Theme parks are a blast for guests of all ages, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing the magic through the eyes of a child.  

While there’s no limit to the amount of fun in store and memories to be made, navigating a theme park with kids can bring its own challenges.  

As kid-loving theme park experts, we’ve put together a few of our best tips to help you make the most of a trip to your favorite Orlando theme parks with your little ones. 

Here’s what we recommend for a smooth experience at the theme parks with kids that everyone will enjoy.  

Go at Your Own Pace and Know Your Limits 

Theme parks were not built to be conquered in a day.  

With so many incredible attractions in every Orlando theme park, it’s important to be realistic about what you’ll be able to fit into a day’s itinerary, especially when traveling with kids.  

While you’re planning your trip, make a list of rides, shows, and restaurants you want to visit. Designate three to four of them as “musts” and plan the rest of your day around them. 

Trying to cram everything into a single day is miserable for everyone. If you’re spending multiple days at the theme park, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try and cross everything off your list.  

If you don’t get to everything you wish you could, you’ll have plenty to look forward to on your next trip.  

A Stroller or a Wagon is a Must 

Packing light is usually solid advice when it comes to theme parks, but when you’re traveling with kids, you may need to account for more stuff.  

A stroller or a wagon makes it easier to carry everything you need and gives your kids a place to rest throughout a day of long lines and walking.  

You can choose to bring your own stroller or rent one at the theme park.  

Just make sure you label your stroller clearly and bring along a stroller cover in case it rains.  

Dress Appropriately  

Depending on the time of year you visit a theme park with kids, your ideal attire can change drastically.  

In late spring and summer, dress for high temps, lots of sun, and characteristic Florida humidity. These months are also when Orlando sees consistent afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared with ponchos or even a change of clothes in case you get caught in the rain. 

While Florida weather is typically moderate and comfortable in winter months, we’ve been known to get a cold snap or two throughout the season. If you’re traveling in December, January, and even February, be sure to bring a jacket and layers just in case it gets chilly.  

Regardless of the season in which you visit, you are definitely going to need comfortable walking shoes (ideally sneakers with laces for extra security on rides).  

If you plan on going on water rides throughout the day, pack an extra outfit and a pair of flip flops for everyone so you can swap them in before you board the ride. The only thing worse than walking around in wet clothes all day is walking around in squishy, wet shoes.  

Pack Snacks and Water (If Allowed)  

There’s no denying that a trip to the theme parks can be expensive, especially if you plan on purchasing every meal within the parks.  

Some parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando allow you to bring your own snacks and water into the parks. Keep a stash of granola bars and trail mix on hand to eat while waiting in a long line or to combat a mid-afternoon energy crash.  

Keep in mind that SeaWorld Orlando does not allow you to bring in outside food or drinks other than a bottle of water. They do make exceptions for guests with special dietary needs or baby food and formula.  

The Early Bird Beats the Heat 

There’s nothing wrong with being a family who likes to sleep in, but when it comes to the theme parks, earlier is almost always better.  

Not only will arriving early often allow you to enjoy the park before an afternoon rush of crowds, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of cooler temps before the midday Florida heat settles in. 

The same is true if you’re planning on attending an after-hours event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  

Arriving as early as possible helps you make the most of your time in the park and gives you the opportunity to get situated before the big event crowds arrive. 

Plan to See a Show or Two 

Theme parks are full of exciting entertainment, including shows and performances the entire family can enjoy.  

While shows are a great way to experience the best of theme park entertainment, they’re also the perfect place to rest tired feet and, for indoor productions, cool off in the air conditioning.  

Working a show into your itinerary can be ideal for coordinating with naptime, allowing your little one to rest while you get to enjoy extra theme park magic.  

Be Prepared 

One of the best things you can do to ensure you have the best day possible is to be prepared before you set foot in a theme park.  

First and foremost, make the most of your stroller storage and pack plenty of what you need to keep everyone happy and safe throughout the day.  

We highly recommend you pack the following:  

• Sunscreen 
• Band-Aids 
• Bug spray 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Change of clothes  
• Hair ties  
• A portable battery pack and cord for charging your phone 
• A stroller fan (or two – one for your child and one for you)  
• A change of clothes 
• A water bottle  
• Light snacks (where permitted)  

Another way you can prepare for your day at the park is to measure your child’s height and look up height restrictions for rides before you arrive. Anticipating what rides your child can and cannot try ahead of time can help you create the perfect itinerary and avoid in-park meltdowns from disappointment.  

If you are traveling with someone with a disability or with differing sensory needs, look up what resources are available to you at each theme park as you plan. Almost every theme park offers accommodations to ensure every family can make the most of their visit.  

Keep Your Kid Safe 

While it is highly unlikely that you and your child will get separated at a theme park, there are some precautions you can take to ensure your child is safe should they get lost.  

Come up with a game plan in case you do get separated and make sure your child understands what to do in that situation.  

Theme park employees are specially trained to assist when a child is separated from their family, so instruct your little one to approach someone wearing an official name badge.  

You can also determine a familiar meeting space. Explain to your child that should you get separated, you’ll be waiting for them at your special meeting spot, wherever that may be.  

One option is to write your name and phone number on a piece of paper and stick it in your child’s pocket or in their shoe. Tell them where it’s located so they can share it with a theme park employee.  

Download Apps Ahead of Time 

Almost every Orlando theme park has an app to make your visit more enjoyable.  

Download the app for the theme park(s) you’ll be visiting and acquaint yourself with it ahead of time.  

Most of the apps offer details like ride wait times, upcoming showtimes, park amenities, maps, and more.  

Some of the apps even let you order food at select restaurants, significantly cutting down wait times, which can be critical when you have little ones – or big ones – that are getting hangry.  

Communicate with Your Kid 

Just like you have expectations for your vacation, your kids do, too.  

Whether this is their first trip to a theme park or they’re the honorary mayor of Main Street USA, having an open and honest conversation about what to expect out of the day can help manage expectations and prevent meltdowns.  

Explain to your child that while your day will be full of excitement and fun, it also will likely include lots of waiting in line and letting other people take turns on the rides.  

This may also be a good opportunity to come up with a plan for treats and souvenirs in a place full of temptation.  

Include your child in planning your daily itinerary. It’s their vacation, too! Ask them what they’d most like to do or see and then do your best to accommodate their requests. Let them know ahead of time that you won’t be able to fit everything into one vacation to avoid disappointment.  

Be Flexible  

While having a plan and preparing as much as possible is always a great way to set yourself up for success, the best thing you can do for an amazing theme park vacation is to go with the flow.  

Plans will change, attractions will be closed, and new opportunities and exciting things to do will pop up throughout the park.  

Allow your family the freedom to change plans and do what’s best for the group. By being flexible, you’ll ensure less stress and more room for making unexpected memories you’ll remember for years to come.  

Stay at a Kid-Friendly Rosen Inn  

Our Rosen Inn hotels are kid-friendly and budget-friendly, so you can make sure everyone has a great stay while saving your pennies for the theme parks.  

Whether it’s our seasonally heated swimming pools, arcade rooms, splash pads, or Kids Eat Free dining programs, you’ll see firsthand why families love staying at Rosen Inns.  

Planning on heading to the theme parks? Our hotels are centrally located to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort including the brand-new EPIC Universe, and SeaWorld Orlando, among other local attractions.  

Plus, we offer complimentary shuttles to a variety of theme parks, perfect for getting around Orlando.  

Take a look at our four Rosen Inn properties to see which one best suits your needs for a perfect Orlando vacation.