The Best Guide For Visiting Disney World with Preschoolers Every Parent Needs
Headed to Disney World with preschoolers and toddlers? Here’s what you need to know. Don’t miss these reasons we don’t regret it!
Should I take my preschooler to Walt Disney World?
Over the years I’ve gotten crazy looks when I’ve shared that we go to Disney World with preschoolers. It’s my absolute favorite vacation to take. My oldest went for the first time when she was 17 months old.
If you’ve ever considered taking a Walt Disney World® vacation, then you’ve heard all the “advice” out there. The biggest question and concern parents of preschoolers have is, “Will my preschooler remember?” coupled with “Is there anything for our preschooler to do at Walt Disney World®?” My answer is a resounding, “YES!!” to both questions.
In my opinion, the preschool years are THE BEST years to experience Walt Disney World® together as a family. It’s fun when they are older, but there is something magical about experiencing Disney Parks through the eyes of a preschooler.
Maybe they won’t remember EVERYTHING, but you’ll be surprised at what they do remember. Regardless, you will remember those magical moments going to Disney World with preschoolers. That is priceless.
When you’re planning your first vacation to Walt Disney World® with preschoolers, it can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be with a little planning and preparation. Let’s explore why we take our preschoolers to Walt Disney World® without regret.
Disney World with Preschoolers and Toddlers
The Magic
To see their eyes light up as they walk into Magic Kingdom Park and see Cinderella Castle brings me to tears. Watching them giggle while eating lunch at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot as they see their favorite princess for the first time is heartwarming.
Watching them catch gold doubloons as they fall from the sky during Disney Junior – Dance Party! and dance with their favorite Disney Junior characters is so much fun. Those memories are priceless.
Every time we’ve gone, the kids talk about their experiences for the rest of the year and start planning our next trip. They don’t forget.
There is No Time Like the Present
In a world where stuff is pushed on us constantly, we choose experiences over stuff. At Walt Disney World®, your family can travel to countries like Japan, Morocco, and France, go Under the Sea with Ariel and Flounder, try the grey stuff – because it’s delicious – at the Beast’s Castle, meet all your favorite characters and princesses from your childhood, sing along with Anna and Elsa, and so much more. You will reconnect with your family and make priceless memories they won’t soon forget.
The Education
Not only is Walt Disney World® fun, but it’s also educational. The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Epcot allow preschoolers to see fish and other sea life they might not have seen in person before. Mine love to visit with the manatee and watch for the sharks and dolphins as they swim through the aquariums.
We can sample foods from countries around World Showcase as well as the restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, learn more about conservation at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and learn about other cultures from Cast Members as we walk through the Kidcot stations around World Showcase.
My kids have always loved becoming Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They learn about the animals, conservation, and so much more. Because of these experiences, my oldest wants to become an exotic veterinarian and hopefully work there.
You never know what these experiences taking preschoolers to Disney will lead to!
Fun for the Whole Family
There are lots of rides and fun activities at Disney World for preschoolers that older family members will also enjoy. Should I take my preschooler to Walt Disney World? YES!
Here are a few of our personal favorites when taking preschoolers to Disney World:
Magic Kingdom® Park
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant®
- Casey Jr. Splash -n- Soak Station (bring your towel!)
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Seven Dwarves Mine Train
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Princess Fairytale Hall
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Watch out for the camels. They spit!)
Epcot®
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends®
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Kidcot Fun Spots at 11 craft stations throughout World Showcase
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in Mexico
- Frozen Ever After
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Character Meet and Greets
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
- Disney Junior – Dance Party!
- Disney Junior Character meet and greet
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-along Celebration
- Toy Story Mania!®
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
- Kilimanjaro Safaris®
- Finding Nemo – The Musical
- Festival of The Lion King
- Na’vi River Journey
- The Boneyard
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Family Time
I know I’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth mentioning again. We live in a world where families are pulled in different directions almost daily. Walt Disney World® gives you the chance to reconnect as a family in a magical place.
Each Disney Resort hotel is designed to make the experience fun for your little one with themed pool areas, campfires to roast s’mores, and nightly movies on the lawn or beach. It’s not all about the kids though. Your family will enjoy spending time together again and make lots of memories that will last a lifetime.
As you can see, taking preschoolers to Walt Disney World® can be a magical experience. It just takes a little preparation.
Magical Tips for a Great Experience at Disney World With Preschoolers
What do you think? Are you excited yet? I’m ready to pack our bags and visit the most magical place on earth myself! Here are a few more tips as you plan your magical trip to the happiest place on earth:
- Baby Care Centers are your best friend. Did you forget sunscreen? Run out of diapers or wipes? Lose a pacifier? Need to nurse your little one? The Baby Care Center in each Park has you covered.
- Memory Maker is a must if you want pictures of your whole family during your stay. Order Memory Maker before your trip and receive a discount on the price. I’ve never regretted getting the Memory Maker. I have regretted the times when we didn’t preorder it.
- Rent a stroller. Little ones will get tired. Strollers are perfect for naps and to give their legs a nice little break so they are refreshed for the rest of the day.
- Take advantage of Rider Switch. We use it every time we ride Soarin’ in Epcot. It allows my husband to ride Soarin’ with the big kids while I stay with the little ones who don’t meet the height requirement. When they finish, we switch and I get to ride Soarin’. It’s a great program!
- Utilize the FastPass+ system to bypass long lines.
- Don’t forget to download My Disney Experience so you can make last-minute changes to your FastPass+ selections, make dining reservations, or take a peek at your Memory Maker photos.
- Drink water even when you don’t feel like it.
I hope these tips have helped you as you plan your next vacation and answered the questions you have when taking preschoolers and toddlers to Disney World.
Now when people ask, “Should I take my preschooler to Walt Disney World?” you know what to say! Need help planning your next vacation? Make sure you check out PlanDisney for answers to all your questions.
Have a magical time! If you have any tips to share, leave them in the comments.
You’re never too young or old to enjoy Disney, in my opinion!
NEVER too old or young.
There’s so much to do at WDW for preschoolers!!
There is! That’s my favorite age to take to the Parks. Everything is magical.