How do you Disney "indoctrinate"?

[tlmadden73]

1 week away from my son's third trip to WDW and my daughter's first trip (not that she will remember .. she'll be 5 months old). We are blessed with being a day's car ride away and take yearly, but short (2 park days) trips.

So, just a fun little thread since I have WDW on the brain:

My wife find's it silly (but also endearing) that I think of these things, but on my the past two trips I made sure to try and "indoctrinate" my son into some specific Disney movies so he recognizes things there and fully enjoys some of the experiences.

For example, on his first trip (2 yo), I knew we'd be going on Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and Buzz Lightyear, so I made sure he watched those movies close to the trip. His first souvenir (that he picked out) was a light up Tick-Tock croc because being so familiar with the movie (and the TV show) .
Toy Story wasn't hard .. he ate those movies up (and still does) and Buzz is now his hands-down favorite ride there now (so much we are hopping over to MK for 1/2 day just to do that again this trip .

Sometimes things backfire though because he found Ursula (rightly so) scary in the movie (and then the ride) and now doesn't want to go on the ride again because of the scenes she is in.

On the second trip down (3yo), I knew we would be doing Enchanted Tales with Belle AND eating at Be Our Guest, so the movie in the car ride down - Beauty and the Beast. He was in awe seeing Belle in person and wandering through Beast's castle and seeing the magical rose. Had he not seen the movie first, he probably would have found it cool, but not "extra" special.

This trip (4 1/2yo) .. since it there will be an DHS 1/2 day and Epcot. I am introducing him to the Star Wars movies (he knows a lot of the characters from figures, books and Legos), but I may show him clips (not the whole movies) of exciting scenes from the movies so when he sees them marching through the street or on Star Tours he will have that "Wow" moment. I think Big Hero 6 may be the car ride movie since we are going to Epcot this time around and may meet Baymax.

So what do you do? Do you "indoctrinate" (some may call it brainwashing ) your Disney fandom to your toddlers or just let them experience it on their own for the first time?

 

[jbcheerchick93]

1 week away from my son's third trip to WDW and my daughter's first trip (not that she will remember .. she'll be 5 months old). We are blessed with being a day's car ride away and take yearly, but short (2 park days) trips.

So, just a fun little thread since I have WDW on the brain:

My wife find's it silly (but also endearing) that I think of these things, but on my the past two trips I made sure to try and "indoctrinate" my son into some specific Disney movies so he recognizes things there and fully enjoys some of the experiences.

For example, on his first trip (2 yo), I knew we'd be going on Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and Buzz Lightyear, so I made sure he watched those movies close to the trip. His first souvenir (that he picked out) was a light up Tick-Tock croc because being so familiar with the movie (and the TV show) .
Toy Story wasn't hard .. he ate those movies up (and still does) and Buzz is now his hands-down favorite ride there now (so much we are hopping over to MK for 1/2 day just to do that again this trip .

Sometimes things backfire though because he found Ursula (rightly so) scary in the movie (and then the ride) and now doesn't want to go on the ride again because of the scenes she is in.

On the second trip down (3yo), I knew we would be doing Enchanted Tales with Belle AND eating at Be Our Guest, so the movie in the car ride down - Beauty and the Beast. He was in awe seeing Belle in person and wandering through Beast's castle and seeing the magical rose. Had he not seen the movie first, he probably would have found it cool, but not "extra" special.

This trip (4 1/2yo) .. since it there will be an DHS 1/2 day and Epcot. I am introducing him to the Star Wars movies (he knows a lot of the characters from figures, books and Legos), but I may show him clips (not the whole movies) of exciting scenes from the movies so when he sees them marching through the street or on Star Tours he will have that "Wow" moment. I think Big Hero 6 may be the car ride movie since we are going to Epcot this time around and may meet Baymax.

So what do you do? Do you "indoctrinate" (some may call it brainwashing ) your Disney fandom to your toddlers or just let them experience it on their own for the first time?

First off, it made me laugh this morning that you consider it indoctrinating your kids to Disney, I (personally) think it's a great idea to make sure that you're exposing them to things they will see in the parks. It only makes sense in my mind. Then again, I don't have kids of my own

I was, however, a live in nanny with a family who was taking 2 of 3 boys for the first time, big age gap with the oldest. We spent a lot of time watching disney movies, going to the local disney store, etc. Big Hero 6 sounds like a good car movie, it's one that we watched many times because the boys like the robots and fighting scenes

For Star Wars, might you also consider watching some of the cartoon versions or shows that are related to it? That way he can get used to the characters as you said. In all honesty, the characters are so "large" in real life to smaller kids that they're in awe either way! Has he also seen Inside Out? I would recommend that one too if you're planning on seeing those characters at EPCOT (across from Baymax M&G IIRC).

 

[tlmadden73]

First off, it made me laugh this morning that you consider it indoctrinating your kids to Disney, I (personally) think it's a great idea to make sure that you're exposing them to things they will see in the parks. It only makes sense in my mind. Then again, I don't have kids of my own

I was, however, a live in nanny with a family who was taking 2 of 3 boys for the first time, big age gap with the oldest. We spent a lot of time watching disney movies, going to the local disney store, etc. Big Hero 6 sounds like a good car movie, it's one that we watched many times because the boys like the robots and fighting scenes

For Star Wars, might you also consider watching some of the cartoon versions or shows that are related to it? That way he can get used to the characters as you said. In all honesty, the characters are so "large" in real life to smaller kids that they're in awe either way! Has he also seen Inside Out? I would recommend that one too if you're planning on seeing those characters at EPCOT (across from Baymax M&G IIRC).

Well .. it was why I put "indoctrinate" in quotes. Glad you got a good laugh!

I have considered the Star Wars cartoons, but I find them too violent (and some of the stories too complex) for a four year old (when you look at it from a non-adult eye, a lot of people die in Clone Wars and Rebels). He has watched (and loved) the Lego shows (like Freemaker adventures). But I want him to see the "tamer" space scenes from the movies while avoiding a lot of the violence (especially of the prequels).

 

[TravelingTotMom]

I like the way you parent!

We showed our son some clips from the original Star Wars movies on YouTube before we went to meet Chewbacca (loved it the first time... not so much the second time) and Darth Vader (went on the last day of that meet... my son wasn't so happy meeting him). He's 2 1/2, and we now have three light sabers... If you are focusing on some Star Wars this trip, maybe let him do the "Build your own light saber." They are actually pretty cool and make noise when you swing them or they come into contact with something.

As for your second, it's never too early. We took our son on his first trip at 7 1/2 months, and he recognized Mickey when we did the meet at Town Square. Prior to the trip, he started watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and this old Disney Sing-a-long called Disneyland Fun. It's from the early 90s and the wrong park, but it features the actual characters in the parks. It definitely helped prepare him for character meets, and you can usually find it on Amazon.

 

[serene56]

my grandson who is 3 is a HUGE cars fan. We watched every movie read every book so I needed a side trip to take him to AoA to see his friends. Til this day he talks about meeting Mater and queen car among others. He was in 7th heaven when he was seeing those cars

 

[rwdavis2]

"How do you Disney "indoctrinate"?"

Waterboarding.

 

[disnut8]

Cinderella. That's her castle in Magic Kingdom.

It's a Bug's Life for It's Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom.

You've got Star Wars covered for the Studios.

The Lion King for a lot at Animal Kingdom.

 

[IrishNYC]

Well .. it was why I put "indoctrinate" in quotes. Glad you got a good laugh!

I have considered the Star Wars cartoons, but I find them too violent (and some of the stories too complex) for a four year old (when you look at it from a non-adult eye, a lot of people die in Clone Wars and Rebels). He has watched (and loved) the Lego shows (like Freemaker adventures). But I want him to see the "tamer" space scenes from the movies while avoiding a lot of the violence (especially of the prequels).

I thought the cartoons were over my 5 year old's head, but she loves them, and can follow the story well. Better than I can, that's for sure! She knows all the Star Wars stories much better than even DH does. I'm ok with the violence level, because I know the kind of kid she is, but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Indoctrinate, too funny.
Mine was 18 mos... ( pooh was a big thing, so we had books n toys) and now college grad...
No longer thrilled to go,, but as he told me recently.. it's always a free vacation for him, so he ll take it

 

[disneyvoice]

LOL!!! I like you.

I did the same with my son who is now 15. He was 8 months old the first time we took him to WDW. He knew the Pooh characters from books and music, movies, etc. so we took him to Crystal Palace. The video of his first experience is one of my prized possessions. He was laying there in this reclined baby seat they had and and as soon as Tigger walked over and looked down at him his mouth opened in shock and he started kicking his feet really fast and then he reached for him. He had seen Mickey and Pals at GG and really liked the characters but his reaction to Tigger was priceless and a direct result of him recognizing him from things he had at home.

When he was younger we would always make sure to catch up on all the Disney movies that had come out since we had last visiting WDW so he would be ready for anything new from the movies.

Yes, it was clearly indoctrination and I am proud of it!! I know have a 15 year old son who is just as crazy about WDW as I am!

 

[teachmedis]

I try always to get my boys to love all things Disney. They love Star Wars and many other movies and characters. Before our first Disney trip we had dinner and movie themed parties at home. I sing Disney songs and share my memories of loving Disney movies as a child. Sometimes it backfires, my oldest is not thrilled with going to see Beauty and the Beast tomorrow but I'm hoping it will win them over. I'm also trying to steer them into pin collecting (not trading I have a real phobia of losing a good pin to a scrapper!). I just love sharing Disney!

 

[adisneyaunt]

LOL!!! I like you.

I did the same with my son who is now 15. He was 8 months old the first time we took him to WDW. He knew the Pooh characters from books and music, movies, etc. so we took him to Crystal Palace. The video of his first experience is one of my prized possessions. He was laying there in this reclined baby seat they had and and as soon as Tigger walked over and looked down at him his mouth opened in shock and he started kicking his feet really fast and then he reached for him. He had seen Mickey and Pals at GG and really liked the characters but his reaction to Tigger was priceless and a direct result of him recognizing him from things he had at home.

When he was younger we would always make sure to catch up on all the Disney movies that had come out since we had last visiting WDW so he would be ready for anything new from the movies.

Yes, it was clearly indoctrination and I am proud of it!! I know have a 15 year old son who is just as crazy about WDW as I am!

Love ur Pooh Interaction... my son loved seeing Pooh... brings back some great memories!

Curious did u do HDR? I have great pix of mine with the spoon n washboard

 

[DisHmsklMom]

Disney-Sing-Along-Songs! We still have a ton of VHS tapes from my "indoctrination" of our oldest, they were also heavily viewed by the younger two.

 

[Micca]

"How do you Disney "indoctrinate"?"

Waterboarding.

Splash Mountain followed by Kali River Rapids? If that doesn't work...Typhoon Lagoon!

 

[maryj11]

I think it is great that you indoctrinate Disney . You are helping your children to have great memories they will never forget
I did not do this with my children who are now grown but I'm working on my granddaughter .

 

[johnsgrl]

Well...I may have sent 2 y/o DGS Disney movies for all gifting occasions leading up to our trip last fall, he loved Cars and Nemo so there "may" have been a stuffed Nemo and Dory in the car when we picked him and his parents up at the airport. But he taught me a bit too, apparently there is a kids Disney show with a monorail named Coco? I had no clue, but staying at BLT every time we saw the monorail he got excited and yelled Coco.
We started his first park day with PPO breakfast at Tusker House just to see if he would be able to do character meet and greets and he was a champ.

He hadn't seen anything of Star Wars and his Mom is a big fan, so when we went to meet Chewbacca we told him we were going to see a big dog...! I got some of the best pictures from that encounter, he loved it!

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Well...I may have sent 2 y/o DGS Disney movies for all gifting occasions leading up to our trip last fall, he loved Cars and Nemo so there "may" have been a stuffed Nemo and Dory in the car when we picked him and his parents up at the airport. But he taught me a bit too, apparently there is a kids Disney show with a monorail named Coco? I had no clue, but staying at BLT every time we saw the monorail he got excited and yelled Coco.
We started his first park day with PPO breakfast at Tusker House just to see if he would be able to do character meet and greets and he was a champ.

He hadn't seen anything of Star Wars and his Mom is a big fan, so when we went to meet Chewbacca we told him we were going to see a big dog...! I got some of the best pictures from that encounter, he loved it!

It's called Chuggington and it's really cute. My 20 month old son LOVES it!

 

[AngiTN]

We've always watched Disney movies. Never thought of it as a way to show them stuff they'd see at the parks. I thought of it as a way to watch good movies that I love. So happens to also be stuff in the parks.
Though first time DGD went she'd not really seen any movies, just stuff on TV. She was too young to be interested in sitting through an entire movie

 

[chris3947]

Love it! We have a long list of old and new Disney movies we watch before we head down to the parks! It means so much more to the kids when they recognize the characters and attractions. I start 2-3 months out!! Nemo, Cars, Lion King, Peter Pan (or Jake), all the princess movies (we have girls), lots of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And definitely Dumbo!

One of my favorites for the toddler set is the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh... part of it is the exact story from the ride so I like to think it's familiar to them!

My 5 year old is also really into Miles from Tomorrowland these days. She looked at a map of the MK and put together that it's where Miles is from and now she's so excited to go there!

 

[AngiTN]

For example, on his first trip (2 yo), I knew we'd be going on Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and Buzz Lightyear, so I made sure he watched those movies close to the trip. His first souvenir (that he picked out) was a light up Tick-Tock croc because being so familiar with the movie (and the TV show) .
Toy Story wasn't hard .. he ate those movies up (and still does) and Buzz is now his hands-down favorite ride there now (so much we are hopping over to MK for 1/2 day just to do that again this trip .

Love it! We have a long list of old and new Disney movies we watch before we head down to the parks! It means so much more to the kids when they recognize the characters and attractions. I start 2-3 months out!! Nemo, Cars, Lion King, Peter Pan (or Jake), all the princess movies (we have girls), lots of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And definitely Dumbo!

One of my favorites for the toddler set is the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh... part of it is the exact story from the ride so I like to think it's familiar to them!

My 5 year old is also really into Miles from Tomorrowland these days. She looked at a map of the MK and put together that it's where Miles is from and now she's so excited to go there!

Don't know if you have watched them all but you may really want to watch the 4th Tink movie, I think it's the 4th. The one with the Pirate fairy. It gives the background on Tick Tock Croc, Pan, Hook, etc.