Disney Tips

Written By Carolyn Kelley

A family trip to Walt Disney World Resort is a lot more fun when you plan for less stress instead of trying to do everything.

The best trips usually balance rides, rest, food, and flexibility. Here are the biggest game-changing tips for families:

Stay on Disney Property if You Can

Being “inside the bubble” makes a huge difference with kids:

  • Easier transportation

  • Earlier park access

  • Midday hotel breaks

  • Less driving and parking stress

Great family-friendly resorts:

  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort — amazing themed rooms for kids

  • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort — Skyliner access is incredibly convenient

  • Disney's Polynesian Village Resort — classic Disney feel + monorail

You can explore resorts and planning info here: Walt Disney World Resort Official Site

Don’t Try from Rope Drop to Fireworks Every Day

Families burn out fast at Disney. Instead:

  • Pick 1–2 “big” park days

  • Schedule a pool afternoon

  • Spend a day at Disney Springs leisurely walking around or catch a movie

  • Build in a slower morning after a late night

  • Leave some unplanned time

Kids often remember the pool and snacks just as much as the rides.

Use Lightning Lane Strategically

You do not need every ride.
Focus on:

  • 2–3 must-do rides per park

  • One character experience

  • One fun meal or treat stop

Best rides to prioritize:

  • TRON Lightcycle / Run

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

  • Avatar Flight of Passage

Afternoon Breaks Are Magical

Around 2–4 PM:

  • parks are hottest

  • lines are the longest

  • meltdowns happen

Go back to:

  • swim

  • nap

  • relax

  • mobile order dinner later

Families with kids usually enjoy evenings much more after a reset.

Mobile Order Food

Use the official Disney app for quick-service meals.
It saves so much standing in line with hangry kids.

Popular family favorites:

  • Woody's Lunch Box

  • Satu'li Canteen

  • Columbia Harbour House

Bring:

Character Dining Can Replace Long Lines

Instead of waiting an hour for characters, book a meal (in advance!) where they come to you:

  • Chef Mickey's

  • Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

  • Cinderella's Royal Table

Best Park Strategy for Families

  • Day 1: Magic Kingdom

  • Day 2: Pool/Rest/Disney Springs

  • Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Day 4: EPCOT

  • Day 5: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Don’t Skip Disney Springs

Disney Springs is great on arrival or rest days:

  • shopping

  • live music

  • giant Disney store

  • desserts (we always go to Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop)

Family favorites there (reserve on the Disney App):

  • The BOATHOUSE

  • Gideon's Bakehouse

Best Overall Advice

Kids rarely care if the schedule is perfect. They care about:

  • being together

  • small magical moments

  • treats

  • rides they loved

  • parents who aren’t exhausted

Leaving space for spontaneity usually creates the best Disney memories.


Carolyn Kelley
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