6 Tips For An Extra Magical Visit to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers
Planning a visit to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers in tow? Having a 5 year old and 3 year old myself that have been on several trips to see Mickey already, I have some great tips to pass along to make you visit the most magical ever!
Tip #1: Picking the Best Ticket Type for Walt Disney World with Preschoolers
For a 5-night trip, I would suggest either a 4-day base ticket or if you are wanting to include the water parks a 3-day Park Hopper Plus. If you do the 4-day base ticket you would be able to dedicate one day to each of the four parks and rest for a day. If you were wanting to do one of the water parks, then go for the 3-day Park Hopper Plus. This way, you would be able to hop between the three theme parks for three days and enjoy the water parks and even the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for another three days.
Tip #2: Start Each Day as Early as Possible
Let’s face it, preschoolers are early risers. But, at Walt Disney World, you can use that to your advantage! Guests who stay at an official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. These allow you exclusive access to one of the four theme parks for an hour earlier than the opening time for those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.
As an added bonus, if you plan to visit Walt Disney World and stay at a Resort Hotel between September 1 and November 2 of this year, you will have access to Extra, Extra Magic Hours. This means you can get into Hollywood Studios as early as 6 am and Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom as early as 7 am.
Pro Tip: Just because a park offers Extra Magic Hours doesn’t mean it’s the park to visit that day – especially if you don’t have a Park Hopper or aren’t an early riser. Extra Magic Hours sometimes mean larger crowds for the entire day. That’s one way working with a, Travel Planner who specializes in Disney like myself, is beneficial in planning the best park(s) to visit each day.
Tip #3: Character Dining is a Must When Visiting Walt Disney World with Preschoolers
If you are heading to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers, booking your character dining is a must! This gives the littlest Guests the opportunity to enjoy a kid-friendly meal alongside once-in-a-lifetime interactions with their favorite Disney characters. Dining with everyone’s favorite characters will also save you some time while you are in the parks as you won’t have to wait in line to see the characters you have already visited with during your dining experience.
Some of my favorite restaurants to recommend at Walt Disney World for preschoolers are Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Disney’s Boardwalk. Tusker House in Animal Kingdom is also one that is not to be missed!
Pro Tip: When you are enjoying a character dining experience at Walt Disney World with preschoolers, make sure to have those autograph books and cameras ready! Not able to get a reservation for that character dining experience? That’s another advantage to using a Travel Agent like myself, as I am always on the hunt for those hard-to-reserve experiences.
Tip #4: Plan for Breaks
Everyone needs a break while exploring Walt Disney World – especially with preschoolers! Make sure to plan some time to go back to your Resort during your visit for some down time including free play and naps. Most Walt Disney World Resort Hotels offer playground equipment and all have some of the best pools you will find anywhere. (The pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is my favorite!)
With the complimentary transportation offered by Disney, getting back and forth between the Parks and your Hotel even easier!
Tip #5: Add a Little Extra Magic to Your Visit with an Enchanting Extra
When visiting Walt Disney World with Preschoolers, there are hundreds of add-ons to make their visit even more magical. Princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are always a hit. A Pirates League reservation is perfect for all those pirate and mermaid lovers out there.
If you are looking for a free activity to due while at Walt Disney World with Preschoolers, there are several! At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, kids are invited to complete challenges and collect over 30 sticker badges as an official Wilderness Explorer just like Russel from Up! Guests can head over to Discovery Island to sign up!
Pro Tip: The Wilderness Explorer activity if just one of several free activities to participate in at Walt Disney World with preschoolers. For additional activities, make sure to book your next vacation with me by filling out the from below!
Tip #6: Ending the Day at Walt Disney World with Preschoolers
Hands down, the best way to end the day at Walt Disney World with Preschoolers is by taking in one of the magical nighttime spectaculars. At the Magic Kingdom there is the Happy Ever After Fireworks Spectacular while at Animal Kingdom there is the all-new Rivers of Light show. Until the end of September, Guests can enjoy Illuminoations until the all-new Epcot Forever debuts on October 1. If you are at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are two nighttime shows to choose from – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks and the iconic Fantasmic!
So grab up your favorite Disney treat, sit back and relax to a great day at Walt Disney World!
For additional tips and tricks and to start planning your magical and stress-free vacation, Fill out the form below or send an email to Holly@MickeyTravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote to book your Disney vacation. As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at Holly@MickeyTravels.com or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to CLICK HERE to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!
Image Credit: Disney