Things to do in Disney

Aulani · 90 minutes to full day · from $63

The Jurassic Park valley on the windward side. The Movie Sites tour works for all ages, and UTV and zipline tours are there for thrill seekers. It's a long drive from Ko Olina, so plan a full day.

Disney Cruise Line · About 2 hours

The adults-only brunch I tell every couple to book. Big ocean views and a long, slow meal while the kids are in the clubs. Reserve the moment your booking window opens.

Disney Cruise Line · Beach day

The adults-only beach is free and much quieter than the family side. The barbecue moved to the new Hangar 98 BBQ building. Cabanas cost extra and sell out early.

Disney Cruise Line · 1 hour · from $54

Kids 5 and up can feed and touch stingrays in shallow water. It's short, so you still have the rest of the beach day. $64 for ages 10 and up, $54 for ages 5 to 9.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · 25 minutes · Included with admission

A colorful musical with big puppets, great for young kids and a good sit-down in the air conditioning. Check showtimes in the app, since it runs only a few times a day.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 2 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A family coaster with a fun second launch, and the best first real coaster for kids who are 38 inches. It's the most popular Multi Pass pick in the park, so book it as early as you can.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A trackless ride inside a cartoon, with gags happening on every wall. No height requirement, and it's my pick for families with toddlers.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A 3D trackless ride where you shrink down to rat size in Gusteau's kitchen. No height requirement, and it's a strong pick for families with mixed ages.

EPCOT · About 15 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walk-through water trail where the water reacts to you, and it's perfect for little kids. Go in the afternoon heat and expect to get a little wet.

Magic Kingdom · About 3 minutes · Lightning Lane Single Pass $10-$18

A smooth family coaster with swinging cars and a fun trip through the dwarfs' mine, and it's the right first coaster for most kids (38 inches). The line gets long fast, so ride it during Early Entry or buy the Single Pass.

Magic Kingdom · About 4 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in May 2026 after a long refurbishment with new track and effects, and the height requirement dropped to 38 inches. It's the best family thrill ride in the park, and I love it after dark.

Magic Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in 2026 with new blasters and targets, and it's a competitive one if your family keeps score. No height requirement, and kids love it.

Walt Disney World · 1 hour · from $39

The cheapest good tour on property. You walk through the greenhouses and fish farm in The Land. Kids actually like it, and it's a break from the heat.

Walt Disney World · About 1 hour · from $89

An open-air vehicle on the lodge savanna after dark, with night-vision goggles. Pair it with dinner at Jiko or Boma. Ages 8 and up.

Walt Disney World · About 3 hours · from $239

A small-group walk through the savanna in a harness, close to the hippos and crocodiles, plus snacks and photos. Ages 8+, 48 inches and up, 45 to 300 pounds.

Walt Disney World · About 5 hours · from $179

A walking tour of how Magic Kingdom works, including a stretch of the backstage areas. Lunch is included. Ages 16 and up with photo ID, and park admission is extra.