Hi there, Alysia, and welcome to planDisney!
First time at Disney and a great adventure with your tiny Mouseketeer? Your grandson is one lucky boy! As a mom of two, it’s my pleasure to share some tips and tricks with you, Alysia. Like Peter Pan, I’ll be your guide to Neverland (a.k.a. Disney World). Here we go!
There is a ton to do at The Most Magical Place on Earth. My boys and I live close to Disney and we haven’t even done everything offered. Think about what type of vacation you envision for your first trip ever. Do you want to experience all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios)? Do you want to have splash pad and pool fun at your Resort hotel or visit one of the two water parks? The vacation style that you choose will really help to chart your course.
I recommend that you do a little bit of both: Visit two of the theme parks. Magic Kingdom is the home of the iconic Cinderella Castle and so many classic Disney rides. Hollywood Studios would be my second pick for a 5-year-old kiddo because of its huge Toy Story Land and Star Wars land (Galaxy’s Edge). Animal Kingdom is another great option if he’s an animal lover, especially if he likes
Bluey and
Zootopia. Then, spend a day or two exploring your Resort hotel. There are fun arts and crafts activities and other events, too. Check the hotel lobby when you check in to see what’s available during your stay.
A
Disney Vacation Package includes theme parks tickets and your Disney Resort hotel stay. For a first-time visit with a child, I recommend choosing a hotel that’s close to a theme park or close to multiple types of transportation so that you can have convenient midday breaks. Our family favorites are Wilderness Lodge and Caribbean Beach. You can add on a dining plan to a vacation package if having prepaid meals is something that interests you. (Be on the lookout on
Disney Parks Blog for free kid dining promotions that pop up from time to time.) You can book a package with a friendly Cast Member or set it up on your own via the Disney World website.
Download the
My Disney Experience app to get familiar with all of these experiences at Disney World. This will be your go-to before and during your vacation with your little one. From restaurants and snacks to rides and shows, everything that you’d want to know is there. Once you and your grandson have come up with your list of must-dos, consider purchasing
Lightning Lane Passes for your favorites. You can buy this shorter queue access up to 7 days before your trip (if staying on property).
AN EXTRA GEM: To commemorate your special visit, grab free “First Visit” celebration buttons while you’re at Disney World. Get them from a theme park ticket window, various areas near the theme park entrances, or at your Resort hotel's front desk.
Alysia, I hope that you enjoy every second of your vacation with your grandson. He will never forget the memories and magic that you’re creating for him. If you have additional Disney vacation planning questions, any panelist is more than happy to help you
here at planDisney.
Magic always,
LeAndra