Essential Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Disney Trip with 5 Kids or More

If the thought of a Disney trip with 5+ kids makes you sweat—same, friend. Planning a trip to Disney with a large family can feel extremely overwhelming. The planning, packing, budgeting, meals, and meltdowns. However, as a mom of eight, I assure you that with thoughtful planning and a bit of enthusiasm, you can have a wonderful experience that everyone will cherish. In this post, I’ll share the practical tips that have helped my family, in hopes that they can help make sure your family trip is enjoyable and memorable.

Understanding the Disney Experience

Before we dive into the specifics of planning your next Disney trip, let’s take a minute to appreciate what distinguishes them from other theme parks. The immersive environments, enchanting attractions, and diverse dining options cater to visitors of all ages. For a large family, this means variety and engagement for everyone in your family! However, it also calls for strategic planning to maximize your time, money spent, and endless memories.

Start with a Budget

The first step to planning your adventure is establishing a budget. A Disney trip can quickly become costly, especially for larger families. Here are common expenses to consider:

• Park Tickets: Prices can range from $119 for a single-day park ticket during off-peak times to $209 during peak seasons, based on when you visit and how many days you plan to spend.

  
  

• Accommodations: Depending on the resort tier, staying on-site at a Disney resort can cost between $150 and over $500 per night. Alternatively, vacation rentals near the parks may cost around $100 to $300 per night.

  
  

• Food: Meals can vary greatly in price. A quick-service meal might cost $15 per person, while a sit-down meal with characters can reach up to $60 per person. (I personally recommend the Dining Plan, especially for large families)

  
  

• Souvenirs and Extras: Plan for at least $10 to $50 for souvenirs per child, as popular items like Mickey ears and themed apparel can add up. It helps to share the budget with your children BEFORE arriving at the parks or souvenir shop.

  
  

Choose the Right Time to Visit

Timing your visit can significantly impact your experience. Opting for off-peak seasons means fewer crowds and often better deals on accommodations. Some of the best times to visit include:

• Mid-January to mid-February

• Mid-April to mid-May

• Mid-September to mid-November

  
  

During these times, you can experience shorter wait times for rides and potentially save 15% on hotel rates compared to peak periods. One of the benefits of working with me as your travel coordinator is that I always keep my eyes open for all promos during your trip and will update you with the savings available to you.

Create a Family-Friendly Itinerary

For a large family, having a game plan is crucial. Start by discussing must-sees with your kids, and draft a flexible itinerary that includes: (Note: the important word here is FLEXIBLE, nothing set in stone)

• Must-See Attractions: Prioritize rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion, which tend to be favorites for multi-age families.

  
  

• Breaks: Schedule downtime every few hours for rest, especially for younger kids. This prevents fatigue and keeps spirits high. A great "rest time" is to make a reservation at a Character meal! This strategy gives you a great opportunity to visit with characters, rest your legs, enjoy some air conditioning, and eat a great meal!

  
  

• Dining Reservations: Many restaurants fill up quickly, so aim to book reservations 60 days in advance. Dining spots like Be Our Guest can be particularly popular.

  
  

Utilize Disney’s Lightning Lanes

To streamline your day, consider using Disney’s Lightning Lane service. It allows you to bypass regular lines for select attractions, saving valuable time. Here’s how to maximize its benefits:

• Plan Ahead: Identify attractions offering Lightning Lane access and plan these into your schedule.

  
  

• Be Strategic: Use it during peak wait times, particularly for rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which can have waits exceeding two hours.

  
  

• Stay Flexible: Be open to shifting your plans based on real-time wait times.

  
  

Pack Smart

Packing well can mitigate a lot of stress. Here’s how to make packing easier:

• Create a Packing List: Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and ponchos. Given the Florida climate, expect sunscreen and rain gear to be incredibly useful.

  
  

• Use Packing Cubes: These help keep everyone's items sorted and make finding stuff easier during the trip. The cubes are a game-changer! Each kiddo has their own color. Each cube fits almost a week's worth of clothes.

  
  

• Consider a Backpack or diaper Bag: A large backpack is beneficial for carrying snacks, water bottles, and other necessities throughout the day.

  
  

Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart

Staying fueled and hydrated can make a big difference. Here are practical steps:

• Bring Refillable Water Bottles: Many quick-service locations around the park provide free water, saving about $2 per bottle! You can also fill your bottles at your resort.

  
  

• Pack Snacks: Healthy snacks like granola bars can keep energy levels stable and prevent meltdowns from hunger. Fruit is a huge favorite among my kids, so I packed grapes, cuties, and apples. Again, by packing fruit, you are saving yourself some money.

  
  

• Plan Meal Times: Eating during off-peak hours (like mid-afternoon) can reduce wait times and provide a more relaxed dining experience. Another time-saving tip is to ORDER AHEAD on the My Disney Experience app. You can even order food while your family is still on the ride and pick it up after you get off!

  
  

Embrace the Magic of Character Meet and Greets

Meeting favorite Disney characters adds special excitement to your trip. For large families, planning these moments wisely is essential:

• Check Character Schedules: Use the Disney app to track character appearances and plan accordingly.

  
  

• Be Patient: Prepare for lines, which can take up to 30 minutes. The joy of meeting characters like Mickey or Elsa can be worth the wait.

  
  

• Capture the Moment: Consider hiring a photographer for professional family photos in front of iconic park backdrops.

  
  

• The BEST OPTION-Character Dining Experiences: If you are wondering if you should make the reservation, just DO IT! This was the perfect experience for all of my kids; even my husband loved our character meals! It is the perfect multitasking experience: food, fun, memories, and air conditioning.

  
  

Consider a Disney Resort Stay

Staying at a Disney resort can enhance your experience with conveniences like:

• Proximity to the Parks: Being a short walk or monorail ride away can save time, a critical factor with little ones.

  
  

• Transportation: Buses, boats, and the monorail are available, so you won't have to worry about parking or navigating traffic. The buses can get a bad rap, but with the strategies I share with my clients, the buses will be a breeze.

  
  

• Extra Magic Hours for Deluxe Resort guests: Resort guests can enjoy exclusive early access or late park hours, potentially allowing you to ride popular attractions with shorter queues. This is a HUGE benefit that many people overlook. If you time it right, these magic hours add so much to your time in the parks.

  
  

• Work in a Rest Day ( you'll thank me later): The rest day will become your favorite day, I promise, ha! This is a great day to enjoy your resort pool, take in all that your resort has to offer, walk around Disney Springs, visit other resorts, etc. It's a day to go with the flow and enjoy your time together.

  
  

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be ready for surprises! Here are tips for handling the unforeseen:

• Stay Calm. If things go awry, remember you’re in a magical place. Take a deep breath and focus on enjoying the day.

  
  

• Have a Backup Plan: Know alternative activities, such as playgrounds or shows, in case a ride closes unexpectedly. One thing I give to my clients before their trip is an itinerary with a list of rides and shows that will be good for their kids' ages.

  
  

• Communicate: Keep conversations open with your kids about plans and changes to ensure everyone feels included.

  
  

Capture the Memories

Finally, don’t forget to document your trip! With a large family, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement. Here are a few ideas:

• Take Photos: Assign a family member as the designated photographer or utilize a selfie stick for group shots.

• Purchase Memory Maker: Say goodbye to the photos where mom is missing because now you can be in all the pictures! This is an all-inclusive photo package that lets you download all of the photos and videos taken of you and your family. It is available as an add-on to your trip.

  
  

• Create a Scrapbook: Gather park maps, tickets, and photos to compile a family scrapbook that narrates your adventure.

  
  

• Share the Experience: Encourage children to maintain a travel journal where they can jot down favorite moments. Another idea is to have the kids bring in an autograph book or item that the characters can autograph.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Planning a Disney trip with a large family can be overwhelming, but with my effective strategies in place, it can transform into a joyful experience. By using the outline above, you can embrace Disney's enchantment and ensure that your family trip is filled with laughter and cherished memories.

Disney is a magical place. There will be hiccups—there always are when traveling with a large group—but the best piece of advice I can give you is this: Enter the Disney bubble with low expectations and a lot of flexibility. By doing this, you will relieve some of the stress and frustration that may show up during the trip. Are you still unsure how to go about all of this? Fill out this form and let's plan your trip together! Remember, my services are completely free to you; I am paid by Disney.

You’ve got this, mama. The magic is worth the effort. Happy planning!

To grab my freebie (know when to go to Disney World, click here)

Your friend,

Ashley Herrera

Travel Coordinator