Top Family Activities to Do on Your Disney Vacation

A Disney vacation is often a dream come true for families. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to decide how to best spend your time at Disney parks. Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, or one of Disney’s international parks, there are endless opportunities for family fun. To help you make the most of your time at Disney, here are the top family-friendly things to do that will create lasting memories:

1. Meet Your Favorite Characters
Why It’s Great: Meeting Disney characters is a magical experience for children and adults alike. Whether it’s a classic like Mickey Mouse or Elsa, or newer favorites like Toy Story characters or Marvel superheroes, it’s a chance to interact with beloved Disney personalities.
Top Tip: Plan to meet characters at designated meet-and-greets or catch them during parades and shows. Some Disney parks also offer Character Dining experiences, where you can enjoy a meal while characters come around for photos and autographs.

2. Take in the Parades and Shows
Why It’s Great: Disney is known for its spectacular parades and live performances that bring its beloved stories to life. Families can enjoy the excitement of a parade, with vibrant floats, dazzling costumes, and music. Shows like Fantasmic!, The Lion King Musical, or Mickey’s PhilharMagic can captivate all ages.
Top Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially for the evening parades like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Disney World or Paint the Night at Disneyland.

3. Experience the Thrilling Rides Together
Why It’s Great: Disney parks are home to a variety of rides, from kid-friendly attractions to thrilling roller coasters. Whether it’s the Haunted Mansion or the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, many family-friendly rides allow everyone to enjoy the magic together.
Top Tip: Don’t forget about the Rider Switch program, which allows parents with young children to take turns on certain rides without waiting in line twice.

4. Enjoy a Themed Dining Experience
Why It’s Great: Disney dining is an experience in itself. From character meals to immersive dining experiences, there are plenty of options that both kids and adults will love. The Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World and Café Mickey at Disneyland Paris offer unique experiences that transport you into the world of Disney.
Top Tip: Make dining reservations well in advance (6 months ahead for Walt Disney World) to ensure you get to experience your desired restaurant.

5. Visit Disney’s Water Parks
Why It’s Great: If you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland, Disney’s water parks are a perfect way to cool off and add more excitement to your vacation. With water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and interactive play areas, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Top Tip: Disney’s water parks, like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon in Florida, are perfect for a relaxing day between the more hectic park days.

6. Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Why It’s Great: For Star Wars fans, this is a must-see. At both Disneyland and Disney World, Galaxy’s Edge brings the Star Wars universe to life with immersive rides like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You can also shop for galactic gear, build your own lightsaber, and even enjoy food and drinks from a galaxy far, far away.
Top Tip: The Droid Depot experience allows you to build your own droid, which is a fantastic interactive experience for both kids and adults.

7. Take a Family Photo with Disney’s Iconic Castle
Why It’s Great: No Disney trip is complete without a picture in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom (or Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland). The castles are the heart of Disney parks and make for a magical family photo opportunity that you’ll cherish forever.
Top Tip: Head to the castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and get that perfect shot.

8. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Why It’s Great: Many Disney parks offer scavenger hunts that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s looking for hidden Mickey Mouse shapes or completing themed quests (like the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World or Phineas and Ferb’s Adventure at Disneyland), these interactive activities are a great way to explore the parks.
Top Tip: Pick up a scavenger hunt map or guide at the park’s guest services to get started.

9. Watch the Fireworks Show
Why It’s Great: Disney fireworks are legendary. They light up the sky in synchronized displays of color, sound, and magic that families can enjoy together. At both Disneyland and Disney World, spectacular shows like Happily Ever After or Disneyland Forever make the evening truly magical.
Top Tip: Find a great viewing spot an hour before the show, especially during busy seasons. You can also opt for a fireworks dessert party for reserved seating and a selection of treats.

10. Explore Disney Springs (or Downtown Disney)
Why It’s Great: If you need a break from the theme parks, take a stroll through Disney Springs (in Disney World) or Downtown Disney (in Disneyland). These areas are filled with family-friendly restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and even unique attractions like the Aerophile Balloon at Disney Springs, offering amazing views of the area.
Top Tip: These areas are free to enter, so they’re great for a relaxed, low-cost day of fun.

11. Visit the Animal Kingdom and Animal Experiences
Why It’s Great: Animal Kingdom offers a unique blend of nature and theme park fun. Families can enjoy animal encounters on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, explore the beautiful Pandora – The World of Avatar, or even ride the thrilling Expedition Everest. For animal lovers, it’s a magical experience to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Top Tip: Don’t miss Festival of the Lion King, a Broadway-style musical that’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

12. Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel
Why It’s Great: Staying at a Disney resort offers convenience, perks like early park access, and a totally immersive Disney experience. Many Disney resorts have family-friendly activities, pools, and themed rooms. Plus, with transportation to the parks, it makes getting around simple and stress-free.
Top Tip: Consider a character breakfast at your resort to start your day with a little Disney magic right at your hotel.

13. Experience a Seasonal Event or Celebration
Why It’s Great: Depending on when you visit, Disney offers a wide range of seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, or Holidays at Disneyland Resort. These events often feature exclusive shows, parades, and themed activities, making them a fantastic option for families looking to add some extra magic to their vacation.

Top Tip: Look into special Seasonal Dining or holiday-themed events that might be available during your visit.
Final Tips for a Memorable Disney Vacation:
Plan Ahead: Disney parks can get busy, so plan ahead, make reservations where possible, and use Disney’s apps for real-time updates.
Take Breaks: With so much to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Schedule downtime, and remember to enjoy the experience, not just rush to the next ride.
Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks: Walking around the parks can be exhausting, especially in the Florida or California heat. Stay hydrated and pack snacks to keep the energy levels up.
A Disney vacation is a perfect opportunity to create cherished memories with your family, and with so many magical experiences available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From meeting beloved characters to exploring new worlds and enjoying thrilling attractions, every moment at Disney can be a part of the magic.