Spoiler alert: Every moment of your Disney World vacation might not be magical.

Taking your children to Disney World for the first time should be a magical and memorable experience. It’s a chance for little ones to see their favorite characters come to life, enjoy exciting attractions, and get immersed into the most magical stories. However, with all of the excitement and anticipation around such a milestone family vacations, there’s one detail parents can’t overlook: managing expectations for both kids and adults. 

As a Disney World expert who’s visited the theme parks hundreds of time, I’ve learned it’s crucial to manage your expectations as a parent – and be prepared for the realities of visiting one of the most popular theme parks in the world. From long lines to grumpy kids to frustrating travel snags, your Disney Adventure won’t always be Instagram-worthy, so here’s a guide to help prepare you for the unexpected.

1. Don’t Underestimate the Scale of Disney World

Disney Wold is massive. With four theme parks, two water parks, numerous resorts, and an entire shopping and entertainment district, it’s realistically impossible to see and do everything in one trip. 

Remember, Disney World is roughly twice the size of the island of Manhattan. You wouldn’t expect to haul your kids across New York City and have a fantastically fun time – those little feet are going to get exhausted. So, keep that perspective in mind as you think about traversing all of the different areas of Disney World.

I recommend prioritizing the attractions and experiences that are most important to your family. Research the parks and make a list of must-see attractions. That way, you can focus on hitting those must-dos first and foremost.

Also, don’t forget to make sure your plans are still flexible enough to accommodate changes based on lines, weather, and your children’s energy levels. Disney World trips go far more smoothly when you’re willing to adapt and adjust as little ones (and parents) get grumpy, crowd levels are too high, or the weather changes suddenly.

2. Plan Transportation in Advance (and Expect Mishaps!)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it over and over again: Planning is essential for a successful Disney World trip with young children. The more you can plan in advance, the better.

You will need to book your reservations and purchases tickets prior to arriving. If you’re traveling a far distance, you will also need to plan accommodations and travel to and from the resorts, airport, and throughout your stay. This means you’ll want to look at different Disney World transportation options, such as buses, the Skyliner, and even details like renting a car or using rideshare services to get around.

Remember, even the best laid travel plans can have bumps in the road. Delays and cancelations are rarely in your control, and things may not always go to plan. Unexpected twists can heighten stress, but you’ll have a more enjoyable trip if you expect potential delays and work with them.

I suggest being prepared for these bumps and giving yourself plenty of time to travel. Try to build some flexibility or space (at least in terms of timing) into your travel schedule, both for flights and for daily transportation around the resort. That way, the stress of making it somewhere on a tight schedule is lessened before you even arrive.

3. Talk with Kids About Expectations in Advance

The key for successful Disney World days? Prepare your children for what to expect. 

Kids are understandably excited to visit Disney World, but like adults they often want to try to do everything – and that can lead to frustration when things go awry. Help them temper their own expectations by explaining that while they will see many of their favorite characters, they may not be able to meet every one. 

The same goes for rides and attractions. It’s important to help little ones understand there will be some waiting involved, and they might not get to experience everything on their list. This won’t help you avoid every potential meltdown… but it can go a long way in helping them learn. 

Additionally, don’t forget to set realistic expectations about the pace of your day as parents. Disney World involves a lot of walking and can be tiring, especially for young children. Plan for breaks and downtime. Consider returning to your hotel for a rest or swim in the afternoon before heading back to the parks in the evening. 

A trip to Disney is expensive, and for many the need to get the most “bang for the buck” can over take your primary mission: having an enjoyable family vacation. No matter how much you’ve spent, taking a couple of hours to cool down and kick up your feet pays off and will ultimately lead to a happier, more memorable vacation.

4. Keep Your Cool

Adults, we need a reminder too: Not everything will go according to plan. 

Unexpected crises and problems will happen during your Disney World vacation. Children get tired and cranky, rides may break down, or the weather might not cooperate. It’s best to stay positive and flexible. 

In my experience, sometimes the unplanned moments are the best. For example, a spontaneous character encounter or a quiet moment in a less crowded area can become the most cherished memories of your entire trip. 

By managing your expectations and those of your children, you can focus on enjoying these special moments, however they might happen, and creating lasting memories together. Don’t harp on the mundane frustrations, and know your trip will have its more challenging moments. But, with thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and a flexible attitude, you can ensure your family will have an adventure filled with joy, wonder and a bit of magic.