses, bring those costumes! Dressing up adds magic to the experience and often leads to special interactions with characters—Kylo Ren and other Star Wars Characters singled out our stormtrooper-clad kiddo two years in a row! Costumes make the day more immersive and create amazing photo memories you’ll cherish forever.
If you want to save money on merch, order some hot souvenirs off Amazon and bring them! We bring bubble wands, small Disney lovies, glow sticks, and Disney Pins with us. When you walk by one of the many souvenirs stands, you can easily save $10-25 by pulling out the light-up bubble wand you got from CostCo or Amazon from under you stroller. Make sure to also bring extra bubbles and batteries!
Everyone has their favorite portable phone charger. Whatever yours is – bring two! I love these Fuel Rods because they are easy to use, easy to charge, and Fuel Rod vending machines at located at each park, to exchange a dead rod for a charged one.
Hooks and lights for the stroller(s) are so helpful. Our heavy-duty stroller hooks hold our snack bag, merch, and drink holder. We love these wire lights for the stroller bar, especially when seeking our stroller parked amongst the masses near rides and dining at night. It was so easy to spot ours!
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Tip Number 4 – Book your dining and special events 60 days out
Want to snag that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience or the favorite character dining reservation? You can and should begin booking these at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 60 days out! Those staying on property can book for the entirety of the trip (up to 14 days), 60 days before Day 1 of your trip. If off-property, bookings can be made 60 days from the reservation. If within your budget, do at least one character meal. Our favorites are Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House and Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios.
*Extra Special Tip – While dining opens at 6:00 a.m. Eastern for booking, 60 days out from your trip, Disney World Enchanting Extras – including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – open for reservations at MIDNIGHT rather than 6:00 AM Eastern! Tanya was telling me that back in the day when she would plan our Disney vacations, she had to get on the phone at the crack of dawn exactly 60 days out to snag our character dining reservations. Thank goodness it’s now an online reservation process. However, don’t be afraid to call WDW number. They are very helpful. (407) 939-5277
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Tip Number 5 – Learn the new Lightning Lane (LL) and Queue systems
Understanding Disney’s new ride reservation system is essential for making the most of your trip. The old Genie Lightning Lanes have been replaced by Single Pass and Multi Pass Lightning Lanes. While the Disney Genie app remains as a free tip and planning tool, the reservation process has significantly changed. You’ll also need to reserve access to rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure through a Virtual Queue.
To save time in line, guests can purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, or both. The Lightning Lane Single Pass can be purchased for the most popular attractions at each park. Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to select three experiences in advance, with a catch: only one ride can be from the “top tier” group (the most popular attractions), while the other two must come from the “second tier.” Once a pass is used at the park, the tier system goes away, and you can book additional rides—up to three—based on availability. Guests can also modify Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections, subject to availability. Guests may purchase 2 Single Passes and one Multi Pass per park day. Pricing for both varies day to day and park to park.
Guests can purchase Lightning Lanes Single and Multi Passes beginning at 7:00 AM Eastern on their eligible day, for the days they have a valid park ticket. Eligibility depends on the type of tickets purchased and whether staying on or off property. Guests staying on-property can book for all park days, 7 days before the first day of their stay, for up to 14 days. Guests staying off-property are eligible to book 3 days before the first date of their ticket(s). Off-property guests with date-based tickets can book for the entirety of their trip, while those with other ticket types, including annual passholders, must wait 3 days before each park day to book Lightning Lanes for that date. For a more extensive explanation, open your Disney World app or go to the Disney World website and select “Learn More” under “Lightning Lanes Multi Pass / Single Pass.”
For our trip, I could book Lightning Lanes for my kids, husband and me, 7 days out. Teta and Pops could book for all park dates, 3 days from their first park day. Since we had mixed booking dates within our group, our booking strategy was to book Passes at the less popular parks for earlier in our trip and save the more popular parks like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for later dates, when I could book for both our crew and for Teta and Pops.
Helpful Booking Tools
- Thrill Data: Provides real-time and historical analytics for ride availability, wait times, and Lightning Lane pricing. This is my favorite planning tool.
- Standby Skipper: A paid service ($25/day or $45/week) that helps secure busy Lightning Lanes, saving you time and effort while at the parks trying to snag those difficult rides.
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Tip Number 6 – Find a few of Walt Disney World’s overlooked treasures
Animal Kingdom is an overlooked and underrated treasure. Visitors on the blogs and groups advise to plan for a half-day at Animal Kingdom or skip it altogether. Our family disagrees.
For those heading to Disney exclusively for the thrill rides, this may not be your park. However, our coaster kids love Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest. For littles who love animals or anyone wanting a lower-key day, this is the best park. Kilimanjaro Safari is excellent with plenty of animal sightings. When you are done, hop on the Wildlife Express Train over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. Join in a multiple scavenger hunts, take a 30-minute character drawing class, jump into the petting zoo at Affection Station, and take a character photo doing yoga with Rafiki from The Lion King!
Become a Disney Pin Trader! In 2022, I bought a random-Disney Pin lot off Ebay (they must be Disney Pins to trade), some cheap lanyards, and Disney Pin Trading quickly became my kiddos’ favorite non-ride activity. Pin Trading Boards are scattered throughout Disney and Cast Members often have a satchel with Pins to trade with guests. Pin boards can be found at many stores, several restaurants, and most, if not all resorts. There is even the elusive ‘Disney Pin Trash Can’ that is wheeled out randomly at the various parks, with pins covering multiple sides.
The Sea Base Aquarium and Indoor playground following Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends is an amazing gem! Need a break from the hot sun, cold weather or rain? This is your place. Two floors of aquarium sights including shark and manatee tanks. For science minds, there are education stations all throughout. And littles will love the Bruce the Shark indoor playscape.
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Tip Number 7 – The grumpies (kid and grownup) are inevitable
It will happen. Whether tall or small, someone (or several someones) will be grumpy. A kid might complain or act unappreciative, and a grownup might feel tempted to give a heartfelt speech about the sacrifices made for this trip and how many kids never get to go to Disney. When that moment arrives, pause, take a breath, and remind yourself that everyone—kids and adults alike—can get tired, hungry, overstimulated, or all of the above. These magical days are packed with excitement, but that also makes them physically and emotionally draining.
Don’t underestimate the power of a snack. Whether it’s a Mickey ice cream bar or a churro, or something brought in the cooler bag, a quick treat can brighten anyone’s mood. Disney’s snack game is strong and sharing something sweet while taking a breather can help reset the whole family.
To combat the grumpies, plan for breaks. Naps during the day can work wonders or take an afternoon break between rope drop and evening events. Find a quiet corner of the park or head back to the resort to cool off, recharge, or enjoy a calmer activity. Sometimes, the best decision is to call it a day earlier than planned, opting for pool time, a movie night, or even a grownup drink at the resort while the kids unwind.
Above all, let go of the idea of a “perfect” Disney day. Tomorrow is a new day, and the grumpies of today will fade into memories of a magical trip, imperfections and all.
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Tip Number 8 – Save a day for non-park adventures
As magical as the parks are, they can be exhausting. Between the early mornings, long lines, and packed schedules, everyone benefits from a recharge. That’s why I always recommend saving a day for nonpark activities. Whether you’re staying on property or nearby, Disney and the surrounding areas offer plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy the magic without the hustle and bustle of the parks.
At each Disney resort, there is much to explore. Spend a leisurely morning by the pool—most resorts have fantastic pool areas, some with waterslides, splash pads, or lazy rivers. For a touch of luxury, treat yourself to a spa treatment or enjoy a quiet meal at one of the resort restaurants. Many resorts offer organized arts and craft activities, roasting marshmallows at a campfire, an arcade, movie under the stars, or explore scenic walking trails. You do not have to limit yourself to your resort either! Resort hopping is a favorite activity of many Disney enthusiasts!
We always plan a day and/or night at Disney Springs, especially during the holidays. This bustling entertainment district has something for everyone: world-class dining, unique shops, live entertainment, and the best hot air balloon ride with a bird’s-eye view of the magic. When with kids, make sure to check out some of the best toy stores in Walt Disney World. This year, the Christmas Tree hunt at Disney Springs was one of our favorite family memories. And we can’t leave Disney Springs without building a custom minifigure at The Lego Store!
Taking a day off from the parks doesn’t just recharge your batteries—it gives you a chance to connect, relax, and enjoy the little moments that make vacations special. When you return to the parks the next day, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to dive back into the magic of the parks.
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Tip Number 9 – Go with a plan, then go with the flow
Prepare, prepare, prepare. Disney is not something to be done lightly. This trip is too expensive and there is too much to do and see to ‘wing it.’ I tell friends and family that I prepare for this trip like I studied for the Bar Exam, and it is the truth. Everyone’s planning is different but have a general idea of what parks you want to go to on what days. Know what dining reservations are a ‘must do’ and book them 60 days out. If you miss that must-have character meal, sign up for alerts through a notification app like Mouse Watcher.
But, once you’re there, enjoy the fruits of your labor and go with the flow. No matter how prepared you are, things will change: weather will happen, crowds will vary from prediction apps, your kids might fall in love with something unexpected, or your must-ride attraction might go down the day you’re at that park. The great thing about Disney World is that there is so much to do and see, even when plans go sideways.
It’s okay to pivot. If your little one suddenly becomes obsessed with pirates, lean into that moment—ride Pirates of the Caribbean again, explore Adventureland, or grab a pirate-themed souvenir. If your teen falls in love with the thrill of Space Mountain, let them ride it twice in a row. The memories made by embracing the unexpected are often the ones that stick around long after the return home. After all, Disney is about creating joy, not checking boxes. Relax, let the magic unfold, and remember: sometimes, the best moments are the ones you never saw coming.
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Tip Number 10 – Book your next visit within 7 days of your trip and save $$!
While not widely publicized, Walt Disney World offers a significant discount on resort reservations if you book your next trip within 7 days of your last day, assuming it is within the next year. The email address associated with the app will receive an email letting you know, or you can find this discount under ‘special offers’ through Disney’s website. While I cannot speak to previous or future years, this discount did not include a discount on our tickets, only the resort. After some research on my favorite financial tip website, NerdWallet, I found that it will be cheaper to get my date-based tickets through CostCo Travel.
Disney World is a place where unforgettable family memories are made, and a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a magical trip. Whether it’s planning your Lightning Lanes, packing costumes, or taking time to recharge, these tips are here to help your family make the most of every moment. Embrace the magic, go with the flow, and enjoy every laugh, smile, and sprinkle of pixie dust along the way!
If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer. Just leave a comment below. I hope it was helpful.
Katie
P.S. Be sure to check out my first post I did on our precious Walt Disney World trip. I can’t believe how little the kids were! And Tanya has done lots of posts on Disney cruises and WDW parks.
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I Love Best Walt Disney World.