How to tell kids who aren't aware of what WDW is?

[Hopeful8]

We are planning our end April trip to WDW...but our kids (8 y.o.) don't really know what WDW is. None of their friends have gone (although 1 set of friends just returned on Friday) and they haven't seen anything about the park. How to tell them and explain it to them? DD loves princesses/Frozen/Sofia and DS loves Jake/animals & they know of Mickey & Minnie and aren't keen on scary rides. Any ideas on how to explain/tell it to them?

ETA: We've been to Florida many times, but always beach vacations - this would be our first non-beach vacation.

 

[Aliceacc]

What a cool problem to have!!!

Why not order the free planning CD, pop it into the TV, and watch it? Back it up with a copy of WDW for Children-- available online or at any bookstore.

 

[bostonminnie]

YouTube! There are so many videos of the parades, shows, parks, and rides. Have a great trip!

 

[kuhltiffany]

There's some great books just for kids that lay it out land by land, ride by ride, with pictures too. I think my kids had the Birnbaum one
http://www.amazon.ca/Birnbaums-Walt-Disney-World-Kids/dp/1423138635

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree that the planning CD and books are the best way to introduce WDW to kids. Birnbaum is great! The one warning I have about utube is that the videos can sometime be a bit darker and seem a bit scarier than the ride its self and that might be an issue for timid kids. Just watch it first to be sure. Be sure you know as much as possible about WDW so you can answer questions and assure them if they need it. We always reminded our kids that sometimes people like to be made a little bit scared and that sometimes WDW does that but it's all Disney magic and that Mickey would never let anyone get hurt. There are a ton of stuff at WDW that can be a bit dark for timid kids. We did push our timid boys a bit to try things there were not sure about. Never forced, but strongly encouraged and even bribed a bit. Only one time each did it backfire and my now 22 year old, will still not go on TOT. My boys had a very firm grip on real and pretend VERY early, but most kids by eight will understand and be good with it. Start talking to them now, and get them involved in the planning. Let them choose between a few restaurant choices or FP+ choices. Try to prepare them for the crowds and waits, but at the same time, encourage excitement for the whole trip. First trips are so magical.....enjoy!!!!!

 

[Hopeful8]

What a cool problem to have!!!

Why not order the free planning CD, pop it into the TV, and watch it? Back it up with a copy of WDW for Children-- available online or at any bookstore.Ik

I know, what an odd "problem", lol! I have ordered the planning DVD so will let them see it for sure.

YouTube! There are so many videos of the parades, shows, parks, and rides. Have a great trip!

Thanks - good idea!

There's some great books just for kids that lay it out land by land, ride by ride, with pictures too. I think my kids had the Birnbaum one
http://www.amazon.ca/Birnbaums-Walt-Disney-World-Kids/dp/1423138635

That book looks great - thank you for the suggestion!

I agree that the planning CD and books are the best way to introduce WDW to kids. Birnbaum is great! The one warning I have about utube is that the videos can sometime be a bit darker and seem a bit scarier than the ride its self and that might be an issue for timid kids. Just watch it first to be sure. Be sure you know as much as possible about WDW so you can answer questions and assure them if they need it. We always reminded our kids that sometimes people like to be made a little bit scared and that sometimes WDW does that but it's all Disney magic and that Mickey would never let anyone get hurt. There are a ton of stuff at WDW that can be a bit dark for timid kids. We did push our timid boys a bit to try things there were not sure about. Never forced, but strongly encouraged and even bribed a bit. Only one time each did it backfire and my now 22 year old, will still not go on TOT. My boys had a very firm grip on real and pretend VERY early, but most kids by eight will understand and be good with it. Start talking to them now, and get them involved in the planning. Let them choose between a few restaurant choices or FP+ choices. Try to prepare them for the crowds and waits, but at the same time, encourage excitement for the whole trip. First trips are so magical.....enjoy!!!!!

Such good ideas - thank you! I have watched some you tube videos and I agree, definitely will need to screen whichever ones I choose to let them see.