4 Things I’d Never Do At Disney With Small Kids

Okay, so I mentioned never skipping Lightning Lane, but let's dive deeper into why and how to really make it work, especially with little ones. It's truly a game-changer! Imagine this: you've got tired toddlers, and the standby line for Peter Pan's Flight is 75 minutes. That's a meltdown waiting to happen! With Lightning Lane, you pre-book your return window through the My Disney Experience app. When your time comes, you head to the designated Lightning Lane entrance. You'll often see a clear blue sign indicating the Lightning Lane entrance, sometimes with a 'LL' symbol or specific ride icons. It’s usually on the left or right of the main standby queue, often a separate path. Don't just look for 'Lightning Lane' — sometimes it's also marked 'Genie+' or 'Individual Lightning Lane' depending on the ride. What I always do is check my app for my return time, then head straight there. The Cast Members scan your MagicBand or phone, and you're usually on the attraction within minutes. It's a lifesaver for avoiding those epic meltdowns caused by waiting. My best tip? Book your most popular rides first thing in the morning, then stack up others throughout the day. And don't forget to refresh the app; sometimes new times pop up! It's worth the investment for the time it saves and the sanity it preserves. Speaking of keeping the kids happy, another crucial aspect is managing their expectations, especially around characters and shows. While my main points covered practical planning, sometimes it's about the magic! For families with preschoolers, Disney Junior characters are often a huge draw. Think about seeing Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, or even Mickey Mouse in his various forms – perhaps those iconic Mickey Mouse heads you see everywhere, from merchandise to park decor, get them excited! My kids absolutely adore the Disney Junior Play and Dance! show at Hollywood Studios. It's a fantastic way for them to 'wake up' and get some energy out, dancing with their favorite characters without long waits for meet-and-greets. I always check the showtimes in the My Disney Experience app in advance and arrive about 15-20 minutes early to get a good spot. Remember, not all characters have dedicated meet-and-greets, but many appear in parades or shows. Knowing where and when to catch a glimpse of their favorites, or even just seeing the iconic Mickey Mouse ears and heads throughout the park, can make their day. It's all about sprinkling those magical moments throughout your day without letting them derail your carefully planned schedule. Sometimes, a quick wave from a character on a cavalcade is just as exciting as a full meet-and-greet when you're little and easily overwhelmed! And that brings me back to my first point about staying on-site and taking breaks. All these tips – from Lightning Lane to managing character expectations – are aimed at keeping everyone's energy levels up. Those little Mickey Mouse heads might be cute, but tired little heads are less so! Being able to easily pop back to your resort for a nap or a swim, especially when you've maximized your morning with Lightning Lane, is invaluable. It helps reset everyone, ensuring you can return to the parks refreshed for evening fireworks or another Disney Junior dance party. It's all about balancing the magic with the practicalities of traveling with small children. Trust me, these 'never dos' have become my 'always dos' for a reason!