Mom and Son on Safari; Giraffe; AA
  • On Jun 19, 2024
    Emily from GA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am planning a trip to Disney for myself and 9, 6, and 3 year old's in October. My oldest can ride most all rides; however, my youngest is too short for some. How would rider swap work for us if none of my children are able to wait alone?

    Hiya, Emily! I'm always happy to meet another gal from Georgia with dreams of heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth. A trip with your three kids when the parks are decked out for the Halloween holiday is practically perfect in every way. 

    Walt Disney World Resort's Rider Switch program is a phenomenal way to ensure one parent isn't left out of all the fun when your family's ages make some rides out of reach for your littlest ones. Unfortunately, if you do not have someone available to watch your littlest Mouseketeer, Rider Switch won't work for you on this trip.

    While this may not be the news you were hoping for, after my trip a few months ago with just me and my three-year-old nephew, I can assure you that there is so much to do for your whole family. Your days will be busy, and your heart will be full.

    First, I recommend checking out the Planning Guide for Parents of Preschoolers. For each theme park, you can see a list of attractions perfect for little ones. You can add filters for your children's height and interests for a more personalized view.

    On my day with my nephew at Magic Kingdom, we enjoyed several rides that would be perfect for you, including ''it's a small world," Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. It might be tight but it would be worth the squeeze to all hop in the same doom buggy for the Haunted Mansion and clamshell for Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid. Shows like Mickey's PhilharMagic, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Carousel of Progress and the Enchanted Tiki Room are great for kids of all ages. They come with air conditioning and a song or two you'll be singing the rest of the day. Add in the Festival of Fantasy Parade, Happily Ever After fireworks and character meet-and-greets, and you have a fun-filled day.

    At Disney's Hollywood Studios, there are so many shows to make you feel like you are on set in Hollywood, including Disney Junior Play and Dance!, Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Beauty and the Beast - Live Onstage, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. If I were planning a day with little ones, I might sleep in late or take a mid-day break to end the day with Fantasmic!

    Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park has its share of thrills, but this is a theme park for kids. Starting with Kilimanjaro Safaris, your kids' eyes will widen as their imaginations run wild with animals they usually only see on television. This park also has many trails to get closer to the animals. For a bit of theater that will have your mind bouncing like the acrobatic monkeys, be sure to catch Festival of the Lion King. In Pandora - The World of Avatar, set sail on Na'vi River Journey. 

    In EPCOT, my kids could spend all day in the Seas Aquarium and Bruce's Shark World. And I could spend all day in The Journey of Water - Inspired by Moana. This is such a cool area and not only because of the misting water. The Ocean is a character here, just like in the movie. If you want to engage them in World Showcase, check out Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure and Kidcot Fun Stops. The Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three Caballeros will have you quacking up with Donald and his pals. 

    Emily, I hope this list helps. If you have any follow-up questions, you can ask me at planDisney.

    Thinking of the Happiest Things!
    Jana

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Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

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