Traveling with Kids

Walt Disney World ranks as one of the easiest spots on earth for families traveling with children. Our first Disney trip was in 1982 and our daughter was eight at the time. We didn't get the chance to take a younger child with us until 1999, when our four-year-old grandson joined us for the first time. Just seeing the sparkle in his eyes made this trip even more magical that what we already knew it would be. Although we've not yet had the opportunity to take a younger child we'd not hesitate for a second to take an infant.

When you tell your kids that you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World the response is apt to be overwhelming. Organizing a trip takes time, but you'll find that the increased enjoyment is well worth all the effort involved. One of the best things you can do is let your children be involved in planning your trip. For internet users, tap into the multitudes of information at the Disney website. There are also many good books and planning guides available for travelers. Check out your local bookstores. If you have friends that have been to Disney ask them to tell you of their experiences. It's not possible to know "too" much before you go. The more you know, the more prepared you will be. Research Walt Disney World thoroughly.

If you have much of a travel before arriving at Walt Disney World you're likely to hear "Are we there yet?" a lot. If you're traveling by car try to make the trip enjoyable for the kids. Bring along a couple of their favorite toys. Take it easy and allow time for plenty of breaks en route. Remember you are on vacation! Also, it's smart to load up on quick and easy snacks to take along to keep things peaceful when tummies are hungry and food is miles away. Peanut butter crackers, raisins, apples, juice packs, etc. can be worth their weight in gold!

Most of these tips apply for flying travel also. Try to schedule travel during off-peak hours, when empty seats might be available. During takeoff and landing, babies should be given bottles or pacifiers to promote swallowing and clear ears. If you have a newborn baby and plan to fly, please check with your pediatrician beforehand, their lungs may not adjust easily to the altitude. And be sure to bring chewing gum or hard candy for the older children during takeoff and landing. Nothing could be worse than arriving at Disney World with an earache to contend with.

Being prepared also means to expect, and maybe even anticipate, the unexpected. Be ready to quickly adapt and make changes. You'll be investing a lot of time and money in making this a successful trip. Even if you have been to Walt Disney World in the past it is very different with the kids. You'll have to be ready to move at a kid's pace and be able to see "The World" through their eyes. What excites you may not be as appealing to them. I assure you however, that you will delight in what the kids find exciting. The key point here is taking your time, don't get stressed out. You're probably not going to see and do everything you would like to with this trip. You can have fun planning your next trip to Disney when you get home.

Recharging the batteries is a MUST! Let the kids stop and play at the spouting water fountains at Epcot or Disney Village Marketplace. It will cool them down on a hot day and their clothes will dry out quickly. Stop often for a cool drink break. If you're staying at a Disney Resort remember that pool breaks at midday not only break up the day, but they keep the kids interested too. The pools at Walt Disney World are out of this world, and to a kid can be better than some of the attractions. Head out to the parks early in the day when it is a bit cooler and energy levels are high. If the kids get tired take a break and plan activities elsewhere for late afternoon or evening. Keep in mind, most kids have a short attention span and can burn out quickly. It's amazing what an afternoon nap, a dip in the pool, a shower and some clean clothes can do for a family!

There are many happenings going on at the parks. Examples are chance meetings with the characters or a run in with the "Trash Can Band". Don't pass these by. The Flag lowering ceremony at Magic Kingdom's Town Hall Square each day at 5PM is an option worth checking out if you happen to be in the area. Also, the kids might enjoy Merlin the Magician's Sword in the Stone routine near Cinderella's Carousel at scheduled times daily. Although kids are usually enchanted by all of Walt Disney World, there are some attractions that hold their interest more than others. If you're traveling with very young children, your best bet is the Magic Kingdom. Be sure to visit Mickey's Toontown Fair and Fantasyland. For the older kids, thrill rides get the highest rating, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

For additional information on taking your children (and tips for after you get home) please check out these pages:

Countdown Chain
A Child's Keepsake of Walt Disney World
Character Meets
Character Signatures
Tips on Taking Children
WDW for Ages 5 & Under Crowd
A 10 Year Olds "Top Ten"
Have the Kids Got the Blues

Last Updated: May 9, 2009