This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walt Disney World® and Scholastic. The opinions and text are all mine.
Happy Friday, mamas! The twins recently turned 5 and it has me feeling all kinds of emotions.
My last babies won’t be my preschoolers soon. They’ll be little kids, then big kids, and I’m gonna stop right there because 5 is hard let alone 15.
I want to make this an epic year full of memories that help me close the book on this stage for the very last time. I’d love the last chapter to be Mom Conquers Walt Disney World® with Preschoolers.
Taking a preschooler to Walt Disney World® would be like stepping back into childhood. Preschoolers are an awesome age to travel because they find excitement in everything. Seeing things through the eyes of a child 3, 4, or even 5 brings them alive in new ways for adults.
Characters in the park ignite smiles and joyous chatter because to preschoolers they aren’t just a person in a costume. They’re friends from TV who make them giggle and dance around the living room.
Preschoolers are happy riding it’s a small world over and over again or hitting every stop in Magic Kingdom® Park. My sister from another mister was with her family at Walt Disney World® a few months ago.
A family that includes 8-year-old twin girls and 5-year-old son. They had their hands full, as well as their hearts and memory banks, and she shared some great tips to conquer Walt Disney World® with preschoolers!
Tips to Conquer Walt Disney World® with Preschoolers
#1 Stay at a Walt Disney World® Resort
If feasible, stay on property and use their transportation from the airport as well as to and from the parks. You’ll save time, have the ability to enjoy mid-day breaks, and enjoy added benefits of being at a park resort, like Extra Magic Hours, that all benefit guests traveling with preschoolers.
#2 Go Early and Go Late
Head to the park early so you can get in line for your must-ride attractions at Walt Disney World®. If your preschoolers stay up late, go back to the park late. It’s not as busy then but it does get dark so keep that in mind with the little ones.
#3 Get Ready to Ride
There are over 80 rides and attractions for preschoolers at Walt Disney World®. Check them out beforehand and make a list of all the rides you would like to experience.
#4 Characters Galore
There are lots of character meet-and-greets and character dinners at Walt Disney World®. Figure out who you want to see and bring along a blank notebook for autographs from all the characters you’ll run into.
#5 Get Fast Passes ASAP
As soon as fast passes become available get them. FastPass+ reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance if you stay in a select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel.
#6 Map It Out
Look at Walt Disney World® park maps in advance. Once you have rides, characters, and dining figured out you can mark things on the map to help plan the park route. Knowing where you are going and what bathrooms are nearby is valuable information to have.
#7 Wear Matching Clothes
Be the family with matching Mickey shirts. If someone gets lost you’ll remember what they are wearing. It’s much easier to spot family members in a crowd as well.
#8 Keep Memories Alive
Walt Disney World® offers several fun ways to keep vacation memories alive after you’ve left the park. Plenty of photo opportunities all around the park, character encounters throughout the day, and Walt Disney World® pin trading are popular ideas.
Capture your own memories by taking funny photos at different places in the park, sneaking pictures of the kids when they aren’t looking, or even videos of their reactions to each ride.
#9 Slow Down and Soak It All In
We have a plan and everything is going to go smoothly. Until it doesn’t. Try not to sweat it because they are little kids and things don’t always go as planned at home, let alone at an amusement park. Take breaks, slow down, and enjoy the little moments.
Stand a little longer in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Watch the animals a little longer. Do a celebration dance when they win a game. Soak it all up and get down to their level and see Walt Disney World® through your preschooler’s eyes.