The Lewis family— Raylene, Kyle, and their three kids, Kyler (10), Kaden (7) Rylan (6)—had been dreaming of their first trip to Walt Disney World for years. After months of planning, they were finally ready for their magical adventure in Orlando, Florida!
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The Journey Begins: Booking Flights & Choosing a Hotel
Excitement buzzed through their home as they searched for flights. Raylene, the planner of the family, used Google Flights and Hopper to find the best deals. Booking three months ahead, she snagged affordable tickets to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Once flights were settled, the next big decision was where to stay. The kids wanted to be surrounded by Disney magic 24/7, so they debated between a Disney Resort or a nearby hotel.
Choosing the Right Disney Hotel
Disney hotels come in three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, each offering different experiences and price ranges.
Value Resorts ($150-$300 per night)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Perfect for families, featuring themed rooms from The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo.
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Disney’s Pop Century Resort – A fun, retro-themed hotel with access to the Skyliner.
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All-Star Movies Resort – A budget-friendly option with Disney character décor and pools.
Moderate Resorts ($300-$500 per night)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Tropical vibes with a relaxing atmosphere and Skyliner access.
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside – A charming Southern-style resort with boat access to Disney Springs.
Coronado Springs Resort – Offers a mix of luxury and affordability with a great dining scene.
Deluxe Resorts ($500-$1,000+ per night)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The ultimate luxury experience, steps from Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – A tropical paradise with great dining and monorail access.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Offers stunning views of exotic animals right outside your balcony.
For this trip, they chose Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, where larger-than-life characters from Cars and The Lion King would greet them each morning. Plus, the Skyliner would make getting to the parks easy!
Getting Around Disney: In-Park Transportation
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney Resort is access to the complimentary transportation system. The Lewis family planned their routes carefully to make the most of their time.
Transportation Options:
Disney Skyliner – A gondola system connecting select resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Quick and scenic!
Monorail – Offers easy access between Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and select Deluxe Resorts.
Buses – Run continuously between resorts and all four theme parks.
Boats – Provide a relaxing way to travel to Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs.
Walking Paths – Some resorts, like the BoardWalk, offer walking access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
With these options, getting from park to park was a breeze, making their trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The Best Time to Visit & Avoiding the Crowds
Emily knew the best way to enjoy Disney was to avoid the massive holiday crowds. They decided to visit in mid-September, right after school started, when crowds were lighter and prices were lower. The most expensive times—Christmas, Spring Break, and summer—were definitely out of the question!
Best Time to Bring Kids to Disney
For parents wondering when to bring their kids, the ideal times are:
Mid-January to mid-February – Low crowds and cooler weather make for a more relaxed experience.
Late April to early May – Before schools let out, the parks are less crowded, and the weather is still pleasant.
Mid-September to mid-November – Lower wait times and fun seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Avoid peak times like summer, Christmas, and Spring Break, when long lines and higher prices can make the trip more stressful for families with young children.
Day 1: Magic Kingdom – The Heart of Disney
As the family entered Magic Kingdom, Kadens eyes widened at the sight of Cinderella Castle, while Rylan pointed excitedly at the Mickey balloons floating above Main Street, U.S.A.
“First stop, Peter Pan’s Flight!” Kyle announced, having booked their Genie+ selections in advance.
Throughout the day, they rode Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. They also took a break at Casey’s Corner for some classic hot dogs before meeting Mickey at Town Square Theater.
As night fell, they grabbed a perfect viewing spot for Happily Ever After, the fireworks spectacular over the castle. Rylan snuggled in Raylene’s arms, completely mesmerized by the twinkling lights.
Day 2: EPCOT – A Journey Around the World
After a hearty breakfast, the family hopped onto the Skyliner and glided into EPCOT. First stop: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion, where they shrank down to the size of a rat.
The family explored World Showcase, sampling snacks like pretzels from Germany and churros from Mexico. Raylene and Kyle enjoyed an afternoon break with frozen margaritas, while the kids had Mickey ice cream bars.
As they continued their journey, Raylene and Kyle decided to fully embrace the famous “Drinking Around the World” experience. They sipped on a La Vie en Rose Slush in France, a refreshing Tipsy Ducks in Love in China, and a traditional Maelstrom Margarita in Norway. To accompany their drinks, they indulged in delicious bites such as Bratwurst in Germany, Beef Tataki in Japan, and Tacos de Barbacoa in Mexico. The variety of flavors made it an unforgettable culinary adventure, while the kids enjoyed exploring each country’s unique attractions.
Their evening ended with the dazzling show Luminous: The Symphony of Us, filling the sky with lights and music.
Day 3: Hollywood Studios – A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Kyler could barely contain his excitement as they entered Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The family piloted the Millennium Falcon and built their own lightsabers at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
Kaden loved Toy Story Mania!, and they all laughed through the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway adventure. They also took on thrilling rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater was a hit, as they ate burgers in a retro car under a starlit “sky.”
They capped off the day with Fantasmic!, where Mickey battled Disney villains in a breathtaking water-and-fire show.
Day 4: Animal Kingdom – A Wild Adventure
Their last day started with an early morning safari at Kilimanjaro Safaris, where giraffes and elephants roamed freely. They marveled at Expedition Everest, though Raylene and Rylan opted for the milder Na’vi River Journey instead.
They also took on the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage, soaring through Pandora on a breathtaking banshee ride. Kaden, Kyler and Kyle enjoyed the exhilarating white-water adventure of Kali River Rapids, while Rylan had fun on TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand U.S.A.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
As their magical trip came to an end, Kyle and Raylene watched the kids fall asleep on the flight home, still clutching their new Disney treasures. The trip had been everything they had hoped for—adventure, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
And as Raylene whispered, “We’ll be back,” Kyle just smiled. Because at Disney, the magic never truly ends.
