A quick start planning guide for doing Disney World with young kids, straight from a Disney World expert who has been there before.
Disney World is truly a destination for everyone. No matter how old or young you are, or what your interests are, there is plenty to see and do. In this series, we’ll share tips and recommendations on how to plan a magical vacation for all ages and stages of life.
Disney World With Young Kids
If you have young children who are elementary school age, this may arguably be the best time to visit Disney World. They are still at the age (especially in the early years of elementary school) to be truly captivated by the magic while being old enough to enjoy more rides and attractions. You can also be much more flexible with your schedule since naps or early bedtimes may not be as needed anymore.
So, how should you plan a Disney World trip with young kids? Here are some tips.
Hotels to Consider
The good thing when it comes to visiting Disney World with young children is that you pretty much can’t go wrong with staying at any Disney resort. The problem is that there are so many great options to choose from.
If you are going to do a park-heavy trip where you’re spending most days in the theme parks, I would suggest any of the Value Resorts. The three All-Star options all have fun, immersive theming, and the lowest price points. This way, you’re not spending a ton of money on a hotel you’re pretty much only using for sleeping.
All Star Movies Standard Room. Photo by Danny Shuster
Pop Century and Art of Animation are also great Value choices. While they’re priced higher than the All-Stars, the big win here is Skyliner access, which can be an attraction on its own (and it’s free to ride!)
However, if you’ll be spending more time at the resorts, splurging more on a Moderate or Deluxe hotel that has a nice pool, waterslide, and other onsite amenities and restaurants may be worth it. Overall, it just comes down to your budget and location preferences.
A unique option for a great resort with young kids is Animal Kingdom Lodge, which has live animals throughout the savannas on the resort grounds. It also has a fun playground, nice pool, and top tier dining options, and is usually the lowest-priced Deluxe Resort. However, with the exception of Animal Kingdom, it is located far from the rest of Disney World and only offers bus transportation to and from the hotel.
Disney World Parks With Young Kids
Photo by WDW Magazine
With young kids, any of the theme parks would be a great choice. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top rides to consider at each, especially for school-aged children.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has the most rides, including many that are a good “step up” to more intense rides. You’ll find starter roller coasters like The Barnstormer, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more intense ones like Space Mountain and TRON for kids that are ready to try them. There’s also plenty of shows and entertainment to keep a family with young ones busy all day.
EPCOT
While EPCOT may have a reputation for being a more adult-oriented park, there’s still plenty for young kids to enjoy here. There’s the aquarium and the Nemo-themed attractions, mild thrill rides like Soarin’ and Test Track, movie-based rides like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as well as gentler rides like Living with the Land, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Spaceship Earth.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has become a must-visit park for young kids in the last several years, especially with the addition of Toy Story Land. Young Star Wars fans will also love the immersive experience of Galaxy’s Edge. Older elementary school kids may want to try out some of the most intense rides that Disney World has to offer, in Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lastly, Animal Kingdom is another easy choice with young kids. It is one of the most amazing zoos you will ever visit, especially with a tour on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. There is also a good selection of rides here for kids that are ready (and tall enough) for the next step in thrills, including Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.
When it comes to rides, there are two things for parents to remember: don’t force your kids to go on any rides they feel uncomfortable about or are too scared to go on. There are plenty of other attractions that they’ll enjoy. Also, the height restrictions are there to keep your kids safe, so it’s not worth it to pull any tricks to beat the system.
Disney World Food for Young Kids
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
With young kids, dining can be a fun experience at Disney World. While they may still have some picky tastes, it is also a time when trying new food can be an enjoyable adventure.
Character breakfasts are a great option at this age. While they are pricey, it’s a great way to meet many characters if your kids are interested in that. It helps you save some time in the parks, allowing you to enjoy more attractions instead of waiting in line to meet a character. Topolino’s Terrace (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy) at the Riviera or Chef Mickey’s (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto) at the Contemporary are great options to meet multiple characters at once.
Other Activities to Consider
In my opinion, rest days from the parks are key for an enjoyable Disney trip, especially with kids. Parks can be very stressful, whether it’s due to high crowds, hot temperatures, or over-stimulation.
Luckily, there are plenty of things for young kids to enjoy outside of the parks, including:
- Swimming or partaking in the activities offered at your hotel (e.g., crafts, s’mores, movies, etc.)
- Riding the free transportation that’s available across Disney World (monorail, Skyliner, boats, and buses)
- Exploring the theming and restaurants at other resorts (the giant characters at Art of Animation and All Star Movies are great for little kids)
Bringing young elementary school-aged kids to Disney World may be one of the best memories you make as a family. They’re old enough to remember the trip, yet young enough to still think certain aspects of the “magic” are real. They can enjoy many more attractions and shows, as well as amenities around the hotels. It may not be the easiest trip, but with careful planning and the right expectations, it is totally worth it.
