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Kilimanjaro Safaris; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • On Apr 5, 2011
    Jessica from MD Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    This is our first visit to WDW We have 2 girls, ages 6 & 7. How far ahead do you recommend telling the children? Thanks to all of you panelists. You advice has been incredibly helpful in planning our trip!

    Hi Jessica,

    I'm so glad that you have found the advice of my friends and colleagues on the Moms Panel useful! 

    Deciding when to share the news of an impending Walt Disney World vacation is a tough call.  Cognitively, children experience the passage of time very differently than adults.  If I were going to share exciting news like this with young school-age children like yours, I'd probably let them know 1-2 months in advance of your departure.  Then, in order the make that time frame more concrete for them, construct a countdown chain with them.  For each day between the announcement and your departure add one paper loop to the chain.  Then, every morning when the girls wake up, they can take turns ripping off one link to the chain.  It helps to build excitement about the trip while simultaneously giving them a visual which helps them to understand how many days will pass before the big event.  Does that make sense?

    Another fun thing you might want to do before your trip is to mail messages from Mickey and his friends to your girls.  For instance, Mickey could send a letter to your daughters asking them to meet him for breakfast at Chef Mickey's.  (You can make reservations for character dining and other meals by calling 407-WDW-DINE).  Another letter might come from Minnie suggesting they pack their swimsuits for their upcoming adventure.  Perhaps a parcel could come from Cinderella with an autograph book and pen for each of your girls.  You get the idea!  The possibilities are endless.  This would be fun for your children and for the adults in the family who get to set up the magical surprises.

    Wishing you a vacation sprinkled with extra pixie dust!

    Jill
thumbnail image for Jill

Meet the Panelist: Jill, New Jersey

Lesson plans, college plans, vacation plans...as a teacher, college counselor, and incurable Disney fan I find myself constantly planning.  I love to share advice with friends who have yet to experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer! Learn More About Jill

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