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Whenever we go on a Disney World vacation as a family, it is all about what the kiddos will want to see, do, or experience! So, here are 15 things to do at Disney World with kids!
1. Meet Characters & Get Their Autographs
This is definitely at the top of my list of things to do at Disney World with kids! Whether your child is into the Fab Five, princesses and their princes, or Mary Poppins (my favorite!), they are available to meet and greet! You can check out the times guides at the parks to see when and where your child’s favorite characters will be throughout the day! You can also see them in parades or schedule Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at restaurants in the parks or Disney resorts (see here for my tips on Character Dining with kids). Additionally, be sure to have something for the characters to sign! I’ve seen guests bring pillowcases or even picture frame mats. They make great souvenirs!
Pro tip: Sometimes they appear in random areas in the parks. For example, we were surprised by a pop-up meet and greet with Tigger and Goofy right next to the American Experience at Epcot! So always keep your eyes peeled!
2. Search for Hidden Mickeys
This is something the entire family can enjoy! Hidden Mickeys (and sometimes Donalds or other characters) are all over the Parks and resorts. Yes, even the resorts have them! Be sure to ask the Front Desk for guides because you may get a surprise if you can find them all! Also, there are books you can purchase to help along the way. I recommend Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets. This is a great thing to do if you happen to need a rainy day activity!
3. Ride Peter Pan’s Flight
Kids absolutely LOVE. THIS. RIDE. The wait times get so long that we can’t ride it without a FastPass+ (read my post for tips on getting a FastPass+)! Located in Magic Kingdom, it’s an easy, dark ride where you board your own pirate ship and glide through famous scenes from the beloved classic, Peter Pan.
4. Go to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
This is the premier salon for your little one (aged 3-12 yrs) to become transformed into their favorite Disney princess or gallant knight! With locations in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (coming this summer), it is an extremely popular experience. Be sure to call (407) WDW-STYLE to schedule your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation! Your kids will love being treated like royalty at Disney World.
5. Go on a Pirate Adventure Cruise
These 2 hour pirate adventures set sail from various locations through the Disney World Resort! Any pirate lover (aged 4-12 yrs) will be thrilled to follow clues for buried treasure. Arrrr ya ready mateys?!
6. Have Tea with a Princess
Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea party is held in the Garden View Tea Room at The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There is music, dancing, storytelling, and, of course, tea! Young princesses and princes (aged 3-9 yrs) will even get some wonderful souvenirs to commemorate the occasion. Be sure to book your ADR 180 days in advance!
7. Ride the Monorail
This is fun for anyone who is a kid or kid-at-heart in Disney World. The monorail is a sight to behold and even more fun to ride. You can hop on one from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom, Epcot, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Polynesian Village Resort, or the Contemporary Resort. More monorail details are in my 5 (more!) Most Asked Questions about Traveling to Disney World post.
8. Build a Dinosaur Friend
If your child loves to collect anything and everything that has to do with dinosaurs, then I’m sure you will be on the look out for them at Disney World! Located in Disney Springs is the T-REX restaurant and inside is the Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop. It’s a great souvenir for any child who adores dinos.
9. See Live Animals
There is something magical for kids to see animals up close and in person! Disney World is a great place for any young animal enthusiast because live exhibits are scattered around Animal Kingdom and at The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot. The Living Seas is a great place to stop and take a break or let your kids blow off some steam! At Fort Wilderness Resort, your child can even take a pony ride at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch!
10. Watch a Parade or See Fireworks
Magic Kingdom has some spectacular parades that your child will love! Right now, this park is home to the Festival of Fantasy parade and the Rainy Day parade (replaces Festival of Fantasy if there are some showers!). There are even specialty parades at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! is a new and includes singing and dancing with everyone’s favorite characters.
If your child can stay awake for them, the fireworks are out-of-this-world! Seriously. They are some of the best I’ve seen!Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios all have their own unique shows and are must-dos for the entire family!
11. Collect Pressed Coins
There are pressed penny and quarter machines all over the Disney World Resort! Each machine has unique designs that usual reflect where it is located. Guests love to collect these pennies and quarters, so the Disney stores sell coin holders that display and protect them!
Pro tip: Fill M&M’s Tubes with shiny coins before your Disney World vacation! That way you know exactly where they are in case you spot a machine.
12. Sing-Along to Frozen Songs
Have a Frozen fan in your family? Visit Hollywood Studios to experience this popular stage show, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration! See your kids’ favorite frozen characters and-sing along to the most popular songs from the film. I recommend getting a FastPass+ before going!
13. Get a Haircut
Did you know that there is an actual, operating barber shop in Magic Kingdom?! Located to the left of Main Street (by the Fire Station), is the Harmony Barber Shop. Guests of all ages are welcome to get a haircut at this charming location. The prices are very reasonable and they even have a special First Haircut package! It was priceless and very memorable for my son to have his haircut for the first time on Main Street, USA. Be sure to call in advance to make a reservation!
14. Become a Wilderness Explorer
If your child loves Russell from Up, then they’ll have a blast becoming a Wilderness Explorer themselves! Get inducted into the club at Animal Kingdom and participate in self-guided activities around the park to collect badges. Each Wilderness Explorer location will teach your child something new! Your kids will love doing this at Disney World!
earn badges around Animal Kingdom!
15. Stop at Epcot Kidcot Fun Stops
We love strolling around World Showcase in Epcot, but sometimes it can become “boring” to the younger family members! Be sure to have them participate in Kidcot Fun Stops to keep them entertained as you travel from one country to the next. Each location has a different collectable stamp that is used to decorate their very own souvenir. Your child will love becoming a world traveler!
There are so many things for your kids to do at Disney World! I hope your family will enjoy these 15 things on your next vacation!
Cheers!!