THE YOUNGER THE KIDS, THE BIGGER THE DISNEY MAGIC
by Greg Ehrbar

In the great debate about the best age for a Walt Disney World® vacation, many experienced travelers believe the younger the kids are, the more magical the experience. To tots and toddlers, "make-believe" is real. Every experience, no matter how big or small, is fresh and exciting for them. They cherish every magical detail, sight, and touch, from a flower in a planter to a hug from Mickey Mouse.

"Everybody said we should wait until the kids were older, but we've had a great time," said Melissa Burton of New York, who vacationed here with her husband and two children, ages three and one. "When we get home, we're gonna tell them it's the best trip we've ever taken."

A new Disney vacation planning guide written especially for families with preschoolers helps shed light on this special time. "The Experts' Guide to a Disney Vacation with Your Preschooler" offers advice on the best rides, Resorts, and things to do for little kids, and includes tips on how to make the most of your vacation with a preschooler. The helpful guide is included in a free vacation planning kit that can be ordered through disneyworld.com.

So what's the secret to bringing a preschooler? The guide invites you to take advantage of some little-known Disney tricks. For example, make use of the FASTPASS® service that lets you pick up a special time to come back and ride an attraction or see a show. It's available on lots of kid-friendly attractions in all four Theme Parks. Or check out some of Disney's Kids' Programs. They're available at many of Disney's Resorts and give parents a little quiet time to play on their own.

Armed with information on the hassle-free approach to visiting with their preschoolers, Guests are able to spend more time simply enjoying the magic. "The first time I came down with my daughter Emily, I started to cry because I had such good memories coming here with my parents," recalled Chris Fanning of Philadelphia. "I got to relive everything through her eyes." Emily is now 4 years old and sharing the magic with her 2-year-old sister.

Disney's "Experts' Guide" also suggests rides and shows that have proven to be big hits with preschoolers. "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" at Disney-MGM Studios lets kids see some of their TV favorites in person. And "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park invites them to sing and dance along with a colorful show based on the classic Disney film.

First-time visitors Brian and Alvina Sally of New Mexico were amazed at how many shows and attractions were suitable for their children Zaire, age 3, and Malik, 4. "I was surprised by that," sail Alvina. "I was expecting primarily roller coasters and adult rides and not much for their age group, but we found lots of rides geared toward them."

"If you plan right and try not to do everything at once, you'll have a great time and the kids will have a ball," Chris Fanning added. "They really get a lot out of it because to them, it's all real."

Click here to order Disney's free preschooler vacation planning kit.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.