Taking your kids to Disney as a solo mom is no small feat. You’ve got to be the tour guide, the snack supplier, the bathroom navigator, and the keeper of all things magical—while managing to enjoy the experience yourself! It sounds like a lot (because it is), but with some clever time-saving hacks, you can make your Disney trip a little less stressful and a whole lot more fun. Whether you’re navigating long lines, organizing park bags, or just trying to keep everyone happy, these tips will save your sanity—and precious minutes.

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1. Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Genie+ (or Lighting Lane) Early

Disney’s FastPass system has evolved into Genie+, which is now Multi Pass/ Lighting Lane, and basically your new best friend when it comes to saving time. If you’re solo with the kids, the last thing you want is to spend half your day waiting in line for rides. With Lighting Lane, you can book Lightning Lane access to certain attractions and skip the regular lines.

Pro Tip: Set your alarm if needed! You can start reserving rides at 7 AM, and trust me, those early time slots go fast. Prioritize must-do attractions that your kids will love, and always have a backup plan in case things fill up quickly.

2. Mobile Order Food Like a Disney Pro

Disney’s mobile ordering system is a solo mom’s dream come true. No more standing in line for chicken nuggets while your toddler has a meltdown. You can order food from most quick-service restaurants through the Disney app and have it ready when you arrive. This will save you a ton of time, especially during peak dining hours.

Pro Tip: Plan your meals in advance and put in your order while you’re in line for a ride or while the kids are taking a break. This way, you’ll have your food ready as soon as you get to the restaurant. You’ll feel like a time-saving wizard when you breeze past the long food lines.

3. Pack Smart, Pack Light

It’s tempting to pack everything you own into the stroller, but trust me—you’ll thank yourself if you pack only the essentials. You want to avoid stopping every five minutes to dig through bags for a lost pacifier or a random snack that ended up at the bottom of your Mary Poppins-sized tote.

Here’s what you really need:

• Sunscreen (Solar Buddy is a game changer!)
• A few snacks (but not the entire pantry)
• Refillable water bottles
• Extra clothes for the kids ( and a wet bag, accidents will happen)
• A lightweight stroller or baby carrier (if you’re with younger kids)

Pro Tip: Use a backpack instead of a bulky diaper bag. Keep everything organized in small pouches so you’re not frantically searching for sunscreen while your kid melts down over Mickey Mouse ice cream.

4. Use Rider Switch for the Big Rides

If you’ve got older kids who want to go on the bigger attractions, Disney’s Rider Switch is a time-saving gem. It allows one adult to ride while the other stays with the kids, and then you switch without having to wait in line again.

Here’s how it works: Let the cast member at the ride entrance know you want to use Rider Switch. One adult stays with the kids while the other rides, and then when they’re done, you swap. The second rider gets to hop on without waiting in the regular line again!

Pro Tip: Use this time to let the kids take a snack break, or hit up a nearby restroom while the first parent rides. Multi-tasking at its finest!

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Split Up (Yes, Really)

This one might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. If you’ve got older kids, don’t be afraid to let them experience some parts of the park solo (depending on their age). Disney is incredibly safe, and if your older kid is dying to ride Space Mountain while your younger one just wants to meet characters, it might be worth splitting up for an hour or two. Arrange a meeting spot, and give your older child a sense of independence while you take the little one on age-appropriate rides.

Pro Tip: If splitting up makes you nervous, set up an old-school check-in routine via text or the Disney app. You can also make use of the “Find My Friends” feature on your phone to keep an eye on everyone’s location.

6. Embrace the Midday Break

I know, I know—there’s so much to see and do! But as a solo mom, you need to pace yourself. Disney days are long, and both you and your kids will need some downtime. Head back to the hotel during the hottest part of the day to let the kids nap, swim, or just relax in the AC.

Pro Tip: Don’t want to leave the park? Find a quiet, shady spot in one of the parks (like Tom Sawyer Island or the World Showcase in Epcot) where the kids can take a break from the hustle and bustle without actually leaving the magic behind. Check out my blog for Planning your Baby’s First Trip to Disney Here for more tips on surviving Disney.

7. Use the Stroller Wisely

Whether you’re using a stroller for a baby or toddler, or just to haul your gear, it’s an essential part of any solo mom’s Disney arsenal. However, keep in mind that stroller parking can sometimes be far from ride entrances, so use it strategically. Before you park it, make sure you’ve got everything you need for the next few hours to avoid backtracking.

Pro Tip: Tie a brightly colored scarf or ribbon to your stroller handle so it’s easy to spot in the sea of strollers. You don’t want to be the mom wandering around stroller parking trying to remember if yours was next to the purple one or the blue one.

8. Use the Baby Care Centers

If you’re traveling with younger kids, Disney’s Baby Care Centers are lifesavers. These air-conditioned havens offer changing tables, feeding areas, and quiet spaces to decompress. There’s one in each park, and it’s the perfect spot to take a break, nurse, or let your little one rest in a calm, peaceful environment.

Pro Tip: Even if your kid isn’t a baby, the Baby Care Center is a great place to take a break if they’re feeling overstimulated or just need a quiet moment.

9. Get the Disney App (And Use It!)

If you’re not already using the My Disney Experience app, download it before you hit the parks. It has everything from wait times to maps to mobile ordering. You can even check showtimes, find characters, and make dining reservations. The app will become your best friend in navigating the parks efficiently as a solo mom.

Pro Tip: Set up all your Lighting Lane bookings, dining reservations, and mobile orders in the app before the day starts, so you don’t waste time trying to figure it out on the fly.

10. Have Fun and Let Go of Perfection

Above all, remember to have fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the need to maximize every minute, but sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. So what if you didn’t get to ride every attraction? The memories you’re creating with your kids are what truly matter. Plus, those small, unplanned moments—like eating Mickey-shaped snacks or watching the parade—are often the ones your kids will remember forever.

Pro Tip: Don’t stress about doing it all. Give yourself grace, take plenty of pictures, and remember that even though you’re the solo parent on this trip, you’re also the hero of your own Disney adventure.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Disney as a solo mom is an epic feat, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. With these time-saving hacks, you’ll be able to focus more on enjoying the magic and less on logistics. So, get your Mickey ears ready, embrace the chaos, and remember—you’ve got this, Mom!