Planning & Pixie Dust: An Unforgettable Disney Trip (Plus Free Kids Printables!)

Written By Amanda Frisbie

We headed off to the Most Magical Place on Earth for a whirlwind Disney adventure. Between character hugs, castle selfies, and churro-fueled long days, we learned a lot—and brought the pixie dust back with us.

This post covers:

• Real-deal tips you’ll wish you knew before takeoff

• Park-by-park outfit ideas for moms

• What’s in mom’s bag?

• Stroller must-haves

• Disney-themed airplane + restaurant activities for kids

• FREE printable Disney bucket list + scavenger hunts for each park

Disney Park Tips for a Practically Perfect Day

  1. Start early. Those early mornings are bibbidy bobbidy brutal, but the parks are quieter, cooler, and more magical before 10 a.m.

  2. Hydration = happily ever after. Refillable water bottles are your fairy godmother. Bonus tip: fill your water bottles with ice before you leave the hotel.

  3. Mobile order with the Disney app = game changer. Skip the lines and get your Dole Whip faster than you can say “Hakuna Matata.”

  4. Download the My Disney Experience app months before your trip. Get to know the app like it’s a genie who grants you all the Disney wishes.

  5. Designate 1 person to manage the My Disney Experience app. This person will be your park sorcerer; granting ride times, reservations, and food orders with just one swipe.

  6. Wear your MagicBand+ for a little extra magic (and convenience). MagicBand+ makes for a seamless Disney experience—from park entry, room access, and charging purchases to Lightning Lane access, PhotoPass, and interactive experiences. Bonus tip: It even lights up and interacts with shows and attractions for extra fun along the way!

  7. Coordinate your crew. Wearing color-coordinated outfits is a practically perfect way to spot your group in the busiest (and happiest) place on Earth. Bonus tip: Matching custom shirts adds a personal touch and makes for super cute photo ops!

  8. Don’t miss out on “WE”. The Wilderness Explorers is a self-guided educational experience for kids of all ages at Animal Kingdom. Participate in nature-themed challenges and earn your badges throughout the park. Pick up a “Field Guide” booklet at the park entrance and look for orange “WE” signs to guide you.

What to Wear: Disney Outfits That Are Cute, Cool & Comfy

Here’s how to look like a Disney fashion icon without needing a fairy godmother:

Most of my Disney accessories are magical finds I’ve collected over the years, so while they’re no longer available, I did my best to find the cutest lookalikes for you!

Most popular outfit themes for each park:

Travel Day: Lululemon Disney set, oversized Disney long sleeve, fanny pack, neck rest, and a caffeinated drink clutched like a Seven Dwarves Mine Train gem.

Magic Kingdom: Princesses or classic Mickey & Friends — think red, white, black, polka dots and bows.

EPCOT: Rock bright “Disney Squad” tees for easy spotting and must-have pics in front of Spaceship Earth! Bonus tip: wear bright colors.

Hollywood Studios: Star Wars (dark side chic) or Toy Story. Here you can channel your inner Pixar mom.

Animal Kingdom: Subtle nod to Lion King or Tarzan-themed looks with animal prints and safari neutrals.

What’s in Mom’s Magical Bag?

Oh, just everything required to survive 10+ hours in the parks with small children:

• Sunscreen and SPF Aquaphor

• Hand sanitizer (because kids need to touch everything)

• Hair ties, clips and a small hair brush

• Bug spray, adhesive bandages and antibacterial ointment

• On-the-go hydration

• Chargers and backup battery

• Waterproof organization bags (because chaos is not magical)

Stroller Must-Haves to “Be Prepared”

If you’re bringing a stroller (and I recommend you do for any child under 7), here’s what you need:

• Water wipes (for the melting Mickey bars)

• Refillable water bottles

• Sun hats, sunglasses and portable fans (because Florida doesn’t have chill)

• Stroller clips (for holding bags)

• Bathing suit, water shoes and wet bags

• Rain ponchos

• Autograph book for character signatures

• Disposable cameras (give the kids one and get back pure joy in return)

Disney-Themed Airplane and Restaurant Activities For Kids

Here’s what we packed for travel days and mealtimes:

• Coloring and activity books

• Markers and crayons (perfect for travel and little hands)

• Magnetiles

• Checkers and Uno

• Eye Found It! and princess playing cards

• Erasable drawing tablet

• Castle sticker book

• Disney princess figurines

• Melissa and Doug reusable puffy princess dress-up stickers

To sprinkle a little extra pixie dust on your planning, I made a free downloadable Disney Bucket List + Scavenger Hunts for each park. Print ’em, pack ’em, and watch your kids light up when they spot a hidden Mickey!

Click here to download the FREE printables!

Real Talk: Book the PhotoPass

Book the Disney PhotoPass Memory Maker. The photographers are:

• Patient with toddlers

• Trained to get THE shot

• Masters of unique photo ops (think 360° cameras, slow-mo magic shots, and ride animations)

Basically—it’s like hiring a pro photographer who knows your angles and nails the lighting, every time.

To Infinity and Beyond!

You’ll laugh, you’ll sweat, you might cry during the fireworks—and it’ll all be worth it. Here’s to moms making magic whether you’re at Disney or it’s just another day at home!

Amanda Frisbie