If you’ve been thinking about taking your kids to Walt Disney World Resort, here’s what two real moms want you to know before you book.
Despite different trips, different kids, and different planning styles… they both walked away saying the same thing:
“Best trip ever.”
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Brittany Marsh, publisher of Macaroni KID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola and SE Kansas City, Mo., went with her mom and two kids, ages 4 and 6.
And Essy Chen, publisher of Macaroni KID Chino Hills, Calif., traveled with her husband and daughters, ages 4 and 7.
Different families. Same magic.
Publishers and their families were hosted for the purposes of this review. All opinions are their own.
🎉 Want to take YOUR family to Disney?
We’re giving one family the chance to win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026.
Why Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 Is Such a Good Time to Go
If you’re thinking about a Disney trip, this summer is a little different. In the best way.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026, which runs May 26-Sept. 8, 2026, is designed specifically for families, with extra perks, built-in entertainment, and thoughtful touches that make the whole experience feel easier (and a lot more fun).
- Free water park admission on arrival day for Disney Resort guests
- 30 minutes of early park entry each day
- Special character appearances at select Disney Resort hotels
- Extra entertainment like dance parties, pop-up activities, and interactive play zones
- 30% off your resort stay if you book five nights or more
Before you start overthinking the planning (because… same), here’s what actually stood out from both trips and what made them so memorable.
Not the perfect itinerary. Not doing everything.
The moments.
Why This Trip Feels Different With Kids
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As Essy told us: “It’s not about doing everything. It's about watching their faces light up over the smallest things.”
It’s watching your kids glow in happiness at meeting a princess, laughing on a silly ride, or finding that Disney magic in the most unexpected places, even in something as simple as a Mickey waffle.
Essy said her kids called it the “best trip ever” every single day. That tells you everything you need to know.
Where You Stay Can Make (or Break) Your Trip
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Both families stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort — on Disney property — and both said they would 100% stay on property again.
"No matter where you stay, the Disney Resorts are part of the experience," Brittany said.
Essy’s family loved Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for its relaxed, tropical feel and for the little touches that made it special. One favorite surprise was a daily scavenger hunt in the lobby to find Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, which quickly became part of their routine.
Brittany focused more on the practical side of why Caribbean Beach Resort worked so well for her family, and this is where it gets really helpful if you’re planning:
- Transportation matters more than you think. Skyliner, buses, boats, and monorails make getting around easy and mid-day breaks possible. No car, no stress.
- Early park entry is a huge win. During Cool KIDS' SUMMER 2026, you get 30 minutes before the crowds, which is everything with younger kids.
- The resort is part of the fun. Movies on the lawn, pools, campfires, and even character appearances at select hotels.
Her takeaway: don’t overthink picking the “perfect” resort. Just pick one that fits your family’s needs and location priorities.
Brittany tip: If you’re not sure where to start, planDisney is a great resource where you can ask real questions and get advice from people who’ve actually planned these trips.
During Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026, select Disney resorts' collection hotels (Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside) will have special scheduled appearances from some favorite Disney pals.
The Smartest Way to Start Your Trip (No One Talks About This)
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Both families did something that made their entire trip smoother: They didn’t start with the parks.
Instead, they kicked things off at Blizzard Beach water park and found it to be the perfect reset after travel.
One of the standout perks of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026: Disney Resort guests get free water park admission on arrival day. You can choose between Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.
That means you start your vacation with no pressure and no rushing. Just letting the kids play, swim, and burn energy. Complimentary towels and lifejackets means you don't need to bring much, a thoughtful perk after traveling.
"Disney really does think of everything for families," Brittany said.
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The Parks (What Kids Actually Loved Most)
Magic Kingdom
This is the one kids dream about. And it delivers.
Meeting princesses, riding Dumbo, spinning on Buzz Lightyear, and ending the night with fireworks and parades… this is where core memories happen.
Essy tip: If your kids are shy meeting characters, bringing an autograph book can really help break the ice and give them something special to take home.
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EPCOT
Surprisingly, both families spent more time here than expected.
Frozen Ever After, Kidcot activities, and interactive experiences kept kids engaged while parents actually enjoyed exploring too.
Essy tip: Use your Lightning Pass on Frozen Ever After. "It saved so much time," she said.
Kidcot stations around the World Showcase became a surprise hit. Her kids enjoyed collecting postcards, stamps, and messages in different languages, Essy said.
Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land was a huge favorite with Slinky Dog Dash and Runaway Railway as the rides their kids loved most. The kids met more characters here, and each interaction felt special, Essy said.
"You can really see the time and effort each of the cast members put into each and every one of these precious moments that kids will remember for years to come," she said.
Essy tip: Watch the Toy Story movies again before heading on vacation!
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Animal Kingdom
This park feels completely different ... in the best way. Safaris, hands-on learning activities, and immersive worlds like Pandora made it feel like a whole new experience, Essy said.
"We were all in awe," she said.
They also took in the brand new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! experience. This brand-new 4D show is available in the Tree of Life Theater and "tickled all our senses," Essy said.
Brittany tip: Look for quiet walking paths or tucked-away spots in each park to reset—especially helpful in Animal Kingdom where shaded areas near the front can offer a break from the crowds.
The Biggest Mistake Parents Make
Trying to do too much.
Brittany was especially clear on this: you have to build in breaks.
“That midday break completely changed the tone of our day,” Brittany said.
- Heading back to the resort midday
- Letting kids play in a shaded or indoor space
- Slowing down with a snack or show
Brittany tip: The air-conditioned Dumbo ride queue doubles as an indoor playground where kids can burn energy while parents can sit with a coffee and recharge.
Taking frequent breaks also means kids will have enough energy to make it through the Disney Starlight parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks without meltdowns. Truly magic.
Small Things That Make a Huge Difference
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Five Disney perks Brittany and Essy both said are completely worthwhile:
- Lightning Lane passes to save hours in line
- Character dining (especially for shy kids)
- Memory Maker so you’re actually in the photos
- MagicBand+ for easy access to everything
- Park Hopper passes make it easy to move from park to park on the same day.
Essy tip: For all of 2026, kids ages 3 to 9 can eat free with the purchase of an adult dining plan.
This Is the Part You’ll Actually Remember
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The magic isn’t just in the rides. It’s in the time together.
Saying yes to one more ride. Slowing down. Watching your kids experience it all for the first time.
That’s the part that sticks.
"It was one of those trips we'll be talking about for years," Essy said.
If you’re planning a trip this year, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 makes it an especially good time to go, with the extra entertainment, built-in perks, and little details that make traveling with kids easier.
Ready for your own “best trip ever”?
Enter now for your chance to win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation during Cool Kids Summer 2026.
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