Orlando with kids can be magical or exhausting, depending on how you plan it, and as the theme park capital of the world it gives you plenty to plan. This guide covers when to go, where to stay, and how to pace the parks so the whole family enjoys the trip.
Quick facts
- Best time to visit: Late August and September, and quieter weeks in January and early February, often bring lower crowds and prices. School holidays are the busiest and most expensive.
- The big parks: Walt Disney World (four theme parks plus two water parks) and Universal Orlando, including its newest park, Epic Universe.
- Weather: Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Plan indoor rides or a pool break for the afternoon.
Where to stay in Orlando with kids
On Disney property
Staying at a Disney resort hotel puts you close to the parks and its free resort transport, and usually gives you extra perks such as earlier access to the parks. It costs more but saves time and stress with young children.
Near Universal and International Drive
A good base if you plan to split time between Universal and Disney. There are plenty of family hotels and suites with kitchens, plus restaurants and attractions within walking distance.
Vacation homes in Kissimmee
For bigger families, a rental home with a pool and kitchen can cost less per person than hotel rooms, and the pool gives kids a break between park days. You will need a car.
How to plan your park days
- Pick fewer parks, not more. With young kids, plan one park per day with a midday break back at the hotel.
- Arrive before opening. The first hour or two is when lines are shortest.
- Decide on paid line-skipping in advance. Disney sells Lightning Lane passes, and Universal sells Express passes. They can save hours on busy days, but they add up quickly for a family. Some parks are manageable without them if you arrive early.
- Plan Epic Universe carefully. It is Universal’s newest and busiest park. Ride the headline attractions first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
- Use the official apps. Both Disney and Universal apps show live wait times, mobile food ordering and park maps.
A sample 5-day family plan
- Day 1: Magic Kingdom, rope drop to early afternoon, then pool time.
- Day 2: Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, depending on your kids’ ages and heights.
- Day 3: Rest day: pool, a water park, or Disney Springs for shopping and dinner.
- Day 4: Epic Universe, arriving early for the most popular rides.
- Day 5: Animal Kingdom or EPCOT, then an early night before travel.
Money-saving tips
- Buy park tickets in advance from official sellers. Prices are usually higher at the gate and on busy dates.
- Bring refillable water bottles and snacks; most parks allow small snacks.
- Book a room with a kitchen or free breakfast to cut food costs.
- Check each child’s height before you go, so you know which rides they can actually enjoy.
Want this done for you? Tell Kit, the free My Trip Shortcut trip planner, your dates, budget and travel style, and it builds a day-by-day Orlando plan with hotels and tours matched to you. Only have a couple of days? See how to plan a 48-hour weekend getaway.
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