Although I cannot speak on behalf of every immigrant, anytime I imagined even the slimmest chance of journeying to America, my heart always pictured Walt Disney World®. Raised in severe poverty, I genuinely believed such an enchanting destination would remain forever out of my reach, and I consider myself deeply fortunate that all of my daughters have grown up sprinkled with plenty of fairy dust along the way.
Elisha was three years old and Elyssa was two when they first encountered the wonder. It marked my own debut too, and felt like a fantasy transformed into reality. From that moment, the bond was instantaneous, because the enchantment radiating from Walt Disney World® Resort carries such intensity that glimpses through photographs and film clips can never replicate the genuine sensation of standing there in person. Residing in Florida opened up frequent opportunities for the girls and me to visit The Happiest Place on Earth. Walt Disney World® Resort encompasses four distinct theme parks: Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park, and Disney's Hollywood Studios®, along with Disney's Blizzard Beach water park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, and we've crafted treasured moments at every single one! Along the way, I've also gathered quite a bit of practical wisdom (wink) about exploring Walt Disney World® with tiny travelers, which proves invaluable now that I'm accompanied by another charming preschooler. The preschool years represent an ideal window for family adventures since children find delight in nearly everything, and at Walt Disney World® practically every corner radiates enchantment. Cast members (Walt Disney World® staff members) greet you by your given name, receive specialized training to safeguard younger guests, and dedicate themselves to generating and sharing magic, confidence, and fairy dust so that children of every age can enjoy the most unforgettable experience imaginable.
As an optimistic mother, you recognize that each and every enchanted instant you experience alongside your preschooler is invaluable – and absolutely worth the effort, though I recognize how challenging it can feel to venture out with small children, particularly when factoring in lengthy travel timeframes and the desire to maximize every park and attraction. For precisely this reason, I've assembled my finest recommendations to genuinely savor Walt Disney World® alongside your preschooler, ensuring you soak in all the amazement without feeling overwhelmed before, throughout, or following your trip to the most enchanting destination on the globe!
Arrange lodging at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel to benefit from free transportation to and from the airport via the Magical Express, in addition to shuttle service connecting all four Theme Parks and your Walt Disney World® Resort. They additionally provide Extra Magic Hours (bonus hours for park enjoyment), Disney Junior-inspired activities, and poolside film screenings that genuinely elevate the experience. Elisha and Elyssa's most cherished recollection occurred when they were ages three and four and we lodged at the Contemporary Resort since the monorail passes directly through the building. We shared breakfast alongside Chef Mickey and the whole experience was extraordinary! We've explored numerous Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and each delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that only the spellbinding nature of Walt Disney World® can deliver.
Stream these Planning Videos and install the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone so you can stay informed regarding all scheduled happenings during your trip and organize your schedule effectively. After we adopted a vegan lifestyle, the app proved invaluable for reviewing restaurant offerings and securing reservations in advance, sparing us from squandering valuable park time discovering vegan-compatible options (or frantically hunting down churros!). The Dole Whip at Walt Disney World® receives endless praise, yet Disney parks offer nutritious, well-rounded meals; simply watch for the "Mickey Check" label on menus and you'll be perfectly prepared.
Conduct your homework and verify your child's height so they understand which attractions they qualify for. Certain rides enforce a minimum height threshold of 44″, and when a child's mother stands at 4'8", that benchmark simply isn't met at the "typical" age. Just putting it out there!
I frequently remind people to don your Mickey Mouse ears prior to arrival – both literally and metaphorically. Commit to becoming a child alongside your children and the joy will multiply for everyone. Given everything you're managing, this might seem unrealistic, yet if you establish a countdown with the kids, screen Disney films together (even during the flight), and shop for ears, coordinated outfits, and even Disneybound or Cosplay accessories, or play Disney soundtracks during car journeys, your enthusiasm will surge before, throughout, and even after your Walt Disney World® vacation (since you'll never lament failing to be present, unwind, or appreciate it!). On the subject of characters, aim to encounter as many as possible (and remember to pack an autograph book!). We possess stacks of autograph books spanning countless years, and the characters' penmanship remains remarkably consistent!
Once you discover FastPass+, there's no returning to the old ways! You'll sail past lengthy queues. You can additionally utilize Rider Switch to exchange spots with another parent so you both savor the attraction without enduring the standard line a second time. MagicBands provide swift entry to your FastPass+ bookings, the ability to unlock your Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room door, and even the convenience of charging purchases to your room without rummaging through your overstuffed handbag! (No judgment here – you've witnessed mine! Ugh!)
Verify that everyone dons their most comfortable footwear! I consistently rented a double stroller with Elisha and Elyssa and I rent a single stroller with Eliana since pushing proves far simpler than carrying. They're stationed close to the primary park entrance and they serve as an ideal location for napping and preventing any irritability. Should the sun prove too intense or the feet grow weary, you can retreat to indoor seated attractions. My personal favorites include Mickey's PhilHarmagic and Muppet*Vision 3-D in Hollywood Studios, plus It's Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom (and Elisha and Elyssa – now 15 and 14 – still adore it – Victory!)
Every theme park features a Baby Care Center where you can bring your youngster to relax, nurse, or enjoy a bite. You can additionally obtain sunscreen or diapers, along with other necessities, should supplies run low. Consider purchasing a reusable Disney-themed water bottle (we now bring some of our preferred ones back), which benefits the environment and earns you complimentary refills throughout the parks!
Beyond customized Mickey ears, photographs, and autographs, purchase a small memento to commemorate your adventure. Disney pins rank as my preferred keepsake, and trading them has evolved into an art form in its own right. Remember to inform a cast member if it's your child's inaugural visit or birthday and they'll ensure you're presented with a commemorative pin to sport on your milestone day – and request it "frosted!"
My loved ones adore Memory Maker since it provides immediate access to every Disney PhotoPass image the cast members capture. I can preserve our most treasured Walt Disney World® moments so much more effectively, and that's what sustains the enchantment!
Embrace self-care, maintain a comfortable tempo, remain adaptable when circumstances shift, and pause to discover the Hidden Mickeys! Keep in mind that what your preschooler craves above all else is a content mommy to share this magic alongside, and hopefully you'll return for additional adventures! My daughters reminisce frequently about the joyful experiences we've shared at Walt Disney World®, but I treasure my personal memories, of myself, having a wonderful time, with and without them. I'm partial to It's A Small World, the Mad Tea Party, and the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom, and I always make a point to visit Rafiki in Animal Kingdom, just for my own pleasure!
Having a preschooler amplifies life's joy: they fantasize, they role-play, and they possess a vibrant imagination. At Walt Disney World®, you can witness their expressions illuminate as you immerse yourself in their realm of awe and happiness, transforming the experience into something magical for the whole family!
Walt Disney World® and Scholastic have joined forces to develop a program designed to simplify and enhance preschooler travel. Here's a wonderful article that demonstrates how to transform your visit into an educational opportunity. This proved an outstanding discovery for me as a homeschool mom.
For additional excitement, you might also explore the Preschoolers Magical Sweepstakes. A fresh question concerning Walt Disney World or Disney characters will appear on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page every Thursday from 2/1/18 through 2/28/18. Pose the question to your little one and post a comment on the designated thread with your child's answer for an opportunity to win a vacation to Walt Disney World® Resort.
Discover further details about the Sweepstakes and entry instructions by visiting scholastic.com/PreschoolersMagical*.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 US & DC. 18+ with at least one child who is currently 12 years of age or younger at the time of entry. Void where prohibited. Ends 2/28/18. Limit 1 answer per day. Click here for Official Rules.
Do you fantasize about visiting Walt Disney World®? I feel like I'm dreaming each time I visit and receiving a second opportunity to embrace childhood. Tell us what you'd love to share with your preschooler at Walt Disney World® this year!
Follow Walt Disney World® on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, and Like the Walt Disney World® page on Facebook. You might also consult the Disney Parks Moms Panel for additional guidance, insights about fright factors, food allergies, and any other inquiries you might have!
© Elayna Fernández ~ The Positive MOM
