At least once a week someone ask me or I read on a forum someone asking what the right age is to take a child to Disney World. My response is always the same, any age is a good age to go to Disney World. Whether your child is 6 months or 16, any child can enjoy what Disney World has to offer them. Now we know that a 6 month old will not remember, but you, the parent, will have the pictures and memories of that trip that will last a life time, plus your baby will enjoy the lights and sounds of the ride.
I thought today I would tell you about a few of the rides and activities that a young child could enjoy. Right now this subject is in the forefront of my mind as we will be taking our 14 month old to Disney in a few months. I know all that my older two children can and will do, but it will be a different experience for all of us this trip because of our younger son. I want to make sure that he gets to experience all the adventures that Disney offers a toddler.
Our first stop will be the Magic Kingdom. I believe that the Magic Kingdom has a lot to offer a toddler/preschooler. Most of the rides do not have ride restrictions which allow any age to be able to ride. There are great rides that many people know about like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and we can not forget It's a Small World or Peter Pan. But there might be some rides or attractions you did not know were at the Magic Kingdom, such as Donald's Boat, where kids can splash in fountains, Mickey and Minnie's houses that you can go inside and explore, and Toontown fair where your child can get up close with their favorite character and have their pictures taken and get autographs.
Next is Epcot. I think a lot of people are surprised at how much fun your toddlers or preschoolers can have at Epcot. One ride I highly recommend is The Seas with Nemo and Friends. This ride takes you through a real live aquarium as your child enjoys visits from their favorite Nemo characters. Also there is Turtle Talk with Crush. Your child will laugh as Crush from Finding Nemo talks and interacts with the kids. A hidden treasure that most people don't know about is at Epcot World Showcase. As you visit each country, children can visit kidcot. Your child will do some kind of activity that will be associated with that country. It is a lot of fun for the kids and they have their own souvenir that they made that they can take home with them.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great park for the little ones. You can watch Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. Your toddler or preschooler will enjoy watching all their favorite characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and many more. This is a must on our itinerary. Honey, I shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is a great way for you to take a little rest while your kids run around a larger-then-life backyard play area. And don't forget the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride. Its a 4-D adventure ride that allows your child to play games. It is an amazing ride and a must do!
And who could forget Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Your toddler or preschooler will love all the animals they will see on the 110 acre Kilimanjaro Safari or the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where they will see gorillas and underwater hippos up close. And like Disney's Hollywood Studios there are also shows that will entertain your young kids. Finding Nemo-The Musical mesmerizes children with the life like looking fish flying around the stage singing and talking.
Another great thing that Disney offers at their parks and resorts is the character dining. These are usually buffet style dining with Disney characters walking around talking and meeting with each child. You will have to check and see which characters are at your meal. Some are Mickey and Friends while another can be Cinderella, Prince Charming, and her Fairy Godmother. Children love to watch as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy dance around the room as they eat.
No matter how old your child is, Disney is a great place to visit and you and your family will enjoy it, Disney has made sure of that. They have baby swap, where if you and your spouse want to ride a ride you can each take a turn, the baby center where mothers can change diapers, rock their baby, or buy formula and diapers. So if you have every thought you would have to wait a few years before you take your child think again, Disney is waiting for you.
To find out more information or to book your Walt Disney Vacation, please visit www.jillsmagicaltravel.com
