Walt Disney World for Families
Top Tips for Families at Walt Disney World
Looking for the best ways to make your Walt Disney World family holiday unforgettable? Our Guests and Cast Members share insider tips to help you plan, save time, and experience the magic together.
Real Moments. Real Magic. Shared by You
"Breakfast at Topolinos terrace was the best character dining experience we’ve ever been to. Characters had special outfits and came round multiple times!!"
Ellie C
"The Moana inspired, Journey of Water at Epcot is a beautiful and clever attraction and the perfect place to cool off. Fun for all the family."
Gemma
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at All-Star Movies Resort the way the Disney film characters are incorporated in the themed rooms and layout of the grounds and pools is spectacular so colourful"
Kim
"Staying on site with young children is just magical. Accommodations that are in Magic Kingdom area allow for quick transfer times to Magic Kingdom, and other parks. Magical moments are special."
Louise P
"For stress free holiday with your children, get into the parks early. The wait times will be shorter, and the heat less intense. Then head back to your hotel mid-afternoon to chill by the pool."
Tessa A
14-Day Walt Disney World Itinerary for Families
This sample itinerary blends iconic Disney experiences with time to recharge for an unforgettable family adventure!
Day 1: Ease Into the Magic and Make Yourself at Home
Arrive at Walt Disney World
Afternoon: Arrive in Orlando and transfer to your Disney Resort Hotel. Take in the music, the Mickey touches—your holiday has begun! Unpack and enjoy a quick swim or explore the hotel.
Evening: Dine at one of your Disney Hotel’s restaurants. If energy allows, join Campfire activities or watch Movies Under the Stars for a cozy Disney welcome.
Day 2: Step Into Fairy Tales and End with a Starlit Spectacular
Magic Kingdom Park
Morning: Walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and let Cinderella Castle take your breath away. Ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, then meet Mickey at Town Square Theater for that iconic photo.
Afternoon: Lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus overlooking “it’s a small world”. Then sail on Pirates of the Caribbean and set off on a high-speed quest on TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Evening: Enjoy adventurous flavours at Skipper Canteen, then end with Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away lighting up the night.
Day 3: Play Big in Toy Story Land and End With a Spectacular Show
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Morning: Step into Andy’s backyard! Experience Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania!
Afternoon: Lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box, then sing along at Frozen Celebration and ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Evening: Enjoy Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine, then settle in for Fantasmic!—a spectacular mix of dreams and Disney magic.
Day 4: Splash, Slide, and Soak Up the Sunshine
Disney Water Park
Morning: Head to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach (whichever is open). Ease into holiday mode: claim a sunlounger on the white, sandy beach and let little ones explore whimsical splash zones.
Afternoon: Lunch at Leaning Palms or Lottawatta Lodge, both offer hearty sandwiches, salads, and refreshing drinks. Head over to Tobbogan Racers or Miss Adventure Falls for family fun.
Evening: End the day with a stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk after dinner at Trattoria al Forno where games, street performers, and sweet treats make for a perfect finale.
Day 5: Wild Safaris, Zootropolis Fun and Pandora Glow
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Morning: Begin with Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll spot giraffes and elephants as the sun warms the savannah. Meet Moana for a magical photo moment.
Afternoon: Catch Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, then savour fresh bowls at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Drift through glowing forests on Na’vi River Journey.
Evening: Watch Tree of Life Awakenings as the park transforms after dark. End with an unforgettable Character dinner at Tusker House.
Day 6: Travel the World and Discover Frozen Adventures
EPCOT
Morning: Glide through Arendelle on Frozen Ever After, meet Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus, then shrink down for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France.
Afternoon: Share wood-fired pizza at Via Napoli and explore World Showcase pavilions at a relaxed pace.
Evening: Rock out on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind before dining with Chip ’n’ Dale at Garden Grill.
Day 7: Relax, Recharge, and Add a Dash of Disney Fun
Your Disney Resort Hotel and EPCOT
Morning: Sleep in and enjoy poolside fun with Disney magic all around.
Afternoon: Join in resort activities like poolside games or crafts for the kids. Grab a casual lunch at your hotel’s quick-service restaurant.
Evening: Head over to EPCOT’s World Showcase for Moroccan flavours at Spice Road Table then watch Luminous: The Symphony of Us fill the sky over World Showcase Lagoon.
Day 8: Celebrate With Parades and End with Firework Magic
Magic Kingdom Park
Morning: Kick off with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure where you'll rush through the bayou alongside Tiana and friends, then chart a course for high adventure aboard Jungle Cruise.
Afternoon: Spot your favourite Characters in the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Enjoy an American lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern then then race through Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Evening: Step into enchantment at Be Our Guest inside Beast’s castle, then watch Happily Ever After fireworks for an unforgettable Disney ending to your day.
Day 9: Animal Encounters and Lion King Magic
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Morning: Visit Affection Section petting zoo, and stroll Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail for up-close animal encounters.
Afternoon: Catch Festival of the Lion King and savour Asian-inspired flavours at Yak & Yeti before you set of on a thrilling whitewater journey on Kali River Rapids.
Evening: Return to Pandora for its stunning bioluminescent glow and dine at Tiffins, a signature celebration of global adventure and artistry.
Day 10: Shopping, Dining, and Family Fun
Disney Springs
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your Disney Hotel, then head to Disney Springs for world-class shopping and unique Disney boutiques.
Afternoon: Treat the kids to a visit at the LEGO Store and a family-friendly meal at Rainforest Café, with jungle theming and animatronic animals.
Evening: Dine at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ for Southern comfort food, then catch live entertainment along the waterfront.
Day 11: Live Your Star Wars Adventure
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Morning: Enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run.
Afternoon: Refuel at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, then join the Resistance on Rise of the Resistance, one of Walt Disney World's most immersive experiences.
Evening: Catch Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, enjoy retro dining at 50’s Prime Time Café, and end with Wonderful World of Animation, a dazzling projection show.
Day 12: Find Nemo and Soar Around the World
EPCOT
Morning: Begin with The Seas with Nemo & Friends and explore the aquarium exhibits. Then soar high on Soarin’ Around the World for breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Coral Reef Restaurant with its stunning underwater views. Explore Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana - a beautiful, interactive trail celebrating the cycle of water.
Evening: Race on Test Track then dine at a World Showcase favourite like Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada, then return to your Disney Hotel for Movies Under the Stars.
Day 13: Lazy Rivers and Gentle Waves
Disney Water Park
Morning: Head to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (whichever is open) and float along the lazy river, soaking up Florida sunshine.
Afternoon: Splash in the wave pool, then savour wraps or sandwiches at Typhoon Tilly’s or The Warming Hut. For a gentle thrill, ride Gang Plank Falls or Teamboat Springs.
Evening: Wrap up with a casual dinner at your Disney Hotel and an early night to recharge for departure.
Day 14: Savour One Last Magical Moment Before You Fly
Departure Day
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your Disney Hotel, then pop into your favourite park for one last stroll and photos with beloved Characters. Wave goodbye to Cinderella Castle or EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth.
Afternoon: Savour a light lunch before heading to Orlando International Airport.
What Walt Disney World Hotel is Best for Families?
With over 25 Disney Hotels to choose from you are sure to find one to suit your taste and budgets, below you’ll find our top picks for families!
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
It's lights, camera, action at this Disney Resort hotel! Take centre stage in your own all-star adventure and pay homage to the magic of Disney films with a Fantasia-themed pool, classic arcade games and an American-style food court.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Drift away to an island paradise at this tropical hotel, bursting with vibrant colours and lush landscapes. The spirit of the Caribbean comes to life as you browse lively marketplaces and stroll along the shores of sandy beaches, capturing the essence of five distinct West Indian islands.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club at this lakeside hotel. Set sail along Crescent Lake, take the plunge at Stormalong Bay pool and gather your crew at sunset for marshmallow toasting by a crackling beach campfire.
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a Disney Hotel
As a Disney Hotel Guest, you'll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits!
Close Proximity to the Parks
Wake up closer to our kingdom - some Disney Hotels are only a short walk away to our Theme Parks! You can discover all our attractions, restaurants and more in no time.
Extra Time to Play in the Parks
Make the most of the magic with 30-minute early entry to all 4 Theme Parks every day of your stay, plus extended evening hours at selected Theme Parks on selected nights!
Complimentary Resort Transportation
Explore the entire Resort with ease. Fly high on the Disney Skyliner and zip about on the monorail, plus benefit from bus and boat options.
Imagination by the Roomful
Relax in fantastical settings inspired by some of your favourite Disney and Pixar stories. Wherever you stay, you'll find fun and magical touches in every detail.
Exclusive Access to Disney Dining Plans
Enjoy our great-value Disney Dining Plans, offering pre-paid meals, snacks and drinks throughout your stay. Choose from over 170 dining options throughout Walt Disney World.