Visit Orlando has just rolled out a multimillion dollar campaign targeted at parents of toddlers and preschoolers that “May is Made for Little Ones,” according to an article in the Sun Sentinel, February 22, 2014, “Ads Target Preschoolers’ Parents to Boost Tourism,” by Sara K. Clarke.
Having lived in South Florida for over 40 years and having taken my own toddlers and preschoolers as well as toddler and preschool age grandchildren, this Grandma says there are many do’s and don’ts when bringing toddlers and preschoolers to Disney World.
Do’s
Do bring the toddlers and preschoolers. To see the joy and awe on a young child’s face seeing this magic place for the first time is worth the cost of the trip. Yes, they might not remember, but picture albums and videos taken on Smart Phones help keep the memories alive.
Do think Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom. But do remember that some of the rides are scary (ie. In the dark) and uncomfortable for some small children. Know the ride and know the toddler or preschooler. Second, and a far second for a toddler or preschooler, think Animal Kingdom. Yes, Animal Kingdom is a half day park.
Do stay in the Contemporary Hotel on the grounds of Disney World with your toddler or preschooler if you can afford it. Why? The Contemporary is a short one stop return from the Magic Kingdom on the monorail system which runs very frequently. When toddlers or preschoolers are overtired, this Grandma likes one stop and an elevator ride to get them back to their room. Also, toilet training becomes easier being close to a “home” potty. Equally important, Chef Mickey Buffet is in the Contemporary. This is the best place for ease of character contacts, and toddlers and preschoolers are more interested in character contacts than rides. Go for breakfast, the cheapest meal and the best meal for toddlers and preschoolers at Chef Mickey. A second choice, and a far second, is the Grand Floridian as an on property hotel in which to stay with toddlers and preschoolers. It is the nicest on property hotel but one must walk farther to the room which is a negative when coming to Disney World with small ones. Take advantage of convention rates and specials, even if they are not in May, at whatever on property hotel is offering it before staying outside Disney World.
Do go early in the morning and go directly to the locations of the toddler’s or preschooler’s favorite characters. Again toddlers or preschoolers are more interested in character contacts than rides. They can never have enough. They might be scared the first or second or third time they see a character, but if you hold them securely and you interact with the character, pretty soon the toddler or preschooler is all over the character. Mickey Mouse is not everywhere and if it is Mickey Mouse that is the favorite, ask the Concierge where Mickey Mouse will be (or go to Chef Mickey).
Do map out your morning before you enter the park. Toddlers and preschoolers will be impatient and distracted by the Disney visual overstimulation. See previous posts with itineraries. Patience is not a word this Grandma associates with toddlers and preschools she knows.
Do bring a special flag to identify your stroller, whether you use your own or rent one of Disney’s. The attendants move the strollers around so it will not be in the same place you left it. It is a pain to locate your stroller after you go on a ride. Forget balloons to identify the stroller as the toddler or preschooler will scream for it and you then have to search for your stroller.
Do stop at a supermarket on the way to Disney World and pick up water, juices, snacks, etc. Disney food and drink is expensive and just not good. Of course, the toddlers and preschoolers eat pretty much of what they offer and do not care. The prices will make you care. Do ask the hotel for a refrigerator and a microwave, if available. It is worth the convenience.
Do preshop for stuffed animals and small gifts at the online Disney Store to give the toddlers or preschoolers when you are in the park, in the evening before bedtime, or at a meltdown. Put them in your bag and when they are attracted to the various displays or anytime you need to distract the toddler or preschooler, pull out your gift which you will get significantly cheaper on line. There are always specials on line. Right now there is 30% off. Remember to go to Retail Me Not to check discounts if they are not showing on the website. Disney Store also preshop for Disney t-shirts, pj’s or sweatshirts on the website. This Grandma had new Disney pjs and clothing washed and ready to surprise the grandchild with morning and evening—purchased at prices significantly less than found in the park.
Do plan for unexpected rain showers. On Amazon, buy cheap folded plastic raincoats for children.
And for adults.
Do plan to nap the toddlers and preschoolers back at the Contemporary. Again, that is another significant reason to stay there. After a long morning and lunch, everyone getting a reprieve at the hotel is a welcome respite.
Do plan some pool and playground time in the afternoons. Preschoolers and toddlers can have too much Disney World. Pleasure Island and even Downtown Disney are not going to be places your toddler or preschooler loves. You will spend unnecessary money and deal with an unhappy small child who has been in a stroller too long.
Do go back to the park in the evening with the toddler or preschooler. Just like they can hear you read a book ten times, they can go on a ride ten times. If you can afford it, a private guide is a great thing. With a guide, you do not wait on lines. When the children says, “again,” as they get off a ride, a guide makes that happen many times over with immediate gratification to the toddler or preschooler. Yes, we have done “It’s a Small World” five times in a row with a guide. With a toddler or preschooler, one four hour guiding is enough to get their fill and can let you do the park in one day rather than two saving food and hotel costs. See previous posts on Magic Kingdom for guide contact information and other tips. Do tire them out for bedtime. Disney highs can be a problem. Another reason to stay at the Contemporary or another Disney hotel is the television offerings to calm them down and help them fall asleep.
Do go to Disney World when it is cooler rather than in the summer. Toddlers and preschoolers are not tied to a school schedule so pick a time when school is in session. With this tip that is in the ads, this Grandma agrees with Visit Orlando. Great times are the week before or week after a major holiday. The best time to go is when you can get a convention special rate or package. The article said, “Hotels filled 68% of their rooms this past May, compared with 76% in July.”
Do remember that the transportation systems are rides in and of themselves for preschoolers and toddlers. They will love the monorail, the trams, the trains, and even the regular bus rides – sometimes more than the actual rides. Go on them all, especially if the toddler or preschool has never been on a bus before.
Do plan a multigenerational visit to Disney World with toddlers and preschoolers. More hands make more fun. . . .and grandparents can babysit so parents can enjoy some adult entertainment. See previous posts on Disney World for ideas and itineraries.
Don’ts
Don’t plan too much for one day. Toddlers and preschoolers need to run around and release energy. In crowded Disney, that is not the best idea. As much as Disney wants us to believe we are in a fairyland and safe, we are in the real world. My wallet was lost on one visit of many, many visits. We have heard stories in Florida but who knows how much is true or not. Watch your toddlers and preschoolers and your valuables. Bring your toddlers and preschoolers and leave valuables home or in the hotel safe. Bring only what you need for the MORNING in the park.
Don’t buy multipark tickets where you go to more than one park each day when coming to Disney World with toddlers and preschoolers. It is too much for them.
Don’t plan too many days at Disney World. A three day weekend is enough and two days (morning and evening) in Magic Kingdom and one morning in Animal Kingdom is enough for a toddler or preschooler.
Don’t plan any adult activities, like going to one of Disney’s better restaurants. We have done it and toddlers and preschoolers are toddlers and preschoolers and will not sit enough for you to enjoy your meal. Plan Disney for them, not you. . . .unless you bring grandparents along.
Don’t plan multifamily vacations at Disney World with toddlers and preschoolers. You never know who is going to be scared, overwhelmed, overtired, and out of control. It is enough to handle your own toddler and preschooler. Take grandparents instead. Let the grandparents rest at the hotel for part of the time and do not expect them to chase after the toddler and preschooler in the crowded park. Use them efficiently, as when you need respite.
Don’t expect the toddler or preschooler to love Disney World. The crowds, the noise, the commotion, the rides, and the heat or rain (a heat spell or rain shower can come upon you without notice) can be overwhelming. Limit each exposure to a few hours at a time and relax at the pool or playground.
Don’t spend your money on other attractions outside of Disney World while you are there with your toddler or preschooler. Disney World is the experience. Let it shine. It will.
Notice this Grandma said take the grandparents. Grandparents, take your toddler and preschooler grandchildren WITH their parents. Make an itinerary and lists. It is the best birthday or holiday present. See previous posts on Disney World for details on each park.
As the ads say, “They’re only your little ones for a little while,” so “Don’t let these moments get by you.”
Joy,
Mema
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