Contributed by: Paige Landrum

Can I let you in on a secret? I am a Disney adult through and through. I love going to the parks, so much so, that I actually moved to the Orlando area just to work at Walt Disney World when I was in my 20s.

Even being the Disney expert that I am, I have been quickly humbled by learning that going to the parks with kids is a different experience. There are so many things to consider that I didn't have to think about prior to kids: stroller parking, finding kid-friendly food, navigating around nap times, and waiting in lines with growing minds who don't yet understand the word "patience."

Don't get me wrong, planning a Disney vacation with little ones is magical, but if you aren't careful it can become overwhelming real quick. Between choosing the best resort, which park to visit on which day, staying in budget, and trying to plan for naps, snacks, and meltdowns, it’s a lot. Not to mention the ever-evolving timeline of things to book and when.

As a Disney travel planner and a mom of toddlers myself, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is for families to get bogged down in the details. The good news? Most of the stress comes from just a few common missteps, and they’re all completely avoidable with the right support and mindset.

Here are five of the most common mistakes I see, and how you can skip them for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

1. Trying to “Do It All”

There’s a lot of pressure to make the most of every moment at Disney, from rope dropping every park, squeezing in every character meal, and staying out late for fireworks. But more often than not, that “do it all” mindset leads to burnout (and some cranky kids!).

What to Do Instead: Decide what matters most to your family and build your trip around those priorities. Maybe that’s meeting a particular character, eating at a certain restaurant, or catching a specific nighttime spectacular. You don’t need to do everything, just the things that will make it magical for you. I usually recommend that families choose 3-5 priorities per day to focus on.

2. Waiting Too Long to Book

It’s easy to assume you have plenty of time, only to realize later that resorts are sold out, that the restaurant you wanted is booked up, or prices have increased.

What to Do Instead: Start early and plan ahead - even a small deposit can lock in your resort and give you more choices (think preferred rooms, family suites, and better views). Plus, when you book through a travel advisor (hi, its me!), I’ll keep an eye out for any promotions that drop after you book and apply them to you reservation, or possibly find you an upgrade for the same price.

3. Choosing the Wrong Resort for Your Needs

The “best” resort can come in many shapes and forms, and will look different for each family. Try to not get hung up on the "lowest price" or a specific room theme before weighing the options.

What to Do Instead: Consider things like walkability with a stroller, transportation options, toddler-friendly dining, and pool areas. Some resorts are walking distance to particular parks and can make getting back to the resort for naptime a breeze. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to help you narrow it down based on your family’s preferences and priorities.

4. Skipping Rest Time

You might be tempted to fill every moment of the day with park fun.. after all, you want to make the most of your Disney trip! But in my experience, skipping rest time often leads to meltdowns, short tempers, and less-than-magical memories.

What to Do Instead: Build breaks into your schedule. That could mean leaving the parks after lunch for a nap and swim, or starting your day a little later and catching fireworks in the evening. Rested kids (and parents) make for much better memories.

5. Trying to Plan Everything on Your Own

Between Lightning Lanes, dining windows, transportation, and shows, there’s a steep learning curve to planning Disney. And if you’re already juggling young kids, work, and home life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by just the thought of planning a Disney vacation.

What to Do Instead: Let someone help! I work with families to create custom-fit trips that takes into consideration their top priorities, and doesn't leave them feeling rushed or overly scheduled. You don’t have to know all the ins and outs. That’s what I’m here for.

Ready to Feel More Confident Planning?

If you're feeling alone in your quest to plan Disney, let me assure you that there are tons of other parents out there who are trying to learn how it all works too. I’ve created a Facebook group just for moms like you: Toddler Moms Plan Disney Trips and Cruise Vacations

It’s a space where you can ask questions, get honest advice, and connect with other moms planning magical trips for their little ones, but without the overwhelming drama that comes with the large Facebook groups. We are just a small group of moms who want to talk Disney and plan our trips the best way we can for our kids.

Inside, we talk through things like how to prioritize what matters most to your family, how to choose the right resort, must try snack favorites, and even where to buy the cutest park outfits. I share planning tips, promotional updates, and answer all the “what should we do?” questions that come up when you’re planning with toddlers. I also offer free resources like my "Toddler Guide to Walt Disney World," "Guide to Character Dining" and packing checklists for your trip.

Whether you're just starting to dream or already knee-deep in planning, we’d love to have you in the group. And if you’re looking for one-on-one help planning your trip, I’m here for that too. Just reach out here or shoot me a message anytime.

As always, thanks for allowing me to play a small part in your family's next magical vacation.

-Paige Landrum

AMAAB Disney Travel Advisor & Toddler Mom

@theplanningpaige_