Tips For Planning For Disney World With Kids

Disney World, famously dubbed “the most magical place on Earth,” is a dream destination for many families. Experiencing it with your kids can indeed be magical, but navigating the crowds and ensuring everyone has an incredible time calls for some savvy planning. To avoid future meltdowns and mishaps, a bit of preparation goes a long way…

From dining with Mickey Mouse to riding Dumbo The Flying Elephant, here is how to do the ultimate trip to Walt Disney World in style. CEO of The Handbook, Elly Stancliffe, visited Walt Disney World with her family recently. From her experience, here are her best tips on what to do, eat, and see.

What To Do

See a live show

If you’re tired of walking in the Florida heat, sit down for a 45-minute entertainment show (did I mention there’s AC?). The shows at Walt Disney World mix music and dance, creating a captivating experience. Shows last 45 minutes or less and run throughout the day – make sure to check showtimes when planning!

Meet and greets

Pick which character your kids (or yourself) absolutely need to see ahead of time. Plan ahead by checking the daily schedule on the My Disney Experience app for times and locations. Arrive early to avoid long lines, and have your camera or smartphone ready to capture the moment. Autograph books are a fun way to collect signatures, so bring one along with a pen. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a character dining reservation, where favourite characters visit your table while you enjoy a meal.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Speaking of character meet-and-greets, turn your little one into a princess or knight themselves. Nestled in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers makeovers that include hairstyling, makeup, and costumes. This enchanting experience is complete with a sprinkling of fairy dust. Reservations are a must for this popular spot, and it’s best to book well in advance to secure your preferred time. Whether your child dreams of becoming a princess like Cinderella or a brave knight ready to conquer adventures, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers packages to suit every child.

Watch fireworks

Finish your night by watching a fireworks show. There are several shows to choose from in the parks. The iconic Happily Ever After show, which takes place over Cinderella’s Castle, is a mix of colour, lights, and lasers. There is no separate charge to watch these spectaculars – they’re included with park admission.

Walt Disney World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s true what they say: the adults really do have as much, if not more fun, at the parks.

Where To Stay

Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are several benefits to staying at a Disney-owned hotel. For starters, guests are granted early access to the theme parks daily. Also, staying at a Disney hotel means you have access to free transportation to all Disney parks. Stancliffe stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during her last visit to Walt Disney World. “It is brilliant for families,” she said. “You can open your bedroom doors, and there is a vast savanna surrounding the resort with over 30 species of African animals, including zebras, gazelles, and giraffes – plus doorstep access to the park itself.” Along with the lush savannas, guests also have access to award-winning dining options and a pool with a water slide.

Where To Eat

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park offers an enchanting dining experience inside Beast’s Castle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Guests can enjoy French-inspired cuisine in one of three beautifully themed rooms: the grand Ballroom, the mysterious West Wing, or the charming Rose Gallery.

Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park offers an enchanting dining experience inside Beast’s Castle.

Known for its immersive atmosphere and exquisite decor, dining at Be Our Guest feels like stepping into the beloved film, making it a must-visit for any Disney fan. If you plan on dining here, book a reservation before you even step foot into the park. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance.

Cake Bake by Gwendolyn Rodgers

Cake Bake looks like something out of a fairytale. This bakery and restaurant offers an array of beautifully crafted cakes, pastries, and savoury dishes. The elegant, fairy-tale-inspired decor makes it the perfect place to have a tea party with your little ones. Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, desserts and cocktails while taking in the views of Crescent Lake.

The Disney boardwalk deli is a great spot for a morning breakfast or ice cream treat, and explore outside the parks for some dinner.

Disney Boardwalk Deli

With a convenient location, diverse menu, and family-friendly atmosphere this was a favourite of Stancliffe while on her trip. Situated along the scenic Boardwalk, the deli offers a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. The menu features a wide range of options, from hearty sandwiches and fresh salads to kid-friendly selections. The deli’s quick service format allows families to dine efficiently and get back to enjoying their day at the park, making it a practical and enjoyable dining choice.

Pack Your Own Food

By packing your own snacks, you can avoid the high prices of dining options and allocate your budget towards other experiences. Additionally, bringing your own snacks allows you to cater to individual preferences and restrictions so that everyone in your group has a treat to enjoy! Thankfully, Disney parks allow outside food and beverages to be brought inside. You can pack your snacks in a backpack, tote bag, or even a small cooler to keep them fresh throughout the day. Just be mindful of any food items that may melt or spoil in the heat, and consider bringing along reusable water bottles to stay hydrated as you explore. Some kid-friendly options include individually wrapped snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or popcorn. All options are great for on-the-go and won’t spoil in the Florida heat. Don’t forget to include some treats for yourself – as long as they don’t contain alcohol, which is not permitted into the park.

Tips & Tricks

• Plan ahead! Knowing where you’re going, how to get to and from each park, and how to navigate once you’re there is an absolute lifesaver. A bit of extra preparation work will save you loads of time in the long run.

• Utilize Rider Switch. If someone in your group can’t or doesn’t want to go on a ride at Walt Disney World, don’t worry. All four of the parks offer something called Rider Switch. Here, one adult can wait with the non-rider while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. Then, the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in line again. This is especially helpful for families with children who are not tall enough to enjoy the rides.

• The Genie+ Service is a game-changer for maximizing your Disney World experience. This service replaced the previously named FastPass+. With the Genie Pass, guests can access Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions, minimizing wait times and ensuring a smoother visit.

If budget allows, the VIP tour guides are hugely popular, meaning you can skip the queue but come at a cost (a pretty big one; prices vary depending on the time of year). We did five days at Disney, which was the perfect amount of time. We hopped between the parks and got to see everything.

• Do a maximum of one park per day. Trying to squeeze in too much can be stressful and will lead to you spending most of the time travelling. Just take your time and enjoy each park to its fullest!

• Stay late: There are loads of day-trippers and locals who go to the parks every day, and you would be amazed how much they disperse late into the day. Also, queue times at the end of the day are almost always much shorter than they say – it’s designed to put you off.

• A warning – the food is not so great. It was difficult to get healthy food in the parks, and baby formula was even more impossible to get hold of, so come prepared. The Disney boardwalk deli is a great spot for a morning breakfast or ice cream treat and explore outside the parks for some dinner. We particularly loved Crazy Crab for its seafood broil.

• Take breaks! Regardless of what kind of break you take, planning a mid-day break is essential to avoid meltdowns from overstimulated kids or stress-out parents. Heading back to the resort for a midday swim is a great way to get away from the crowds and cool off. If you don’t want to leave the parks, book a lunchtime reservation at one of the parks.

• Dress the part. While you may want to rock those trendy heels or sleek loafers, keep in mind that a day at Walt Disney World involves a lot of walking. Opt for comfortable yet fashionable footwear that can withstand long distances without sacrificing style. Sneakers or supportive sandals are great options that will keep your feet happy throughout the day.