Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010)

Disney Visit - May 2008

As many of you know, I actively bring my boys to theme parks. Most of last year was spent at SeaWorld. This year is our Disney year! We’ve already been to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, plus we attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. When my oldest had turned 1, we spend a whole week at the park, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And this year, we are planning a week-long stay at the Wilderness Lodge.

So, I was highly interested when author Lisa Battista told me she wrote a book called Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010). Like her, I have heard from other moms so often that they want to wait til their children are older to visit the parks. I had one mom say that Disney is for ADULTS. Huh? I swear, you haven’t experienced Disney until you’ve gone with toddlers and preschoolers. That’s when the magic of Disney is most apparent, as the kids look in awe at the parades, Mickey and fireworks. That’s when standing on line to see a character in costume is more fun than standing on a line to a roller coaster, since the expression on their face is priceless when they get that first hug! Honestly, if it wasn’t fun to go with preschoolers, would I have gotten an annual pass?

Like I said, the first time my oldest son went to Disney World, he was 1. When my little one went for the first time, he was only 5 months. It was EASY, if you know what you are doing. That’s where the guide comes in. After reading it, not only did I agree with a lot of her tips regarding distractions, travels, rides, attractions and more – I also learned some new tips that I plan to incorporate into my week stay later this year. Plus, I discovered some things that I HAVE to share with my sister, since she has a little girl. For example, you can wake up Tinker Bell at Tinker Bell’s Fairy Treasures Shop. Once you arrive, you just have to ask a cast member. There is a short ceremony, she flies around, pixie dust is involved and it would make a great memory.

Boys with Holiday Mickey

Another piece of advice I loved was to bring a backpack with as few zippers and pockets as possible. The backpack is the most comfortable thing you can carry. And I carry one made for preschoolers – only two pockets. It’s bright and easy to spot and we get through the bag line quickly!

Finally, if you stay for a length of time and on-site, don’t feel rushed to get through EVERYTHING. When we stayed for a week, we would leave the parks every day around 2pm. We would go back to the hotel and see if my oldest wanted to nap. (My little one was in my belly, I was around 2 months pregnant with him during our week long stay.) If he didn’t want to nap, we would go to the hotel pool. And in the evenings we often went to Downtown Disney for dinner, a snack and a stroll. Everything went smoothly, because we never felt pressure to rush. Remember, you are there for the kids! Just relax and enjoy this memorable trip!

For more tips, you have to read the book. Chapters include Preparation, Disney Lodging, Transportation, Touring, Hidden Activities, Recreation, Parades and Character Greetings, Dining, Playgrounds and Pools, Child Care, Safety and Seasonal Events.You can purchase Beyond the Attractions at Amazon for $15.99.

One Buzz Reader will win a copy of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney with Preschoolers (2010)

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY: Post a comment here telling me when you are planning to go to Walt Disney World and who is going with you.

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Contest ends 2/03/10. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

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