Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is always going to be a magical experience for kids. But if this is your first Disney family holiday, here are some tips to making more of every minute.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa © 2025 Disney
Stay in the Disney Bubble on your first Disney family holiday
The number one recommendation for a first time family holiday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is, stay on-site. It doesn’t matter what age your kids are, immersing yourself in the ‘Disney Bubble’ at one of the Disney Resort hotels is by far the best way to get the most out of your holiday.
Every Disney hotel includes free, all-day transport to the theme parks, which is bliss because it means you can fit nap time or pool time or just plain downtime into your day really easily. You also have the extra fun of early park entry, so more time for attractions and experiences at the quietest time of the day. Plus, when you book a Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel, you get longer evening hours at parks on selected nights too.
With over 25 hotels to choose from ranging from Deluxe Resort Hotels to Moderate and Value Resort Hotels, there really is something to suit every budget at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Then, as an added bonus, book a Disney Resort hotel in 2026 and you benefit from the FREE Dining & Drinks package.
Just book your 2026 package holiday by 5 November 2025 and enjoy Free Dining & Drinks, as well as Disney 14-Day Magic Tickets for the price of a 7-Day Magic Tickets and a saving of £100 per booking save £100 per booking on Disney Resort hotel & Ticket packages. Scroll down to find out more.
READ MORE: Where to stay to maximise the magic of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Kids will never forget their first character meals © 2025 Disney
Always book Character Meals and Experiences in advance
Meeting their favourite Disney characters is beyond exciting for kids, and you can probably imagine how it feels for you to see the wonder on their faces. These moments are what make Disney holidays for families and we can tell you, from experience, that your children will never forget them.
Booking in advance for character meals and experiences is essential, and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida lets you reserve up to 60 days before your arrival, so make a note of that date and grab your spot early.
On a side note, many Disney Resort hotels also feature character experiences and meals, which of course are even easier to reserve in advance because only hotel guests have access to the early booking system. And trust us when we say, magical as it is meeting Cinderella or Tiana in the parks, a character breakfast at your hotel takes enchantment to the next level.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge © 2025 Disney
Plan for a little jet lag and the Florida weather on your first Disney family holiday
Travelling from the UK to Florida, you’re going to be up earlier than usual in the morning for your first few days. If you’re staying on-site at Walt Disney World Resort, that’s perfect, you can really make the most of the early park entries you enjoy as guests of Disney Resort hotels.
Florida weather is famously sunny, so pack sun protection and make sure everyone wears hats. You might also want to think about packing light rain jackets, especially in September or early October.
It’s always a good idea to build some pool time into your day too, splash around fun is great to cool kids down, and it’s a nice way for parents to chill as well. All Disney Resort hotels have incredible pools, and being able to enjoy them during the day is another reason free, all-day transport is such a huge plus for families.
READ MORE: Top attractions you won’t want to miss at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 2026
The magic of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida © 2025 Disney
A buggy for younger kids is a good idea for theme parks
Even if your pre-schoolers think they’re too big for buggies, adding one to your packing list is a good idea for kids up to at least age three. You’ll be logging lots of miles exploring the parks: Walt Disney World Resort is about the same size as Manchester! So with that much ground to cover, a buggy really helps tired little legs keep up with the magic.
All the Disney parks also hire children’s buggies, but bringing your own keeps toddlers in their comfort zone and gives them a secure space to snooze before their next burst of excitement.
Sharing the moment at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida © 2025 Disney
Plan big thrills on your first Disney family holiday, but don’t forget small magical moments
Download the My Disney Experience app and plan your day round the ages of your kids.
It’s a good idea to mix up thrilling attractions with magical experiences, and work with the mood: strolling around eating a Mickey pretzel is sometimes all kids need.
Remember, if your children are widely mixed ages, you can take advantage of ‘Rider Switch’, so if both your kids aren’t tall enough for a ride, one parent can wait with a younger child while the older one rides with the other parent, and then you switch over, without re-queueing. Ask a Disney Cast Member at the parks about ‘Rider Switch’ and they’ll be happy to help.
Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom Park © 2025 Disney
Weave an enchanting change of pace into every evening
Watching the evening fireworks together at Walt Disney World Resort is an iconic experience, and one of the many you don’t want to miss. Also, a family show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another wonderful way to end the day, keeps the magic alive, but cools kids down a little so they’re relaxed, enchanted and ready for dinner and bed.
If you want inspiration on entertainment, here’s what families can look forward to in 2026.
Alternatively, you can enjoy Movies Under The Stars almost every evening at many Disney Resort hotels, along with other wind down experiences like nighttime campfire activities, so every day has a fairy tale ending.
Discover 100s of amazing places to eat and drink © 2025 Disney
Staying fuelled up for fun couldn’t be easier at Walt Disney World Resort
There are hundreds of amazing places to eat and drink at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, from the character meals we already mentioned to Italian gelateria, Japanese sushi bars, authentic western BBQ, Mexican restaurants and themed restaurants, places to grab a snack and a drink on the go, and cosy spots that serve all your kids’ favourites from mac ‘n’ cheese to French toast.
Also, carrying your own water bottles means you can take advantage of free refills at quick-service spots. And if you’re staying on-site, popping back to your hotel for lunch is a great way to refresh kids, give them a bit of quiet time and take a breath yourself, while still happily immersed in the Disney Bubble.
Finally, here’s a pro tip: think about planning a longer stay to make the most of your 14-Day Magic Tickets for the price of 7-Day, it’s included in the FREE Dining & Drinks package, and only available for UK visitors.
Ohana’s Best Friend Breakfast © 2025 Disney
Stay at a Disney Resort hotel and enjoy Free Dining & Drinks in 2026
Infinite magic awaits on Disney family holidays! 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.
Discover more at disneypackages.co.uk and get ready to live magical moments you’ll never forget
*Selected arrivals, meals, Disney Resorts and rooms. Saving depends on package type. Subject to the full details and terms and conditions of this offer which can be viewed here