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24 Hours in Amsterdam With a 3-Year-Old: Our Toddler-Friendly Itinerary

On our way back from Efteling (read about our trip here), I had 24 hours to spare in Amsterdam with a kid.

I lived in Amsterdam for a year, so I was SO excited to show my son the city, as I love it. Everyone thinks it’s a seedy location, and there are areas I’d recommend you skip if travelling with kids, but you can have a great day, or weekend away in Amsterdam as there are so many activities your kids will enjoy.

Getting around Amsterdam with a kid

We used Citymapper or google maps whenever we needed to use public transport to check timings and location, and bought E-Tickets through the 9292.nl app, which was so easy to use.

I hired a bike from Black’s Bikes in Amsterdam. It was quite a last minute decision so we just walked to the closest location, but if you’re looking for a child seat, or a cargo bike, I’d recommend booking in advance on their website. I rented a helmet for my son through them, but if you have space, next time I’d take my own. Also hire a phone holder so you can follow googlemaps easily – it was a lifesaver.

I used to live in Amsterdam, so I know my way around, I understand that the streets are mostly one-way, what to do at junctions and just have experience cycling around Amsterdam, but if you’re not so confident, it might be best to use public transport or walk! There are also some incredibly steep bridges to cycle over, so don’t let anyone fool you into thinking Amsterdam is flat!

We used the metro to get from Amsterdam to the airport, plus the trams are a really fun way to get around if you aren’t comfortable cycling.

Walking is also a great way to get around and the streets are fine to use a buggy or pushchair on.

We flew into and out of Amsterdam Schiphol with Easyjet, as the flights are around 40minutes, so you could do an Amsterdam trip in a day (depending on how bad EES and Visas make immigration queues!).

First Afternoon in Amsterdam

We had lunch on the train from Tilburg, and arrived into Amsterdam around 12:30pm.

We walked to our hotel to drop our bags off, and were greeted with a really warm welcome by the front desk staff.

We then walked to Black’s Bikes to pick up our bike, and hopped on ready for a cycle across Amsterdam.

We rode through Rijksmuseum, Zuiderkerkbuurt, and along Rokin to get to NEMO Science Museum – it was around a 15min cycle, with a few stops to take photos. If you don’t want to pay for entry, or do not have enough time, you can reach the rooftop for free. It gives great rooftop views over Amsterdam, and has a cafe so you can have drinks watching the sun set.

Next door to the NEMO Science Museum is the National Maritime Museum, which is also great for kids. We didn’t have time for it, but it is on our list for next time.

Our evening in Amsterdam

On the way back from NEMO, we popped into Albert Heijn, the Dutch supermarket to pick up picnic bits for dinner, as we had a sunset canal cruise booked with Lovers.nl. The canal cruises are best at nighttime as you have the lights sparkling, and it’s beautiful, whereas in the day there’s not a lot to see.

I booked it to give our legs a rest, but this could be something to skip if you don’t have time. My son was pretty bored, but luckily the snacks and a game or two of eye spy kept him occupied!

We headed back to the hotel around 7pm to relax as we’d had a long few days in Efteling and were getting pretty tired.

Which hotel to stay in Amsterdam?

We stayed in Banks Mansion in Amsterdam and it was amazing. We were upgraded to a suite, and there is a free minibar, free drinks downstairs and a free breakfast. It’s art deco and has views over the canals which was amazing waking up to.

We’ve stayed in Airbnb’s before, and in the Mariott (for work), but this time I really struggled to choose. We were only staying for a night, so wanted to be really central, I didn’t want to spend too much (but wanted a good spot), and I was travelling with a kid, so needed somewhere that wasn’t too ‘adult’ or too ‘seedy’!

We were also looking at the NH hotels , specifically the City Centre one, but managed to get a cheap last minute deal at Banks Mansion, through their website directly.

Our morning in Amsterdam

Being a very different trip to Amsterdam as just a mum and a son, compared to previous friend or partner trips, we woke up very bright and early after a super comfortable sleep at the Banks Mansion.

It was absolutely beautiful seeing the city wake up over the canal. We had breakfast number one at the hotel, then headed out to get to Amsterdam Zoo (ARTIS) as soon as it opened. We travelled via Albert Heijn for snacks and fruit, then parked the bike up at Amsterdam Zoo.

It is cheaper to pre-book tickets in advance for Artis, and the enclosures are fairly small, although they are much, much better than the last time I visited in 2014. They have elephants, zebra, giraffe, antelopes, lions and pumas too. They do a lot of conservation work, and we didn’t see any particularly stressed animals, so I’m glad it’s got better for the animals.

We then travelled to have our second breakfast at a Petit Lou in Amsterdam, as they serve dairy-free pancakes! This was fantastic news to both of us, plus they had oat milk for my son to drink, and overall it was a delicious option. It got quite full, so I’d recommend a reservation.

From there, we cycled around Amsterdam, via Melly’s Stroopwafels for some dairy free stroopwafels, and down to Spui to visit the Begijnhof, which is one of my favourite secret spots in Amsterdam.

From there, we dropped our bike back off with Black’s Bikes, headed back to Banks Mansion to pick our bag up, and then headed on the metro to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Also, if you’re travelling to Amsterdam without children, my favourite cocktail bar is Door 74!

11th May 2026
World of Paw Patrol at Chessington Review (2026): Is It Worth Visiting?
The new Paw Patrol land at Chessington’s opened on Sunday 3rd May 2026, ready to roll for the summer season!

If your child loves Paw Patrol and is aged two to seven, World of Paw Patrol is one of the best new UK family attractions for 2026. The theming is excellent, the rides are aimed at younger children, and the whole area is just so much fun!

I decided to treat ourselves to a Merlin Annual Pass as we want to visit Warwick Castle this year, visit Paw Patrol World and I’ve got an adult only trip to Thorpe Park planned too!

I took my 3 year old with me, and we visited in opening week, on Wednesday 6th May (a weekday in term time) and had a brilliant time. Queues were not too long, manageable for a 3 year old who was incredibly excited to be immersed in Adventure Bay.

Here’s our Paw Patrol World review, how to make the most of it with kids, and some top tips you might need.

Paw Patrol World

Paw Patrol World at Chessington – Zuma’s Hovercraft

Paw Patrol World at Chessington – immersice theming and playgrounds

What is Paw Patrol World?

Paw Patrol World is an immersive, interactive experience, taking your pre-schooler straight into the action in Adventure Bay. It’s great for kids aged 2 and up (as most of the rides are 90cm or taller) and is one of the best new lands we’ve visited.

We’ve visited World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris, but I’d say the new Paw Patrol World is more fun than

With a minimum height of 90cm, adults are expected to ride with their children up to around 1.1m.

Rides

There are 4 new rides in the Paw Patrol area, which are all great entry level rides for budding theme park enthusiasts!

All rides are outside, queues are outside, so if it rains – you’ll get wet! Only the shop and meet and greet are inside areas.

🚤 Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure

Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure ride is a thrilling whizzing ride, which allows you to control how often you want to accelerate round the circle.

It’s a really fun ride, but for a small child, the forces of being thrown around (a bit like in a Waltzer) may be too much.

We rode this once, with a queue time of around 15 minutes.

🚨 Chase’s Mountain Mission

Chase’s Mountain Mission is an entry level rollercoaster for children (and adults!) over 90cm tall. You enter through headquarters where you’re alerted to a mission you need to complete.

We rode this twice towards the end of the day, with only a 10 to 15 minute queue time. Earlier in the day queues were between 30 and 45 minutes.

🚁 Skye’s Helicopter Heroes

Skye’s Helicopter Heroes is the most gentle ride in Paw Patrol Land. Children sit at the front of the helicopter and can pretend to fly around the sky, ready to help! Adults can climb into the back, but it’s a fairly tight squeeze.

This is a great ride if your child is uncertain, as there’s very little peril!

We rode it once, and the queue took around 15 minutes.

🚒 Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue

Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue was my son’s absolutely favourite ride.

It took him a few attempts to want to go on it (he kept saying he’ll go on it later), but then once we’d been on it once, we then had to go on it four more times!

It used to be situated elsewhere at Chessington’s, so isn’t a new ride, but has been themed into Marshall’s Firetruck.

It goes round and round in a vertical circle and makes your tummy feel funny, but was so much fun! Queues were less than a minute in the afternoon, as we were able to get off, then go straight back through the queue to get on again!

Meet and Greets

We met 3 Paw Patrol characters at Chessington. The queues were really short (c. 5 minutes per character) and we met:
- Chase
- Rubble
- Marshall
You receive a photopass ticket, so you can have a whole family photo, or otherwise you can use your phone.

Digital Photopass at Chessington’s currently costs £30

They change characters regularly, so keep checking in.

Paw Patrol World at Chessington – Meet & Greets

Where can we meet the Paw Patrol Characters?

The Paw Patrol Meet and Greet is situated in Adventure Bay’s Town Hall, with the entrance next to Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue.

Top Tips for visiting Paw Patrol World with kids

Shopping at Paw Patrol World at Chessington
- The shop is pretty hidden within the town hall, so you can skip it if you don’t want to negotiate over toys.
- If you do visit the Paw Patrol shop, there are stickers and tattoos for £2, or there are smaller Paw Patrol cars that are £12, or larger vehicles that are £25.
First Aid at Paw Patrol World
- Need first aid at Paw Patrol? Ask a member of staff for the first aid room, or for smaller accidents, the Paw Patrol shop sells wipes, Paw Patrol plasters and tissues.
Queue times at Paw Patrol World
- Queues were longer in the morning, but by 2pm Paw Patrol World was getting quieter and queue times were shrinking.
- On a weekday in term time, in opening week, queues were typically between 5-30 minutes.
- Queues are shorter in the afternoon and towards the end of the day.
- In June or July, there tend to be lots of school trips, which may increase wait times, and in school holidays wait times are always a lot longer due to the crowds.
Food in Paw Patrol World?
- There is a small food location within Paw Patrol World which does sandwiches, crepes and snacks (Bear fruit snacks, biscuits, and drinks).
- We ended up having lunch elsewhere in the park as we
- There are picnic benches and a small grass area if you want to take your own picnic lunch to eat at Paw Patrol Land.
- There is no indoor seating area in Paw Patrol Land, so if it rains – you’ll get wet!
Are there toilets or baby change in Paw Patrol World?
- There are toilets in the ‘town hall’ of Paw Patrol World and there are a few baby change areas too.
- If you’re looking for toddler toilet seats, Paw Patrol World is missing them, but they can be found around the rest of Chessingtons. Not sure why they’ve not added the child toilet seats in Paw Patrol World, given it’s themed for the little ones!
- Download the app to make sure you know where your closest toilets are!
My child is scared of theme park rides, is Paw Patrol Land for them?
- Definitely! There’s a large themed play area, a fun slide, meet and greets and themed food. It’s a really fun space.
- I’d recommend Skye’s Helicopter Heroes for nervous first-timers, as whilst it goes quite high, it’s a very slow and gentle ride, so a great introduction for worried theme park attendees.
- Please don’t do what we saw on our visit and hold up the ride by trying to force your child onto a ride they are terrified of. It delays the queue for everyone else, and probably traumatises your child! It’s frustrating having queued up for a ride that your kid then freaks out about, but at the end of the day, it’s only a ride!
- The rest of Chessingtons has animals, Zufari and some smaller rides (like the carousel), which are nice and gentle and great theme park introductions.
Would I recommend Paw Patrol World?

Overall, Paw Patrol World at Chessington World of Adventure was a perfect UK day out with kids, and we can’t wait to return!

The 3 year old has already asked to return with his friends, and can’t wait to visit again!

Before Paw Patrol Land, Chessington’s had become a very sad and very unloved theme park. We live nearby so we have visited a few times, but compared to places like Paulton’s Park, the general theming, upkeep and ride queue times has typically been poor at Chessington, but now, Paw Patrol Land really has turned the park around, and made it a *must visit* attraction!

Have you been? Did you enjoy it?

Do you have any questions? Let me know using the feedback button or commenting below.

Read more of our theme park blogs, Disneyland blogs, or Efteling blogs.
9th May 2026
What to expect from Disneyland Paris’s new World of Frozen
The same day that the World of Frozen opened on 29th March 2026, we said goodbye to Disney Studios, and hello to Disney Adventure world.

Walking through the newly developed World Showcase Plaza, through the doors and straight in front of you, you’ll come to Adventure Way, which takes you to the huge lake, and the site where the new Worlds are be located.

How to get to the World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World?

To reach the new Frozen area will really depend on how busy it will be, and whether a queuing system is in place. Luckily the app has a handy queue timer for this! We recommend around the lake in a clockwise direction to reach the World of Frozen, which is situated at about midnight if it was a clock! It’s quite a long walk, with not too much to do, but the views are amazing. There’s a lot wind as well – so wrap up warm!

On your way to World of Frozen, along Adventure Way, you’ll walk past the location of an outdoor Tangled sing-along ‘ A Musical Moment with Rapunzel & Flynn’ which is well worth a watch, and see if you can spot a super cute Winnie the Pooh bench.

Can you meet Olaf at the World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris?

One of the key exciting elements coming out of the Disneyland Paris pre-launch advertising of the World of Frozen, was the lifelike Olaf anamatronic seen to be strolling around the streets of Arendelle.

From our visits, and from what we’ve read, your best option to see him is in the ‘A Celebration of Arendelle’ show, or on the Frozen ride, but occasionally you may get lucky to see him out and about! Keep an eye on the Disneyland Paris app, as currently (April 2026) Olaf isn’t available for meets, but Nick Wilde from Zootropolis is instead.

You can easily meet a Wandering Oaken, who was easily spotted heads and shoulders above everyone else nearby. He is free range, so not tickets or virtual queues needed.

For Anna & Elsa, make sure you’re ready for the virtual queues at 9am and 2pm – I always like to set an alarm to make sure I don’t miss it.

Food in Disney Adventure World

Our top favourites are:
- Regal View – dining with the princesses. The dining room is beautiful, the princesses are wonderful, however the food was fine, but not great for people with allergies (as food cannot be adjusted).
- Café Luminosity – hot dogs and cinnamon buns, but with a slightly different take on Caseys
- Nordic Crowns Tavern – a Frozen themed quick service restaurant which has equivalent vibes
- Super Diner – for eating somewhere a lot quieter than the rest of Disney Adventure World. Need somewhere for a sensory break? Super Diner is one of the quietest food areas in Disney Adventure World, and serves Shawarma which is a tasty option.
Briar Rose / Aurora at Regal View

Regal View views

Beautifully decorated with an open layout

Rides in Disney Adventure World

The launch of Disney Adventure World involved the launch of two brand new rides, greatly

Frozen Ever After: a carbon copy of the Walt Disney World Epcot Frozen ride, but it is such a great ride to take kids on to see their favourite characters, singing their favourite songs! There is a drop that is larger than the Pirates of the Caribbean drop, and quite a thick lap bar is used, so I would be aware of that as pregnant people are not allowed to ride, and if you are taking a child, it would be trickier for them to be on your lap.

Raiponce Tangled Spin

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After

Raiponce Tangled Spin: similar to the teacups, but much more elegant, Raiponce Tangled Spin is based off the tangled film.

Our top Disney Adventure World Ride, especially for pre-schoolers up, is Spiderman Web Adventure, as its an interactive ride, great for all your budding mini Spideys. Although this then means every future picture you have of your 3 year old includes Spiderman hands! We’ve now ridden it more than 20 times, and can’t stop returning!

Night time show – Cascade of Lights

Now this is one of the biggest changes – Disney Adventure World now has its own water based show, including drones!

Luckily, the lake at Disney Adventure World is HUGE, so you don’t need to pick a spot well in advance, plus some areas are tiered, so there’s more visibility than at the Castle show. If you’re only going to see one show this year, I’d recommend Cascade of Lights, but wrap up warm – the wind across the lake can be incredibly chilly, even on the warmest of days. So handwarmers and extra layers will be key to pack!

My 3 year old isn’t a fan of fireworks, and we had a Spiderman room booked at the Marvel hotel, so we headed off early. The show starts around 20 minutes before park closing time, which can be checked in the app.

Other must sees in Disney Adventure World
- Minnie’s Disney Marching Band – absolutely a must see. We caught it at sunset on our way out of the park, and it was absolutely spectacular – it kept both me and my 3 year old fully engaged!
- A Celebration in Arendelle – this was enjoyable, but it’s really hard to see unless you get a good spot well in advance, or if you are a kid on an adults shoulders standing at the back of the crowd! It’s fantastic to be so ‘within’ Arendelle, but definitely make sure you grab your spot at some railings around the Frozen harbour area.
My thoughts on Disneyland Paris Adventure World (skip if you don’t want spoilers!)

I love Disneyland Paris. I love Frozen. Given there was so much hype about the World of Frozen and the rebranding, I probably went in with too high expectations. But I have some questions:

Why is the Arendelle area so small? Why is the Frozen ride an exact copy of EPCOT? Why wasn’t more effort put into the Tangled ride? If you’ve been to Fantasy Springs in Tokyo, their Frozen ride is beautiful, and could definitely have fitted into Adventure World, as the lake is HUGE. There’s a lot of open space, but where is the magic? Everything is really spread out and it just increases walking time (which I understand is part of theme park operations – you need people to feel like they are busy, when actually it’s just part of park management).

There’s loads of amazing Disney IP and it feels like they’ve just missed the spot slightly, as if you compare it again to the Fantasy Springs area in Tokyo, that is actually magical. The tiny details are wonderful.

If this is your first trip to Disneyland Paris, your trip will be complete magic no matter what. Seeing the awe in your kids eyes when they get to step foot in ARENDELLE is wonderful no matter what, and that made it for me. If you’ve been to Paris before, or have experienced Orlando, California or Tokyo, you may be asking similar questions!

Let me know if you’ve got any questions before your trip, and I’ll be able to answer them! Have you visited Disneyland Paris World of Adventure? What are your thoughts?

When will the World of Frozen open at Disneyland Paris?

The World of Frozen opened on 29th March 2026 as part of the expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park, which was rebranded as Disney Adventure World at the same time.

What is the World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris?

The World of Frozen is a new themed land inspired by Disney’s Frozen films. It recreates the village of Arendelle and includes attractions, shows, dining, and character meet-and-greets themed around Elsa, Anna, and friends.

What rides will be in the World of Frozen?

The main attraction is Frozen Ever After, a family-friendly boat ride that takes you through iconic scenes from the movies. It doesn’t have a height limit (so all ages can rides), but it isn’t suitable for pregnant mothers due to the lap bar and two drops in the ride.

Is the World of Frozen suitable for toddlers?

Yes, the World of Frozen is designed to be family-friendly. The main ride is fairly gentle (although with a slightly steeper drop than Pirates of the Caribbean), and there will are plenty of visual experiences, shows, and character interactions that toddlers can enjoy.

Will you need a separate ticket for the World of Frozen?

No, access to the World of Frozen will be included with your standard ticket to Disneyland Paris. However, you may need to join virtual queues or book Premier Access for popular rides.

How busy will the World of Frozen be?

The area is expected to be very popular, especially during its first year. Visiting early in the day, staying at a Disney hotel for extra magic hours, or travelling outside peak school holidays and weekends can help you avoid the biggest crowds.

Can you meet Elsa and Anna in the World of Frozen?

Yes, character meet-and-greets with Elsa and Anna are possible if you are able to join the virtual queue. Occasionally you are able to meet Olaf (check the Disneyland Paris app), and they often have characters walking around Arendelle.

Is the World of Frozen worth visiting ?

If you or your kids love Frozen, it will likely be one of the highlights of Disneyland Paris. It’s slightly smaller than I had expected, but is beautiful. Just be prepared for crowds and plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

Where is the World of Frozen located?

The land is part of the expanded second park (currently Walt Disney Studios Park), which is undergoing a major transformation into a more immersive, story-driven park.

Read more about our Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris and how Disneyland Paris compares to the Netherland’s Efteling.

Or if you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida, read my tips for taking a Toddler.
28th Apr 2026
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.
24th Feb 2026
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.
23rd Feb 2026
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.
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.
29th Jan 2026
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

26th Oct 2025
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! ✨
19th Sep 2025
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.
19th Sep 2025
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!
8th Jul 2025