For most children, going to Disney World is a dream come true. Let’s not forget that Walt Disney created the parks for both children and adults to enjoy, and noticeably so. Continue reading to discover what not to miss when visiting the Disney parks with children, and how to get the most out of your experience as a parent.
Disney’s magic photo pass is a must have
Nothing represents Disney World more than taking pictures with all your favourite Disney, Pixar, or Star Wars characters. Even though the employees would be more than happy to take a picture with your mobile phone, it is highly recommended that you purchase a Disney PhotoPass.
Only one member of the family would have to purchase it to be able to save every photo made in the park, including on-ride photographs, as well as photographs made at special locations throughout the parks.
Simply be on the lookout for Disney employees wearing a camera, and they will take a few magical photos of your family. Some photographs will even include special effects and surprise Disney characters! You will forever hold physical representations of your child’s and your own fondest memories of the parks.
Your PhotoPass can also be linked to a purchasable MagicBand. However, if you are trying to save some money, these are definitely not a necessity. Be sure to check the Disney World app to see at what time the different characters may appear. If your favourite is coming, you can be there before they arrive!
Don’t you dare skip Tom Sawyer Island
After spending a long time waiting to get on rides, children may get restless. The best way to get them to release some of that energy is to take them to Tom Sawyer Island, accessible from Frontierland.
The entrance to the small raft that takes the adventurers to the island can be found in front of what used to be Splash Mountain. Splash Mountain is being refurbished to a new theme and will reopen in 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Back to Tom Sawyer Island. It is an island without attractions, but with winding paths and exciting scenes to look at. Children can spend well over an hour exploring the islands’ dark caves, mills and houses, and can even play a nice game of chess on the dock while enjoying the view of Big Tunder Mountains’ mine trains passing by.
As a parent, you can either use this time to sit back a relaxed while the kids entertain themselves, or revive your inner-child and join them in the adventures.
Magic Kingdom has the most rides for kids
Visiting all 4 parks is pricey. If you have young kids, it might not be worth the money to visit all 4 of the parks. Magic Kingdom is then by far the most suitable park for the really young ones.
From the age of 4, when they start to make lasting memories, they will enjoy all the family rides in Fantasyland, as well as the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean or even the Haunted Mansion.
Not to forget the challenge they face in the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where they can become a true Space Ranger if they reach maximum points.
Next comes Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Then again, if you travel halfway across the world to Disney World, you might want to visit more than one park. The next best park to visit with younger kids would by Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here you can visit the colourful Toy Story Land where you can find the exciting family roller coaster, the Slinky Dog Dash.
Be sure not to miss the Pixar Plaza, situated behind Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, where many of the youngsters’ favourite Disney and Pixar characters make multiple appearances throughout the day.
Speaking of Mickey and Minnie’s runaway railway… This is arguably one of Disney Worlds’ best family attractions. You cannot afford to miss this attraction if you visit the Hollywood Studios with, or without children.
Of course there are too many things to talk about in depth. In one of our other articles, you can find even more tips and tricks for when you are travelling to Disney World with the family.
Be sure to apply for the ESTA
For the United States, every travellers needs a valid travel permit. Kids are not exempt from their visa policies. Luckily, if you have a British, Irish, or otherwise European passport, you are very likely to be able to travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
This basically means that you can skip the difficult paper visa application process, and can easily apply for the ESTA online. With this online application form, you can apply for an ESTA for the entire family with just one form, thanks to the option to add more travellers.
Make sure, however, that you add every traveller to the form, and fill in the correct passport data. After double-checking, fulfilling the payment online, and uploading a clear passport scan, you will receive your ESTA’s in a very short period of time via e-mail.
This electronic travel authorisation is then digitally linked to your passport and will be checked when checking in for your flight at the airport.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.