So you are planning your Disney World vacation but you don't know where to begin... it's ok pretty mama (or pops!) I got you! I know how overwhelming planning a vacation can be and especially with small children. Add Disney World to the equation and you are on a whole other level of travel. If you follow me on Instagram then you know we visited Disney World about 2 weeks ago and we had the best time with the kids.
This time around the Disney team invited my family and I on a 4-day vacation where we got to experience everything Disney has to offer for families with pre-school aged children. But truthfully, Dave and I enjoyed every single moment as much as both my 4 year old and 7 year old... that Disney magic will do that to you! Ok, ok but let's get on and into the good stuff because we have a lot to cover here.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. If you are looking for a hotel that is budget friendly and catered to preschoolers and the kid inside of you, I recommend this resort for your stay. The entire resort feels like you are living in a cartoon world. The suites are magical, they offer different themes, such as the Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. We stayed in the Cars suite and it was super cool, Ben and Emme loved it. the hotel offers 3 pools and the main pool called The Big Blue Pool even as music underwater, soooo magical. The hotel has one big restaurant; Landscape of Flavors, with a great variety of foods for everyone, from traditional American to Asian, Italian and so many delicious sweet treats. We didn't have any issues with the food at all and that's a big deal to us.
The resort is just about 15 minutes from the parks and the hotel offers transportation by bus every day from the moment the parks open until they close. And beginning this Fall 2019, the resort will offer Disney Skyliner aerial gondolas, yes you can travel to and from your hotel in a Disney themed aerial gondola, super cool right? I can't wait!
WHERE TO GO
This is the first time (we've been to Disney 3x) that we do all four parks. And yes, while it was exhausting, it was beyond fun. Every single visit to Disney is a new experience no matter how many times we go. There's always something new to discover or something you didn't get to do, see, ride or eat on that last trip. I am going to break it down by parks, here are the best things to do at each park with small children.
EPCOT
This was my first time at Epcot believe it or not and I fell in love... with the margaritas in Mexico. One margarita and I was the most patient, relaxed and happy mother in all of Disney that day, haha. But let's go back to this day. While Epcot is a lot of fun for the adults with drinks around the world, where you get to taste different drinks and snacks from an array of different countries, there are also really cute things to do with the little ones in your family. If you get the chance to visit Epcot, check out Frozen Ever After, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Kidcot Fun Stops and so many other fun attractions. Epcot quickly became a favorite and I can't wait to go back (just adults!).
DISNEY SPRINGS
When we got the itinerary for our trip and I saw that we would be visiting the famous Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, I squealed. Now one thing is imagining but being there, I was that mom who tore at the sight of Emme being all dolled up like a real storybook princess. It was my dream come true... truly. I love that they also have options for the boys, Ben was transformed into a Knight in shining armor and thought he was the coolest king in all of the lands... The entire experience is worth every penny, the staff is in character the entire time, they were so sweet and it was simply magical. Emme was Elsa for the day and is still talking about her magical day. Truly was Disney dreams are made of.
If you are looking for a fun place to eat at Disney Springs, check out the T-REX Restaurant, Ben loved it, imagine dinosaurs everywhere, there are huge fish tanks and the entire place is catered to kids (and adults) who love dinos. After dressing up and eating a little bit, go shopping! Disney Springs has a variety of shopping options, you can truly spend the entire day. I love that it's out in the open and you don't pay an entrance fee, it's like a super cool and magical outdoor shopping center, a la Disney, of course. Some of our must stops are always The Lego Store and World of Disney for cute souvenirs or gifts, we were able to enjoy the carousel and little train rides too.
MAGIC KINGDOM
There's nothing like that first time entrance to Magic Kingdom... or the third. It will always be a dream come true to us. I love the kids' reactions whenever we go but it can also be overwhelming. MK is pretty big so if you don't know where to begin, here is our list of favorite rides for the little ones: It's a Small World, Under the Sea, Buzz Lightyear's Space Spin, Dumbo and of course the Mad Tea Party. These are just some of our favorites but there are a variety of shows and attractions. Meeting Mickey and Minnie at City Hall is always a nice close to the day too. Oh and you have to stay for the fireworks because there is nothing like it.
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
It was my first time at Hollywood Studios and we had such a blast! Start off your day by having breakfast with some of Disney's characters at Hollywood & Vine, the food was delish and they serve mimosas:) Ben and Emme loved the Mickey shaped waffles, so good! We got to meet Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina! A morning to remember for sure...
If your kids love Cars like mine do, take them to Lighting McQueen's Racing Academy, it's an interactive show where Lighting McQueen comes out to prepare us for some racing! The kids loved it and were so happy they got to meet the real deal Lighting McQueen.
I had no idea there was a whole actual Disney Jr. Dance Party, yes it's a real thing! Let them shake what their mama (yes you!) gave them and have fun dancing with popular tunes and the Disney Roadster Racers. Emme was a little shy but there was no stopping Ben from dancing his little booty off at that party.
Hollywood Studios is home to the amazing and fun Toy Story Land, I had been dying to visit and I might have even been more excited than the actual kids. Disney always designs their attractions to perfection and Toy Story Land is not an exception. We loved the Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Dash. You have to eat at Woody's Lunch Box, have a Totchos and Adult Lemonade and thank me later... you are welcome!
End your visit with a show, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration was adorable, we sang our little Elsa hearts off, Emme was in Frozen heaven... she loved the part where it snows at the end of the show.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
When you visit Animal Kingdom, you have made your way to The Lion King show, it's so amazing. Don't miss it, make sure you check out their scheduled times and fit it into your agenda that day. Some of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom are: the safari in Africa, we love it like it was the first time every single time. Dinoland is the kids' favorite part, they get to dig in for fossils at The Boneyard and go for a spin in Triceratops Spin ride. My favorite besides the safari is hands down Pandora! The Na'vi River Journey with the little ones and Flying Passage for the adults. Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney Park, the tree of life is majestic but stay for the Tree of Life Awakening at night and you'll be dreaming of all the beautiful animals. Such a nice way to end your Disney experience.
SOME DISNEY MOM TIPS
Download the Disney World App it's free and it will help you with everything from your Disney resort amenities, the park maps, and attractions, scheduling your fast pass rides and even stores your Memory Maker photo galleries; all those meet and greets with the characters, ride photos and videos and more. You can even buy entrance tickets on the app as well as check out show times for each park you visit, it automatically updates depending on the park that you visit. I love it!
Don't forget to use your Fast Pass, each entrance comes with 3 free but you can buy more and yes it's a little pricier but totally worth it because the regular lines are crazy long. Every time we've visited the parks, we use a fast pass, the lines are much shorter and totally worth the extra money, especially if you are visiting with small children.
Don't forget a stroller! Sure my daughter is 4 and Ben is 7 but listen Disney parks are huge and exhausting... especially if you go during the warmer months. We love our UppaBaby MINU, it was perfect for traveling, super lightweight and comfortable, at one point both kids were in that stroller haha! We forgot our stroller for our DC trip, don't be me, especially if you are traveling to a destination where you'll do a lot of walking. There were moments where I wish I had a stroller! Get the UppaBaby MINU because it's the perfect stroller for older kids and traveling:)
Did you know about the Baby Care Center? Me either! We got to tour the baby center in Epcot and I was so impressed. First of all, I had no idea these existed in every single Disney Park. It is free to visitors and opened from the moment the park opens to closing. Each baby center has changing rooms, a breastfeeding room, dining table and first aid with medicine. The best part? They have formula, diapers, snacks and you can walk right in. Game changer when you have young children for sure. Especially if you want to just take a break from all the fun and relax in quietness for a bit.
I think that's pretty much it (phew!) thank you for sticking by, that was a lot but necessary. I believe covered everything I wanted to share with you guys that I think would be helpful to you. Whether it's your first time or tenth time at the parks, every single time is a fun memorable experience. I hope these suggestions and tips help you with your next Disney visit. Feel free to comment below or email me if you have any questions I didn't answer. See you real soon;)
This post is sponsored by Disney. My family and I were invited to experience the parks in exchange for organic content. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my blog so that I can bring you all these tips and experiences.
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