Navigating (and Loving) Disney with Kids: Our Best Tips for a Magical Trip

Planning a Trip to Disney? Here’s What Works for Our Family

Planning a trip for your family can be exhausting—but planning a trip to Disney? That’s a whole new level! Disney is truly magical and has given our family some of our favorite memories. But let me be honest: it doesn’t just happen with the wave of a magic wand. It takes some planning and preparation.

There are tons of tips out there shared by seasoned Disney-goers, but in this post, I want to share what we do with our kids—things that have worked well for us year after year.

1. Go in with a Plan

Before your trip, sit down as a family and talk about what rides and attractions are at the top of everyone's list. Prioritize those first. Once you've checked those off, everything else feels like a bonus!

If you’re staying on Disney property, I highly recommend taking advantage of early entry hours. The early bird truly gets the worm at Disney. If you're staying off property, aim for rope drop—when the park opens to the general public. There's a special kind of excitement being there when the gates open. It can be a bit hectic with the crowd rushing to their favorite attractions, but just stick together and head straight for your first must-do ride.

2. The Great Stroller Debate: Bring It!

To bring the stroller or not? My answer is always: bring the stroller. Even though my kids are past stroller age in our everyday life, Disney is a whole different story. Those little legs get tired quickly!

We usually bring two: our original (still-holding-on) baby stroller and a simple foldable umbrella stroller. The kids take turns using them, and it's been a lifesaver—not just for tired legs, but also for keeping complaints to a minimum.

When our kids were younger, they’d often nap in the stroller mid-day, giving them (and us!) a much-needed recharge. Plus, it’s super handy for carrying all your stuff and those can’t-leave-without-them souvenirs.

3. Keeping Kids Happy in Line

Waiting in line can be tough for little ones. Over the years, we’ve figured out a few tricks to keep everyone happy:

• Bring activities! Our Busy B Bundles have been a game-changer. The kids each choose one or two activities from their bundle to bring in line. There’s such a fun variety that they stay engaged ride after ride.
• We especially love the magnetic tin games—they’re compact, mess-free, and easy for me to toss in my tote when it’s time to board.
• The bundles are also perfect for restaurants when the kids start to get restless while waiting for food.

Another line-saving tip? Snacks! Keep it simple: fruit snacks, granola bars, or fresh fruits and veggies from your cooler. And try to make the line part of the fun—Disney's theming is so immersive that even the queues are entertaining. We play games like I Spy to pass the time.

4. Don’t Forget the Cooler

We always pack a small backpack cooler filled with healthy, refreshing snacks. While we definitely enjoy Disney treats, it’s nice to have quick bites on hand when we need a break. We bring:

• Travel containers with cut-up veggies and fruit
• Applesauce pouches
• String cheese
• Granola bars
• Fruit snacks

It’s great for resting our feet and recharging without waiting in another line.

Final Thoughts

Disney has become one of our favorite family traditions. With a little planning, some stroller strategy, fun activities, and smart snacking—you can have a magical, meltdown-free day at the parks.

I hope these tips help make your next Disney trip just a bit easier—and filled with unforgettable memories!