Magical Beginnings

From Magic Maker® Kevin Gallagher

Thinking about heading to the Walt Disney World® Resort, but not sure what would be available for your toddler?  The Walt Disney World® Resort has much to offer for visitors under 3 years old.  Starting with free admission, there are also several attractions, shows, etc. available to young dreamers ready for their introduction to the most magical place on earth.

The Magic Kingdom® Park offers a variety of options.  Fantasyland® is a virtual paradise – with an abundance of rides to delight both young and old.  The railroad provides a nice, relaxing tour of the park and there are a variety of shows exciting enough to maintain interest.  There are also parades and an outstanding castle show.  Add to that the chance to meet a variety of characters – including Mickey Mouse himself!

Epcot® offers one of the most exciting experiences – a large aquarium with Nemo as your guide!  Beginning with a ride in a clamshell, young guests will be amazed by the variety and color of marine-life.  The journey ends in one of the largest aquariums in the country.  Educational (and still fun!) rides are abundant in The Land Pavilion as well as in the Mexico and Norway Pavilions in the World Showcase. There are multiple shows throughout Epcot® as well as several Kidcot stations where crafts and other activities take place.  At the Epcot® Character Spot, there is another chance to meet Disney favorites Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ showcases the great tradition of Disney entertainment with a plethora of enchanting and entertaining shows – including Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage™, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage.  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is a fun playground to play on.  The Block Party Bash® Parade is unique in that it stops several times and breaks into a giant dance party!  There is also a spectacular show that runs a couple of times a week called Fantasmic!.  It is intense but highly enjoyable, and of course, the good mouse wins!  Toddlers and children have a chance to meet their favorite Playhouse Disney® characters as well as Buzz and Woody from the Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is simply put a wildlife experience like no other.  Part zoo, part adventure, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park provides an escape to Africa, Asia, and even the pre-historic.  Jump on the Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition as early as possible and to get incredible views of the animals in action and to beat the crowd.  There are a couple of walking trails available where Guests can bird watch, check out a variety of reptiles, and see several gorgeous tigers.  Ride the rails to Rafiki’s Planet Watch® Land and not only will Jimney Cricket, Rafiki, and Pocahontas be available for photos, but a petting zoo awaits young visitors!  The DinoLand U.S.A.® Area provides all guests with the chance to ride dinosaur themed rides and for toddlers and little ones to enjoy some prehistoric fun.

The Walt Disney World® Resort accommodates families with young children beyond the attractions.  Baby Care Centers in all four Disney Theme Parks offer private rooms with rocking chairs for nursing mothers, diaper-changing rooms and rooms with highchairs. Diapers, formula, baby food and teethers are available for purchase.  Dining locations offer children’s menus, crayons and coloring books.  Length-of-stay stroller rentals are available for Guests who don’t want to bring their own.

The resort hotels of the Walt Disney World® Resort offer plenty of things for your little ones as well. Childcare is available (for additional fee) and to help in packing, port-a-cribs and bedrails may be available upon request.  Each of the resorts provides a pool as well as playgrounds (in select resorts).  Highchairs may be available for request in Disney’s Deluxe Villas Resorts.  When staying at a Disney Resort, it’s a short trip back to the room for a nap before returning to the Park to watch fireworks at night!

The Walt Disney World® Resort offers such a variety of activities for all generations – including guests 3 and under. Imagine the excitement and enchantment achieved through shared experience that awaits your entire family!  Come enjoy the Magic through the wondrous eyes of a child!