Photo by Héctor Vásquez on Unsplash
When it comes to legendary and evocative holiday destinations, there is nowhere quite like Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Founded way back in 1971, Disney World has fired the imaginations of generations of children – and it could do much the same for your own young ones, too.
But it would also be a mistake to pigeonhole this iconic attraction as being “purely” a kids’ one. The fact is that Disney World in Florida is a magical holiday for all ages, and many parents place this on their wishlist once they have a family of their own.
After all, there is nothing quite like seeing the look of wonder when your little one sees their favourite character for the first time, or the gasp that you will all let out once you encounter the incredible magic castle on your first ever visit.
The size and scale of Disney World can make it tricky to navigate – especially if you are on the hunt for activities and options that will be suitable for younger children. To help, we have put together a range of top tips to help you make the most of every minute, as well as some must-see spots that your smaller kids will absolutely love.
Things to see and do with young kids at Disney World
So, what should you add to your list of must-see attractions within Disney World? We recommend the following:
• The Magic Kingdom
This classic Disney spot is the perfect place to spend your days. It has rides that are suitable for all ages, and a variety of different shows that will keep your little ones entertained all day long. Try the classic ‘It’s a Small World’ ride for an enchanting experience that your kids will never forget.
• Animal Kingdom
This part of the park is made for families with young kids – you can explore the various habitats and meet some amazing animals, and even join in on some interactive experiences with the likes of Mickey Mouse or Goofy.
• Epcot
Epcot is a spot that is all about celebrating culture, making it an interesting and educational experience for those with younger children. There is plenty to explore, with a range of different exhibits and interactive activities, which will allow you to get a little education into your adventure.
A few useful tips for exploring Disney World with kids
In addition to seeing the amazing sights highlighted above, you should keep the following tips in mind when you are exploring Disney World with young kids:
- Don’t skimp on snacks!
Kids can get tired quickly, and hungry bellies can make this seem much worse. So, make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand that they can munch on throughout the day. This will help to ensure they have enough energy to explore without having to take too many breaks, and will avoid the onset of the dreaded “hanger” later in the day. Being prepared with your own snacks can also save you cash compared to buying food in the park!
- Take plenty of breaks
Be prepared to take plenty of breaks. The fact is, your kids will need to rest, and enjoying a nice walk around the park can also help break up the day and make it more manageable. You could even plan some rest time during the hot afternoon hours, so that you can all enjoy a little air conditioning!
- Bring sun protection
While you are exploring Disney World with your little ones, it is important to keep sun protection in mind. The Florida sun and heat can be intense, especially in July, which sees both the highest average temperatures (28 degrees C, or 82 degrees F) and the greatest number of daily sunshine hours (10). So, make sure you have all the sun protection basics covered, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Have fun during your Disney World trip!
Visiting Disney World is a magical experience, and even the youngest of kids should be able to make the most of it. Allow your kids to take the lead, and don’t forget to have fun yourself. After all, no matter how old you are, a visit to Disney World is no less than a dream come true.