theme parks what do they offer a 3 and 5 year old

[mozzman]

hi i am going to disney in march 07 and am a first time englishman with small children 3 & 5 as well as 14 & two 19 year olds.what are the best things for the 3 year old to do :what rides,or anything else.thanks any help is appreciated

 

[poohmomof3]

Magic Kingdom is great for the younger ones (everyone really). Fantasyland is full of rides for just that age (arrive early though, because the lines get long here). The parades and shows are wonderful at Magic Kingdom, MGM and Animal Kingdom for that age. Be sure to get a spot in front of the castle at the Magic Kingdom for the nightly fireworks (the castle changes color and the fireworks view is the best from there). MGM has several things for younger ones to do and see (our kids loved MK and MGM best at those ages). Epcot is for the older kids-not too much for the younger ones to do.

We've taken our kids at young ages and it was so fun because they "believe" in it all. Just go slow, stick to a schedule, and try to be there during a slow time of year. You will need to bring or rent a stoller for them also. The parks are very large and alot of walking.

Have fun!!!!

 

[lnh'smom]

My kids were almost 3 and almost 5 when we went last year. Some of the rides they really enjoyed most at MK were the Buzz Lightyear ride (we rode it literally at least 8 times or something), the Winnie the Pooh ride, It's a small world, and Mickey's Philharmagic. Those probably aren't the actual names of the rides, but you get the point. They also really enjoyed Mickey's Country house & Minnie's country house in toontown. Those aren't rides but the kids really enjoyed them. I know you will have so much fun.

 

[brymolmom]

How exciting to be a first-timer and congratulations on finding The DIS before your trip. I guarantee you - you will get a TON more out of your trip with your research here.

I brought an almost-2 and 3.5 year old last Sept and will be bringing them again at almost-3 and 4.5 this year. I am so excited for this year because I can already tell how much more the younger one will get out of it.

First of all, let me start with general tips: Be flexible and try not to be disheartenend if your little ones aren't as 'into' it as you'd like them to be. My dd (the almost 2 year old) didn't even like the Winnie the Pooh ride last year - so I was surprised. You just have to go with the flow. Also, with little ones and older ones, make sure you learn all about child swap (do a search in Theme Park board and you'll find a ton) and try to have a plan (are you going to let the older ones separate some of the time to do more adult things, etc. - probably a good idea to decide some of those type things upfront).

Now, this is what my kids liked and I expect them to like for this trip:
Magic Kingdom: Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Dumbo, Goofy's Barnstormer, Splash Mtn, Buzz Lightyear, Donald's house, playground across from Donald's boat, Spectromagic parade
Animal Kingdom - THe Boneyard playground, Safari, Donald's Breakfastosaurus
Epcot - Turtle Talk with Crush, Maelstrom, all the games at Innoventions
MGM - Playhouse DIsney Live, Honey I shrunk the kids playground, Muppets, Beauty and the Beast stage show

The little ones also loved the spray jets at our resort Pop Century. Not sure where you're thinking of staying...

You'll have a blast!

 

[mozzman]

thanks for a good insight into what i can do,its all very helpful,thank you