First Disney Trip with Kids Under 9: 3 Things Every Parent Should Know When Booking the Happiest Place on Earth

It’s finally time. Time to book the first magical vacation for your young family! But, as you sit  there and become excited about the idea of this even happening, you have a slight moment  of panic.  

“What if I can’t afford it?” 

“What if they hate it?” 

“Maybe I should listen to my friends who said they won’t remember anyway” 

I am here to change all of that thinking with real facts and tips that I have personally used to  take my 2- and 4-year-old on multiple trips to both Disneyland and Disney World!  

Here are my 3 top things that parents should know and consider when planning a trip to  Disney: 

1. “Free before Three” 

a. That’s right! FREE before three is a real thing and helps majorly if you have a  child coming with you that is under 3 years old. And the nice thing about  Disneyland specifically, they will be able to go on at least 80% of the rides!  Not to mention being able to experience all the shows, meet characters,  watch the parades and more. 

2. Bring on the Snacks! 

a. That’s right, you can fully pack a lunch for your family to save money (and  time) at the parks during your magical adventure! By bringing familiar foods and drinks that you know will nourish you kids throughout the day and they  won’t put up a fight with, it is 100% worth it. Whether you use Instacart to  order right to your hotel/Airbnb or stop at the local Target, I guarantee you  that this will save money. 

i. And did you know you can get individual packets of Pedialyte that has  no dye in it? 

3. Focus on Experience Over Your “To-Do List” 

a. I know it can feel like you’re about to take on a giant with all the things you  read online or your friends till you that “you just have to do” when at the  parks. But what really matters is focusing on the experience that your family  is about to have. Those big attractions will always be there, but your child  being the age that princesses are truly real to them only last for what feels  like a few moments in time.  

b. And for my A-Type readers, plan but have back up options just in case! For  example: 

i. You know which rides you want to try to get on Lightning Lane but one  thing you can do is check out which characters are on the route there.  You have a full hour to use that time slot with your Lightning Lane, and  if there is no line up yet at Dug, wait in that spot, have a snack, and be  the first in line when he comes! 

4. BONUS TIP: Riders Switch – Because you the parent matter too! 

a. You planned the trip, the snacks, the experiences, got up at 4 AM 60 days out  to get that perfect Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique booking, all so your kids can  experience the ULTIMATE trip. But what about you? I already know you’ve  seen the videos of TRON and Guardians, so your ultimate duo hack is going  to be Rope Drop with Rider Switch (unless you want to pay for individual  lightning lanes). Your Rider Switch will not expire, so when your kids are  having their power nap in the stroller or want to ride the train with your  partner, head over for that VIP walk-on experience through the Lightning Lane  que.  

With all of this said, I want you to remember one thing – this trip is about YOUR family. It’s  not about your friends or your other family members who maybe thought it was silly to go  with the kids this young. And allow every magical moment to light up the trip and make it a  trip to remember for a lifetime!