Disney with Kids: Tips, Chaos, and Magical Memories
Taking kids to Disney is one of the most magical (and sometimes chaotic) experiences you can have as a family. Whether it’s their first trip or their tenth, there’s something about watching the parks through your children’s eyes that makes Disney feel brand new every single time.
In Episode 39 of Going Beyond the Castle, we (Fred, Lori, and Ashley) tackled the ins and outs of visiting Disney with children. Between the laughs, the thunderstorm in the background, surprise appearances from pets and parents, and a few “HR check-ins,” we unpacked what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re taking kids to the most magical place on earth.
Picking the Right Time to Go
One of the most common questions parents ask is: When is the best time to take kids to Disney?
Our answer: it depends on your family.
Holiday Weeks – Convenient for school schedules but usually packed with crowds.
Week of Labor Day – A hidden gem. Busy at first, but crowds thin dramatically after the holiday.
During School – Honestly, the least busy times are when kids are in school. If you can swing pulling them out for a few days, you’ll thank yourself later.
At the end of the day, don’t stress too much about “perfect timing.” Any time can be magical if you know what to expect.
Character Dining: Worth It or Not?
We all agree: if you’re bringing kids, character dining is a game-changer. Instead of waiting in long lines, characters come to you while you’re eating.
A few of our favorites include:
Chef Mickey’s (aka the Golden Corral of Disney World 🤣) – Meet the Fab Five in one meal.
‘Ohana Breakfast – Lilo and Stitch make it unforgettable.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – For princess lovers, this is the spot.
Trattoria al Forno – Ariel and Rapunzel are the stars here.
Yes, it’s pricier than quick-service, but the memories (and the saved time in line) are worth it.
Breaks, Snacks, and Surviving the Parks
If there’s one thing we cannot stress enough: take breaks and pack snacks.
Your kids will melt down. You might too. And that’s okay. Building in downtime—whether it’s heading back to the resort for a nap, sitting in the shade with an ice cream, or watching a show—can turn the day around.
And snacks? They’re the real heroes of Disney parenting. Goldfish, granola bars, juice pouches—whatever works for your crew. Bonus tip: grab a refillable popcorn bucket early in your trip. It’ll save you money and tantrums.
Resort Fun Beyond the Parks
Disney resorts are more than just a place to sleep. From playgrounds and arcades to movies under the stars, tie-dye shirts, and even s’mores by the fire, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained on non-park days.
Our advice: build in at least one resort day. Sometimes, the best Disney memories come from unexpected moments—like pin trading with strangers or splashing in the resort pool—not just from the rides.
Expect the Unexpected
Here’s the truth: no matter how well you plan, things won’t go perfectly. Rides break down, storms roll in, and yes, sometimes your kid just wants to play on a playground instead of riding Space Mountain.
And that’s okay. The magic isn’t in ticking every box on your spreadsheet—it’s in the memories you make along the way.
Final Thoughts
Taking kids to Disney can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Plan what you can, leave room for flexibility, and remember: your kids will feed off your energy. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. If you’re having fun, they’ll have the time of their lives.
Whether you’re planning your first trip with little ones or your tenth with teenagers, we hope these tips help you create unforgettable Disney memories.
🎧 Want more? Listen to the full episode of Going Beyond the Castle where we share even more stories (and plenty of laughs) about taking kids to Disney.