Why, now more than ever, you should take your preschooler to Disney! UPDATED April 15, 2021
In 2019, I highlight some of the top reasons you should consider taking your preschooler to Walt Disney World here. A first trip to Walt Disney World is still magical, even with changes made to create a safe environment for all guests and Cast Members.
They remember more than you think. Our first family trip was March 2017. We found ourselves back for Labor Day weekend in September 2017. Emalee was asking about different rides, characters, and recalling so much from our first trip! We were shocked. I never imagined she would remember as much as she did.
Kids under 3 are free! That’s right! They do not require a ticket for entry and do not require the purchase of a dining plan. Disney portions are large enough to share at table service and quick service restaurants. As a bonus, Disney does not distinguish between adult and children’s quick-service dining credits. This made it very easy to split a quick service meal between the kids. At buffets, Emalee was able to get a free plate. UPDATE If we are dining at a quick-service restaurant, we normally purchase an adult meal for both kids. There are times when both girls are hungry but not hungry enough to split an adult meal – splitting a kids’ meal works well!
It is magical…for you! There is nothing more magical than seeing Disney through the eyes of your child. I remember the first time both of my girls saw Cinderella’s Castle. That is a moment I will never forget. It is a moment I wish I had with Elizabeth. There is something so magical about a tiny child just taking it all in for the first time. There is no smile better than when they experience it’s a small world, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Carousel, or other classics for the first time.
MemoryMaker…is so worth it! I think part of Emalee’s recollection was because we had so many photos from every part of our trip. When she saw pictures from rides she could not go on, she asked questions and cannot wait for her turn. Well, with one exception…Tower of Terror. Can you blame her though? Plus, the Magic Shots are so much fun. The girls are always so excited to see what magic has been added!
Each Park offers something for preschoolers! Magic Kingdom is an obvious one since this park has the most rides available for tiny ones. Animal Kingdom is another great option with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Triceratop Spin, and Na’vi River Journey. Festival of the Lion King will be returning to Animal Kingdom in Summer 2021! It also offers many animal exhibits. Epcot is a great park to get them interested in other countries throughout the World Showcase and of course, they love seeing Elsa and Anna in the cavalcade. Hollywood Studios is home to Toy Story Land, and the new Lightning McQueen Racing Academy! Your Travel With The Magic agent can help you develop a plan that fits your preschooler’s needs and your family’s desires
Character dining experiences are great! Right now, characters are not stopping at your table but there are plenty of opportunities to grab socially distant photos and selfies. Kids are excited to see Mickey and Minnie – they don’t know they are missing a hug or autograph! Character meals have transitioned from buffets to family-style meals or price fixe menus with shareable pastries and delicious entrees. Current character dining opportunities are:
- Chef Mickey’s breakfast – family-style dining with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald
- Topolino’s Terrace breakfast – price fixe menu with shareable pastries and entrees with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy
- Garden Grill lunch and dinner – family-style dining with Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey, and Pluto
- Hollywood & Vine lunch and dinner – family-style dining with Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in seasonal attire
- Hollywood & Vine breakfast – beginning March 22, 2021 – price fixe menu with shareable pastries and entrees with Vampirina and friends
Character Cavalcades and Sightings While character meet and greets are currently discontinued, character cavalcades or floatillas are available in each park. Children are excited to see their favorite characters go past them in every park. Pop-up character sightings happen in the parks as well, offering a great chance for socially distant photos. Characters found frequently in the parks include Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Meeko, Winnie the Pooh and more. Since these are not scheduled and just randomly appear, you are not stuck to a schedule. Sightings are pixie dust!
Multi-generational trips are so much fun! Remember seeing your child’s reaction all of those years ago? I have planned several multi-generational trips this year and each grandparent comes back saying “seeing my child at Disney the first time was great. Seeing my child see Disney as a parent for the first time and my grandkids seeing it for the first time is indescribable!
Traveling with kids…made easier! I can help you arrange everything you need for your child to make travel as easy as possible! If you are flying, I can arrange for stroller pick up and drop off at MCO if you are flying, arrange for scheduled delivery to your resort, or can discuss a contactless delivery option as well. Need baby items like diapers, wipes, and more? No problem! I have a list of delivery services for your Resort. Disney also offers bed rails and cribs.
Memories to last a lifetime! These are the memories that you keep for their senior pages, weddings, and more. Trips with younger children make some of the best memories for a parent. On our first Disney Cruise, Elizabeth melted hearts on the entire boat. Princess Aurora sat down on the floor to make it easier to talk to her. Elizabeth sat down beside her and laid her head in her lap. People would come up to us and ask if she was “the Aurora girl.” At Walt Disney, Emalee couldn’t believe she was meeting Cinderella. We have this incredible picture of Emalee looking up at Cinderella, you can only see her profile, but you can just see the magic and amazement in her face. These are the moments that I will remember. These are the moments that hit me each and every time we enter the Parks. When they are older, these will be the memories I see when I take them and hopefully, my future grandchildren.
Don’t wait to make memories! Now more than ever is the best time to start planning your little one’s first trip to Disney. Even with the COVID-19 changes, the magic is 100% still there. My planning services are complimentary and cover every aspect of your vacation.
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