First Time for Three Year Old

[pjones5]

What would be the best attractions for our three year old at Disney World? We have 7 days in December and don't want to spend it searching and walking all over the place. Please help us with your suggestions. Thanks

 

[Michigan]

Most everything in the Magic Kingdom. All of FantasyLand and ToonTown.

 

[cbrfan]

My DGS loved the seagulls outside of the Nemo attraction and the little fountains where the water jumps from one to another. Sorry, can't think of the actual names right now. He really loved driving the race cars at Indy Speedway in MK.

 

[LaurinG]

I recommend the unofficial guide for kids...at your local book store. You will need to ignore their attempt to tell you not to take a 3 year old, but they do a really good job at telling you about the best rides and touring plans for little ones.

Many people I know, that don't prepare before hand, end up sticking very closely to Fantasyland and Toontown with little ones, when there really are TONS of other things they will enjoy at all the parks!

 

[Karel]

You're going to do a lot of walking - that's just the nature of the beast.

Is this your first time too? There's so much for a three year old to do, it's hard to list. S/he's going to be overwhelmed so it might be best just to walk around a bit to take it all in.

Obviously, Magic Kingdom is best for young ones but some say it's better to go to the other parks first because the child will expect the rides of MK, and not appreciate the shows and other things the other parks offer.

All the other parks offer plenty of things for younger kids too, though Epcot is a bit tougher on the younger crowd. Also, it's better to start slowly, with something like Pooh's ride then start right away with the darker, faster rides, like Buzz Lightyear, which is fun but dark and loud and overwhelming.

Has s/he ever seen characters before? Chuckie Cheese, Santa... Depending on how he reacts to these, he might be a bit scared by the characters. My daughter at this age was comfortable with the face characters, like the Princesses but terrified by Minnie.

 

[pjones5]

You guys are being so helpfl thanks. We have been before but He (our 3 year old) has never. It has been a while and I know alot has changed.

 

[ksumn1]

We took my DD for the 1st time when she just turned 3. She had a ball. I'll try to give a park by park list of what she liked

MK-Dumbo, Peter Pan, It's a Small World (she LOVED it), Mad Tea Party, Carousel, Mickey's Philharmagic, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion (she was a little scared at 1st, then thought it was silly but HATED it when the ride went backward), wanted to ride Splash but wasn't tall enough, The Indy Cars, Buzz Lightyears Spaceranger Spin, meeting the characters in the Judges Tent, Mickey and Minnie's house, the Barnstormer, and the WDW railroad. We didn't do the Pooh play area, and Donald's boat was being repaired. We actually spent 3 days at the MK (not all day) becasue there was so much for her to do. She loved the parade, Spectromagic and the Dole Whip's.

EPCOT-Turtle Talk with Crush, the Living Seas, the Coral Reef (we had dinner and sat by the tank) all the Imagination pavilion, the Mexico ride, PSB breakfast, the American Adventure show and singers, all the performers, especially the Jamminators and the Chinese acrobats, trying different food, the Kidcot stops, begged to ride Test Track but again too short. She thought Spaceship Earth was dark and boring, except when it went backwards, then she was terrified.

AK-looking at the carvings on the Tree of Life, Festival of the Lion King (Loved it) Affection Section, Kilimanjaro Safari, and the Rainforest Cafe (she liked it more than Chef Mickey's or PSB) Didn't have time to see the Dinoland USA because it was pouring both days.

MGM-The Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, MuppetVision 3-D, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Fantasmic.

Even a 3 year old will have plenty to do. Other than the really fast, high rides he'll probably enjoy most of it. Have fun!

 

[pjones5]

What a big help KSUMN1. We do appreciate it.

 

[esk]

Prepare yourself for the Boneyard (AK) and I Shrunk the Kids (MGM) Playgrounds. We finally dragged DS out of there kicking and screaming. He loved them, loved them, loved them.

Epcot....he liked the "Big ball" ride (Spaceship earth) and that was about it. Oh, the boat ride in Mexico.
MGM -- the Playhouse Disney show, the playground and the Beaty and the Beast Show
AK -- all of Dinoland, the Safari ride, train to the petting zoo.
MK -- Aladdin's carpet, Buzz, all of Fantasy Land, POTC, Goofy's Barnstormer ("Blue Airplane Train" because it has an airplane on the front...must have ridden that about 10 times before it got crowded), Astro Orbiter, train around the park. Not so thrilled with Country Bear Jamboree. Liked the riverboat. Not ready for Teacups at 3, but did like the Indy Speedway.

He loved the CP meal with Pooh and friends as well. And he was scared of the Beast, at Epcot's France, at first, but then decided he'd go and say "Roar" to the Beast and then they were friends. He also blushed when the Princesses gave him hugs and kisses.