How do you prepare a kid for 1st WDW?

[sandymandr]

I am taking my Dniece5 and Dneph5 for their bday celebration and first trip ever to WDW (Dsis 1st time too ). Can you give me some tips on how to prepare them ,what to tell them to expect, when to tell them (how far in advance), etc They have been raised on all things Disney, but have no clue what WDW is I want to be able to talk to them about it before hand so they are not totally overwhelmed by it all, they may lose it just becuase they can go on an airplane Thanks for any thoughts or advice!

 

[WAHMto5]

Make sure you get the planning DVD from Disney for FREE! My kids love to watch it over and over. Shows a bunch of different rides and stuff to do at Disney. We also do a countdown chain a few weeks before so they can figure out exactly when we are going. Have FUN!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Yes, my 3 and a half year old watched that planning video 3 times a day before we went on our first trip. Also there are shows on the travel channel on Disney World alot.

 

[mamato2princesses]

My DD4 loved the free planning dvd, as well as Singalong Songs Disneyland video. It really got her excited. My mistake was showing her too soon . Once she saw it, all she could ask is "are we going to Disney today" every morning she woke up .

Have Fun!!!

 

[TinkNH]

I have the dvd coming..and have let her look at the books and stuff. My big concern is not to tell her we are really going untill we are actually on the way to the airport. Last year we planned a trip to Sesame Place, and told her about 3 weeks ahead of time (I was so excited I couldnt help it!) so I had to endure daily meltdowns when she asked if we were going to sesame street and was told not today. Our plan is to get in the car as if going to school, and surprise head to airport. We have talked about 'Mickey's house" and about airports and airplanes to prepare her, but telling her too soon will only make the next 29 days agony lol

 

[Disney4Drew]

Like other have said, we got the free Disney planning DVD and let DS watch it. However, he thinks every plane in the sky is "going to Disney" and thinks we're leaving every time we go to the mall near the airport, LOL!! DH and I decided we'll wait a little longer before we share our plans for next year. Oh well, I was too excited to keep it quiet!!!

Oh...and I bought stickers to start a countdown chart when it gets about a month away. I'm trying not to talk about going anymore because he was asking everyday!

 

[disney0928]

Things that worked with our DS's may work for your family.

1. Countdown calendar. About a month ahead of the trip, we use a large poster board to make this. It's a great family project. We decorate with Disney character stickers. It is a wonderful visual aid; when the boys start asking, "Today?" we just point to the calendar, and tell them to count the boxes. We make a big production out of crossing off each day when heading to bed.

2. The Disney Sing-Alongs series has a "Beach Party" in Disney and "Campout" in Disney. They are corny, but will accurately show the size of the characters to the children. This can surprisingly be a problem, even for kids aren't usually shy. Also, if you plan on doing any of the water parks or the campfire and movie during your stay, the kids will see what it all looks like.

Finally, if the kids start asking, "Today?" you can always turn it into an excuse to watch their favorite Disney movie.

I hope your trip is magical in every way!

 

[Plantlady]

Singalong Disneyland was GREAT for our four year old.

We also watched the planning video. OVer and over and over again. (We're still watching it, and we've been back for a month)

In fact, as we were waiting in line for the Haunted Mansion, he got very nervous, but we reminded him, of the part in sing a long disneyland, where Donald Duck dresses like a ghost. He just started giggling, and agreed to ride it, and ended up loving the ride.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

In addition to the vacation planning DVD and Disney music CDs and movies on DVD, my DS6 and I have been looking at things on the Disney website (in our case, Disneyland.com) so he has some idea of the attractions and the hotel we'll be staying at. Also, we're trying to take longer walks to build up his endurance (and ours!)

 

[sandymandr]

Great ideas, thanks for all the tips!! I had not even thought that they might be scared of the size of the characters Thanks!! We'll get the planning video for sure

 

[matlock42373]

great stuff can I get a 800 # to order the video. Is it 2007 video my friend loaned me 2006. Very Cheesey. You don't see much of the rides really just quick clips.

 

[MaidMarian]

We do a countdown chain so she knows exactly when we are going. We've watched the planning DVDs and the Sing-along-Dvds. I've also created a little book for her by printing photos off the internet and sliding them into one of those dollar store photo albums. We did photos of the plane and Magical Express, the hotel we're staying at, character meals and all the attractions she's interested in. She really loves to look through it.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

We also do the countdown calendar about a month out, they just love marking off a day every evening. Like everyone else has said, they get a good idea of when they are leaving.

 

[sandymandr]

great stuff can I get a 800 # to order the video. Is it 2007 video my friend loaned me 2006. Very Cheesey. You don't see much of the rides really just quick clips.

I know you can get the planning video free on the Disney website, but I don't think the 07 is ready yet.

 

[minniebeth]

My DD loves having me show her the rides on the Disney website. We talk about what rides, shows and characters are at each parks. We also watch the planning video and a lot of Disney movies in general before we go. If you know of anyone that has already been, the maps are a great way to familiarize the kids and make them excited about what they will see. I think the anticipation is half the fun for kids!

 

[maxtomsmom]

If you have been to Disney, you can always show some old photos. I asked my mom to borrow some and my older son loved to see what I looked like a child especially at Disney. Even if you weren't little, you could show old photos and talk a little about each picture. If you are on your way, take just a few and it will give you something to do on the plane. Kids really love to see people they know. Then you can talk all about how some they rode on some of the same rides. There's one pic of me and my brother waiting on line for It's a Small World. My son went crazy when he saw the ride last year. It was his first trip as well.

Also talk about a safety plan and there will be many people like in previous places/trips. It helps them better understand Disney.

 

[pezpam]

Talk to their mom about when to tell them. She'll know best whether they're better off knowing ahead of time or if they'll simply drive her batty asking when they're going every hour of every day until you go.

Other than that, strike a balance between learning all you can so you know what you'll want to do and how to do it without stressing all of you out. Best thing I ever did was NOT plan out every minute of my first trip with DD, who was 5 at the time. I knew that we needed to be certain places at certain times to do some things, but if we missed them, well, she had no idea. Dragging two tired kids around because you/they HAVE to see everything is just exhausting. Stick with their schedule and tolerance levels and you'll all have a ball. Believe me, DD told everyone within earshot for MONTHS about everything she DID at Disney, not what she DIDN'T do. Kids are great that way. It's impossible to see it all and they will have magical memories of whatever they do see.