Our Multigenerational Family Adventure in Orlando
This September our family headed back to Orlando, but with a very special twist. It was our first time staying in a Disney hotel and our first big trip with a 10 month old in tow.
This September our family headed back to Orlando, but with a very special twist. It was our first time staying in a Disney hotel and our first big trip with a 10‑month‑old in tow. There were six of us in total: my husband and I, our son, his wife and their baby, plus our daughter. We have visited the Disney parks many times over the years, but travelling as three generations made this holiday feel completely different, in the very best way.
Why staying at Disney was the best decision
For the first time ever, we chose to stay at a Disney resort: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision for our family.
Being on‑site made it incredibly easy to get to and from the parks. If anyone wanted to call it a day early, or pop back for a rest or a change for the baby, it was simple. No long journeys, no stress, just a quick hop back to the hotel.
Port Orleans French Quarter itself is a fabulous resort. Our rooms were located beside the river, which made for a peaceful setting away from the bustle of the parks. The pool area was a real highlight, especially the splash pad for little ones, which our grandson adored.
Travelling with a 10‑month‑old
We were not entirely sure what to expect travelling with a 10‑month‑old, but Disney made it so much easier than we had imagined. A cot was provided, along with a microwave in the room to warm bottles. Those small details made a big difference and meant we could relax and enjoy our time together rather than worry about logistics.
Experiencing the parks with a baby changed the rhythm of our days, but in a lovely way. We slowed down a bit, took more breaks and noticed those little magical moments that are easy to miss when you are rushing from ride to ride.
Halloween fun and fright nights
One of the highlights of our trip was Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party. It was such good fun, with a brilliant parade and a really well‑organised trick‑or‑treat set‑up. We came back to the hotel with an impressive haul of candy and plenty of photos.
My son and daughter also decided to try Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. They came back saying it was a fantastic event, although extremely busy, so definitely one for those who do not mind the crowds and late nights.
Our first visit to Epic Universe
We also visited Epic Universe for the very first time and it did not disappoint. From the amazing rides to the immersive scenery, everything felt first class. I think all five of us agreed that Epic Universe was our favourite park of the trip, although that might be helped by the excitement of it being new to us.
Family favourites: rides we loved most
One of the nice things about travelling as a group of adults plus a baby is that everyone still got to indulge their inner child. We all ended up with different “favourite ride” awards:
- For our son, top spot went to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios.
- His wife loved Hiccup’s Wing Gliders at Epic Universe.
- Our daughter’s favourite was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Muppets at Hollywood Studios.
- For my husband and me, the standout was Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom. It is one of those rides that feels more like stepping into another world.
Our top tips for a magical family trip
After such a brilliant holiday, we came home with a few tips we would happily share with anyone planning a similar family adventure:
- Bite
the bullet and pay for Lightning Lanes
At least for the first two or three days, it really helps you get so much more out of your time in the parks, especially with a little one. - Stay
at a Disney resort for ease of transportation
Being able to nip back to the room easily was invaluable, particularly with a baby and a mixed‑age group. - Plan
your days
A bit of planning goes a long way: decide which park you are doing each day, pick a few must‑do rides or shows and then allow some flexibility for naps, pool time and spontaneous moments.
We had an absolutely fabulous trip. More than anything, it reminded us how special it is to spend proper, uninterrupted time together as a family. Orlando is always fun, but sharing it across three generations really does make for the kind of memories you talk about for years.
