One of my favorite things about Disney is it is a great place for a multigenerational family vacation. Why? Because families from tots to grandparents can enjoy the best Disney World rides and attractions together.
Having done this many times with our own family, I can say with certainty it is truly a magical experience. And because you are never too young or too old for Disney, I'm not sure who has more fun – my kids or their grandparents!
If you are considering planning a Disney vacation, check out these 17 best Disney World rides for multigenerational families to enjoy together.
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Why Take A Multigenerational Family Vacation At Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is a great place for family gatherings. And, Disney with the grandparents is a vacation the kids won't forget.
With something for everyone, it a great place for family magic, joy, celebrations, and family memories. There is a reason you see large family groups walking together with matching T-shirts. Being together, having fun in such a special place is worth telling everyone about it.
Because of Walt Disney World's size, it can also accommodate large family groups. With hotels at all price points, onsite transportation, rides and attractions, and dining options for all, it is an easy place for a multigenerational family vacation.
Tips For Enjoying A Multigenerational Family Vacation At Walt Disney World
Before we get to the best Disney World rides for multigenerational families, here are some of my top tips when traveling with a big family:
My Disney Experience App
Download the My Disney Experience App to your phone so you can link your profiles for all members of the family. One person can be in charge of booking FastPass+ reservations and Advance Dining Reservations.
Let Everyone Help Plan
Make a list of everyone's top three things they would like to do on the vacation.
Set Realistic Expectations
Don't try to do EVERYTHING together. Moving as one large group everywhere will be difficult. Dividing and conquering is really the best strategy to ensure everyone gets the most out of the vacation.
Enjoy Time Together!
DO try to do SOME THINGS together! After all, being there together is why you are having a multigenerational family vacation at Walt Disney World in the first place!
Plan One Activity Together Each Day
Commit to meeting up for at least one activity or a meal together each day. You can even put ideas in a jar and pull out one each day. You can also pull them out randomly in advance and make advanced bookings, and have an itinerary that includes your meet up. Some suggestions:
-
- Resort swimming pool
- Dinner at a restaurant (maybe quick service if you don't have an Advanced Dining Reservation)
- Enjoy one or more of the countries in Epcot and all there is to do!
- Ride the monorail together around the resort
- One theme park ride that doesn't require a FastPass+ that you will all do together. Or, you could decide in advance that you will do it together, and get FastPass+ for each member of the family.
- Horseback Riding at Disney's Fort Wilderness
- Minigolf at Fantasia Gardens and Minigolf or Summerland Miniature Golf
- Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach Waterpark Day
- Walk around Disney Springs
Make Sure Everyone Can Participate
Be aware of rides and attractions you choose to do together to ensure all age groups and abilities can participate. See my list below for the best Disney World rides for multigenerational families.
Have A “Home Base”
If you plan to stay in the same Disney Resort Hotel, you can make one room the “home base.” It's where you can have breakfast together or meet up there throughout the day to regroup.
Decide On Group Meals In Advance
Our family decides which meals we will enjoy together. Then, we set a budget for each family, and we all contribute a specified amount to a “pot.” This way, when we pay for meals, one person is in charge of the money and pays the check. It helps so we aren't divvying up the bill at the end of the meal.
Plan Photo Opps In Advance
If you are hoping for one group photo, be sure you plan your days in advance where you will all be in the same park or same place at the same time. You may also want to buy a Disney Photopass!
Remember To Be Flexible!
Be flexible, as sometimes things don't go according to plan. Communicate with each other, so everyone enjoys the experience and knows the plan. Sometimes grandparents don't know you are parking the stroller, and miscommunications in a crowded park can prove frustrating for all. And, most importantly have fun!
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The Best Disney Rides For Multigenerational Families
If you have read any of my other Disney posts, you know that I believe you are never too young – or old – for Disney! Walt Disney World has more than 100 attractions with no height requirement – meaning it's suitable for infants to grandparents – there is so much they can do together.
But, these are my favorite Disney rides for multigenerational families. I recommend them for a few reasons:
- These are suitable for all ages, as they have no height requirement. This means, that grandparents, teens, big kids, little kids, and tots can enjoy them together!
- Many of these are classics! One of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World is to enjoy and share with my kids the attractions I loved as a kid. Many of these are childhood favorites or bring back nostalgia.
- Most of these Disney World rides can accommodate larger groups. So, a bigger party could ride them together.
- All of them bring out the magic of Disney!
First trip to Disney or need some expert tips? Check out my Walt Disney Resort For Beginners: A Complete Guide To Plan A Disney Vacation for my ultimate planning tips!
The Best Rides In Magic Kingdom For Multigenerational Families
- it's a small world
- Pirates of The Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Dumbo The Flying Elephant
The Best Rides In Epcot For Multigenerational Families
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas With Nemo And Friends
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
The Best Rides In Animal Kingdom For Multigenerational Families
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Wildlife Express Train
- Na'vi River Ride
- TriceraTop Spin
The Best Rides In Hollywood Studios For Multigenerational Families
- Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy
Final Thoughts On The Best Disney World Rides For Multigenerational Families
Multigenerational family vacations at Walt Disney World are a wonderful way for kids and the kid in all of us to spend quality family time together. Enjoying the best Disney World rides for all ages is a great way for everyone to experience the magic together, and make lasting family memories.
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