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A Mom’s Guide to Disney & Universal: What I Wish I Knew

Planning a theme park trip with kids? Here is your survival guide plus your permission slip to make it easier.

Let me just say this: Disney and Universal are magical… but they are also a lot. As a mom of three and a travel advisor who has walked this road (in sandals, no less), I want to share the things I wish someone had told me before my first theme park trip as a mom.

Here is what I have learned the hard way, so you do not have to.

Tickets: Is There a Cheaper Way?

Disney and Universal have different ticket options. I often see moms asking about cheaper places to buy tickets. Unfortunately, discounted tickets are rare unless you are eligible for military Salute tickets or know someone who can purchase on a military base.

Here are a few ways to save a little:

• Use your Target RedCard to buy Disney gift cards for 5% off

• Costco occasionally offers discounted gift cards (for example, $500 for $480)

The savings may be small, but they add up.

My Tip: Booking a vacation package with hotel and tickets is often better.

Disney usually requires a $200 refundable deposit, and you have until 30 days before travel to pay in full. This gives you flexibility to plan and budget.

Use the Baby Care Centers

Disney offers clean, well-stocked Baby Care Centers in every park with:

• Private nursing rooms

• Changing tables and toddler-size toilets

• High chairs, microwaves

• Diapers, wipes, and essentials for sale

Universal Studios has Family Services areas as well. They are not as extensive, but still helpful.

As a breastfeeding mom, I was comfortable feeding on the go, but if you want privacy, these centers are ideal. The Disneyland location even has rocking chairs. If you need a quiet, cool place to decompress with little ones, this is your spot.

Bring the Stroller or Rent One

You will walk miles. Whether you bring your own or rent (in-park or through a third party), a stroller is essential for toddlers, preschoolers, and even kids up to age 9.

We love our Baby Jogger City Select double stroller. It folds small, fits through doorways, and is so sturdy it sometimes holds all three girls.

Checking into Cabana Bay at Universal Studios Orlando July 2025! We were surprised with a car box full of candy for Aesir’s birthday! 

Set Realistic Expectations

You will not do everything, and that is not a failure. It is just the truth.

• Set top priorities in advance

• Accept that meltdowns will happen (for kids and adults)

• Build in flexibility for the day to ebb and flow

• Let go of the cost guilt. You saved for this. You planned this. Now enjoy it.

Amelia loves Space Mountain at Disney World!

Let Everyone Pick One Thing

Whether it is your partner, older kids, or extended family, let everyone choose one must-do experience. It avoids decision fatigue and ensures everyone feels seen.

Also, check the park calendars to avoid disappointment. You do not want to arrive and find someone’s top ride is closed for maintenance.

The girls love visiting Elsa at Epcot! 

Use Child Swap (Rider Switch)

Both Disney and Universal offer Rider Switch, one adult waits with the non-riders while the other rides, then you switch without waiting in line again.

Pro tip: You do not all have to wait together. I like to use this time for some personal quiet me time while Travis waits with the girls. Then we swap, and he gets to ride without waiting. If our oldest is with me, she gets to ride twice!

I was able to ride Dragon Racers Rally first!

Selfie! We love Rider Switch!

You Do Not Have to Rope Drop

Many blogs say you must arrive at park opening to “maximize your day.” For some families, that works. For others, it causes stress.

Our rhythm:
We skip rope drop, sleep in, and arrive around noon. We often stay until closing instead.

Now that we have annual passes to Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, we love going for just a few hours in the evening.

It Is OK to Hire a Sitter

Yes, really. You can hire a vetted, trained sitter for your hotel room or bring them with you to the park. It gives you space for a dinner date, solo ride time, or just a break.

We also offer babysitting services, feel free to ask!

It Is OK to Go Without the Kids

I said what I said.

A solo trip or couples’ getaway to Disney or Universal can be deeply restorative. No guilt. You deserve fun and connection too. 

First time at Universal Studios Orlando for my birthday and NO kids!

Should You Stay On-Site or Off-Site?

On-site perks:

• Early park access

• Free transportation

• Full immersion in the experience

• Lightning Lane or Express options

Off-site perks:

• Lower price per night

• More space in vacation rentals

• Easier for large families or long stays

Our take:
We prefer staying on-site especially at Disney World or Universal Orlando because we do not want to travel with car seats. We rely on complimentary transportation, which is not always the fastest but works well for our needs. Once our girls outgrow car seats, we may consider ride shares and off-site options.

Plus, Disney World offers multiple transportation options like the Skyliner, monorail, and water taxi/boats depending on which resort you choose. The best part? You do not have to fold your stroller!

Similarly, Universal Studios Orlando provides water taxi service from select resorts, so you can get to the parks with ease, no stroller folding required!!

We stayed at All Star Sports November 2024 and Donald was on-site at the resort!!

At Disneyland, we also love staying on-site for special occasions like birthdays or within walking distance to the parks!

We stayed at Pixar Pier April 2023 for Addy's 1st birthday! 

We stayed at Hyatt House in February 2024 for Sweethearts Nite! 

Plan Rest Days

Do not try to park-hop every day. Schedule rest days to sleep in, swim, relax, or explore the resort. Your body and your kids will thank you.

For Father's Day, we stayed at Universal's Terra Luna Resort and swam all day the next day!

Bonus Tip: Cruise After the Parks

One of my favorite ways to wind down after a high-energy theme park trip is a cruise. You go from nonstop movement to rest, relaxation, and someone else handling the meals. It is the perfect reset.

We did a cruise December 2022 then went to Universal Studios Hollywood the day we disembarked. We learned it would have been better to take the cruise AFTER the theme park lol We were exhausted so lesson learned!

Let Us Make This Easy

My partner Travis and I help busy, overwhelmed moms plan stress-free, memory-filled vacations from theme parks to cruises and everything in between.

Ready to ditch the stress and actually enjoy your vacation?

Book your complimentary planning appointment today!

With gratitude,

Ana