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Disney World with toddlers

Are Your Children Old Enough for Walt Disney World® Resort?

DSC06173We are often asked, “Is my child old enough for a visit to Walt Disney World® Resort?”

That is a good question, and one you may have asked (or at least thought about) before making an investment in a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation yourself.

There are those that argue that a child can be ‘too young’ for a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort. Most often, their case rests upon the statement that before a certain age the child will never remember they were there, or that up to a certain age the attractions won’t keep them entertained.

While the first part of their statement may be true, a child may not remember their first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, they often forget that as a parent YOU will remember their first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, and those memories are just as special.

Having just returned from a trip with a 17 month old and a 4 year old, as a parent, there’s not a price tag you can put on the smiles of your children as they ‘experience’ all that a Disney vacation has to offer for the first or second time.

While they may not remember the trip into adulthood, my wife and I will never lose the images of the smiles, laughter and joy burned into our memory on this magical trip.

At their age, Walt Disney World® Resort comes alive. It is so much more than actors in costumes and ride experiences…it is a wonderful reality in which they are immersed in they story.

And about there not being enough to do…

The Walt Disney World® Resort has much to offer for visitors under 3 years old.  Starting with free admission, there are countless attractions and shows that will engage and entertain young travelers! Magic Kingdom® Park alone has ‘enough’ for the little ones to do to keep you busy for days! From the dark rides that the entire family can ride together to play areas and interactive queues, your little ones are certain to have a blast.

As you venture outside of Magic Kingdom® Park into the other three parks, two water parks, and resort areas, you will find that play areas and attractions designed just for these younger guests abound!

In our article Walt Disney World® Resort for Toddlers we explored some of the options available for you and your family! And if you are worried about ‘managing your day’ with young ones around the park then our article Visiting Walt Disney World® Resort with Toddlers is a must read!

And of course our Magic Makers have not only visited Disney Parks countless times ourselves, but we have helped take the stress out of planning vacations for families just like yours for over five years now! Regardless of age, there is something for EVERYONE at any Disney Destination, so just call on your Magic Maker® to help uncover that hidden treasure!

Visiting Walt Disney World® Resort with Toddlers

By Magic Maker®: Courtney Harris

There is nothing like seeing your child’s eyes light up the first time they walk down Main Street, U.S.A.® Area and see Cinderella’s castle, but vacationing with a toddler can be a stressful experience. It doesn’t have to be though. With a little planning, and the help of your Magic Maker®, it can be an incredible experience that neither you nor your child will soon forget.

The most important thing to remember is try to stick to your child’s schedule as best as possible. Don’t expect them to be able to go full force, from sun up to sun down, and not have a meltdown. If you hit the parks at rope drop, you can get a ton accomplished, and head back to your resort for a midday nap. Even if your child doesn’t normally nap, this is a great way to just unwind and recharge. After a nap or dip in the pool, you can head back out to the parks for dinner and more fun.

If you do find yourself in the middle of a meltdown in the parks, head for the nearest baby care center. Despite the name, these aren’t just for babies. Each park has an air-conditioned facility that has changing tables, rocking chairs, a microwave, and a t.v.  This is a great place for a short break from the stimulation and heat of the parks. They even have “toddler toilets” for children who are potty-training. Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® or check your park map for the location of the baby care center in each park.

Most likely, your child will love meeting all of the characters and getting autographs, but won’t love the long lines and heat. The solution? Book several character meals throughout your stay! The characters come to you at your table while you are dining, to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Reservations for character meals can be booked up to 180 days ahead, and tend to fill up fairly quickly, so be sure to ask your Magic Maker® for help in booking these experiences.

Bring a stroller! Even if you think your child is too old for one, you will be glad you did. The parks are huge and require a great amount of walking, which will quickly tire your child, leaving them whiny and more likely to have a meltdown. If you just can’t bring your own for some reason, rent one. Single strollers are available for rent at each park for $15 per day, or a double can be rented for $31. If this isn’t in your budget, ask your Magic Maker® about renting a stroller offsite and having it delivered to your resort.

Take advantage of Rider Swap for rides that your child isn’t tall enough to ride. One parent can ride alone or with older children while the other parent stays with the younger child. The other parent will get a rider swap ticket that allows them to ride later alone or with the older children, without having to wait in line again. This will really maximize your time and allow you to experience more rides throughout the day.

Pack lots of “distractions” in your park bag for those short attention spans. Whether you’re waiting in line for a ride, or waiting for your food to be delivered at a restaurant, being prepared with a coloring book and crayons, a small matchbox car, or even bubbles, can be a life-saver. If you have a smart-phone or iPad, these can serve as great distractions too.

Last, but certainly not least, remember to have fun and enjoy the time you are getting to spend with your child! You may not be able to do and see everything with a toddler in tow, but you will definitely make lasting memories for you and your child.

‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage!’ Debuts in 2011

Disney Junior - Live on StageDisney California Adventure® park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ in Florida will celebrate the premiere of Disney Channel’s new multiplatform brand, Disney Junior, with “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” next year. The lively show in the Parks will debut with new characters, some new adventures and a new marquee.

Children and parents who now enjoy the popular “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” at both Parks can look forward to sharing this new production.  This new show will bring back three favorites: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins.  It will also introduces a brand new segment based on Disney Junior’s newest series that will debut in February 2011, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will air on Disney Junior in February 2011 and will share the magical and adventurous world of Never Land with preschoolers. The story centers around Jake, an enthusiastic young boy who leads a team of kid pirates (Cubby, Izzy, and their faithful pirate parrot, Skully) in fun adventures that will teach teamwork concepts.

Stories from the show will come to life in the Parks with colorful, puppet versions of some of the most popular Disney Junior characters, bright visuals, whimsical scenery that fills the stage, catchy songs and interactive moments.

“Disney Junior – Live on Stage” is scheduled to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and Disney California Adventure® park in March 2011.

Character Meals with a 2 year old

Question:Off to Neverland Navigators Panel

I’m confused about character dining with my 2 year old daughter.  She is not old enough to qualify for the Disney Dining Plans.  Will we have to pay for her at the meals with a character experience?

Answer:

Character meals are a great relaxing and delicious way to introduce children to the characters!  Even better, children under the age of 3 eat free at all buffets at the Walt Disney World® Resort!  Your daughter can meet the characters, eat whatever she wants, and make memories to last a lifetime!

Theresa Dougherty, Navigator

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