Let’s be honest—Disney World with kids is not exactly a vacation. It’s magical, yes. But it’s also hot, crowded, overstimulating, and, at times, chaotic. That said, with the right game plan, a few strategic splurges, and realistic expectations, it can be truly special—even fun. Here’s how we made our Disney trip feel a little more elevated and a little less exhausting.
Stay on Property (It’s Worth the Splurge)
We almost always book vacation rentals when we travel, but Disney is the one time I’d absolutely recommend staying at a hotel, especially one on property. The convenience can’t be overstated. Being able to walk (or monorail) to the parks, pop back for an afternoon swim, and avoid the end-of-day meltdown logistics? Game-changer.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Orlando, which gave us the best of both worlds: access to the parks plus a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. The magic was still there (character breakfasts, Disney perks), but the atmosphere was calm and serene. At the end of the day, we’d order dinner poolside while the kids played and watched a movie under the stars.
Lower the Bar (Then Lower it Again)
Let me set expectations now: you will not ride every ride. And that’s okay. We did five rides in a day and called it a win. The real magic is in the moments in between—the character hugs, the parades, the Mickey-shaped snacks. If you go in knowing that you’ll be moving at a kid’s pace, it’s a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
Lightning Lane is a Non-Negotiable
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, buy the Lightning Lane and book your ride times the second your window opens. If you’re staying on Disney property, you can book them earlier than everyone else (I believe it’s 7 am 7 days in advance for hotel guests, and 3 days before for everyone else). Either way, don’t wait. Popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash fill up fast.
Pack Your Own Snacks & Dining Hacks
Disney snacks are cute, but not always satisfying (or budget-friendly). I packed a small stash of granola bars, fruit pouches, crackers, and a few “emergency” treats. It saved us from multiple hangry meltdowns and gave us a few better-for-you options in the heat of the moment.
A friend told me about this app that allows you to pay to be notified when reservations become available – it was really helpful for booking a few in-park or on-property dining reservations.
Skip the Concierge (If You’re Up for It)
Spoiler alert: I planned the whole thing myself—no Disney concierge, no travel planner. It took some research, but I actually enjoyed mapping it all out. If you’re Type A (hi, same), it’s doable. I used the My Disney Experience app religiously and bookmarked all our must-dos in advance.
Disney doesn’t have to be chaos. With a little intention—and a few splurges in the right places—it can feel elevated and memorable. The magic is absolutely still there, even when you’re watching your kids float around the pool at the end of a long day, fries in one hand and a Mickey plush in the other.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
A few key items made our trip infinitely smoother—and more comfortable. These are the things I’d pack again in a heartbeat:
Disney-Themed Apparel – Matching tees aren’t required, but a little themed flair goes a long way in making the day feel special. We did a mix of subtle and fun—think Minnie ears, character tees, and comfy dresses with a Disney twist. I ordered this cute belt bag for my daughter.
Owala Water Bottles – It’s hot and water is expensive in the parks. These kept our drinks cold all day, and the flip-top straw made it easy for little ones to stay hydrated.
Portable Chargers – Between the Disney app, photos, and ride bookings, your phone will be working overtime. A portable charger (or two) is a must.
Hats + Sunscreen – Florida sun shows no mercy. We kept hats on almost all day and applied SPF regularly to avoid any afternoon meltdowns.
Travel Stroller – We brought our UPPAbaby Minu V3 and it was a lifesaver. Lightweight, compact, and easy to fold on and off trams and monorails.
Hand Sanitizer – You’re touching everything from ride bars to sticky tables. Enough said.
Comfortable Sneakers – We walked over 20,000 steps some days. This is not the time to break in cute shoes. Everyone wore sneakers and no one complained.
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