Anyone who has organized a first trip to Orlando with children knows it is a magical moment that also brings a bit of nervous excitement. We want everything to be perfect, as it’s a very important moment in the lives of the little ones and often also the long-dreamed-of Disney vacation for the family. 

Here on the blog, we always strive to make life easier for our readers and customers, and in this post, we have compiled the best checklist to help you organize your first trip to the land of Mickey Mouse, ensuring days filled with fun, with as little stress as possible. 

1 – Choice of ideal parks 

Orlando is home to several incredible theme parks, each offering a unique experience. For first-time visitors with children, the main parks to consider are:   

Magic Kingdom: Perfect for young children, with classic Disney attractions and character meet and greets. 

Epcot: Combines fun with education, ideal for curious kids and families who appreciate cultural diversity. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Offers movie-themed attractions and live shows, great for cinema fans. 

Animal Kingdom: Ideal for little nature and animal lovers, with safaris and themed shows. 

Universal Studios: Filled with attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, more suitable for older children and teenagers. 

Each family is different, so consider your children’s interests and ages when choosing the park. Researching the attractions and shows in advance can help make an informed decision. 

For help in your research on the ideal parks for your family, check out this other post where we have compared the main Orlando parks suitable for children. 

Besides choosing the parks, it is also important to choose the attractions you and your family will visit to make sure they are suitable for your children’s age and even their height, as some rides have limitations. 

Prioritize attractions that are most suitable for your children’s ages and interests. At Magic Kingdom, for example, Fantasyland offers a variety of enchanting attractions for little ones, such as “It’s a Small World” and “Peter Pan’s Flight.” 

Another essential tip is to watch the shows and parades that occur throughout the day, always checking the times on the map or park app. 

You can check here on the blog our suggestions for the best attractions for young children in the Orlando parks. 

2 – Advance planning

A big mistake you can make is waiting to buy tickets and make reservations once you are already in Orlando. 

Especially during festive times, such as Halloween and end of the year, park tickets are limited and you might miss out on the long-dreamed-of party. 

Purchase your tickets in advance and, if possible, also take the opportunity to acquire fast-pass systems like Disney Genie+ and Universal Express Pass to schedule times for the most popular attractions. 

You will spend a few more dollars, but this will reduce waiting time in lines and allow you to enjoy the park more. 

The same goes for restaurant reservations, car rentals, and stroller rentals for children. 

Do not wait to rent strollers directly in the parks, as they are made of rigid material and are very uncomfortable for children, besides being more expensive. 

Here at StrollerCare, you can make your reservation from the comfort of your home, choosing from our various single and double models, covering all ages, and receive it personally when you arrive in Orlando at your preferred location. 

That nap in the middle of the tour? On board our strollers, it is done with great comfort and safety for your children! 

3 – The day in the park 

Firstly, it is essential to bring a backpack with some essentials: 

Sunscreen and hats to ensure protection from the sun for the entire family. 

Reusable water bottles, easily refillable, avoiding lines to buy water. 

Healthy snacks such as fruits, cereal bars, and cookies are great options. 

An extra change of comfortable clothes for the children. 

We always recommend that you arrive early at the park, so you can enjoy popular attractions before the lines get long. Moreover, the weather is more pleasant in the early morning hours. 

Day division 

Dividing your day into time blocks for different activities is a great option, you can follow the example below: 

Morning: Popular and busy attractions. 

Midday: Lunch break and indoor attractions or shows to cool down. 

Afternoon: Less intense activities and outdoor shows. 

Evening: Dinner, parades, and fireworks. 

Use official park maps and apps to navigate during your tour day. These tools help locate attractions, restrooms, rest areas, and restaurants. 

4 – Dining

Schedule frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate the children. Use shaded rest areas and enjoy indoor attractions to cool down. 

For these small breaks, the snacks we suggested above are a great option. 

For main meals, we recommend researching dining options that appeal to children. 

Many parks offer a variety of healthy options and children’s menus. Plan meals during less busy times to avoid queues. 

There are also options for character meals and themed restaurants, we recommend making reservations in advance for these experiences. 

5 – Safety 

Establish a meeting point in case someone in the family gets lost. Teach children to look for park staff, who are always ready to help. 

Put identification tags on children’s clothing with your name and phone number. This facilitates contact in case of separation. 

Our strollers are already delivered with your family’s name to facilitate identification in the parks, but it is also valid to put your phone number on the stroller to facilitate contact in case of an unforeseen event. 

An unforgettable trip 

Rest assured about your choice to visit Orlando with your children, it will certainly be an unforgettable trip. 

With these 5 steps, you will be prepared to face the challenges and make the most of every moment. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and create lasting memories with your family. 

Images:

disneyworld.disney.go.com/ 

universalorlando.com/