10 Tips for a Stress Free Trip to WDW with Kids

I’ve been to Disney World dozens of times now. I was determined to make my first trip with children as magical and memorable as my WDW weekends with my husband. Disney World with children can be overwhelming. Long lines, hot weather, and exhaustion can quickly turn the happiest place on earth into a stressful adventure. However, with a little planning and the right strategies, you can make your trip smooth and enjoyable for the whole family. I summarized all my past experiences and research into my top 10 tips for a stress-free trip to Walt Disney World with children:

1. Use a Zoey Stroller or Side-by-Side Stroller for Stress-Free Travel between rides & parks

Bringing the right stroller can make or break your Disney experience. My favorite is the Zoey stroller! The stroller’s top shade comes all the way down, providing much-needed coverage for naps. A plastic pocket is located inside of the shade, allowing you to secure an iPad to help entertain little ones if they’re too tired to play, but too stimulated to sleep. Additionally, optional side bags make it easy to store souvenirs, snacks, and essentials. And my absolute favorite feature was the included rain guard which SAVED us during our rainy day at Hollywood Studios. Having a comfortable stroller for your child ensures they stay rested and happy, preventing unnecessary meltdowns throughout the day.

You may choose to rent a stroller directly from WDW or a third party rental service. Rental services also offer other baby gear like pack n’ plays and even beach equipment. Just make sure whatever stroller you bring meets WDWs Stroller Rules.

2. Pack or Order the Essentials. Don’t pay WDW prices.

A well-packed bag is crucial to surviving a Disney trip with young kids. Ordering your essentials and having them delivered to your WDW resort is probably my most favorite tip of all! Be sure to include:

• A spray fan bottle to keep everyone cool
• Body glide to prevent leg chafing and foot blisters
• SPF to protect from the Florida sun. I love this one for children, and this powdered version for the top of your head! Don’t skip your hair part!
• Ponchos for adults and kids
• Good walking sandals (especially if you’re prone to blisters). I actually prefer quality athletic sandals over sneakers most days.
• Magic band ties or keychains for convenience
• Apple AirTags for child safety or temporary tattoos with your phone number in case you get separated. I opted for air tags and I used keychains to attach them to bags and other things.
• Wireless outdoor string lights for your stroller. Adding lights to your stroller makes it so easy to find at night! We also added a personalized sign with your family’s name to easily locate your stroller in the sea of parked ones. There are so many creators on Etsy that can make you a custom sign for your stroller!
• Dum Dums or some other small candy that you can give the kids while waiting in line

Having these essentials on hand can help avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort. You may also opt to have your essentials, groceries and snacks delivered through Walmart+, Amazon or another delivery service. I recommend Walmart+ because it is reliable and fast! You can pick your groceries up at luggage assistance.

3. Take Advantage of the WDW Rider Switch Service

Disney’s Rider Switch service is a game-changer for parents with small children. This allows one parent to wait with a child who isn’t tall enough for a ride while the other rides. Then, they switch without waiting in line again! A second person can accompany the parent as well. It ensures that everyone gets to enjoy the attractions they want without wasting time.

4. Use Walmart+ to Have Snacks Delivered to Your WDW Resort

Instead of hauling heavy snacks in your luggage, use Walmart+ to have groceries delivered straight to your Disney resort. Having familiar and favorite snacks on hand is a lifesaver when your child gets hungry in between meals. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on park snacks and ensure your little ones are eating something they enjoy.

5. Know the Locations of WDW Park Medical Clinics and Baby Stations

Accidents happen, and little ones sometimes get sick unexpectedly. Knowing where each park’s Guest Health Services and baby care stations are located can save you from panic in an emergency. Disney has fantastic baby care centers with changing tables, private nursing areas, and supplies like diapers and wipes available for purchase. Familiarize yourself with these locations before your trip to avoid unnecessary stress.

6. Target Kid-Friendly Lines and Invest in Lightning Lane

Some ride queues are more child-friendly than others, featuring interactive elements to keep little ones entertained. Additionally, consider investing in Disney’s Lightning Lane system, which allows you to skip long wait times for select rides. This can significantly reduce the time spent standing in line, making your experience much more enjoyable. I highly recommend Lightning Lane passes during busy seasons.

7. Visit WDW with Kids During the Off-Season

Timing your trip wisely can make a massive difference in crowd levels and overall enjoyment. Visiting during off-peak seasons—like mid-January, early May, or mid-September—can lead to shorter lines, less stress, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Avoid major holidays and school breaks if possible to maximize your experience. Check the visitor crowd calendar to help you plan which park you should visit and when.

8. Break the Day Up with a Show and Plan a Rest Day

Disney days are long, and kids can get exhausted quickly. Plan breaks throughout the day by watching shows or enjoying air-conditioned attractions like “The Enchanted Tiki Room” or “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” The “Frozen: A Musical Adventure” show is surprisingly entertaining for parents, too! Also, consider taking a full rest day mid-trip to relax by the pool or explore Disney Springs. This prevents burnout and helps everyone recharge.

9. Book a Character Dining Experience

10. Bring a Creative Item for Autographing

Instead of the traditional autograph book, bring something unique for characters to sign! Consider a picture frame, a canvas bag, a hat, or even a storybook featuring the characters. This makes for a special keepsake and adds an extra touch of magic to your trip.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Walt Disney World with little children can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a magical and stress-free experience. From choosing the right stroller to packing smart and utilizing Disney’s convenient services, I hope that my top 10 tips for a stress free trip to WDW with kids will make your experience extra magical! Happy travels, and may your Disney adventure be filled with pixie dust!

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