Taking kids to Walt Disney World

What it's actually like to take young kids to Disney World: how many days is enough, which paid extras earn their cost, and what parents wish they had skipped.

• How many days do we need at Disney World with young kids? Four days, with a rest day built in.
• Is the paid line-skipping option worth the extra cost? Worth it only if your time is the bottleneck.
• What is the best age to take kids to Disney World for the first time? Age 5 or 6. That's the sweet spot.
• Which Disney World hotel tier is worth the money? Moderate resorts. That's the sweet spot.
• Do we need dining reservations, and how far ahead should we book them? Yes, book ahead, especially for dinner.
• Is getting there at opening worth it with young kids? Yes, if you can manage the early wake-up.
• What do parents wish they had known before their first Disney trip? You can't do it all. Plan for what matters most.
• What is the best time of year to avoid the worst crowds and heat? Late April or late September.
• How much does it cost to go to Disney World? Plan on $4,000 to $8,000 for a family of four.
• How much are Disney World tickets per person? About $110 to $190 per day, per person.
• How much is parking at Disney World? Standard parking runs $30 a day, $50 for preferred.

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