Planning park activities - magic memories or overdoing it?

[DisneyAuntie12]

I'm going to Disney with my nephew (an 'old for his age' 4 and a half year old) and his parents, uncle, and grandparents this September. We're going the first week of school and will be theme parking mostly in the morning, so hopefully we will not be spending tons of time standing in line. I am his doting auntie whose life's mission is to spoil him rotten, ha ha!


I think he will love the park but he doesn't watch any television, so he doesn't really know any of the characters. I'm trying to plan some fun family activities "in park" to add a little extra magic, memories, and family bonding to the trip, but I haven't been to Disney since I was a kid and I don't know if we'll be so busy that these will end up sitting at the bottom of a bag all day (we'll have a stroller with storage, so carrying them is not a concern). These are some of my ideas so far -


- Since Be Our Guest does not have character dining for breakfast, I was going to tell him that we are in a 'magical castle' and bring a few of those super-easy preschool magic tricks as a gift to show him (the color changing scarves and wands where you push up and a flower comes up, that kind of thing).

- To get everyone talking (and off of smartphones for a bit!) was thinking a journal where we can come up with our own entries - draw the face that everyone made on the big hill at Splash Mountain, what did everything think was scariest at Haunted Mansion, favorite ride of the day, etc.

- He has a baby cousin who is too young to attend - was going to have one of her animal toys 'stow away' in someone's suitcase and then let him take pictures of it Flat Stanley style to text to 'her' (i.e. her parents) throughout the day

- Small, light picture books of the rides (i.e., story of Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, etc.) to flip through before each ride

- General 'down time' back with little things like puzzles, crayons (those might melt though?), bubbles, etc.


I think he'd like all of this under normal circumstances, but I'm not sure what the "pace" will be like with a preschooler at MK. Is he going to want to zoom through breakfast and just walk around taking it in nonstop, or do kids typically appreciate that kind of thing? I know every family is different but would appreciate any feedback!

 

[poohfriend77]

I'm going to Disney with my nephew (an 'old for his age' 4 and a half year old) and his parents, uncle, and grandparents this September. We're going the first week of school and will be theme parking mostly in the morning, so hopefully we will not be spending tons of time standing in line. I am his doting auntie whose life's mission is to spoil him rotten, ha ha!


I think he will love the park but he doesn't watch any television, so he doesn't really know any of the characters. I'm trying to plan some fun family activities "in park" to add a little extra magic, memories, and family bonding to the trip, but I haven't been to Disney since I was a kid and I don't know if we'll be so busy that these will end up sitting at the bottom of a bag all day (we'll have a stroller with storage, so carrying them is not a concern). These are some of my ideas so far -


- Since Be Our Guest does not have character dining for breakfast, I was going to tell him that we are in a 'magical castle' and bring a few of those super-easy preschool magic tricks as a gift to show him (the color changing scarves and wands where you push up and a flower comes up, that kind of thing).

- To get everyone talking (and off of smartphones for a bit!) was thinking a journal where we can come up with our own entries - draw the face that everyone made on the big hill at Splash Mountain, what did everything think was scariest at Haunted Mansion, favorite ride of the day, etc.

- He has a baby cousin who is too young to attend - was going to have one of her animal toys 'stow away' in someone's suitcase and then let him take pictures of it Flat Stanley style to text to 'her' (i.e. her parents) throughout the day

- Small, light picture books of the rides (i.e., story of Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, etc.) to flip through before each ride

- General 'down time' back with little things like puzzles, crayons (those might melt though?), bubbles, etc.


I think he'd like all of this under normal circumstances, but I'm not sure what the "pace" will be like with a preschooler at MK. Is he going to want to zoom through breakfast and just walk around taking it in nonstop, or do kids typically appreciate that kind of thing? I know every family is different but would appreciate any feedback!

I love the journal idea! I did something similar when my kids were little. It's interesting to get kids' opinion on best ride, favorite thing you ate, most fun part of the day, fave mode of transportation, etc.

I think the magic tricks are unnecessary, just because the castle already is magical, with so much to look at. I don't think he'll need to be entertained with tricks, and it's just more for you to prepare/remember/cart around. Just my opinion though!

As for the books, why not send him some now? They can help him get familiar with the characters and excited for the trip! That way, you don't have to carry them around. Although I've seen people have characters autograph storybooks, so that is an idea if you do want to take them.

It's sweet of you to want to make it extra magical! Have a fabulous trip.

 

[loves to dive]

We started going when my son was 2 1/2, just being there was magical enough for him. There is so much there to stimulate the little brain that you really don't need to bring extra activities to make it special.

 

[Indio]

I think that's probably overdoing it. Since it's his 1st time and your 1st time in a long time, there's going to be so much to see and do that you won't need anything else to keep you busy.

 

[tink9702]

I think the magic stuff at BOG might be a little much. Not that he won't like it, but there is plenty to look at there and you don't need it. My kids are much better behaved at Disney restaurants because there is so much to look at.

Definitely do the journal! even if you just do it every night! jotting down memories is very cool to look back on later!!!

The baby cousin idea is adorable. As long as he's into it and you have a stroller to store the stuffed animal away it sounds good.

I don't think I'd bring the books into the park, maybe the night before each park?

For the hotel we always bring things like puzzles, markers or colored pencils (won't melt), little toys. You won't need any of that in the parks at all!

As far as the pace, pretty quick with a 4 year old IMHO. They tend to be infinitely curious & full of energy!

 

[TinkLoverSam]

I'm just confused about the baby... Are his mom and dad traveling with you and your nephew, or staying home with baby, or staying at the resort while you go to the parks with your nephew? Why isn't baby going? I took my 7 week old to the parks this past August and we had a great time

 

[bopper]

Send the books now for him to prepare.
I highly recommend Crayola no-mess markers: https://www.amazon.com/Color-Wonder...223&sr=1-1&keywords=crayola+invisible+markers

They are invisible on everything but the special paper.

Also remember: YOU know that BoG doesn't have characters...but your nephew is clueless. No need to "make it special"...the whole thing is special.
Keep that in mind...don't tell him "we will go to the parade later" or something...if you don't get to it, he might be upset, but if he never knows about it, he won't.

Some parks have a "playground" section...e.g., Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground or Boneyard in AK. Those are great for kids who are tired of being cooped up in lines.

Bring a stroller...I am sure he doesn't use a stroller much but he will for Disney.

Keep in mind if he needs naps...he may not nap much, but Disney is tiring...sometimes they fall asleep in the stroller.. If you try to go all day you will have a screaming mess on your hand later.

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree with several others, just being there is special enough.

 

[Pesky]

Agree with the others. The journal would be super fun but I'm not sure you need much of anything else. The baby's toy -- up to you because honestly, the baby won't know and won't care. Maybe look to the Creative DISigns board to do some special personalized coupons for him -- things like "Pick the Next Ride", "Good for One Autograph Book", "Take a Break" (I put several of those in for our 2), "Good for Splash Time at the Casey Junior Splash N' Soak Station", "Good for One [Cupcake/Popcorn/Cake Pop/Mickey Bar/Special Treat]", "Good for A Pool Break", "Good for One Kidcot Experience", "Good For One Pirates League Makeover", "Good for One Seat At Festival of the Lion King", etc. That can be a special thing for him to ponder when he wants to use them and get excited about the opportunities and it's super lightweight and small. It can make a fun souvenir later if someone is into scrapbooking -- putting the coupon with a picture of him enjoying the item.

 

[scrapquitler]

Books now, for sure.

Maybe a few small toys for in the room, one small thing to play with in line (but it will probably be unnecessary) and please please, skip the bubbles. I hate being in line and getting bubbles blown on me, they pop on my glasses and then I have to stop to clean my glasses. And I have a ASD child who freaks out at the bubbles. They might be fun for you, but they'll make my family miserable.

 

[kwdw]

You definitely do not need any extra things to make the park magical or to entertain him. If you have several table service meals planned - maybe one small toy or if he doesn't do well in restaurant in general, whatever his "kid" electronic device is that he may already own. Let mom handle that issue. My niece at that age, however, did just fine with the crayons and kid's paper place mat/activity sheet most restaurants have. But he won't need one at BoG for breakfast. That setting is pretty awe inspiring and the food comes quick. In the room - he'll need a familiar toy or two - but let mom and him pack those.

Based upon traveling with my niece (another spoiling auntie here) - sometimes she'd just want to zoom to the next ride - other times - something small caught her attention and admiring the flowers consumed time.

Also - I think you'll be surprised how much people do end up off their smartphones. I could be wrong about that, I've seen the family with everyone on their phone at WDW restaurants, but I do think folks still tend to respect this is family time and they should be present.

I think the way for the aunt in this trip to get to make some special memories with him - is to maybe ask if the two of you can go off for a couple hours on your own. Maybe's it's just you and him that head to Tom Sawyer's Island or walk through the treehouse while others take a break. Half a day might be TOO long given it's an extended family trip already. Or maybe the two of you get to spend time in the Lego Store to buy a special present. One time - I made a special few minutes by letting my niece make all the ridiculous faces and poses she wanted and I took lots of pictures (mom was shopping).

As the aunt in this case - you have to remember his parents want memories, and so do the uncle and grandparents. You probably aren't going to get his full attention much and probably not for long stretches of time.

In general - just be prepared to have fun. With a group that size - IF you plan on touring together - probably the best thing you can do to help make it a great trip - go with the flow, have patience, be on your best behavior, and if there is something really important to you that happens on the trip - talk about that with the other adults in advance of the trip (not while there!).

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with others. I think you are trying to do too much and most of it is unnecessary.
I also agree with getting the books and sharing them with him in advance.
Be open to the Magic as it happens. Slow down and smell the roses with him. Try to see the world through his eyes, not through a vision you are creating.
I think you will find he is excited and raring to go. No need for artificial entertainment.
I agree with the poster who mentioned that Grandparents and Uncles want special memories too.
Have a Great Trip.

 

[Oswin]

My nephew is 10 now. I was 9 when he was born so I haven't really gotten into spoiling aunt mode until the past couple of years, but when he was very little and I was younger I would share youtube clips of Disney songs and movies based on the attractions we were in line for. I also would play games with him in line and we still do that to this day. He always tells me his favorite thing I do with him at Disney is playing games. Just based off of remembering my mom bringing things into the park as a kid and what I used to bring into the park myself - most toys, books, coloring things, etc. end up at the bottom of a bag and are forgotten.

Something that may be exciting to him that you guys could do together is Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom or the Pirate Adventure at MK or doing the Agent P adventure at Epcot! Collecting pressed pennies is something I did with my nephew for years, when he was like 3-6. I think one of our other favorite activities to do together is coloring the Duffy bear at Epcot and make our way around the world showcase to have every country sign the back.

 

[DisneyAuntie12]

Wow, this is an active board, thanks so much!! Really appreciate all the feedback above, good to hear from people who have been there recently. I haven't been to the BOG restaurant so glad to hear it's so neat on the inside - at every other park we are doing a character meal as our sit-down meal so I was afraid BOG would be a let-down, but it sounds like that's not a concern.

To questions / comments above - the reason I'm taking such an active role in planning is kinda part of our family dynamic. My parents are older and convinced that you must be some sort of computer genius to work the FastPass and MagicBands. My brother (nephew's dad) is great but he's a guy's guy who would be happy to just show up with a map and start wandering around, ha ha! My SIL is an amazingly intelligent, accomplished woman and wonderful mother but because of some difficult circumstances when she was very young never really got to "be a kid" when she was a kid (she was the kid who was off paying the family's bills and such), so she doesn't really connect with "kid stuff". So I tend to arrange it instead. My SIL actually wasn't going to go with us to Disney and was very surprised when my nephew said mommy had to be there. So, in a weird way this is partly for her too - she usually likes this kind of thing if someone else sets it up. Like I said though, I know I go overboard sometimes (I once put together a cupcake bar I saw on Pinterest for a holiday when he was 2, imagining he would neatly design a lovely cupcake. Who knew that of course 2-year-olds just put their hands in the cups and start eating the candy!) so I'm glad I checked. As for his cousin who's not going - she belongs to another brother and SIL - typically my family always travels together but money is a little tight for them and that brother loves Disney so they want to save up for the times in her life when she is most going to enjoy and remember it. Also, Scrapquilter - don't worry, I won't do bubbles then. Instead I'll be the person in line next to you - with a harmonica (kidding, of course!).

Glad the journal sounds like a good idea. I can prolong my Disney planning love by making that a long project and picking out scrapbook paper, personalizing it, etc. Again, thanks for the input above!

 

[rwdavis2]

We did a journal our first trip. At dinner we listed everything we liked, was memorable, etc. I had the Passporter book at the time which help facilitate this.

 

[snowman]

I always do the journal. One of the best things has been having each family write just one line on the day. It's funny to look back at a time when the 15 yo nephew said "on a scale of 1 to 10, she was a 12" speaking of a pretty girl at the Lion King show. I love the family quotes part of our journals.

 

[connie1042]

Make him an autograph book, with picture of character and autograph on one side (left), then a real picture on the right side. You can find great ideas on the creative boards here. My granddaughter loves hers. She is 8 now and we did it for her 4th birthday

 

[mindeola]

You are going to have such a fun time! I have that planning role in my family too. I love every minute of it!

I think the journal is a great idea for downtime. The cousin stuffed animal pictures is also a great idea. He would probably love pin trading and an autograph book as well.