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  • Is Efteling Cheaper Than Disneyland Paris? A Detailed Breakdown

    Is Efteling Cheaper Than Disneyland Paris? A Detailed Breakdown

    If you’re trying to decide between Efteling vs Disneyland Paris, the first thing that usually comes up is cost.

    There’s a lot of chat online about how Efteling is so much cheaper than Disneyland Paris — but when you actually sit down and price it up properly, it’s a little more nuanced than that.

    We’ve now done both, and I wanted to break down the real differences — not just the headline prices, but what you actually get for your money.

    Read our most recent Disneyland Paris and Efteling posts.

    Disneyland Paris Castle
    Views over Efteling

    Day ticket prices – are they actually that different?

    At the time of writing (Feb 2025), Efteling day tickets range between €47–€54 per person depending on the day.

    The cheapest one-day, one-park ticket for Disneyland Paris starts at €49 — which on the surface looks almost identical.

    However.

    Disneyland Paris prices climb fast in peak periods, hitting €99+ per day without much effort. Efteling’s pricing is far more stable and doesn’t see that same dramatic jump.

    Another small difference if you’re travelling with little ones:

    • Efteling: Children under 4 go free
    • Disneyland Paris: Children under 3 go free

    It’s only a year’s difference, but if you have a 3-year-old, that’s suddenly another Disney ticket to factor in.

    Hotel prices – this is where the gap widens

    To make this as fair as possible, I priced up the same dates for both resorts:

    4th–6th March 2026
    1 adult + 1 child under 4
    (At Efteling the child doesn’t need park tickets; at Disneyland Paris they do.)

    Efteling (3 days park tickets + breakfast included)

    • Efteling Grand Hotel: €770
    • Efteling Wonder Hotel: €581
    • Efteling Bosrijk: €519
    • Efteling Loonsche Land: €638

    Disneyland Paris (3 days park tickets, no breakfast)

    • Disneyland Hotel: €1642
    • Hotel New York: €1022
    • Newport Bay Club: €903
    • Sequoia Lodge: €744
    • Hotel Cheyenne: €687
    • Hotel Santa Fe: €662
    • Davy Crockett Ranch: €540

    Even comparing like for like “mid-range” hotels, Efteling comes out significantly cheaper — and that’s with breakfast included.

    Once you add breakfast at Disneyland Paris, the gap grows even more.

    Efteling doesn’t have princesses, Mickey or Donald Duck, but overally the food is a lot better at Efteling, and is a lot cheaper.

    Which is my preference?

    I’ve stayed at Efteling Wonder Hotel, and at Disneyland Paris I’ve stayed in:

    • Sequoia Lodge
    • Newport Bay Club
    • Hotel Cheyenne
    • Hotel Santa Fe

    And honestly?

    The Wonder Hotel at Efteling was better than all of them.

    The theming was stronger. The hotel felt more immersive. The rooms were cleaner and noticeably more modern. It didn’t feel tired. It didn’t feel like “big chain hotel with Disney wallpaper”.

    Room size was comparable to the Disney hotels, but the overall experience of the hotel was a lot better than in Disneyland Paris.

    Park size & crowds

    Efteling actually feels bigger than Disneyland Park (Magic Kingdom side of Disneyland Paris).

    Paths are wider. There’s more greenery. It feels more spacious and less shoulder-to-shoulder, plus so many areas for kids to play – which is one of the things Disneyland Paris is lacking, WHERE ARE ALL THE PLAYGROUNDS?!

    We didn’t find queues to be that much shorter in Efteling than Disneyland Paris, for the big rides I’d say it was pretty similar (Disneyland Paris in December 2025 vs Efteling in November 2025) and in both parks we had walk ons, and in both parks we had 20-30 minute waits.

    However, if you are bored of queuing, there is a lot of open space for kids to run around and explore, including the fairy tale forest in Efteling, which again I’d say is an improvement as Disneyland Paris doesn’t currently have that, although perhaps it will change with the opening of the Frozen and Lake area in Disney Adventure World.

    Fancy dress & souvenirs (a big difference)

    One thing that really surprised me was the price and quality of dress-up outfits.

    At Efteling, I bought my son a beautiful sparkly knight’s tabard for €27. The quality is incredible — thick fabric, proper detailing — and it still gets worn constantly at home. It feels super special, and for the price, it was fantastic value.

    At Disneyland Paris, princess dresses typically range from €40–€90, and prince outfits are much harder to find. We’ve never actually bought any fancy dress there because the price just never felt justifiable.

    It’s a small thing, but it adds up. Obviously you can buy things from the Disney Store or supermarkets for Disneyland, but there is something special about choosing a dress in person.

    So… is Efteling cheaper?

    On pure day-ticket price alone?
    Not massively.

    But once you factor in:

    • Hotel pricing
    • Breakfast inclusion
    • Under-4s going free
    • Lower peak price jumps
    • Shorter queues (less need for paid add-ons)
    • More reasonably priced merchandise

    Efteling becomes significantly better value overall.

    My overview

    Disneyland Paris has Disney magic. Characters. Parades. That nostalgia hit.

    Efteling has fairytales, folklore and beautiful immersive storytelling — but it doesn’t have Mickey. What it does have is a lot of creepy animatronics, which with a sensitive 3 year old was super tricky, as there were frights around quite a few corners.

    Disneyland Paris feels bigger in brand, louder in atmosphere, and more intense — which can be brilliant… but comes at a cost.

    If you’re travelling with a preschooler and looking for a magical trip that doesn’t feel overwhelming (or financially painful), Efteling is very hard to beat, but with the knowledge that you’ll be missing a few of the rides due to height requirements and still will have to queue.

    If you’re chasing that Disney sparkle and iconic moments, you’ll probably still end up in Paris.

    And honestly? There’s room for both.

    If you’ve done one (or both!), I’d love to know which you preferred.

  • Visiting Efteling With a 3-Year-Old: Our Two-Night Stay at the Wonder Hotel

    Visiting Efteling With a 3-Year-Old: Our Two-Night Stay at the Wonder Hotel

    Have you heard of Efteling? I hadn’t until early 2025, and given it’s billed as a big Disneyland Paris competitor (and I love Disney), we HAD to go and see what all the great reviews were about. I’ve written more about the cost comparison between the two here, if you want to know which is more cost competitive.

    Efteling is the Netherlands largest theme park and is located just outside Tilburg, around 90 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by public transport. As we live so close to London Gatwick airport, we hopped on a quick flight to Amsterdam, flying Easyjet, and arrived in around 45 minutes – it’s just so close! I’ve been thinking that Amsterdam would be a perfect for a short day trip too, but that’s another day, another post!

    (Read about our Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris here).

    Travelling in November 2025, we made the most of our trip by starting with a night in Tilburg, two nights staying at the Efteling Wonder Hotel, and our last night staying in the centre of Amsterdam, but I’ll give you our tips on those separately! 

    Views over Efteling
    Pagode at night
    Arriving at Efteling Wonder Hotel

    Efteling Wonder Hotel

    Despite the Efteling Grand Hotel recently opening, the reviews for Efteling Wonder Hotel looked more suited to travelling with a three year old. It was just me and him, so a premium room was the perfect size, and it had the cutest ever additions (from hidden mice, luggage, and a board game to play).

    The hotel is described as ‘A floating castle of wondrous tales’ .

    In the evenings they have shows from Jules Verreweg in reception, which are in a mix of Dutch and English so everyone can follow along. 

    The Efteling Wonder Hotel has its own entrance to the theme park, and you can hire the kids wagons from that entrance. The entrance is next to a fun/quirky/creepy (depending on your opinion!) playground, which is great for kids of all ages.

    Our Efteling Experience

    Children under 4 visit Efteling for free, and as I was travelling alone with my 3 year old, it meant he was free! We stayed for two nights, but actually only spent two days in the park, as it was all we felt we needed. Queues weren’t too long (our longest was around 20 minutes), and as I was travelling alone with a kid, we skipped the big rides.

    We got a bus from Tilburg, which dropped us off opposite Efteling Wonder Hotel and was very straightforward to pay/use/get to the Wonder Hotel. 

    We arrived around 10.30am on the first day, and dropped our bags off in the Wonder Hotel luggage store and went to explore. Despite it being the first week of November, or ‘off-season’ we had absolutely fantastic weather, it was beautiful. The park was open 11am to 6pm when we were there, and actually that was fantastic, as we could have a full day, without it being too long.

    We explored the park fully on the first day, which meant our second day was focusing on our favourite rides and shows, as well as going on the couple of rides we’d missed initially.

    The Rides & Shows of Efteling

    We walked on to most rides – my three year old’s favourite was Symbolica, we rode it 3 different times – and we even got the Symbolia light toy. His second favourite area was Anton Pieckplein Square, (full of kid friendly traditional fairground rides), which is also where he got an amazing dragon facepaint and his fantastic knight fancy dress.

    The Pagode ride gives an amazing view of the park, and given we were in the middle of autumn, seeing the trees in a wide range of oranges and bronze was spectacular.

    Efteling Food Choices

    We found Efteling food choices to be really good, and actually a lot better for our dairy allergy than Disneyland Paris.

    Breakfast was included in our hotel, and was a wide-ranging buffet, with lots of breads, sprinkles, fruits and deli-style meats.

    There was a specific gluten free section of the breakfast buffet with breads and biscuits sealed in wrappers to limit cross contamination.

    Our must try suggestion is Polles Keuken, a delicious pancake restaurant (which gets booked up, so definitely reserve ahead). I had apple and raisin pancake and my son had a fruit pancake which came with a kids game. The restaurant is themed with fun decorations and things to watch, plus the pancakes were traditional dutch pancakes and were delicious!

    A quick snack or a good lunch choice was the hot dog stands which are dotted throughout the park. They were dairy and soya free, and delicious!

    We also ate at the Efteling Wonder Hotel and had a really tasty dinner, which again catered for our food allergies,

    Which do we prefer – Efteling or Disneyland Paris?

    For under 5s, I would still recommend Disney over Efteling, and we probably won’t return to Efteling until my son is older, whereas we’re back to Disneyland Paris in a few weeks. Whilst we had a lovely time at Efteling, we found:

    • Efteling takes longer to get to than Disneyland Paris, using up most of your first day, meaning you need longer to visit.
    • The rides are fun, but I’d say older children would enjoy it more. Some of the Efteling animatronics were creepy and a lot of the rides were dark rides, which my 3 year old (and in certain places me!) didn’t enjoy.
    • Queues in Efteling are generally better than at Disneyland Paris, however we still did have some queues that were 20-30minutes in the off season, which is equivalent to Disneyland Paris.
    • Food at Efteling was better than at Disneyland Paris.
    • Theming – the themes are very different. For Under 5s, Disneyland Paris is better as they’ll recognise and appreciate the themings. Efteling wiould really suit that pre-teen age as the theming is a bit more wacky.
    • Upkeep – the upkeep of Efteling was better than Disneyland Paris, the gardens, paintings and general cleanliness was far superior to Disneyland Paris.

    Overall, Disneyland Paris still edges out ahead for us, but I’m so glad I visited Efteling as it was really a lot of fun!

    FAQ

    1. What is Efteling?

    Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands, located just outside Tilburg. It offers a variety of attractions and experiences, making it a popular competitor to Disneyland Paris.

    2. How do I get to Efteling from Amsterdam on public transport?

    You can take public transport from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Tilburg or ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which is about a 90-minute journey. The bus from the train station is then around 20 to 30 minutes to Efteling.

    3. What type of accommodation is available at Efteling?

    There are 4 Efteling Hotels, from Efteling Grand Hotel, Efteling Wonder Hotel, Efteling Bosrijk and Efteling Loonsche Land.

    Otherwise, there are really positive reviews if you wanted to stay offsite somewhere like GuestHouse Hotel Kaatsheuvel.

    4. Are there any height restrictions for rides at Efteling?

    While some rides can be enjoyed by all ages, certain attractions have minimum height (generally over 90cm) or age requirements. Children under 4 can enter the park for free.

    5. What are some recommended rides and attractions at Efteling?

    Some popular rides and attractions include Symbolica, Anton Pieckplein Square for traditional fairground rides, and the Pagode ride for stunning views of the park.

    For older children and adults, there are more thrilling rides such as Baron, which is a exhilarating rollercoaster.

    6. Is food at Efteling accommodating for dietary restrictions?

    Efteling offers a variety of food options that cater to different dietary needs. The buffet breakfast at the hotel includes gluten-free options, and you can find dairy and soya-free hot dog stands throughout the park.

    7. How does Efteling compare to Disneyland Paris?

    While both parks offer unique experiences, Efteling might be better suited for slightly older children (pre-teens), while Disneyland Paris is more recognizable for under-5s. Efteling has better food choices and upkeep, but Disneyland Paris is more accessible from major travel hubs.

    8. What time of year is best to visit Efteling?

    Visiting during the ‘off-season’, such as early November, can provide a more enjoyable experience with fewer crowds and pleasant weather, although the park hours tend to be shorter.

    We were happy with the shorter off-peak hours (11am to 6pm) and managed to do everything we wanted in two days.

  • Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris from UK – Full Guide + Tips

    Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris from UK – Full Guide + Tips

    Is it really possible to do Disneyland Paris in one day from the UK? I decided to find out by attempting an extreme day trip to Disneyland Paris — flying out early, spending a full day in the parks, and heading home the same night, all with a child in tow.

    In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how I planned our Disneyland Paris day trip, including travel logistics, timings, costs, and whether it’s actually worth the exhaustion. If you’re short on time, travelling with kids, or just curious about how much magic you can squeeze into a single day, this post will help you decide if a one-day trip to Disneyland Paris is right for you.

    Disneyland Paris in October
    Disneyland Paris day trip from the UK
    Disneyland Paris with toddlers
    1. Outbound flight and passport control
    2. Our time in Disneyland Paris 
    3. The journey home
    4. Was it a success or failure?
    5. Key takeaways from our Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris with a toddler:
    6. FAQ for Day Trip to Disneyland Paris from the UK

    Why Do an Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris?

    We’re lucky enough to live 25 mins (on a good day) from Gatwick Airport, so decided to make the most of it. With our newly gifted Disneyland Paris Bronze Passes we hopped on a plane, back in October 2025. 

    With the Bronze Passes, for your first visit, you can only book your first day online (guaranteeing your entry). You can book subsequent days once you’ve scanned into the park. As our next trip was planned in December, I didn’t want to risk parks being full, so we decided to take a day trip from London to Paris to celebrate having an annual pass!

    This was how our amazing day trip to Disneyland Paris from the UK went.

      It was just me and my son heading on our adventure, and our day was 6am to 11pm door to door. It was such an adventure, and we can’t wait to do more extreme day trips!

      Outbound flight and passport control

      We parked in Short Stay parking, then had a speedy journey through the family security lane, picked up a Pret for breakfast and headed over to the gate. We were flying with EasyJet, our flight was due to take off at 8am but it was delayed until 9:05am. Our day trip was from London Gatwick to Paris, Charles de Gaulle.

      EasyJet Holidays currently have a big sale – add code BIGSALE when you visit the EasyjetHolidays website until 3/3/2026. Ts&Cs apply.

      Our flight landed around 10.50, and we arrived at passport control at 11:02am (French time), and were through passport control in 2 minutes, which must be a record, especially travelling with a child! 

      We arrived in terminal 2B, and it was an 8 minute speedy walk to the train station – I was basically running, so ended up pretty hot on arrival. I’d booked the 11:16 and 12:00 to ensure we could get the TGV, as its only a 10 minute ride from Charles De Gaulle to Marne La Vallée Chessy) – my son was in a carrier so we could be as fast as possible. Arrived at the station at 11:12, but didn’t have time to catch the 11.16, so picked up some lunch at Monoprix at the station and the platform was  announced at 11:40 for the 12pm train. 

      We hopped off the train at 12:14, had a quick pit stop at relay for some extra snacks for the day, and then we arrived!

      Our time in Disneyland Paris 

      The parks were full on our arrival (a Thursday before any of the school October holidays). It was SO busy. There were queues for everything, including the toilets, so we had to be very flexible on what we did.

      We managed to successfully do, in the 7 hours we were at Disneyland Paris:

      • Dumbo (45 min queue)
      • It’s a Small World (premier access)
      • Casey Jr Train
      • Halloween afternoon parade
      • Cars Road Trip
      • Snack breaks x 2
      • Dinner (quick service star nuggets and chips for two, plus two soft drinks – €31 total, so very expensive! )
      • Spiderman Web Adventures
      • Carousel

      I wanted to try and do as much as possible, but I wish we’d taken it a bit more relaxed. We used the self service machines at the quick service restaurant to speed up getting food and took snacks with us to speed things up there. Plus tried to use some of the more hidden toilets to reduce the length we queued.

      The journey home

      We hopped off the Carousel at 19.32, and managed to be out of the gate at 19.41 (including a quick toilet break!), getting on the platform to wait for our train by 19.53.

      Our train was slightly delayed (causing a lot of stress for me!), but we arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport at about 20.30, through security at 20.45 and through passport at 20.52.

      Perfect timing for our 22:15 flight which started boarding at 21:30.

      Was it a success or failure?

      Everyone I told about the extreme day trip from London Gatwick to Disneyland Paris, with a 3 year old and on my own, said I was crazy to do so!

      But, personally, it was one of our most special adventures! Things didn’t go 100% right throughout the day, from a delayed plane, long queues, my son refusing to walk, and a tired meltdown in the queue to board the plane home, but taking a deep breathe at each challenging point meant we could keep on moving from it and we really did have a fantastic time with some core memories made.

      Next time I wouldn’t move between parks, and I’d definitely take a buggy. We have the Graco myavo travel buggy and it would have saved my shoulders!

      Key takeaways from our Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris with a toddler:

      • Pack snacks, snacks and more snacks
      • Be flexible – plan to take the TGV if timings work, but budget for a taxi.
      • Book the TGV via the SNCF app.
      • I DO NOT recommend using the Magic Shuttle for a day trip. Read more on my Disneyland Paris travel pros and cons here.
      • I booked 2 trains to ensure as much flexibility as possible.
      • Decide if you’re there for the atmosphere, or for rides. For rides it might be best to buy Premier Access passes to ensure you get the rides you like.
      • Stay in one park – we lost time walking between parks. We know Disneyland Paris really well, but it adds a lot of unnecessary walking – I did over 15km of walking!
      • With an annual pass, the cost for doing an extreme day trip was probably about the same as doing a one night stay in a non-Disney hotel – but you do lose some flexibilty.
      • Keep an eye on the EES and Visa rollouts, as this may make passport control lines too long for a day trip.

      We love travelling, and Disney! Read about our trip to Walt Disney World Orlando here. Or our trip to Tokyo Disney Resort – both with a toddler!

      FAQ for Day Trip to Disneyland Paris from the UK

      1. How do I get to Disneyland Paris from the UK?

      The most common way is to fly from your local airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. You can also take the Eurostar train to Marne La Vallée Chessy via Lille, or Paris Gare du Nord. Or even driving by ferry or le Shuttle.

      2. What is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris?

      Visiting during weekdays, especially outside of school holidays and off-peak seasons, can help you avoid large crowds. September and October is often a good time as it aligns with pleasant weather and less busy parks, but currently Disneyland Paris seems to be busy all the time!

      3. How long does it take to get from the airport to Disneyland Paris?

      From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the TGV train which takes about 10 minutes to reach Marne La Vallée Chessy station, located next to Disneyland Paris.

      Taking the RER (similar to the overground/local train service), it takes around 1 hour 10 minutes from Charles de Gaulle.

      4. Can I take my toddler to Disneyland Paris?

      Absolutely! Many attractions cater to toddlers, and the park is family-friendly. Lots of rides and all of the shows are suitable for a toddler, and the look of wonder in their eyes as they meet their favourite characters is worth it! Under 3s go free.

      5. What should I pack for a day trip with a toddler?

      Pack plenty of snacks, water, a change of clothes, a stroller or carrier, and any necessary items for comfort and entertainment during waiting times.

      6. Is it advisable to pre-book tickets and transport?

      Yes, pre-booking train tickets (via the SNCF app) and park tickets will save you stress on the day of your trip. Park tickets generally aren’t available on the day, and often the TGV trains are fully booked in advance.

      7. What dining options are available in Disneyland Paris?

      There are numerous dining options ranging from quick-service eateries to sit-down restaurants. It’s a good idea to pack some snacks to minimize wait times, or collect snacks as you walk through the park, and eat them to keep everyone occupied in the queues.

      8. Should I buy Premier Access for rides?

      If you’re planning to prioritise rides and avoid long queues, purchasing Premier Access can be beneficial, especially on busy days. However, I would only purchase single ride premier access for any rides that have long queues, on he day., especially as young children are below lots of the height requirements for the fast rides.

      9. What are key tips for maximising your visit?

      • Plan ahead and have a flexible itinerary.
      • Use the self-service options at restaurants to save time.
      • Stay in one park instead of switching through both to maximise your time.

      10. Are there any travel restrictions or considerations?

      Keep an eye on travel regulations and any changes to passport control requirements, especially with the implementation of the EES and Visa rollouts that could impact wait times.

    1. Show Review: Justin Time To Rock

      Show Review: Justin Time To Rock

      Justin Time to Rock, Churchill Theatre Bromley, 11am Saturday 25th October 2025.

      There’s nothing like rocking up to a theatre with the tannoy blasting “one minute until showtime“, but we managed to get to our seats just in time for show to start.

      Sat in Row H at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre, we had the perfect view to see Justin and his band, Cha Cha, Stix, Bubbles and Sunny.

      For many families, Justin Fletcher needs no introduction. Best known to millions of young viewers as Mr Tumble from Something Special, his live shows are a natural extension of his warm, inclusive approach to children’s entertainment.

      Justin Time to Rock was our third time seeing Justin Fletcher live in about 6 months, after a fantastic time at Camp Bestival and at a Butlins Tots break. I’m starting to feel like a mega fan, especially as me and the pre-schooler were both singing along to some of the less well known songs.

      What did we love?

      This was a brand new show, and after 25 years in the business it is clear to see that Justin Fletcher knows exactly what he is doing.

      Each of the scenes were short and snappy which kept people’s attention, with a mix of pop songs, actions to follow, clapping and some classic party songs to ensure everyone joins in.

      There was a baddie, lots of pantomime shouting, dancing and the occasional air guitar! Leave your inhibitions at home and dance like you are 3 years old.

      Bubbles, confetti, balloons and fireworks all added to our enjoyment.

      Anything we didn’t enjoy?

      One thing we didn’t need, was the 20 minute interval. The kids would have been happy without it, and it tipped us past our normal lunch time which caused a bit of fidgeting and asking for extra snacks.

      As there was a baddie, the lights went down a bit, and the music became a bit ominous which made the pre-schooler a bit nervous, but he soon recovered with the next song. It may be something worth considering if you have a sensitive child – and preparing them in advance for loud noises, fireworks, etc.

      Would I recommend?

      Yes! Especially if you have someone in your life who has grown up on Something Special. The way Justin interacts with the audience, both children and adults alike really is something special. It’s also a great introduction into theatre for children, a no one minds if your children make a noise – in fact, making a noise is encouraged, especially if it’s audience participation!

      The pre-schooler gave a great review of ‘I liiiiked it’ and ‘I really liked the bubbles, balloons and music’.

      Justin Fletcher, Family Theatre, Bromley Events, Churchill theatre, CBeebies, Family Days Out, Kids Theatre, Mr Tumble, Justin Time To Rock

    2. Perfect Day in Magic Kingdom With a Toddler: Our Mum & Two-Year-Old Adventure

      Perfect Day in Magic Kingdom With a Toddler: Our Mum & Two-Year-Old Adventure

      Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with a toddler and wondering how much you can actually do in one day? Here’s a detailed look at what my two-year-old and I managed to experience in just one magical day — with the help of Early Entry and Lightning Lane access.

      This itinerary is perfect for families with little ones who want a mix of fun, character interactions, gentle rides, and Disney treats!

      ✅ Quick Overview: What We Did in One Day at Magic Kingdom

      • Focused on Tomorrowland and Fantasyland
      • Used Early Entry and Lightning Lane for minimal wait times
      • Experienced 15+ rides and attractions
      • Enjoyed snacks, lunch, the 3pm parade, and character meet-and-greets
      • Visited Art of Animation Resort, rode the Skyliner, and ended the day at the Dolphin Hotel

      🚎 Starting the Day: Main Street U.S.A. & Castle Photos

      We kicked off our Magic Kingdom morning by riding the charming double-decker omnibus up Main Street, U.S.A. It’s a delightful way to take in the sights with a toddler and avoid the early morning crowds.

      Next up: Photos in front of Cinderella Castle — a must-do and great for Memory Maker!

      🚀 Tomorrowland Fun With Early Entry

      Because we had Early Theme Park Entry (available to Disney Resort hotel guests), we walked straight on to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin with no wait at all. We even had a Lightning Lane for it later, but we didn’t end up needing it!

      Then we explored more of Tomorrowland:

      • PeopleMover – A relaxing ride with great views
      • Tomorrowland Speedway – Always a toddler favorite!
      • Grabbed a quick snack: Mickey Pretzel + Popcorn (because… Disney snacks = essential)

      🎠 Fantasyland Highlights (With Lightning Lane Wins!)

      Next, we moved on to Fantasyland — perfect for little ones.

      Here’s what we rode:

      • Mad Tea Party (Teacups)
      • Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Our first Lightning Lane of the day! We rode it twice (just asked to stay on!)
      • Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
      • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – We rode this twice!
      • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
      • “It’s a Small World” – A timeless classic
      • Peter Pan’s Flight – We used Lightning Lane here too!

      This whole area is dreamy for toddlers, with plenty of space to wander and characters to spot.

      🍽️ Lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace

      For lunch, we headed back to Tomorrowland Terrace, where we found shaded seating and classic quick-service meals. A great rest stop before powering on through the afternoon!

      🎉 The Magic Continues: Parade & Character Meets

      • Watched the 3:00 PM Festival of Fantasy Parade — don’t miss this! The music, floats, and characters kept my toddler completely mesmerized.
      • Met the Wicked Stepsisters from Cinderella — hilarious and surprisingly interactive!
      • Met Mirabel from Encanto — such a special moment, especially if your little one loves the movie.

      We also made the most of PhotoPass opportunities throughout the park for those frame-worthy memories.

      🚂 Riding the Magic Kingdom Railroad

      A great mid-day rest for little legs — we rode the Magic Kingdom Railroad all around the park. It’s scenic, peaceful, and toddler-approved.

      🏁 Evening Adventures: Art of Animation & Skyliner Views

      After our day in Magic Kingdom, we caught the bus to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. My toddler LOVED the arcade and was beyond thrilled to meet Lightning McQueen — his absolute favorite character!

      We wrapped up our day with:

      • A relaxing ride on the Disney Skyliner to EPCOT
      • Then a peaceful boat ride back to our hotel: the Walt Disney World Dolphin

      The perfect ending to a magical day.

      ✨ Final Thoughts: Can You Do Magic Kingdom in One Day With a Toddler?

      Absolutely — with a bit of planning, Early Entry, and Lightning Lane access, you can enjoy a full and magical day in Magic Kingdom with a little one.

      Key takeaways:

      • Prioritize Tomorrowland and Fantasyland for toddler-friendly rides
      • Use Lightning Lanes wisely (especially for Peter Pan, Dumbo, and Speedway)
      • Take breaks with the railroad, snacks, or a slower-paced ride like PeopleMover
      • Don’t underestimate the joy of character interactions and parades

      🧒 Planning Your Own Magic Kingdom Toddler Day?

      Want help planning your own Magic Kingdom itinerary with kids under 5? Let me know in the comments or send me a message — I’d love to share tips!

      🎟️ Safe travels and have a magical day at Walt Disney World! ✨

    3. Family Travel Guide: Car Seats & Transport at Disney World

      Family Travel Guide: Car Seats & Transport at Disney World

      I just returned from our first family trip to Walt Disney World in Florida with my tw year old son, and learnt a lot about car seats and safe travelling in my search. Here’s everything I learnt!

      What are the car seat rules in the US?

      So, the USA is trickier than travelling in Europe, and most of the rest of the world. Any car seats used must meet FMVSS 213 requirements.

      Each state has their own laws and requirements. Florida requires children up to 5 to be in a car or booster seat.

      What are the travel options from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World Resort?

      There are a few ways to travel from MCO to Walt Disney World (WDW) Resort in Orlando.

      • Hire a car (best if you’re staying in a Villa)
      • Taxi, like Uber or Lyft
      • Mears Connect
      • Private hire firm (a pre-booked taxi)

      What are the travel options once you’re in Walt Disney World Resort?

      There are so many ways to get around Walt Disney World.

      • Skyliner
      • Buses
      • Monorail
      • Boats
      • Minnie Vans (these include car seats, but are more expensive than Lyft/Uber – you can order the Minnie Vans through Lyft)
      • Lyft
      Friendship Boat
      Buses
      Monorail
      Skyliner
      Sally

      What did we do on our Walt Disney World Trip?

      We initially made a reservation with the Mears Connect bus, as there is no requirement for car seats on a bus. However, when we arrived, there were people who’d already been waiting an hour or more. The staff couldn’t assist us when we asked how long we may end up waiting, so after 2 days of trying to get to Orlando (a cancelled flight and a story for another day!), I booked an Uber with a car seat to get us from MCO to Dolphin Hotel. It cost £44 in June 2025.

      We were meant to get the Mears Connect back to the airport, however we wanted to have a few hours in the park before we left and given the awful service on the way to Walt Disney World, I cancelled our booking. We returned to the airport using an Uber with a car seat. It was a brand new Nuna, and the app had a video as well as instructions on how to install it safely. I was pretty impressed!

      On days we went to Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs, I hired a Minnie Van using Lyft as I wanted to guarantee a car seat. The Mickey cartoons in the van helped my son to relax before or after a big day in the parks. Dolphin Hotel to Magic Kingdom cost $40-50 each way, which is much, much more than a standard Lyft would be. We could have taken the buses, but we were only in Orlando for a short period of time, that I wanted to maximise our park time. If you’re on a budget, I’d definitely just factor in timings for the shuttle buses.

      Blizzard Beach to Dolphin hotel cost $30 in June 2025. Dolphin Hotel to Disney Springs cost $40 in June 2025. Both of these trips were in a Minnie Van. These trips would be at least $10 cheaper in a standard Lyft.

      From Dolphin or Swan Hotels to Animal Kingdom, the resort bus actually gets you really close to the entrance. Me and my son were the only ones on our bus on the way there and one of four on the way home! It was probably around a 15 minute ride.

      From Dolphin or Swan to Epcot and Hollywood Studios we took the boat! What a way to start your day – we absolutely loved our times on the boat. It was so relaxing. We very rarely queued for longer than 15 minutes (only when we had just missed a boat!).

      When would I take or hire a car seat?

      If you have an infant car seat + pushchair, I would personally just take that! This obviously only works if your little one is under c. 15 months, but it would save a lot of hassle trying to rent a car seat or ensure a good fit in a taxi seat.

      If you are planning to stay in Orlando for a while, with lots of driving, in your own hire car, take a look at websites such Target or Walmart to get a cheap car seat. This will be a 100x better than a hire car seat, then at the end of your holiday you could either find a family or charity to pass it on to.

      You could take your own travel car seat from the UK, but I would be concerned on the impact of whether this could invalidate some insurances if you were to get into an accident.

      Have you travelled to the US and needed a car seat? What were your solutions? Let me know below!

      Find out more about taking a car seat to other destinations here.

    4. Top Summer Activities for Families in Kent and Surrey

      Top Summer Activities for Families in Kent and Surrey

      Whilst it feels like it’s been summer for months already, school is starting to finish, and the school holidays are upon us. Families are preparing for the delightful weeks ahead, filled with adventures and quality time together.

      I’ve pulled together a list of my favourite activities in Kent and Surrey (and occasionally Sussex or London too!) to help give you inspiration for your summer holidays and long weekends. From picturesque nature trails to delightful seaside visits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

      Explore the stunning landscapes of the Kent Downs or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Thames.

      If you’re looking for something more exhilarating, consider visiting one of the many adventure parks or alternatively, you could spend a day at the beach in Sussex, indulging in ice cream and soaking up the sun!

      Whatever you choose, I hope this list sparks some creativity and excitement for your family’s summer plans!

      Free days out

      Free days out are the best. Why?

      1. They’re free
      2. If you’re not sure your toddler’s got a full day trip, but you just need to get out of the house!

      So here’s a list of activities you can do!

      • Forest and woods: Places like Limpsfield Chart, Outwood, Staffhurst Woods, and Ashdown Forest are great for taking a picnic or an afternoon stroll to keep out of the heat. We love the Ashdown Forest to tie into stories of Winnie the Pooh!
      • Local parks: fancy a change from your local park, look further afield! You have small neighbourhood parks dotted around EVERYWHERE, then you have fantastic activity parks like Swanley Park just a short drive away. We love exploring parts of our local neighbourhood and trying to find secret playgrounds.
      • River and Stream exploration: do you have a local shallow stream? Can you go and explore it – are there frogs, fish, dragonflies? What can you see?
      • Treasure hunts: making something of your own, or using this from Twinkl, take a walk around your local area, seeing what you can spot! Can you spot a robin? A red car? Or a ginger cat? This helps with your kid’s observation skills, and gives you a bit of a purpose to being out of the house.
      • Supermarket trips: Dread those supermarket shops? Delegate it to your toddler! Find a local supermaket that has mini-trolleys (Morrisons), or pull along basket, make a list together at home (using pictures if you child can’t read yet), and go and have a trip to the supermarket where your child gets to lead. They can then come home and help you make whatever it is you’ve bought, maybe a cake, or dinner!

      Mid-priced days out!

      Some of these require membership, like English Heritage (currently 25% off for the summer) or National Trust, but the days out listed are under £20pp, not including lunch!

      • Seaside day out: we like Whitsable, Rye, Brighton (obvs) and is fairly easy on public transport, Dymchurch, Camber Sands, Hastings and Eastbourne are all within 90minutes of East Surrey.
      • Local animal experiences: Experience the thrill of an owl flying over your head, or meeting some ferrets at Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre (£8.99 for an adult); Reuthes Alpaca Treks (£49 for 4 people) ; Becketts Farm near Dorking is amazing, Eagle Heights, or a day trip to Godstone Farm (£17.95 for ages 2+). Hobbledown Heath / Epsom are also not too far away, and have great adventure playgrounds for the kids!
      • National Trust: We’re so lucky to have a lots of National Trust properties near us, places like Chartwell, Emmetts Garden, Standen House, Igtham Mote are all within an hour’s drive from East Kent – and all have activities on this summer! We love having our pass, and recommend asking for them for birthdays and christmas when the house is already looking full of toys!
      • Historical exploration: Hever Castle, Eltham Palace, Darwins House, Lullingstone Roman Villa.

      Special days out

      These are the days that aren’t for every week, but from theme parks, to adventures, these are either full day trips, or days out where the price per person is more than £10.

      • Merlin attractions, including Thorpe Park, Chessingtons, Legoland, and sea life centres – you could even tie in a visit to Shrek’s. If you want to visit further afield, places like Warwick Castle or Brighton Sealife centres are also included. To make it a bit cheaper, you could splash out on an annual pass –Merlin annual pass
      • Paddington’s Adventures, London Southbank – this is a great immersive experience, it’s almost like an escape room for kids – and the theming is superb!
      • Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the V&A, followed by a run around Hyde Park makes for a cracking day out. Pre-book tickets in advance to make sure you’re not queuing for ages.
      • A day to France! If you’re far enough south, treat yourself to a day to northern France. Dunkirk, Amiens, Le Touquet, Lille, are all close enough to drive (although it will be a long day!).
      • A one or two day trip – try using skyscanner (‘everywhere’ to see if you can get any cheap flights and go somewhere you’ve never thought before! Looking today, an adult and a child could go to Ireland for £105 total for Weds 6th to Thurs 7th August, or Barcelona for £150, not including hotels. But what an adventure that could be!

      Summary

      The summer is long, but hopefully this has given you a few ideas for activities with your kids this summer!

      Let me know below what you’re planning on doing this year!

    5. Essential Checklist for Traveling to the USA with a Toddler or Young Child (2025 Guide)

      Essential Checklist for Traveling to the USA with a Toddler or Young Child (2025 Guide)

      Ticking off the toddler’s 4th continent before his 3rd birthday, we recently travelled to the United States of America, or well, Florida, and I found getting everything in order before we left a bit of a challenge, so thought I’d share my list to help you on your travels! Flying to the US can be a bit daunting, so let me know below if you’ve got any questions!

      Flying to the US with a toddler doesn’t need to be stressful!

      Non-Negotiable Travel Documents for the USA

      Thinking about what documents do I need to travel to the US with a child? The list below should have you covered!

      • ESTA. Use the US gov website, as it is the cheapest way to do it. Set aside at least 15 minutes per person to complete it. ESTA website. Make sure you have your hotel booked (or know where you’re staying in advance), as you’ll need to give contact details for where you’re staying in the US. If you have multiple locations, just complete with the first hotel you are staying in.
      • Travel insurance. Make sure you’ve selected worldwide travel insurance, and that it includes the US. Use something like TravelSupermarket or another comparison site to get the best deal.
      • Passport (check expiration dates for all the family!). For the US, your passport needs to ‘be valid for the length of your stay’, but if you are travelling elsewhere, it’ll need to have at least 6 months left. Read more on the UK gov website.
      • Birth Certificate – if you are travelling alone with a child, or if you have different surnames, just in case you get challenged!
      • A signed or notarised letter from the other parent, or parents, if the child is travelling with grandparents, or only one parent. Read more on the UK gov website.
      • Ability to access something that proves you live in the UK – most of which you’ll have on your phone, like banking apps, or work emails etc.
      • Ensure you have the address or at a very minimum, know the name of where you are staying.

      I was travelling solo with my son, but luckily wasn’t asked for his birth certificate or letter from my husband, but I made sure I prepared as I have previously been asked quite seriously about my son’s names/passport/is he my son, when coming back into the UK passport control, one solo holiday to France.

      I had a signed letter, with my husbands passport scanned on to it too. My son has my surname as a middle name, but has a different surname to me, which always seems to cause a few issues.

      Important Things to Organise Before You Go

      • Plane meals! Check if you can order a kids meal, or if you have special dietary requirements a specialist meal. If you have a diary allergy, we were told by a air steward who’s kid has a diary allergy, to order the ‘lactose free’ one, as actually it just doesn’t include any milk. Check out BA’s overview.
      • Airport parking (if driving). With a toddler, we’ve found that valet parking at the airport is worth the extra cost, but extra convenience! It’s one of the closest locations at Gatwick and Heathrow to enter the airport, and not having to wait to get in your car after a long flight feels like absolute luxury!
      • Travel to/from the UK airport
      • Travel to/from the US airport
      • Car hire in the US if needed
      • Hotel in the US. This address is needed to complete your ESTA.
      • Check your debit/credit card works overseas. I always just get cash out at an ATM on arrival!
      • Check out what tv and films will be on the plane, so you know what to guide your child to!
      • Download films and favourite tv shows. The morning you leave, pop your phone / iPad into airplane mode to confirm they work offline! Don’t repeat our issue of promising Hey Duggee, but iPlayer didn’t work!
      • Make sure you don’t have anything disparaging about the US / government on your social media, just in case you are stopped.

      Plane Prep: What to Pack for Flying with a Toddler

      • Snacks, snacks and more snacks!
      • a new toy – I like the small lego sets to take on the plane, as they aren’t too fiddly, and can usually keep my son’s attention for an hour or so. I use an Ikea drawer divider to keep the pieces together on the tray table, then a string bag to make sure no pieces go missing.
      • Change of clothes for everyone (down to your socks!)
      • A large muslin or thin blanket. We were provided with blankets, but I used a thin blanket as a foot rest – tucked into the tray table to help make the toddler more cosy.
      • Travel and sticker books. Check out my recommendations here.
      • Toddler over ear headphones. We have a pair like this, and whilst British Airways did have some for children, it’s probably best to get your toddler used to them in advance!
      • Reusable bottles – you can fill up at the airports.
      • Baby wipes, sterilising / anti-bac wipes, and anti-bac hand spray
      • Portable potty or nappies. If you’re early in potty training – maybe take puppy pads to pop on the seat. Plane toilet seats actually aren’t too bad for toddlers to sit on as they seem to be smaller than normal toilets – but the noise of the plane / toilets can be a bit scary for a newly toilet trained kid.

      Click here to check out our guide for transport in and around Walt Disney World.

    6. A week in Marrakech with a toddler

      A week in Marrakech with a toddler

      Top 10 Toddler-Friendly Things to Do in Marrakech (Family Guide)

      🐪Exploring Marrakech 🇲🇦with a toddler? Here are some of our favourite places from our adventure! 🐫

      1. Le Jardin Secret 🪴This was our favourite garden as there were fewer crowds and more space to ourselves. They have fish in a (tiny) pond, and an irrigation system that runs along the pavement, which is a great spot for playing Pooh sticks / leaves to see how far they can travel!
      2. Jardin Marjoelle. This is the YSL garden that’s beautifully set up. It was so busy when we visited (4:30pm on a Friday), and everyone seemed to have main character energy ensuring there was only space for them to have photos, but had started emptying out by the time we left, so I think a later in the day booking is best. Also make sure you pre-book your tickets well in advance, as we were limited (plays the museum isn’t open on some days). We loved the museum and seeing all of Hamish Bowles YSL collection on display.
      3. The souks! 🛍️What trip to Marrakesh would be complete without a trip to the Souks? We had our toddler in a carrier (we used an Oscha ring sling, but we also use a Integra Solar) to keep him out of the way of the motorbikes but really we didn’t find it too crowded/dangerous (or any of the scare stories you see online!). Definitely haggle though – and start at about 30-40% of the price they initially state.
      4. Rooftop bars, restaurants and ice cream. We went to an amazing ice cream restaurant called Argana Marrakech which has ice cream and sorbet on the top floor overlooking the main square. We also ate at a few other rooftop restaurants which were great.
      5. Dar el Bacha. So the main draw of this is the Bacha Coffee shop, but that’s not really our jam, so we just visited the house / museum. Bit of a weird one as everything is pretty much from the 50s or younger, but the actual architecture is beautiful. We got there about 11am and all the tickets for the coffee shop were sold out, but the line into the museum went quickly.
      6. Visiting Camels. This was probably our highlight. We rode camels, but actually I don’t really know how I feel about it, but I would ride a horse, but not an elephant, so was conflicted with a camel, but the ones we rode appeared healthy, well looked after and were calm, plus they were great with the toddler – he gave them a massive hug at the end, which was very cute. Our hotel also had 3 camel, so we went to visit them daily! Camels are a new family fave!
      7. Bahia Palace. This was our favourite stately building of them all. It had a bit of earthquake damage from the 2024 earthquake, but the majority of the building was both spectacular and in good condition.
      • A trip to the Atlas Mountains. We booked a private tour through Airbnb (as we thought with a toddler it would be easier to go at our own pace). The drive was a bit long, so next time we would look to spend a night in the mountains, but it was doable for a day trip, especially with someone else driving! We hiked up to a waterfall (which was quite busy and had some tricky parts, like uneven grounds, drops
      • A pool day. We stayed in a hotel (Club Med La Palmeraie – let me know if you want a referral code for £200 discount!), which had an amazing kids pool area, then multiple other pools. We had a few pool only days, and would also pop to the pool before or after a trip into central Marrakech.
      • Dinner at Narwama. Or a similar show type restaurant. But don’t make the same mistake we did – the shows don’t start until later (9:30ish), so don’t book dinner at 7pm like we did, as that’s a really long time to keep a toddler entertained! There was dancing, fire, etc!

      Final thoughts: is Marrakech a good holiday for a toddler?

      Yes! Mainly as the people we met were so friendly and welcoming to our son.

      It’s so different in terms of culture, architecture, climate to the UK, and it feels like it’s the closest place you can have such a different experience.

      If you’re not ready for Marrakech, why not take a trip to Grenada, and visit the Alhambra instead?

      ✈️ Planning a trip soon?

      Let me know what you’ve got planned!

    7. A Day at the Natural History Museum London with Our Toddler

      A Day at the Natural History Museum London with Our Toddler

      Our 2.5-year-old is deep in his dinosaur era — so where better to go than the iconic Natural History Museum in London? This was our first visit this year where we explored more than just the dinosaurs, and it ended up being one of our favourite family outings yet.

      From awe-inspiring exhibits to surprising toddler-friendly moments, here’s what made it so great — plus our top tips for visiting the Natural History Museum with toddlers.

      Why We Love the Natural History Museum for Toddlers

      We’ve been several times, but this trip was a turning point:

      • Our toddler was old enough to explore more independently and engaged with the interactive exhibits
      • He asked (so many!) questions. There’s a wonderful kids guide book you can buy (which we’ll be bringing with us next time too!) which means you can continue the learning on the way home.
      • He has so much more
      • And yes — he is still absolutely obsessed with dinosaurs 🦖

      As members of the Natural History Museum, we also avoided long queues and got free access to special exhibits like the Space exhibit – both big wins with a toddler in tow!

      🦕 Our Top Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with a Toddler

      🎟️ 1. Book Tickets or Get a Membership in Advance

      If you’re visiting during weekends or school holidays, queues can be intense. Booking online or becoming a member helps you skip the wait — and gives you access to all temporary exhibitions.

      🗺️ 2. Plan Your Route Before You Arrive

      The museum is huge and can feel overwhelming. With a toddler, it helps to choose 2–3 key zones you want to visit. Our go-to route is:

      • East Entrance
      • Through the centre of the earth and experience an earthquake!
      • Back down to the east entrance and through a cafe
      • A snack break
      • A featured exhibit (this time it was Space!)
      • Dinosaurs
      • Then back out through Hintze Hall and the main entrance.

      This really only takes about 2-3 hours which is enough for a small child!

      🪙 3. Try the Coin Presses for Budget-Friendly Souvenirs

      Throughout the museum — especially in the dinosaur section — you’ll find coin pressing machines. For just a few pence, your toddler gets a memorable (and interactive!) keepsake.

      🥙 4. Plan Your Lunch Strategically

      The on-site cafes aren’t always great for special dietary needs (like dairy-free), and nearby restaurants get busy from 12pm.
      Our tip: Visit the museum in the morning, then hop back to Victoria for a wider range of lunch spots with toddler-friendly menus.

      🦖 5. Prepare for the T. Rex Encounter

      The animatronic T. rex is spectacular but can be overwhelming, especially for a first-time visitor. It’s tucked around a corner, so it can come as a surprise.
      We like to talk it up beforehand to build excitement — and it’s worked every time so far!

      🚽 6. Know the Best Toilets

      Toilet breaks with a toddler are never optional. The quietest and most convenient toilets we’ve found are in the picnic area under Hintze Hall — bonus: they’re near the dinosaurs.

      Final Thoughts: Is the Natural History Museum Worth It with a Toddler?

      Absolutely. Watching our toddler explore the Natural History Museum with curiosity, excitement, and a million questions made the day incredibly rewarding.

      We love it so much we’re members there, even though it takes us about 90 mins to travel from home.

      It’s a wonderful place to nurture a love of science, history, and discovery in little ones.

      📍Planning a Trip Soon?

      Let us know where you’re heading!