If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you're probably asking yourself: Are my kids the right age?
The truth? Disney magic is for everyone! Whether you’re bringing a toddler, a teen, or tackling the parks as a grown-up Disney fan, there’s something unforgettable for every stage of childhood—and beyond.
From gentle rides for little ones to thrill rides for adrenaline seekers, character breakfasts with Mickey waffles to gourmet dining from around the world, Walt Disney World offers endless experiences for families. Meet beloved characters, catch Broadway-style shows, sing along to your favorite Disney tunes, and immerse yourselves in interactive adventures. Plus, staying at a Walt Disney World resort adds extra magic, with perks like early park access, fun resort activities, and easy transportation.
But once you decide to go, the next big question is: Where do I even start with planning?
We’ve got you covered! After our recent family trip to Walt Disney World — which included me, my husband, and our three kids, ages 5, 7 and 9 — we’re sharing our top insider tips to planning the ultimate Walt Disney World vacation, plus our family’s favorite rides, dining spots, and shows at all four Walt Disney World parks!
The author and her family were hosted by Walt Disney World to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions are her own.
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Step One: Start Planning with planDisney
Not sure where to start? Disney makes trip planning easy with planDisney, an official online resource where experienced Disney panelists share expert tips, budgeting advice, and insider recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip.
From choosing the best Walt Disney World resort for your family to figuring out dining plans and must-do attractions, planDisney has answers to all your biggest questions!
Here’s just some of what you can explore on planDisney:
- Resort options – Want to stay close to the parks? Need a family suite?
- Ticket choices – Base tickets or Park Hopper? Which works best for your family?
- Dining plans – Quick-service on the go or sit-down table service?
- Must-do experiences – What’s on your family’s Walt Disney World wish list?
Just let planDisney know your travel style: Are you a nonstop, ride-everything family or looking for a mix of thrill rides and downtime? The site will recommend hotels, must-do experiences, and money-saving tips to help you make the most of your budget. You’ll also find packing tips, souvenir suggestions, and first-time visitor advice to help you get ready for your trip!
We got to ask the Disney experts!
Check out our Q&A with Walt Disney World planDisney experts Christina and Matt:
Start planning your own Walt Disney World trip now!
Step Two: Pick the Perfect Walt Disney World Resort
With more than 25 Walt Disney World resorts, there’s something for every family! Do you want to stay near the parks? Need a family suite? Love themed hotels? Walt Disney World has it all. For my family, the perfect choice combines that Disney magic, fun, and affordability.
Staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort means you’re immersed in the magic 24/7 with early park entry, complimentary transportation, and exclusive perks.
✨ NEW for 2025! Resort guests get free admission to a Walt Disney World water park on their arrival day—choose between Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon for a splash-filled start to your vacation!
Each resort features incredible pools, themed dining, and fun recreational activities. Some of our favorite perks of staying at one of the Walt Disney World resorts include:
- Complimentary transportation – Buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner make getting around easy!
- Resort dining options – Grab a bite at your hotel or explore another resort for a fun meal.
- Built-in downtime – Take a break from the parks to relax at your resort's pool or enjoy special activities.
During this trip, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and as soon as we stepped inside, the magic was everywhere! The themed decor, incredible cast members, and savanna-view rooms were unforgettable. My kids loved waking up each morning to watch animals roam outside our balcony. Magical. The resort’s complimentary buses made getting to the parks easy, and we took advantage of early park entry offered to resort guests to squeeze in more fun. One afternoon, we even took a midday pool break before heading back for fireworks—because Disney days can be long!
Step Three: Choose Your Parks and Rides
Each Walt Disney World park offers a unique experience and is unforgettable in its own way, so planning ahead about what parks you want to visit (we vote for all four!) and how long you want to spend at each is key! Start planning now!
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Magic Kingdom
For many families, Magic Kingdom is where the Disney magic begins ... me included! The view of the Cinderella Castle as soon as you walk in — truly a place to stop and take a picture. A core memory moment! Be sure to catch Disney's Happily Ever After show at night — a must-see show filled with music, projections, and spectacular pyrotechnics. There are no other words to describe it other than truly magical!
✨ NEW for 2025! A nighttime parade—Walt Disney World's Starlight Dream the Night Away! Inspired by the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade, this show is a dazzling mix of lights, music, and favorite characters. Coming soon!
Our top rides at Magic Kingdom:
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (NEW in 2024!)
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- it's a small world
Plus, don’t miss the Festival of Fantasy Parade — a great way to see your favorite characters.
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Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is a must for thrill seekers and movie lovers! ✨NEW for 2025, two exciting stage shows debut, which I am really excited for:
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – Watch Cruella, Maleficent, and Hook plead their case to you about why they have been treated the most unfairly.
- The Little Mermaid Musical Adventure – Head under the sea for a new take on Ariel’s classic story.
Our favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios:
- Toy Story Land – Ride Slinky Dog Dash and meet Buzz and Woody!
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Fly the Millennium Falcon and escape the First Order!
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith — An indoor roller coaster perfect for rock fans and thrill seekers.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – If you love thrill rides, this is a must!
Be sure to book a dining reservation at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. I remembered coming here as a kid and wanted to take my kids for the experience, too! It didn't disappoint: We were able to eat our lunch in a car and watch some old flicks as we pretended to sit at the drive-in with a classic diner vibe. The kids all got official licenses ... but then the bill may have come with a parking violation brought on by my 5- and 7-year-old drivers. Memories made.
And don’t leave without seeing Fantasmic!, a spectacular water and fireworks show, and a boat filled with our favorite characters.
Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World getaway? Start here!
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EPCOT
EPCOT is all about food, culture, and futuristic fun! My kids especially loved the interactive play areas, including Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, where kids can control and play with water. That's just one of the play and exploration areas for kids where they can take a break. Others my kids liked were Bruce's Shark World, ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs, Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab, and SeaBase Aquarium.
Our favorite rides at EPCOT?
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Soarin’ Around the World
We were lucky enough to visit during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. There were so many beautiful topiaries and gardens to see and over 20 festival-exclusive outdoor food kitchens. The Flower & Garden Festival typically takes place from early March to early June each year.
Want a great meal at EPCOT? Three amazing choices:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall—a Norwegian inspired restaurant where recognizable princesses walk around to visit with diners.
- The Coral Reef Restaurant—where you feel like you are dining under the waves with over 2,000 sea creatures right there at your table.
- The Honey Bee-stro—A chef at EPCOT recommended to us the Chicken and Waffles, crispy chicken, and a sweet honey-jalapeño-bacon cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey. My husband and I definitely agree with that recommendation after giving it a try! This outdoor kitchen is only open during the Flower and Garden Festival.
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Animal Kingdom
Step into the wild at Animal Kingdom! The big beautiful Tree of Life is sure to bring magic to your visit here. Our recommendations for must-dos at Animal Kingdom?
- Kiliminjaro Safaris—You’ll see lions, elephants, and giraffes in natural habitats on a guided safari ride. A thrill for everyone! Plus, there are walking trails to see even more animals.
- Avatar Flight of Passage—Soar through the air on a Banshee through the world of Pandora — this was our favorite ride here!
- Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain—The must-do ride for thrill-seekers at Animal Kingdom!
Our favorite stage shows in Animal Kingdom — both great for all ages:
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue ... and Beyond!
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Step Four: Plan the Extras!
There are endless possibilities to make magical memories at Walt Disney World! Four final tips before you start your own Walt Disney World planning journey:
- Download the My Disney Experience app – Manage reservations, see ride wait times, track the whereabouts of favorite characters, order food, find the nearest restrooms, and more. This is a MUST!
- Find special offers — The official Disneyworld.com/offers can tell you about any special offers, deals, and discounts during your visit.
- Consider Lightning Lane passes – Skip the standby line for select rides.
- Visit Disney Springs – Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can spend an entire day here!
- Invest in Memory Maker – Disney’s PhotoPass service captures ride photos and picture-perfect memories of your whole family at iconic park locations. My kids love these pictures, and I loved there was no more leaving mom out of the photos!
I can tell you that Walt Disney World is truly a magical experience for all. Don't wait to start planning your family's trip because "when you wish upon a star your dreams come true!"
