What I Wish I Knew Before Our Disney Trip with Young Kids: A Valentine’s Weekend to Remember

This Valentine’s Day weekend, I took my two older kids (ages 4 and 6) to Walt Disney World—just the three of us. It was magical, chaotic, and everything in between. If you’re planning a Disney trip with young kids, especially for a long weekend like Valentine’s Day, let me share a few things I learned (some the hard way) that will make your trip smoother, happier, and even more magical.

Stay on the Monorail—Trust Me

Let’s start with my biggest regret: we didn’t stay at a Disney resort on the Monorail line. Huge mistake. We stayed off the Monorail and had to rely on the Disney buses to get to and from the parks. While the buses weren’t terrible, they definitely weren’t ideal—especially with tired kids, a double stroller, and a backpack full of snacks, sunscreen, and emergency Minnie ears.

If you’re traveling with little ones, book a Disney resort on the Monorail. The convenience is unbeatable. Resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian are worth the splurge for the easy park access alone. Trust me, at the end of the day when everyone’s exhausted, being able to hop on the Monorail is a sanity saver.

Lightning Lane: 100% Worth It

I went in skeptical, but Disney’s Lightning Lane pass was hands down the best investment of our trip. We didn’t wait in a single line the entire time. With two little kids, that’s basically a Disney miracle. From Peter Pan’s Flight to It’s a Small World, we zipped right through like VIPs.

If you’re going during a busy weekend like Valentine’s Day at Disney, get the Lightning Lane. You won’t regret it.

Use a Disney Travel Planner—Game Changer

I worked with a Disney Travel Organizer, and it changed the game for us. She booked all of our key experiences in advance—including breakfast with Disney characters, dinner at Cinderella’s Castle, and appointments at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Both my son and daughter absolutely LOVED the boutique. They were transformed into a knight and a princess, then we went straight to the castle for dinner—still dressed up! The photos, the memories, the sparkles… it was a core memory moment for all of us.

Bonus Tips for Disney with Kids (Ages 4 & 6):

Pack snacks (more than you think you’ll need).
Bring a portable phone charger—you’ll be on the My Disney Experience app all day.
Use mobile food ordering through the app to avoid long lines at quick service spots.
Take a mid-day break at the resort—even an hour to decompress makes a difference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a Disney trip with kids for a holiday weekend like Valentine’s Day, plan ahead, stay on the Monorail, and use Lightning Lane. And definitely work with a Disney travel expert to make those magical extras happen without the stress.

Disney is overwhelming—but when done right, it’s pure magic. We came home with tired feet, full hearts, and stories my kids will be telling for years.