Walt Disney World Vacations with Children
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DisneyExplorer BeyondTheAttractions
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Order Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010).
2010 Edition on Amazon.com


Kindle User? The 2011 edition is now available.


Top Walt Disney World Tips for Traveling with Kids
1. Be Flexible

The single most important thing you can do to have a successful Walt Disney World trip with preschoolers is to have a plan and then be willing to deviate from it. When the kids get hot, tired, or over-stimulated, slow down the pace of your touring, have a snack, or take a break in your hotel room.

2. FASTPASS

Walt Disney World ticket holders may take advantage of FASTPASS, a means of bypassing the standby line for a much shorter FASTPASS queue. Using FASTPASS can dramatically decrease the time you spend in line and increase the number of attractions your family will enjoy.

3. Start Early

It’s important to know that crowds are lighter when the parks first open, and during the warmer times of the year the weather is more hospitable early in the day. Get an early start to minimize the amount of time you spend on lines. When the crowds become heavier and the weather warmer, take a break and return to your hotel for a swim and a nap.

4. Use a Stroller

Visiting Disney World is not like a typical day at your park or local zoo. Chances are you’ll be out of your hotel room for hours at a time and your family will put in mile after mile at the theme park and at your resort. Even the most energetic four- or five-year old who would never consider sitting in a stroller at home will likely be asking for one by mid-day.

5. Make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR)

With the many table-service restaurants in Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to imagine not getting a seat at the restaurant of your choice. However, this routinely happens with the large crowds visiting the resort. It is best to make your ADRs, guaranteeing a table, well in advance of your trip by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

6. Don't Force the Issue

Preschoolers are a funny bunch. They sometimes have difficulty communicating a fear or just plain discomfort with a ride or situation. If they resist a particular attraction, don’t force the issue; it’s easier to find a ride they do enjoy than having to coax them on future rides if they have a “bad” experience.

Friends of Beyond the Attractions
Chip and Company

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

Fantasyland Closures

Ariel's Grotto and Pooh's Playful Spot will be closed beginning April 12, 2010 as part of the work being done for the Fantasyland Expansion.

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is temporarily closed due to the return of Captain EO.

Waking Tinker Bell

Unfortunately, guests can no longer wake Tinker Bell now that Tinker Bell's Treasures is Castle Couture.

Disney’s Honorary VoluntEARS Cavalcade

Disney Parks announces, "Each afternoon just before the daily parade at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (and at Disneyland Park in California), Muppets characters and parade dancers will join special floats and vehicles celebrating volunteerism and presenting Honorary VoluntEARS serving as Grand Marshals of the parades. Kermit, Miss Piggy and Sweetums will be part of the merriment, while the dancers will be donning outfits that celebrate the work of volunteers."

Fantasyland Expansion

Beginning in 2010, work on the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland Expansion will begin. The project is expected to span three years, during which time Mickey's Toontown Fair will likely close.

Character Greeting Locations

Peter Pan can now be found in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland instead of Adventureland.

New Hidden Activity at Downtown Disney

Visit Hand Art Memories and have your handprint transformed entirely. Select stock designs such as Santa Clause or some of your favorite animals.

Verizon Wireless Users

Verizon Wireless users will have access to attraction wait times, FASTPASS return times, character greeting locations, and more. Named "Mobile Magic," the wireless app is not yet available for purchase.

Disney PhotoCD

Restrictions now apply to pre-ordering the Disney PhotoPass PhotoCD. This perk is only available to guests who book their vacation through DisneyWorld.com or the Disney Reservation Center. An email with a link will be sent to eligible guests.

Character Greeting at the Magic of Disney Animation Building

A separate line is now available for guests who wish to meet the characters without experiencing the Drawn to Animation film.

Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park

Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park will be available seasonally after January 3, 2010.

Downtown Disney McDonald's Location

As of April 30, 2010, the Downtown Disney McDonald's location will be closed. It will be replaced by Pollo Campero, a Latin-inspired fast-food chain.

DJ Dance Party

Downtown Disney hosts a kid-friendly DJ Dance Party every Friday and Saturday evening.

Cinderella's Royal Table

All dining at Cinderella's Royal Table will be renamed Fairytale Dining. Cinderella's princess friends will attend the meals. The Fairy Godmother will no longer be present.

Summer Nightastic!

The Magic Kingdom's Main Street Electrical Parade will return for a limited time in June, 2010 as part of Walt Disney World's Summer Nightastic! A special, new float with Tinker Bell will lead the parade. There will also be a special fireworks show.

 

  
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