Welcome to planDisney, Ann!
I still remember the first time I brought my daughter to The Most Magical Place on Earth. I was a bit nervous because I was used to visiting without kids. Adults-only trips were the way my wife and I liked to roll. However, I must admit, taking kids to Walt Disney World is uniquely special. There's something about seeing the magic through their eyes that is hard to explain. Don't get me wrong, it's a different kind of trip. You can't accomplish as much. There are meltdowns. It becomes less about you and more about your Mouseketeer. However, the memories are extra sweet and those magical moments stay with you forever.
You'll be pleased to know that there is so much to do with little ones. Personally, my favorite park for kids is
Magic Kingdom Park. I've put together a list of kid-friendly attractions for you:
"it's a small world."
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Walt Disney World Railroad
If you'd like your child to meet beloved Disney characters, there are meet and greets for Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Elena, Rapunzel, Tiana, Ariel, Goofy, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and more!
Kids absolutely love parades! Therefore, the
Festival of Fantasy Parade is a must. Also, you'll want to get some pictures in front of Cinderella Castle. Finally, if your child can stay awake long enough,
Happily Ever After is a "practically perfect" way to end the day. Here's a tip: Get your child some noise-canceling ear muffs for the fireworks. My kids are really sensitive to loud noises and these allow them to enjoy the nighttime spectaculars.
The other theme parks have loads of things for children too, Ann. For example,
EPCOT has kid-friendly attractions such as Frozen Ever After, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, and The Seas With Nemo & Friends. The different festivals at EPCOT also offer kid-friendly activities.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is also fantastic. Kids love animals! Kilimanjaro Safaris, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Maharajah Jungle Trek will provide lots of opportunities to see animals. There are also attractions, like Na’vi River Journey and It’s Tough To Be A Bug, plus amazing shows like Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond, and Feathered Friends in Flight!
My least favorite park for little kids is
Disney's Hollywood Studios. Therefore, I would begin with the other three parks.
I hope that's helpful, Ann!
Oh, and don't miss out on the
Baby Care Centers in each theme park. If your child needs a diaper change, needs feeding, or simply needs a break from all the stimulation, these centers are life savers.
See ya real soon, Ann.
Mike