Contact the authors of Walt Disney World for Preschoolers

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Order Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2012).

2012 Edition on Amazon.com

Beyond the Attractions (2012) is available for Kindle

Beyond the Attractions (2012) is available for the nook

Top Walt Disney World Tips for Traveling with Kids

1. Be Flexible

The single most important thing you can do to have a successful Walt Disney World trip with preschoolers is to have a plan and then be willing to deviate from it. When the kids get hot, tired, or over-stimulated, slow down the pace of your touring, have a snack, or take a break in your hotel room.

2. FASTPASS

Walt Disney World ticket holders may take advantage of FASTPASS, a means of bypassing the standby line for a much shorter FASTPASS queue. Using FASTPASS can dramatically decrease the time you spend in line and increase the number of attractions your family will enjoy.

3. Start Early

It’s important to know that crowds are lighter when the parks first open, and during the warmer times of the year the weather is more hospitable early in the day. Get an early start to minimize the amount of time you spend on lines. When the crowds become heavier and the weather warmer, take a break and return to your hotel for a swim and a nap.

4. Use a Stroller

Visiting Disney World is not like a typical day at your park or local zoo. Chances are you’ll be out of your hotel room for hours at a time and your family will put in mile after mile at the theme park and at your resort. Even the most energetic four- or five-year old who would never consider sitting in a stroller at home will likely be asking for one by mid-day.

5. Make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR)

With the many table-service restaurants in Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to imagine not getting a seat at the restaurant of your choice. However, this routinely happens with the large crowds visiting the resort. It is best to make your ADRs, guaranteeing a table, well in advance of your trip by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

6. Don't Force the Issue

Preschoolers are a funny bunch. They sometimes have difficulty communicating a fear or just plain discomfort with a ride or situation. If they resist a particular attraction, don’t force the issue; it’s easier to find a ride they do enjoy than having to coax them on future rides if they have a “bad” experience.