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How to Have the Best Disney World Trip with Kids

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Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida with your kids? This magical destination offers endless fun and unforgettable experiences, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for parents with young children. I know firsthand how difficult it can be when planning your first trip to Disney World with kids. You want it to be unforgettable, exciting, and you’re so ready to make core memories! Yet you know, meltdowns will happen, long lines and heat will set your kids off (and you lol), and not every park and ride will hold your little one’s interest.

That’s why I decided to put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your Disney World adventure, including the best resorts, restaurants, park highlights, how to navigate the lines, rides, snacks, and travel tips.

This blog post shares general Disney World tips, so if you are looking for park specific guides, be sure to check out these related posts:

*As an Amazon affiliate and associate, as well as an LTK affiliate. I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full privacy policy and disclosure here.

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an image with the disney world castle and a title that reads: the ultimate disney world planning guide for moms

Best Disney World Resorts for Traveling with Kids

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This resort is a hit with kids, thanks to its colorful, themed rooms based on Disney movies like “The Lion King,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Cars.” It also has three pools, a playground, and larger-than-life character statues.

2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This resort offers a tropical getaway with a convenient monorail connection to Magic Kingdom. There are multiple themed pools with water slides, nightly torch lighting ceremony, and ‘Ohana restaurant featuring character dining.

3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a unique experience where kids can see animals like giraffes and zebras right from their balcony. Some of its kid-friendly amenities include Savanna views, cultural activities, and themed dining options.

an image of belle in front of the castle for a blog post called: How to Have the Best Disney World Trip with Kids

Best Restaurants to Eat at in the Disney World Parks

1. Magic Kingdom: Be Our Guest Restaurant

At the Be Our Guest Restaurant you will get to dine in Beast’s Castle with beautiful themed dining rooms. Breakfast and lunch are quick service, while dinner is a table service experience. There are plenty of options for kids and adults, as well as an allergy friendly menu! You can check out the full menu here! (*link)

2. Epcot: Garden Grill Restaurant

At Disney’s Epcot Garden Grill you will experience a rotating restaurant with views of Living with the Land ride. Enjoy character dining with Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. They offer all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meals featuring comfort food with Mickey waffles on the breakfast menu, Mickey cupcakes for dessert, and specialty character drinks for kids. View their full menu here! (*link)

3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 50’s Prime Time Café

Step into the 1950s with comfort food served in a retro setting. Kid favorites at 50’s Prime Time Cafe include fried chicken, milkshakes, and a playful atmosphere where servers treat you like family.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant

Experience an African-inspired buffet with character dining featuring Donald Duck and friends in safari gear. Kids will love the Mickey waffles, mac and cheese, and unique flavors to explore.

an image of pink mickey waffles

Best Kid-Friendly Attractions at Disney Parks

1. Magic Kingdom

  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Follow Princess Tiana and her jazz-loving alligator Louis on a musical journey through the Louisiana bayou, ending with a thrilling 50-foot drop. One of the most beautiful and joyful rides Disney has ever built. Height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A swaying mine cart coaster through the diamond mines from Snow White, complete with singing dwarfs and glowing gems. The most beloved family coaster at Magic Kingdom. Height requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
  • TRON Lightcycle / Run: The fastest coaster at Walt Disney World. Riders lean forward onto motorcycle-style Lightcycles and launch through The Grid at nearly 60 mph. Best for older kids and thrill-seeking tweens. Height requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)
  • Space Mountain: The classic indoor roller coaster in complete darkness, set among twinkling stars. A Magic Kingdom rite of passage for kids who are ready for their first real coaster thrill. Height requirement: 44 inches (112 cm)
  • The Barnstormer: A quick, gentle junior coaster that makes for a perfect first-ever roller coaster for young kids. Short ride, big smiles, and an ideal stepping stone to bigger thrills. Height requirement: 35 inches (89 cm)

2. Epcot

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: A reverse-launch indoor roller coaster with rotating ride vehicles and a rotating playlist of 1980s hits. One of Disney’s genuinely great modern rides and the biggest thrill at EPCOT. Height requirement: 42 inches (107 cm)
  • Test Track 3.0: Design your own simulated vehicle, then take it through a series of futuristic performance tests — culminating in a 65 mph outdoor loop. Reopened in July 2025 with a stunning reimagination and currently the #1 must-do at EPCOT. Height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
  • Frozen Ever After: A gentle, gorgeous boat ride through the kingdom of Arendelle with newly upgraded Animatronics (as of early 2026). Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Sven have never looked better. A must for any Frozen fan. Height requirement: None — all ages welcome
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Shrink down to the size of a mouse and race through Chef Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant alongside Remy. Charming, funny, and perfect for families with young children. Height requirement: None — all ages welcome
  • Soarin’ Across America: (formerly Soarin’ Around the World) The beloved hang-gliding simulation just got a new film celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Drift over stunning American landscapes with wind, scents, and sweeping aerial views. Beautiful for all ages. Height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)

3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: The most technically ambitious and immersive theme park ride Disney has ever made. Guests are captured by the First Order in a sequence of jaw-dropping scenes. Nothing else in any theme park on Earth compares. Height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
  • Slinky Dog Dash: Hop aboard Slinky Dog for a family-friendly coaster through Andy’s giant backyard in Toy Story Land. Great first coaster for younger kids, and genuinely fun for adults too. Height requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Pilot the actual Millennium Falcon on a mission with The Mandalorian and Grogu in the exciting May 2026 update. Ask for the pilot seats for the most interactive experience — you control the ship. Height requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: A wildly fun and visually inventive dark ride through a Mickey Mouse cartoon with no height requirement. One of the best rides for young kids at any Disney park, and adults love it just as much. Height requirement: None — all ages welcome
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (opening summer 2026): The beloved high-speed launch coaster with loops in the dark is being reimagined with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Electric Mayhem band. Same thrilling ride system, brand-new Muppets storyline. Check the Disney World app for the confirmed opening date before your trip. Height requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Avatar Flight of Passage: Universally considered one of the greatest theme park rides ever built. Riders mount a banshee and soar over the bioluminescent moon of Pandora in a 3D experience with wind, smells, and full-body movement. Absolutely breathtaking. Height requirement: 44 inches (113 cm)
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris: Climb aboard an open-air truck and venture through 110 acres of African savanna to encounter real lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds more animals. No ride compares to this anywhere. Height requirement: None — all ages welcome
  • Na’vi River Journey: A peaceful boat ride through a glowing bioluminescent Pandora rainforest, ending with the stunning Shaman of Songs Animatronic — one of the most technically impressive figures Disney has ever built. Perfect for all ages. Height requirement: None — all ages welcome
  • Expedition Everest: A high-speed roller coaster through the snow-capped Himalayas with an unexpected backwards section and a massive animatronic yeti waiting in the dark. Great for kids who are ready to level up from family coasters. Height requirement: 44 inches (113 cm)
  • Kali River Rapids: A white-water raft ride through a lush tropical rainforest. Everyone gets completely soaked — bring a change of clothes or fully commit to the experience. Height requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)

an image of pink mickey ice cream treats for a blog post called: How to Have the Best Disney World Trip with Kids

Best Disney World Snacks for Kids (and Adults)

  • Mickey-shaped Ice Cream Bars: Classic treat available throughout the parks.
  • Dole Whip: Pineapple soft-serve available at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom and Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom.
  • Churros: Sweet, cinnamon-flavored pastries available at various snack carts.
  • Pretzels: Mickey-shaped pretzels available at snack carts in all parks.
  • Popcorn: Iconic Disney popcorn, often served in collectible buckets.

👉 Grab My Disney World Must-Haves

Some of my favorites are shown below! You can click the images to find all direct links but a few Disney World essentials for us are:

Other Disney World Packing List Essentials

Packing for Disney World with kids requires striking a balance – bringing everything you need without overdoing it. Here’s a list of Disney essentials to ensure a smooth and magical trip:

  • Sun Protection: Pack plenty of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and hats for everyone. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after water rides and swimming.
  • Water Bottles: Refillable water bottles are lifesavers! Pack one for each family member and fill them up throughout the day. These are our favorite water bottles for our kids and you can find them in so many different characters, colors, and styles!
  • Comfy Clothes: Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is ideal for the Florida heat. Pack quick-drying options for water rides and splash pads. I also recommend lined shorts (like the ones linked here)
  • Weather Items: Pack a lightweight rain poncho for sudden showers. A small umbrella can be helpful too!
  • Stroller: Even if your kids are older, a stroller can be a lifesaver. It provides a place for them to rest weary legs, store essentials, and even take a nap on the go!
  • Snacks: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels high and avoid constant meltdowns due to hunger pangs. Yes! You can bring your own food into Disney World parks!
  • Mickey Must-Haves: Pack Disney-themed shirts, hats, or accessories to add to the excitement. Matching family outfits are a fun way to commemorate your trip with adorable photos.
  • Mouse Ears: Mickey Mouse Ears and Minnie Mouse Ears like these are an essential for me and I love that you can get them for such a bargain in multiple styles to match your outfit or Disney park of the day!
  • Essentials Pouch: Pack a small pouch (like this one) with sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, first-aid essentials, and lip balm for easy access throughout the day.

an image of a girl with minnie mouse ears standing in front of the disney world castle

Best Tips for Navigating the Parks with Kids

1. Plan and Book Ahead

Be a Disney Genie and grant wishes by pre-booking dining reservations and FastPass+ selections (if applicable) for popular restaurants and attractions. This ensures minimal meltdowns and secures your spot at must-do experiences.

2. Take Breaks

Superhero stamina runs out! Schedule downtime for recharging. Seek cool, shaded areas or retreat to air-conditioned shows for pit stops. These breaks will help everyone bounce back and keep the magic going strong.

3. Stay Hydrated and Snack Often

Florida sunshine is no joke. Pack refillable water bottles and keep the energy levels high with healthy snacks throughout the day. Luckily, Disney offers plenty of water fountains and quick-service restaurants for on-the-go refuels.

4. Utilize Rider Switch

Conquer rides with height restrictions! Rider Switch allows one adult to wait with non-riders while the other enjoys the thrill. Then, simply switch places without waiting in line again. This keeps everyone happy and lets everyone experience the magic (eventually!).

5. Use the My Disney Experience App

This app is your park navigating compass! Keep track of wait times, show schedules, and dining reservations with a tap. Plus, it has interactive maps to help you find hidden Mickeys and secret shortcuts.

6. Pack Essentials

Sunscreen, hats, and comfy shoes are your park essentials. Pack a stroller, even for older kids – Disney days are long, and little legs get tired. A stroller provides a comfy haven for naps or weary explorers.

7. Arrive Early

Rise and shine, sleepyheads! Arriving at park opening boasts cooler temperatures, shorter lines, and a chance to snag that coveted spot by the castle for the perfect family photo.

8. Be Flexible

Have a plan, but be prepared to adapt. Disney World is full of surprises, and sometimes the best memories come from unplanned adventures. Maybe you stumble upon a hidden character meet-and-greet or discover a delightful show you didn’t know about. Go with the flow, and let the magic take you where it wants to go!

Are you ready to take on Disney World with kids?

Traveling to Disney World with young children can be magical and manageable with a little planning. Be sure to choose kid-friendly rides and dining, prioritize breaks, and embrace a little spontaneity. Remember, the focus is on creating memories together. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans on the fly, and most importantly, have fun! Walt Disney World is designed to bring out the kid in everyone, so get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your little ones.

If you are also visiting Animal Kingdom, check out my favorites by clicking the image below and here is a link to my Animal Kingdom Park Guide: *Park Guide post coming soon

I hope you enjoyed this Disney World park guide! I tried to make it as comprehensive as I could! Don’t forget to check out my park specific posts (linked at the top of this page and below) and be sure to save it for later and share it with a friend who might need it.

Other Disney World Posts You Will Love:

I hope you have the most magical Disney trip ever!
Megan