The ultimate guide to Walt Disney World Resort for parents

There's been lots of exciting changes at Walt Disney World Resort over the past few years. Even if you're the ultimate Disney expert, the resort has evolved in various ways with new attractions and shows, reimagined spaces, and updated experiences. If you're planning a trip this year or next, it might be time for a refresher course.

Whether you're a Walt Disney World Resort pro or a first timer, I’ve got you covered with advice from Mumsnetters on how you can have the best travel experience, finding the right place to stay, insider must-see attractions as well as enjoying top-notch food.

Keep reading to find my ultimate Mumsnet guide to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

In this guide you’ll find: 

• A quick overview

• About the Parks

• Perks of staying onsite

• Enhance the magic

• Attractions and entertainment

• Where to eat

• Getting around the resort

• Start planning 

Walt Disney World Resort: a quick overview

The Walt Disney World Resort is smack in the middle of Florida, and Orlando International Airport is only 20 miles from the Parks. 

The resort itself spans a massive 43 square miles - which is roughly the same size as Bristol - and is home to four Theme Parks, two Water Parks, more than 140 restaurants, over 25 Disney Resort Hotels, and endless shows, attractions, shops, Disney Characters, and rides. 

Planning a trip in 2026? Book your 2026 package holiday by 5th November 2025 and enjoy Free Dining & Drinks and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a 7-Day Magic Ticket on selected arrivals and packages at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (excludes gratuities). To make it even sweeter, you’ll save £100 per booking on Disney Resort Hotel & Ticket packages.

The dining offer includes everything from quick snacks to Character Dining at over 260 locations across the Resort. Stay in a Disney Resort hotel and you’ll be close to the action, with early Park entry, free transport and magical theming throughout.

Ready to start planning? You can secure your 2026 trip today with a £50 per person deposit, then pay the rest in interest-free instalments at a pace that suits you. For full offer details and T&Cs click here.

About the Parks at Walt Disney World Resort

Now that your family is onboard - does it take much convincing, really? - knowing what Theme Parks and Water Parks are there will help you to figure out where to spend your time. So, let’s break down the parks for you. 

The iconic Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park

Probably the Theme Park you think of first when you dream of Walt Disney World Resort. We’re sure you’ve seen oodles of photos of the famous Cinderella Castle that takes pride of place in Magic Kingdom Park. It’s Walt Disney World’s original Park, and is home to many classic rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant - to name a few. 

This park is superb for little ones, and even offers a splash park to cool down in. But don’t be fooled, it has a whole host of roller coasters to keep the thrill seekers happy, too. The newest additions worth mentioning here are TRON Lightcycle / Run - a high-stakes speed race - and Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which opened last year. 

Find dozens of restaurants, rides and explore 11 countries at EPCOT

EPCOT

This Theme Park wasn’t supposed to be an amusement park - in fact, it was originally proposed to be a fully fledged ‘city of the future’, or more precisely, an ‘Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow’ (EPCOT). 

Nowadays, this huge park is filled with dozens of fantastic restaurants, innovative rides and even allows you to travel the world. It’s a slower paced park, and shares the delights of 11 different countries for you to explore. 

From the UK and France, to China and Mexico, each destination area offers fun rides, amazing places to eat and a huge variety of entertainment. EPCOT is also home to the popular Frozen Ever After ride, a favourite amongst Mumsnetters and a must do for any young fan of Disney’s Frozen. 

Fans of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will no doubt love the park’s latest addition: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which features Disney’s first ever reverse-launch coaster (and it’s the largest fully-enclosed roller coaster in the world).

Fans young and old will find something they love at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Home of two of Disney’s top franchises, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to go for Toy Story and Star Wars fans. The theming here is outstanding, Disney have outdone themselves. 

Toy Story fans can ride Slinky Dog Dash, have a friendly competition on Toy Story Mania and can enjoy some iconic photo opportunities with their favourite Toy Story Characters. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also where you’ll find Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For Star Wars fans, you’ve hit the ultimate jackpot here. You can discover your own Star Wars story and live your own adventure in a galaxy far, far away - not forgetting the opportunity to fly the famous Millennium Falcon yourself. 

That’s not all – Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now home to Disney’s first ever ride that features Mickey Mouse and friends, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Fans of the award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts will love this one!

See nature at its finest and explore with your young animal lovers at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Finally, this one’s for the animal lovers. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is where you can watch the beloved Festival of the Lion King, glimpse real African animals on the Kilimanjaro Safari and visit the out-of-this-world Pandora - The World of Avatar. A day here is breathtaking, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is beautiful and a great place to see nature at its finest. 

Not forgetting young explorers, kids can become Wilderness Explorers in an interactive experience across the park where they can complete activities and collect more than 25 badges. Definitely a must-do for Up fans, animal and nature lovers.

A trip to the Water Parks is a great way to wind down as a family

…and not forgetting the Water Parks

As well as the four Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Resort is home to two Water Parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. 

Both offer amazing water slides, large man-made beaches and wave machines, and kids’ play areas - all with that touch of famous Disney magic. I can’t recommend visiting these enough – depending on your time here, they’re a great way to spend your day if you need to rest your feet between Park visits. 

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Perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort

For the ultimate, fully immersive Disney experience, it’s highly recommended that you stay onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. 

There are 25 hotels to choose from the Disney Resorts Collection. These resorts are staffed by Disney Cast Members and all offer legendary service, quality and attention to detail for which Walt Disney World is so famous… plus there’s a ton of perks available!

Here’s the full list of Walt Disney World perks for hotel guests to enjoy during their stay:

• Free transport to/from the Parks

• Early Theme Park entry 

• An expanded dining reservation period

• Early access to event tickets

• Online check-in

• Disney Band discounts

• Early access to Lightning Lane time slots to purchase

• Complimentary towels at Disney’s two Water Parks

• Charge merchandise to your room so you don’t have to carry it around all day

• Extended evening hours (only for guests at Disney Deluxe Hotels and DVC resorts)

Inside the TRON Lightcycle / Run roller coaster at Magic Kingdom Park

Enhance the Walt Disney World Resort magic

To make sure you have the ultimate family holiday at Walt Disney World Resort, there are a few things available to make your entire experience a magical one. 

A lot of these are good to know if you’re a first timer, but I’m sure there are many repeaters who have travelled previously without kids who are now planning to return with their young families. 

My Disney Experience app

Thanks to the handy My Disney Experience app, everything you need to book during your Walt Disney World holiday can be done in just a few clicks on your phone. 

Set your My Disney Experience account up before your trip, and link your tickets, your park reservations, dining reservations, Genie planning service and use it to book Lightning Lanes.

Disney Lightning Lane Service

Lightning passes are Disney’s skip-the-line system that help you save time and maximise your park experience (these have replaced the previous Genie+ service since July 2024). 

The complimentary Disney Genie service remains available through the My Disney Experience App to provide on-the-go planning. But in terms of skipping the queue, this is what’s available: 

Lightning Lane Multi Pass

With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make three Lightning Lane selections for a single theme park and choose a time for those attractions. When you purchase a Multi Pass: 

• Plan ahead of your Park visit and choose up to three Multi Pass experiences.

• Once in the Park, enjoy your first Multi Pass experience - you may be able to make an additional selection (subject to availability). 

Lightning Lane Single Pass

Save time at the most in-demand attractions - those not available with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Purchase up to two Single Passes per day, subject to availability, for attractions with the highest demand and longest wait times. 

Disney Bands at Disney

Disney Bands can be purchased ahead of your visit, and come in a variety of colours and themes. They’re used to access the Theme Parks without having to carry physical passes, they’re linked to your PhotoPass photos and are the key to your hotel room at your Disney Resort hotel should you decide to stay onsite. That’s not all - this newest generation of Disney Bands interacts with nighttime shows, too.

Capture every moment of your holiday with Memory Maker

Memory Maker

Throughout the parks there are several photo opportunities that help families to capture their magical moments at Walt Disney World Resort. With Memory Maker, you can have your photo taken by professional photographers in iconic locations and with Disney Characters, then view them via your Disney Band or PhotoPass card, which will link your photos to your Disney account. You can then enjoy unlimited digital downloads of all your photos and videos when you get home to share or print.

Special event tickets at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort holds special events, tours and parties throughout the year so there’s always something on the calendar. From the Behind the Seeds tour at EPCOT to Caring for Giants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and from Disney After Hours to two of the most popular events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party - there’s always something extra going on. 

To find the full schedule of special events at Walt Disney World Resort, click here.

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Attractions and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort

There’s over 200+ things to do, shows and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; 69 of them are at Magic Kingdom Park, 70 in EPCOT, 42 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and 54 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. There’s also 10 things to do in Disney Springs. All attractions can be found here. 

Naturally, the sheer number of options here can almost be a bit overwhelming - as I’ve said, there’s a lot to pack in during your holiday! The age of your family members will no doubt determine which rides you fit into your schedule, as for the safety of riders some have height and age restrictions. 

From fast-paced roller coasters to gentle spinners, along with incredible shows and white-knuckle water slides, there’s lots to do across the Resort. 

Best Walt Disney World Resort attractions for adults and older children

1. Test Track at EPCOT

2. Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

3. Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom Park

4. Space Mountain inMagic Kingdom Park

5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom Park

6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom Park

7. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

8. TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom Park

9. Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Find roller coasters and thrilling rides for older kids, teens and adults in each Park

Best Walt Disney World Resort attractions for babies, toddlers and young children

1. Frozen Ever After in EPCOT

2. Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom Park

3. Mad Tea Party in Magic Kingdom Park

4. Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom Park

5. The Seas with Nemo and Friends in EPCOT

6. “it’s a small world” in Magic Kingdom Park

7. Na’vi River Journey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

8. Alien Swirling Saucers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

9. Dumbo The Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom Park

10. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Mickey and Minnie in the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom Park

Must-see shows at Walt Disney World Resort

Here are the parades and shows at Walt Disney World Resort you shouldn’t miss this year…

• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Happily Ever After nighttime show at Magic Kingdom Park

• Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom Park

• Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom Park

• Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! production at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (launching 7th November 2025) 

• Finding Nemo the Musical in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Luminous - The Symphony Of Us nighttime show at EPCOT

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Visiting Walt Disney World Resort with young children and babies

Walt Disney World Resort might be famous for its thrills, but it’s also brilliantly set up for families with young children – from babies and toddlers to preschoolers.

Younger kids won’t miss out on the fun. Each Theme Park has plenty of attractions with no height restrictions, so little ones can enjoy rides alongside older siblings. There are also entertaining shows running throughout the day, as I’ve shared above - ideal for resting tired legs in the air con while still soaking up the magic.

Find baby- and toddler-friendly beaches and splash zones in the Water Parks

Water Parks aren’t just for thrill-seekers. While you’ll find the big slides you’d expect, both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach also offer splash zones, gentle wave pools, and relaxing sandy beaches, which are all perfect for unwinding between busy park days.

Staying in a Disney Resort hotel makes things even easier. With complimentary transport by bus, boat, Monorail or Skyliner, you can head to the Parks in the morning, pop back for naptime or pool time, then return for fireworks in the evening without any fuss.

Other family-friendly features include:

• Rider Switch: so adults can take turns on height-restricted rides when travelling with a baby or young child - this way they won't have to wait twice.

• Stroller hire: handy for kids who’ve outgrown a buggy but still need help getting around.

• Baby Care Centres: are located in every Park with quiet spaces to feed, change or just take a breather.

• Free entry and meals for under 3s: no Park ticket or Dining Plan needed.

• Picky eater approved: with a huge variety of cuisines across the resort, there’s something to suit even the fussiest of eaters.

In short, Walt Disney World is designed with families in mind - making it easier to focus on the fun, no matter how small your crew is.

Where to eat and dining reservations

If there’s one thing Walt Disney World Resort perfects time and time again, it’s their dining options. There are hundreds of dining outlets and restaurants available all across the resort, with options to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences, no matter their age. 

Here’s what’s available:

Character Dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort

Meet beloved Disney Characters during a fun-filled, family-friendly dining experience. While they are an additional cost, Mumsnetters favour these unique dining experiences as they’re a good way to see your favourite Characters without waiting in a queue. 

Moglet4

Do keep in mind that some of the Character Dining reservations require a valid ticket if the restaurant is in one of the Theme Parks. 

Here’s a list of all the Character meals at Walt Disney World Resort for 2025:

• The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park

• Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT

• Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Topolino’s Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

We’d highly recommend booking in advance the most popular restaurants. It’s worth doing your research well in advance to make sure you manage to meet the Characters your kids will love. The My Disney Experience app makes it easy to book these dining experiences. 

Tiana’s Famous Beignets are a sought-after snack at Magic Kingdom Park that’s worth trying

Dining options at Walt Disney World Resort

As well as the memorable Character meals, Walt Disney World Resort offers several other dining options that are available across the Resort. These include:

• Fine/signature dining: these outstanding restaurants serve up memorable dining experiences, and include Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park, Narcoossee’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk.

• Quick service dining: satisfy your hunger with a quick, yet tasty meal without reservations - a great choice if you want an easy bite to eat while in the Parks! 

• Casual dining: sit down to a relaxing meal at one of these family-friendly restaurants.

• Rooftop dining: for a memorable meal that offers panoramic views of Walt Disney World Resort, don’t miss the chance to dine at any one of the following rooftop dining choices: California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera in Disney’s Riviera Resort and Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. 

Booking your dining reservations

It’s worth mentioning now, to dine in at an in-park Table-Service restaurant you need a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of guests - regardless of their age, plus a Park reservation and a valid admission ticket for the same date for all guests aged three and up. 

So if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler under three, make sure to include them in your dining reservations as a counted guest.

A day at Magic Kingdom Park should always be completed with the fireworks

Getting around Walt Disney World Resort itself

Staying onsite at Walt Disney World Resort means there are several handy ways to get around the resort and to the Parks available to you. 

• Disney’s bus network: almost anywhere you want to go at Walt Disney World Resort is conveniently accessible by buses, which run continuously

• Monorail transportation: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and select Disney resorts are just minutes away by Monorail, and there are three separate lines that travel across the Resort

• Water transportation: enjoy a leisurely cruise on a water taxi or ferry boat to help you get around the Resort

• Disney Skyliner: cruise around Walt Disney World Resort in an aerial gondola

Start planning your Disney holiday

Here are a few things you can do to help you start planning your trip:

• Agree on your duration and budget

• Book in advance and pay in instalments to help spread the cost

• Make a list of what everyone wants to do 

• Download the My Disney Experience app

• Do you research, watch YouTube videos

• Watch your favourite Disney movies

• Book your Park passes ahead of time

• Book your dining reservations ahead of time

Book now and enjoy extras

What are you waiting for? Book your 2026 package holiday by 5th November 2025 and enjoy Free Dining & Drinks and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a 7-Day Magic Ticket on selected arrivals and packages at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (excludes gratuities). To make it even sweeter, you’ll save £100 per booking on Disney Resort hotel & Ticket packages.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she works to bring parents content that’s designed to make life easier. As a mum of two herself, she knows all too well how difficult travelling with kids can be. Whether it’s within the UK or abroad, she’s on a quest to find only the best and most family-friendly locations, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

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