10 Year old girl *First Time at DIsney*

[Alesia]

I believe they have an option like to just do hair and nails and makeup? I know she would like that, but the dressing up and all I think/feel she is outgrown.. THEN there is always the pirate thing... how can i drop subtle hints without her knowing..and find out which she would like. She doesnt have makeup..but loves me to paint her nails.. ??

This isn't something I would surprise her with. Just show her some pictures and ask her what she'd like to do. I think it's easy for us to get wrapped up in the idea of surprising them, but I find that giving them some control over the situation makes for a much more enjoyable trip. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be surprises, but I would keep them smaller.

 

[gtpoohbear]

I also have a 10yo DD, so I can tell you what she likes, though obviously they are all different She is very into Duffy right now. She carries him with her every day to the park, and loves shopping for new outfits for him, and meeting "big Duffy" in Epcot.

She has never gotten into pin trading, but does have a charm bracelet and likes collecting more charms for it in every trip. In general, she still likes meeting characters, but it's not as special to her as when she was younger. Now she is all about the thrill rides (ToT is her favorite). There is definitely a lot at DHS that appeals to that age group.

She likes the shows there too. She has done BBB several times, but not on our last few trips. She says she still wants to go one more time, but it ends up not being a high enough priority for her to give up park time. It's fun to do once though!

I would definitely steer clear of surprises. They can backfire with girls this age. I think they are at a point where they are wanting to be treated as grown ups and have control over as much of their lives as possible. Surprising them takes away that control and makes them feel like they are being treated childishly. Of course I'm sure there are exceptions, but that has been my experience. Involve her in the planning and she will have more buy-in to the excitement.

She also loves the water parks, in fact would be happy to spend the entire vacation there! And just touring some if the hotels is fun too. If you want a big, special thing, maybe consider one of the firework cruises.

And if possible, try to expose her to some of the Disney movies/characters before you go. She will enjoy it more if she feels some connection to them. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of rides.

 

[River Country]

Well if she is a real tomboy, i would suggest the Pirates League, they can turn her into a Pirate Princess which is a little more edgier for a tomboy than the BBB, or they can turn her into a Mermaid which is really cool too.

Other stuff: At AK take her to Rafiki's planet Watch that is really cool place to see animals as well as the Safari, Brids of Prey show,

HS: LMA stunt show, Indiana Jones, F!, ToT, RnR, Star Tours
EP: TT, MS, Malestrom
MK: IMHO all is good at the MK

This of course is that she likes rides

Anyway just have fun and dont try to do everything in one visit cause when that happens it can turn whats supposed to be a vacation into a disaster stress filled week, and thats what work is supposed to be not a vacation

 

[Nancyg56]

THANK YOU very much!! and how did you know we were doing Chef mickeys on our arrival day?? LOL She loves animals so I want her to see the Safari and stuff, I think she will love that..

Oh my goodness! AK was and still is, one of Kady's favorite places. She loves the safari, but she also really loves the walking trails. They are cool, quite, and really very secluded, in a way that no other area in WDW is. One of my own favorite memories is an hour or so, just Kady and me, walking through the trails while she let go of her Tween self and just talked. It is funny how some down time gives a kid a chance to just express thoughts that would never be said elsewhere.

CM is a great way to start, and until recently, my 36 YO DD insisted on starting there every trip! LOL! Food is okay, but holy cow! It is Disney on Steroids!

This isn't something I would surprise her with. Just show her some pictures and ask her what she'd like to do. I think it's easy for us to get wrapped up in the idea of surprising them, but I find that giving them some control over the situation makes for a much more enjoyable trip. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be surprises, but I would keep them smaller.

I agree. Some surprises are better left undone, and this may be one of them. It can be pretty hard for a 10 YO to tell you that the hair and make-up is not appreciated, after the surprise is unveiled. I planned teh Princess Tea in the GF for my DGD, had a Sleeping Beauty Blue gown made for her, spent a fortune planning the best Nana/Kady morning. It was a disaster, for her and for me. She knew about it, did not want to go, but had no way to really tell me. I spent a few hours pretty upset, and I am embarrassed to say I was also upset with her , but I sure did learn my lesson! Plan surprises, but make them surprises that will not overwhelm her or put too much pressure on her. Ordering a Glass Slipper dessert is one thing, asking her to wear the slippers is another, if you get what I mean.

Maybe find out if she would liek a bit of a "grownup" experience, and take her to the afternoon tea at teh GF. My DGD is 12, and would love it, especially since in school the kids are starting to cook. kady has made scones and learned wth "tea" is in the UK.

 

[Later_Mater2009]

Ok well I was worried about surprising her... so if she doesn't know she is going to Disney World... how do I ask her without her knowing? and how do I make reservations if Im not sure she will like it?

 

[HeatherLassell]

Ok Disers... mothers and fathers of 10 year old girls... my niece is coming with us to disney this fall.... it has been my dream to bring her. I have boys, so I dont know what the girls are into really. She doesnt come from a "disney" family. I believe she just saw Snow White for the first time when she came over to spend the night at Christmas. We havent been since 2009 so some things have changed. She loves Little Pet Shop, and animals so AK is a must do, I cannot WAIT to see all that through her eyes. Do yall have any suggestions ? She is so new, I dont want to overwhelm her but at the same time, I feel she has some catching up to do.. LOL

Have you got one of the Disney planning videos from their website? 10 is old enough to watch that and browse the Disney World website and get ideas for you of the things she's most interested in.

eta just saw the question about surprising her. Easy enough. Say the Planning DVD came in the mail. Tell her how cool it would be to go there "some day" and just have fun talking about what you "would" do if you got to go there.

 

[wcurry66]

Now exciting!! She's going to have a blast

It would be the pot calling the kettle black if I told you to relax and not worry

but for the first trip, she'll be in heaven even without the extras

If you are to do one, I'd do the pirates league over BBB

My DD is a girly girl, big time. She did BBB when she was 7 (she's now 9) and even she was uncomfortable. (Not trying to pick a fight with the BB fans.. just expressing our experience)

First of all, it is no a quick experience. We spent something like an hour in the boutique. Because they are transforming to perfect picture of a princess, they pull the hair taut, comb the heck out of it, and use tons of hair spray

Your niece may be different than mine, but that 9 - 10 range, is the edge of puberty, self conciousness seems to come out of no where. If there's any chance she wouldn't love it, i wouldn't book this until you get onsite

Once there, you can show her the boutique and ask if she'd like to give it a whirl. You won't get right in, but you should be able to get a reservation sometime

best of luck! make sure you come back and tell us how it went

 

[hookedonears]

THANK YOU very much!! and how did you know we were doing Chef mickeys on our arrival day?? LOL She loves animals so I want her to see the Safari and stuff, I think she will love that..

Our daughter loves character breakfast. She loved them at 2 and she still loves them today at 19. Crystal Palace is by far our favorite, and we've just about done them all. Also, with the exception of a few attractions in each park, I'd plan on doing it all. As I'm sure you know, the only way to get the most out of your Disney experience is to avoid the crowds by getting there early and leaving early. You can sleep at home.

 

[Later_Mater2009]

Ok guys Im taking notes, this is all so helpful. Im going to start a pre trip report soon, maybe one day she and my own kids can look back at them and laugh and remember these great times!!
She is coming over Friday night for movie night, I think Mary Poppins is in order... if she opposes we will watch whatever she wants.. but I have to get her into the classics..
I may ask her about make overs and such and see what she thinks... She is quiet most of the time but if you ask her opinion she will let you know..

 

[Oneanne]

I have a tradition of taking Nieces and Nephews to WDW at that age: for each I got them a 'Disney World for Kids' book and had them pick out a few things in each park they absolutely had to do and we made sure to do those attractions first. The first two skimmed the book and picked a few things, the third studied the book front to back, carried it with him during the trip to keep notes in and was telling me things I didn't even know!

If she doesn't know she's going maybe you could give her a book or planning guide for the trip there and read thru it together.

 

[MichaelaF]

I just popped into say I think that's a MAGICAL age to take kids. I went at the ages of 9 and 11 as a kid (and before that, when I was 3, but I don't remember that one) and it set me as a fan for LIFE. Those were literally some of the best memories I have as a child, so reading your post made me super excited for her!

I was a tomboy too, but I also went (early 90s) before Disney was really pushing the princess thing. But I would have loved the Pirate Princess for sure.

We did my 11th birthday dinner (lunch) at Cinderella's Royal Table and I adored every single second of it. It was truly magical for me.

 

[serene56]

Three words, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
The cast members she interacts with, for as long as her hair and makeup are still holding up, will address her as princess. My daughter has done it twice and both times her smiles almost made me tear up. It does take about an hour and a half of your time so plan wisely.

a tom boy 10 year old would prefer the Pirate Princess makeover.

we did both-- amazing experience

 

[matsons]

My daughters have really enjoyed playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and collecting the cards. They have been 8-10 years old over the last 2 years of playing it. It will take you all over the park including the shops so there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and then resume.

It doesn't cost anything once you're in the park so if she doesn't like it you can move on to something else.

 

[Later_Mater2009]

A book would be a great idea. I am so so so excited for her. I never went as a child but when I was 15 for a class trip, and since then I have LOVED and adored it, those were some of my best memories too. I hope its the same for her. She seems to like the things I give her, like the pins etc. and when I see her she has them out and talks about them..what do yall think about the pressed penny thing? We did that our last trip and my 10 year old at the time (boy though) really liked it and collected a bunch.
It has become fun for my 15 year old now, he is helping us plan the surprise for the younger ones, he is excited too and its fun to watch him come up with ideas...

 

[Later_Mater2009]

My daughters have really enjoyed playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and collecting the cards. They have been 8-10 years old over the last 2 years of playing it. It will take you all over the park including the shops so there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and then resume.

It doesn't cost anything once you're in the park so if she doesn't like it you can move on to something else.

I have heard some chatter about this game and I saw it on SeeYaReelSoon with Joe and Ashley so Im thinking we may try it out..

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Ok Disers... mothers and fathers of 10 year old girls... my niece is coming with us to disney this fall.... it has been my dream to bring her. I have boys, so I dont know what the girls are into really. She doesnt come from a "disney" family. I believe she just saw Snow White for the first time when she came over to spend the night at Christmas. We havent been since 2009 so some things have changed. She loves Little Pet Shop, and animals so AK is a must do, I cannot WAIT to see all that through her eyes. Do yall have any suggestions ? She is so new, I dont want to overwhelm her but at the same time, I feel she has some catching up to do.. LOL

Who else is going? I read you have a 15yo son who is helping planning for the younger ones? I'm guessing the other young ones are boys. Going with that information are you planning to seperate and spend time just with her? My DD is 12 and would not like the BBB experience - as a tween she would be more embarassed that mom signed her up for something she would think "babyish" and this a girl that LOVES her glitter! I wouldn't classify her as a girly girl but she likes her sparkle If she did the pirate thing would it be only her, would she rather be with the rest of the group? Just thinking that you could do things that highlight her experience but don't segregate her from the group... she's at WDW afterall and I'm sure she's gonna have an amazing experience without the "extras." What resort are you staying at? Does it have a spa where you could do a manicure/pedicure with her?

That being said, the pick a pearl thing is special to just her, also if she has or likes any jewerly at all you might want to consider purchasing a pandora style (does not have to be pandora name - there are chamilia, and others but people seem to be more familiar with the pandora name) bracelet for her and start a memory bracelet. Something she can add on to as she grows and goes different places. Or WDW also has themed Alex & Ani bracelets - just a special souvenier she would always have.

On that same line, pressed pennies are a great thing to do and not outrageously expensive although over time it add up. Check this out: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...7F5D73B9542705AC85A209CEF59BD96BC&FORM=IQFRBA

I agree with the character meals as well. I wouldn't over do them but throw 1 or 2 in there with a variety of characters.

Have fun!

 

[Later_Mater2009]

Who else is going? I read you have a 15yo son who is helping planning for the younger ones? I'm guessing the other young ones are boys. Going with that information are you planning to seperate and spend time just with her? My DD is 12 and would not like the BBB experience - as a tween she would be more embarassed that mom signed her up for something she would think "babyish" and this a girl that LOVES her glitter! I wouldn't classify her as a girly girl but she likes her sparkle If she did the pirate thing would it be only her, would she rather be with the rest of the group? Just thinking that you could do things that highlight her experience but don't segregate her from the group... she's at WDW afterall and I'm sure she's gonna have an amazing experience without the "extras." What resort are you staying at? Does it have a spa where you could do a manicure/pedicure with her?

That being said, the pick a pearl thing is special to just her, also if she has or likes any jewerly at all you might want to consider purchasing a pandora style (does not have to be pandora name - there are chamilia, and others but people seem to be more familiar with the pandora name) bracelet for her and start a memory bracelet. Something she can add on to as she grows and goes different places. Or WDW also has themed Alex & Ani bracelets - just a special souvenier she would always have.

On that same line, pressed pennies are a great thing to do and not outrageously expensive although over time it add up. Check this out: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...7F5D73B9542705AC85A209CEF59BD96BC&FORM=IQFRBA

I agree with the character meals as well. I wouldn't over do them but throw 1 or 2 in there with a variety of characters.

Have fun!

Yes there is me, my husband, my 7 year old son, my 15 year old son and she is my niece and she is 10. She and my DS7 are very close, they play a lot and play very well, although, now, I see her outgrowing him some but she still loves to play pretend etc. I don't want her to think that's odd or shes too old so we play pretend a lot! She enjoys that! I think with the Pirates league and BBB I will decided when we are there... she may be so caught up enjoying everything around her she may not want to. She has never been ANYWHERE even close to WDW. She may have gone to the county fair but Im not really sure if she even has done that?
We are staying at AoA .. Nemo Suites.. OMG I don't know if shes seen Nemo...

 

[Luvchefmic]

Well you better make sure she watches and learns who Nemo is I would also go with the tomboy strong woman vibe I would definitely watch Brave with her and make sure you take her to meet Merida if she enjoys the movie

You're a nice Aunt

 

[ruthies12]

I just recently got back from a trip with my 10 year old niece and will say that she loved pick a pearl at epcot. My niece would not have wanted anything to do with BBB but she loves getting her face painted and did have that done at Hollywood studios at the stand by toy story, it was very cute and you don't need a reservation for that.

I got her a kids guide to Disney that I bought on amazon that broke down the 4 parks and all the rides with descriptions that was geared to exactly her age, I think it said for ages 8 to 12 and it was perfect. If I were you I'd get your niece that book so she can read up on stuff on the journey there, pretty sure it was birnbaums kids guide and I know my niece liked it a lot.

 

[ruthies12]

forgot to add - if she doesn't want to do bbb you should take her by the store behind the castle and get the free pixie dust. Who doesn't love pixie dust in their hair?