Walt Disney World is big, busy and expensive, and it rewards families who plan a little before they arrive. You do not need a spreadsheet for every hour, but you do need to know a few dates, rules and booking windows. Get those right and you spend your days on rides instead of in lines or at bag check.
Here is how we would plan a first Disney World trip with kids, from choosing dates to the day-of rules that catch families out.
Disney World at a Glance
Disney World, near Orlando in Florida, has four theme parks and two water parks:
| Park | Best For | Ages That Love It Most |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Classic rides, parades and the castle | Toddlers to age 10 |
| EPCOT | World Showcase, food and gentle rides | School-age kids and adults |
| Hollywood Studios | Star Wars, Toy Story Land and thrill rides | Ages 6 and up |
| Animal Kingdom | Safari, animals and shows | All ages |
| Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach | Water slides and wave pools | Good swimmers and hot days |
If your kids are under seven, Magic Kingdom deserves two days. Older kids often prefer an extra day at Hollywood Studios.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Four to five park days is a good first trip for most families: one day per park plus one extra for a favorite. Add a pool or rest day in the middle if you have little ones. Multi-day tickets cost less per day than single-day tickets, so a five-day ticket is often only a little more than a four-day one.
Best Time to Go to Disney World With Kids
- Least crowded: mid-January to early February, late August through September, and the first half of December on weekdays.
- Best weather: late October to early December and February to April.
- Most crowded: Christmas to New Year, spring break weeks in March and April, and early summer.
- Holiday decorations: Halloween decor appears in mid-August, and Christmas decorations go up in early November.
Late summer is quieter but very hot and falls in hurricane season. If you go then, plan indoor shows and a pool break in the afternoon.
Key Booking Dates
| When | What to Book |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 months out | Hotel and tickets, especially for holidays |
| 60 days out | Dining reservations, including character meals |
| 7 days before check-in | Lightning Lane selections for Disney hotel guests |
| 3 days before your park day | Lightning Lane selections for everyone else |
Lightning Lane Explained
Lightning Lane lets you skip the regular standby line by booking a return time, for an extra fee. Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you book a few attractions per day in advance and add more as you use them. Single Pass covers a small number of the most popular rides individually. Prices change by date and park, so check them in the My Disney Experience app when you plan.
With young kids, Multi Pass is most useful on Magic Kingdom days, where many family rides have long lines.
Rider Switch for Families
If one child is too small for a ride, ask the cast member at the entrance for Rider Switch. One adult rides while the other waits with the child, then the second adult rides without waiting in the full line again. Older siblings can usually ride with the second adult too.
Bag, Food and Stroller Rules
- Bags: must be no larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches.
- Food: outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, but not in glass containers. Baby food jars are the exception.
- Coolers: small soft coolers are fine with reusable ice packs. Loose or dry ice is not allowed.
- Strollers: must be no larger than 31 x 52 inches. Stroller wagons are not allowed.
Worth knowing: each theme park has a Baby Care Center with changing tables, nursing rooms, a kitchen area and supplies for sale. It is also a quiet place to cool down a tired toddler.
Stroller Rental or Bring Your Own?
You can rent single and double strollers at every theme park. They are sturdy but basic, with no recline. If your child still naps in a stroller, bring your own lightweight travel stroller or rent one from an off-site company that delivers to your hotel.
Getting There From the Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport, about 25 to 35 minutes from Disney World by car. Options include rideshare, a rental car, private car service or a shared shuttle. If you stay at a Disney hotel and will not leave Disney property, you may not need a rental car, since Disney runs buses, boats and the Skyliner gondola between parks and hotels.
Disney With Kids: Common Questions
What age is best for a first Disney trip?
Many families find ages 5 to 9 ideal: kids are tall enough for most rides, still believe in the magic, and can handle long days.
Can you bring water bottles into Disney World?
Yes. Refillable bottles and sealed water bottles are allowed, and quick-service restaurants give free cups of ice water.
Is Disney World worth it with a toddler?
It can be, if you keep days short, plan a midday nap and focus on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
Use our family vacation packing checklist to get ready, and add a stroller, ponchos and a phone charger for park days.
