Excerpt 1: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)

I’m excited to announce the release of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011) in early October 2010. Here’s a sneak peek. Please visit Chip and Company over the next few weeks for more excerpts & giveaway!

Should You Go?

There is nothing in the proverbial parent manual that says you have to take your kids to Disney World, or that your preschoolers must meet Mickey Mouse by age five or else their emotional development will be stunted. Sharing a Disney World vacation with your kids can be a magical, memorable experience but some kids are not ready for it as early as others. After all, why spend the time and money for a Disney World vacation if your children aren’t ready to enjoy it? On the other hand, many families with older children also have a preschooler in tow and would like to make the Walt Disney World trip memorable for the entire family, little ones included.

Is Your Child Ready for a Disney World Vacation?

Every child has a unique personality and temperament. As a parent, you are best equipped to decide if and when you should take your child to Disney World. Here are some important considerations.

Attention Span. Many of the best Disney attractions are not rides at all; they are either live stage shows or theater attractions. If your child is very active or unused to watching television at home, it may be a chore to focus and sit still for a 20-30 minute show. Does your small child have the attention span and capability to sit, without talking, during these types of attractions?

Standing for an Extended Period of Time. A Disney World vacation will involve waiting on lines for attractions; strollers are not permitted in attraction queues. FASTPASS can be used to minimize wait time but it is unlikely to eliminate it entirely. Another factor to consider is the preshow. Some Disney preshow areas do not offer benches and are standing room only. Are your toddlers or preschoolers able to stand by themselves for extended periods of time? Is there someone in your traveling party who is willing to hold them if they cannot?

Waiting…Waiting…Waiting. “How much longer?” is the Disney World equivalent to “Are we there yet?” Will your kids be able to wait patiently without having a meltdown or causing you to have one? Luckily, the Disney queues are extremely well-themed and have lots of opportunities for your kids to pass the time enjoyably. See Chapter 4, “Touring,” for ideas on entertaining kids while on line.

Dining. If your family is planning a number of table-service meals, consider whether the kids will sit still while waiting for their meals to arrive. Do your children eat more quickly than the adults in your party and will they patiently play with crayons and other small, quiet toys while the rest of the family finishes dinner? Have you considered buffets, character dining, or dinner shows to help your children enjoy mealtimes?

If your toddlers use sippy cups and toddler utensils, don’t forget to pack them in your theme park bag.

Fear Factors. Many of the Disney World attractions, which may not be considered particularly scary, have either a darkened preshow area, theater, or ride track. Volume may also be a factor. Many shows have loud music or sounds. Is your child uncomfortable in the dark or with loud noises?

Sleep Schedules. How many naps do your toddlers and preschoolers take? When and how long do they nap? Will your children have a meltdown if they miss a nap? Are you willing to miss the nightly entertainment if the kids need to turn in early?

Costumed Characters. Disney World has many Character Greeting areas. Is your child afraid of large costumed characters? Kids may be more comfortable meeting “face” characters such as Snow White or Aladdin who do not wear masks, instead of costumed characters like Mickey Mouse. If your child does not enjoy the Character Greetings, it is fairly easy to avoid them.

Budget. The cost of a Walt Disney World vacation can add up quickly. You’ll have to purchase theme park tickets, lodging, food, and those inevitable souvenirs. If a Disney World vacation is going to be a once-in-a-childhood experience for your child, waiting a few more years is probably best. Older children will be able to experience more attractions and remember the trip long into adulthood. Parents won’t be restricted by sleep schedules, tired feet, and shorter attention spans.

Copyright © 2011 MRB Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You call follow her on Twitter @DisneyExplorer.

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