Top 10 Tips for Travelling to Disney World with Young Children

Planning a trip to Disney World with young children can be an exciting and magical experience — but it can also feel overwhelming. From my own experience, I can tell you that with a bit of preparation and a few insider tips, you can make the most of your visit and ensure that both you and your children have a fantastic time. I’ve taken my children to Disney World from as young as 9 months old, and I’ve travelled with my daughter since she was four. Over the years, I’ve learned what works best for making the trip as enjoyable as possible. Here are my top 10 tips for making your Disney World trip with young children as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

1. Plan for Nap Time and Breaks
Young children often need rest to keep their energy up throughout the day, and Disney World can be exhausting! The Florida heat can really take its toll, making it even more important to take regular breaks in a cool, air-conditioned space. When my son was younger, he would take naps regularly, especially at 9 months old. Even though he didn’t need naps when he was 6, we still made sure to schedule breaks to keep his energy levels up and avoid heat exhaustion. Whether it’s in the middle of the day at your accommodation or by taking a break in the park, stepping into a cool restaurant, store, or one of the many air-conditioned attractions can be a lifesaver. Don’t try to do too much in one go. A relaxed approach, especially during the hottest parts of the day, helped everyone stay in good spirits and recharge for the next adventure!

2. Use Rider Switch for Thrilling Rides
Not all attractions are suitable for young children, but don’t worry — Disney offers a Rider Switch service, allowing one parent to wait with the child while the other enjoys a ride. Once the first parent finishes, they can swap places without needing to wait in line again. This worked brilliantly for us when my children were younger, and we wanted to enjoy some of the more exciting rides while keeping them entertained. Luckily, as they’ve gotten older, we no longer need to use the service, but I still recommend it to families with younger kids. It’s a fantastic way to make sure everyone gets to enjoy the thrill of Disney's rides without the stress of waiting twice in line

3. Bring a Buggy, Even If Your Child is Older
Disney World is vast, and even older children will get tired of walking around the parks. Even though my son didn’t use a buggy at home anymore, when he was six, we took our own buggy — and it was a real lifesaver! Not only was it more affordable than renting one from Disney, but it was also a great convenience. We were able to take it with us on the plane as additional luggage for free, which saved us both money and hassle. Plus, it gave my son a comfortable place to rest and made navigating the parks a lot easier.
Now, don’t make the same mistake I did when we took my daughter, who was four at the time. I thought I was being clever by picking up a cheap $20 buggy from one of the stores at the mall. Big mistake! It was like pushing a flimsy shopping trolley with wobbly wheels. My sister, Emma, who travelled with us, had to kick the wheels just to get the buggy to go round a corner. Trust me, if you're going to bring a buggy, spend a little more for quality — your back (and your child) will thank you!

4. Choose Accommodation Conveniently Located Near the Parks
While staying at a Disney Resort Hotel has its perks, we understand that off-site options can sometimes be more affordable. But don't overlook the benefits of staying at a Disney hotel — it’s more than just a place to sleep! Staying on Disney property means you get easy access to the parks, extra magic hours for early park entry, and of course, the full Disney experience. Whether it's the themed décor or the added convenience of being just a bus ride away from your next adventure, you can’t beat the proximity. On top of that, Disney Resort guests enjoy free transportation to all the parks, saving you time and hassle on travel. Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel can make a big difference for a stress-free trip!

That said, if you're considering off-site options, we can help you choose accommodation that’s not only within easy reach of the parks but also fits your budget and preferences. Many off-site hotels offer free shuttle services to Disney World, making transportation hassle-free. Let us help you find the perfect spot to stay so that you can maximise your Disney experience without the stress of long travel times.

5. Plan Character Meet-and-Greets Early
Meeting Disney characters was one of the highlights for my children, so we planned our meet-and-greets ahead of time. It really helped to check the schedule for character appearances and arrive early to avoid long queues. We also kept an eye out for those special moments when characters appeared without any waiting — these little surprises made a huge difference.

One of my favourite memories was when my son met Goofy. He spent the whole time laughing at him, completely in awe. Watching his reaction was priceless and really highlighted the magic of Disney — those little moments that make the trip unforgettable.

6. Pack Snacks and Drinks
I learned the hard way that hunger and thirst can quickly lead to meltdowns, so I always kept a stash of snacks and drinks in the bag. It really helped keep my children’s energy up and prevented any unnecessary fuss. There are plenty of food options around the parks, but having a snack ready when needed made a huge difference. And of course, we stayed hydrated in the Florida heat!

A little tip — don’t forget to take snacks with you into the parks. It can save a lot of money, especially when you're catering to hungry children all day. Plus, if you ask for free iced water at any counter service, they'll happily give it to you! It's a great way to keep everyone cool without spending a fortune on drinks.

Now, I’ll be honest — it wasn’t just the kids who needed snacks! My partner, Col, is usually the one having the meltdowns when he gets "hangry." If I had a penny for every time I had to calm him down with a snack, I could’ve paid for our whole holiday! A snack in hand is always a good idea for keeping everyone’s spirits high.

7. Be Prepared for Florida’s Weather
Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so we always go prepared. We pack suncream, hats, and light clothing for the heat, but we also bring ponchos for the inevitable rain showers. When my children used a buggy, we took along a lightweight, foldable rain cover — it was a game-changer! We also bring a fan to keep everyone cool during those scorching days. With these items on hand, we’re ready for whatever the weather throws at us. And let’s be honest, those rain showers? They’re just like back home — only warmer! It’s as if someone turns on a hosepipe for a few minutes, then the sun comes out like nothing happened. But with our ponchos, rain covers, and a handy fan, we stay dry and cool, no problem!

8. Download the Disney World App
The Disney World app is an absolute lifesaver. I used it to check wait times, make dining reservations, and find out where the nearest toilet was — essential when you’re out and about with young children! Having everything at your fingertips really made a difference in keeping the day running smoothly.
You can even download the app in advance to get a good idea of the park layout, which is really helpful for planning your day and navigating the parks with ease.
Additionally, you can use the app to book Lightning Lanes, which is a great way to skip the regular queues for certain attractions. We’ve never actually used them, as we’ve found that getting to the parks early or staying late allows us to enjoy the rides we want without the extra expense. But if you’re looking to save time during the middle of the day, they can be a great option.

9. Take Advantage of Early Park Entry
We’ve always stayed on-site, and one of the biggest perks is the ability to enjoy early park entry. It was a game-changer for us! Getting to the parks before the crowds meant we could enjoy popular areas like Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom without the long wait times. Arriving early gave us quieter morning hours, allowing us to make the most of our day before the crowds rolled in. Plus, if you're staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, you can even enjoy extended evening hours at select parks — a great way to keep the magic going after the crowds have thinned out.

10. Keep Your Expectations Flexible
Disney World is a magical place, but it can also be busy and overwhelming, especially with young children. I quickly learned that flexibility was key. Sometimes my children needed a little more time to adjust or take breaks, and that was fine. Staying flexible and keeping a positive attitude helped us navigate the unexpected moments and really enjoy the experience.

And let’s not forget about my partner, Col — he needed a rest too! In fact, there were times when I was pretty sure he was more tired than the kids. But a quick break and a snack always seemed to get him back in the game. Flexibility is key for everyone in the family!

A Magical Experience Beyond the Tips

A trip to Disney World is truly magical, and there's no better way to experience it than through the eyes of your children. Walking down Main Street, seeing Cinderella Castle rise in the distance, and watching your children meet their favourite characters – these are the moments that create lifelong memories. The joy, the laughter, and the wonder that fill the air are unlike anything else. And it's not just for little ones—my daughter, now 18, still loves Disney World just as much as when she first went at age 4. For families, there’s no better place to create unforgettable experiences that will be cherished for years to come. Ready to make those dreams come true? Let’s start planning your Disney adventure today!

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