Walt Disney World is a vacation destination for people of all ages. Families, couples, and individuals flock to Disney World year round for the exciting attractions they have to offer. Although there is no target demographic, Disney World has always been a destination for families first, particularly if you have kids under the age of 13. Even so, Disney World with kids can be a challenging experience. Follow these tips so you can keep your sanity and have a fantastic time.
The 5 Family Tips & Tricks for Disney World with Kids Under 13 Years Old
Include Rest in Your Schedule
One thing to remember is that it is so important to include downtime. It’s easy to overload your schedule and pack it too much with all the things you want to do. Disney World with kids is hard enough just getting them ready in the morning and arriving at the park sometime near the opening. I do recommend putting in the effort to getting to the park without delay, but if you aren’t trying to meet a deadline, or get to a reservation, try to pace yourselves, or schedule plenty of leisure time.
Book More Days
If you want to do a lot at Disney World, it is tough to do in a short number of days. The best experience involves doing a little over a more extended period. The hardest part of Disney World with kids is getting around from one part of Disney World to another. It’s much harder than going solo, as a pair or with other adults. It’s better to have more days at a Value resort than a few days at a Deluxe if you are on a budget.
Memory Maker
Take a lot of the pressure off and bring home great memories by buying the Memory Maker package. This package entitles you to photos anywhere you see a PhotoPass cast member and includes all ride photos. You don’t have to concern yourself with taking enough pictures, and you can make sure the whole family is in the shots.
Know Your Routes
Before you go, get a solid understanding of where your resort is in relation to the rest of Disney World. The Monorail runs a loop between the Ticket Center, Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary. At the Ticket Center, you can connect to a monorail line that goes to Epcot. There is also boat at some resorts that have specific routes and destinations. Be aware of walking paths and additional park entrances as well. Another thing to bear in mind is that you will need to fold your strollers up when you take a bus.
Minnie Van
If you need quick transport and have a transportation budget consider the Minnie Van which is operated by Lyft. Uber is also available, and a cheap alternative, but Minnie Vans offer a continuous and reliable Disney experience. I don’t recommend renting a car, because the added cost of the rental and parking fees is not worth it unless you plan to spend part of your vacation away from Disney World. Disney World with kids is best when you stay within the Disney bubble and make the most of the complimentary transportation.
SO, ARE YOU CONTEMPLATING A WALT DISNEY WORLD TRIP WITH KIDS UNDER 13?
Then, let EZ Dis Instant Travel Specialists help with your Walt Disney World trip with kids under 13 because their no-fee concierge services include the making of dining reservations, FastPass selections and much more. **You can help me out by entering code COM18 in the referred by field when you ask for a quote, which we will give free autograph books to all children (on packages) with the code.
ARE YOU THINKING OF TRAVELING WITH KIDS UNDER 13 AT WALT DISNEY WORLD?
NOW, SHARE WITH US IN THE COMMENTS.
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Meredith Spidel says
This is super helpful, Janine! Saving this along with your other posts for when we hit Disney next year!
Janine says
AW, thank you my friend and truly so happy this article and others I have shared about Disney will help with your upcoming Disney vacation planning 🙂
Jen says
Your first tip is like the most important! Rest when hitting parks with children like this is key. I also had no idea about the Minnie Vans! I am keeping that one in my hat for when we do get there!
Janine says
Jen, you nailed resting is so key. The Minnie Vans are awesome and truly a godsend if you need a very quick way to make it to a dinner reservation or even a fast pass when the buses are taking forever to get to your hotel or the park.
Dara says
We used the buses last time and only once got messed up and needed to use a lyft!
Janine says
Dara, we almost missed a dinner reservation as buses were running late from Hollywood Studios on a recent trip. The Minnie Van was a lifesaver! 🙂
Tamara says
Free autograph books!! You know it. We travel with kids under 13 once a year! I wish it was twice. I think the rest time is crucial. I thought it would end once the kids got older but nope.. we need it as much as they do! And I miss strollers..
Janine says
I know, right!! And oh do I miss the strollers, too here so much!
Christine Carter says
Janine, you are the official EXPERT on ALL THINGS DISNEY! I love reading all this excellent advice. It makes perfect sense to me and I am going to pin it for my friends with younger kids who will surely be planning a Disney trip at some point!
(I LOVE YOUR NEW BRAND!)
Janine says
Aw, thank you again, Chris and having so much fun sharing all things Disney here lately 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Thank you for all the tips! We are doing the California Disney on Friday (I’ll keep you posted) but I miss living on the east coast for Florida Disney and will take your tips for sure!
Janine says
Omg, you better share all about your upcoming trip to Disneyland and so very excited for you!! 🙂