Disney is a magical place for both children and adults. However, it can be a little overwhelming if you have never been there before. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! But here are a few tips to help you and your children get the most out of a visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

• Do Your Homework: First, it is essential to remember that Disney is a very large place. There are several different parks, each with its own attractions and Character Meet and Greets. You will want to make sure that you have a game plan before you go. Look at a map of the parks and decide which ones you and your family want to visit.
• It’s Going to Be Busy: If you have never been to Disney before, it is important to know that there are a lot of people. It is not uncommon for the parks to reach capacity, especially during peak times like holidays and summer vacation. Because of this, you will want to get to the parks early. The earlier you can get there, the better chance you have of getting on the rides and attractions that you want to see.
• Think About Traveling During Non-Peak Times: One way to avoid crowds is by visiting during non-peak times. If you can go during the week or during shoulder seasons (March, April, September, and October), you will find that the parks are much less crowded than they are during peak times. This can be a great time to visit if you have small children who might get overwhelmed by the crowds.
• Check Out The Baby Care Center: Disney has a great Baby Care Center where you can go to change diapers, nurse your baby, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
• Don’t Forget a Stroller: You will do a lot of walking at Disney, and a stroller can be a lifesaver. You can either bring your own stroller from home or rent one at the park.
• Budget for Snacks and Souvenirs: Disney is known for being expensive, and the food is no exception. Be sure to budget for snacks and meals ahead of time. You will also want to budget for souvenirs. Disney merchandise can be pricey, but if you’ve budgeted for a few items, it may save you from some temper tantrums and meltdowns.
• Check into the Rider Switch Program: This program allows one adult to wait with the non-rider while the other adult rides the attraction, and then they switch. This is great for families with small children who are not tall enough to ride certain attractions.
• Take Advantage of Genie+: Yes, this is a paid add-on, but it can be worth it to avoid some long lines at the more popular attractions. This system allows you to use the Lightning Lane at certain attractions (plus some other cool features) – which means you can cruise to the front of the line.
• Practice Patience: Things will go wrong at Disney. You might have dropped ice cream or the line for an attraction could be longer than you expected. It’s important to remember that everyone is there to have a good time. Practice patience and understand that things happen.
• Build in a Recovery Day: Disney is a lot of fun, but it can also be exhausting. Be sure to build in a day where you can just relax at your hotel or take it easy back at the parks (with no set agenda). You will want to have some downtime so that you don’t get too overwhelmed.

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Disney is a special place, and it’s meant to be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have a great time!