Planning a Disney vacation with multiple generations—young kids, parents, grandparents—can be magical... and also a little daunting. With different interests, energy levels, and needs, it’s easy for the planning process to feel overwhelming.

Here’s how to plan a multi-generational Disney trip that’s smooth, magical, and full of memories for all ages.

1. Decide How You Want to Coordinate Planning

Every family is different when it comes to planning. Some prefer a single point person who works with the travel advisor and keeps everyone else in the loop. Others prefer that each household handle their own logistics while the travel advisor helps coordinate the big picture.

There’s no right or wrong—just choose what works best for your group. I’m here to support you either way, whether you want to manage everything yourself or hand the reins over entirely.

At Disney’s Riviera Resort, the villas have full kitchens!

2. Choose the Right Accommodations for Your Group

The key to a comfortable multi-gen vacation is giving everyone space to rest and reconnect. Disney offers incredible resort options that work well for larger families:

Deluxe Villas at resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort or Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offer multiple bedrooms, living areas, and full kitchens—perfect for families who want to stay together but not be on top of each other.
Monorail Resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian or Polynesian Village make transportation with strollers or mobility devices super easy.
For more budget-conscious groups, Art of Animation and All-Star Music family suites sleep up to 6 and include two bathrooms (a game-changer).

I’ll help you find the best fit based on your group size, mobility needs, and preferences!

3. Use Lightning Lanes Strategically

With a big group, no one wants to waste precious time standing in line. Disney’s Lightning Lane MultiPass is a must for making the most of your day. One person can book Lightning Lanes for up to 20 members of your party, which makes it easy for large group planning!

You can pre-select up to 3 attractions in advance, then add more throughout the day after your first is used.
This system works beautifully for big families: reserve popular attractions that appeal to the whole group, or plan split activities where the thrill-seekers head to the coasters while others opt for gentle rides or character experiences.
Pair it with the Single Pass option for individual must-do rides.

I help my clients create a custom ride strategy so everyone gets to do what they love, without the stress. You can read my full post on Lightning Lanes here!

4. Build in Downtime

This is crucial for keeping everyone happy—especially kids and grandparents. Disney can be intense, and nobody wants to be dragging by 3 PM.

Plan for midday breaks back at the resort for naps, pool time, or just relaxing.
Schedule sit-down meals at slower times for natural breaks in the day..

Remember, the goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to make meaningful memories without burnout.

Dopey is one of my kids’ favorite characters, and you can meet him at Storybook Dining at Artist Point, in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

5. Consider Dining Reservations

When you’re traveling with multiple generations, food becomes more than just a necessity, it’s part of the experience. Disney dining has something for everyone:

Character meals like Chef Mickey’s or Storybook Dining at Artist Point are perfect for little ones and give adults a chance to relax while the characters come to you.
Signature dining at places like California Grill or Topolino’s Terrace lets the grown-ups enjoy a more elevated experience, especially if grandparents can babysit the kids.
I always recommend a mix of reservations and flexibility, because sometimes Mickey-shaped pretzels hit just right after a long day.

6. Create a Flexible, Custom Itinerary

You don’t (and shouldn’t!) need to plan every minute, but a thoughtful outline can go a long way in keeping everyone happy.

Focus on a few must-dos for each person or group.
Keep the mornings active while everyone’s fresh, then slow things down in the afternoon.
Build in time for park hopping, spontaneous fun, and even “do your own thing” time if needed.

7. Capture the Magic

Don’t forget to preserve those moments! Multi-generational Disney trips are truly special, and you’ll want to remember them.

Use Disney’s Memory Maker to get professional photos throughout the parks—especially those rare full-family shots.
Consider a private Capture Your Moment photo session
Encourage each generation to take a few candid photos of their experience. Those spontaneous moments are often the ones you’ll treasure most.

At Amy Belfi Travel, I take care of the details—so you can focus on the magic. Whether it’s your first Disney trip or your tenth, a multi-generational vacation can be joyful, relaxing, and unforgettable… with the right planning.

Ready to get started? Let’s design a Disney vacation your whole family will be talking about for years to come. ✨

How to Plan a Multi-Generational Disney Vacation Without the Stress