Top 10 Walt Disney World Attractions for Toddlers
People ask all the time if taking a baby or a toddler or a preschooler to Disney is crazy since they won’t remember the vacation. My answer is always the same! They may not remember it, but you will never forget it…the moment when your child meets Mickey for the 1st time or watching your child’s excitement as they fly to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight! There is nothing quite like experiencing Disney through your child’s eyes; it is truly magical! My one piece of advice, though, is to always have a plan (and a backup plan) because traveling with children, of any age, can bring about some unpredictable moments here and there. There are SO many great Walt Disney World attractions for toddlers!
If you have a toddler, you absolutely know that what may be their favorite thing to do one minute may send them into a full-blown temper tantrum the next minute (can you tell my daughter is 2 right now and has truly mastered being 2?) So even if your little one loved the Winnie the Pooh ride or Toy Story Mania yesterday, he/she may refuse to sit for any ride today, which may cause you to either do a quick exit after waiting in line or experience the ride with a screaming child (and speaking from experience, as the parent of the unhappy toddler, the ride will feel like it is lasting forever!)…so I have learned and I absolutely think it’s a great idea to have a list of “non-ride” interactive attractions to enjoy with your toddler or preschooler! Here are my top 10 attractions to add to your itinerary:
1. Character Meet & Greets and Character Meals (various locations)
Some toddlers and preschoolers love the character interaction and others are a little more wary, so you will have to take the lead from your child to determine just how close to get to the characters! My son was never afraid of the characters, but my daughter is a little more hesitant to let them get too close. This is why I love character dining…Mickey and friends are great at knowing if kids would like a big hug or would just prefer a wave from across the table!
2. Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom- Fantasyland)
This is one of my favorites and always a must-do on our family vacations! This 3D show immerses you in the crazy antics of Donald Duck, who no matter how hard he tries, always seems to get himself into some trouble! There are fun and surprising special effects that kids of all ages (and adults) seem to love, but perhaps the best parts of the show are the all-time favorite songs that you can sing-a-long to: Be Our Guest, Part of Your World, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, You Can Fly and A Whole New World!
3. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom- Tomorrowland)
If your little prince or princess loves silly jokes, then you have to be sure to join Mike Wazowski and friends in this funny and interactive comedy show! Before entering Monstropolis, ask your kids for their best jokes and text them to the number shown on the TVs in the queue…their jokes just may become part of the show! And adults, you may also be a part of the show…you never know what these guys are up to, so stay alert! Get ready for some contagious giggles once the monsters start their routine!
4. Disney Junior- Live on Stage (Hollywood Studios- Animation Courtyard)
If your kids are anything like mine, the Disney Junior characters may as well be extended family members…I always say, we only really need 1 channel on our TV! So for us, catching Disney Junior- Live on Stage is a no-brainer! Once you enter the theater, grab a seat on the floor and get ready to sing, dance and even catch some bubbles! You’ll get to follow the adventures of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy as they prepare for Minnie’s birthday party! But along the way, the Fab 5 need to help their friends (Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and even Captain Hook and Mr. Smee) solve some problems and they just may need your help! Truly a top kid-pick every time!
5. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-A-Long (Hollywood Studios- Echo Lake)
This 30-minute show features Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. You will sing and laugh as you listen to their story. Even if you thought you never wanted to hear “Let It Go” again, you will find yourself singing right along with your kids! In true Disney fashion, there are magical surprises along the way that even the littlest audience members will love!
6. Finding Nemo- The Musical (Animal Kingdom- DinoLand USA)
If you haven’t seen this show yet, you really have to set aside some time to do so! This is a spectacular show made up of theatrical puppetry, humor and a truly talented cast. You will sit through this 40-minute show and completely forget that puppets are the stars of the show. It is so well-done, you won’t want it to end! The fun songs and vibrant colors keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained and singing along!
7. Turtle Talk with Crush (Epcot- Future World)
Dude! You have to go to this live Q&A with Crush, everyone’s favorite totally tubular turtle! Kids will get a kick out of Crush talking to them in the audience! They can ask and answer questions! There are jokes and surprise guest visits, including Dory, Marlin, Nemo and Squirt! Disclaimer: Your kids’ new favorite word is going to be “Duuuude!” after seeing this show! You can’t say I didn’t warn you!
8. Kidcot Fun Stop Stations (Epcot- World Showcase)
World Showcase is usually a favorite place to visit for adults, but sometimes kids may not be as excited about it. I know this was how my sisters and I felt for many years as my parents would want to explore each country…now, we can’t wait to go! Well, if this is the case with your kids, the Kidcot Fun Stop Stations, located in each country, will be the perfect thing for them! Each child will get a cardboard Duffy the Disney Bear, Mickey’s Teddy Bear, to decorate at each station. They can color him and get a special stamp representing each country. It makes a great souvenir…and you can even enjoy a few minutes to explore the countries! A fun idea is to take photos of your child(ren) and Duffy together as they travel through the World Showcase!
9. Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (Epcot- Future World)
Grab the whole family and head to the Magic Eye Theater for an 18-minute show made up of 3 different shorts. Be sure to get your 3D glasses so you can experience these films like never before. There are special effects that will wow the kids and adults in your family!
10. Parades (various locations)
One of my absolute favorite things to do with my kids is to watch a parade (or 2 or 3!) And during the holidays, if we aren’t in Disney, we are watching the parade on tv! Between the music, the characters and the performers, it is such a fun way to spend an hour! So grab a snack, find a spot on Main Street and get ready to wave to all of your favorite characters! After all, everyone loves a parade!
So if you are deciding whether or not to take your little ones to Disney…do it! It may seem like a little extra planning, but it is totally worth it because you will go home with memories that will last forever!
If you are considering taking your toddler for a Disney vacation, please contact me for a FREE quote! I’d love to make magic for you & your family!
Kathryn Finkelstein
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-844-MICKEY-0 (direct)
1-203-982-8961 (cell)
kfinkelstein@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
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