Videos to prepare kids for trip.

[AnaheimGirl]

A while back, someone had posted here about some videos that toddlers could watch at home with the "real" (not cartoon) characters, so they know what to expect when they get to the parks. One was Disney Sing Along Songs Disneyland Fun. I can't seem to find this anywhere. Does anyone know where I can find one, or can anyone recommend another good video/DVD to prepare a 2yo for the characters?

Also, my 7yo would probably benefit by watching something with actual footage of Haunted Mansion and Pirates. So far, she's been too scared to go on either of those rides, but now that she's become a Lemony Snicket fan, I think she'll want to ride them, if she knows what to expect. Can anyone recommend a good video of these rides?

Thanks,

 

[ArielDreams]

I'm not sure where you can specifically find that Sing-Along Video but I would try your local library or video store. As for footage of the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, try some of the Disney shows on the Travel Channel - I'm almost positive both were featured in the Fan's Guide one but may be in others as well. Good luck!

 

[moretigger]

In regards to the disneyland fun video - it is circa late 80's early 90's and I don't think they sell it anymore. I would check ebay or garage sales. There are other 'live action' tapes too, one that is a beach party and one that is at Fort Wilderness. I got 7 of them on ebay for less than 15$ - my two year old adores them.

 

[Terk-1]

For the sing alongs, I'd check either your library or Walmart or Target. Have seen them in all 3 places.

For the parks, if you don't mind spending the $$, I'd recommend picking up the 5 pack Disney 50th anniversary parks dvd set. It has a dvd from the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM, Animal Kingdom, as well as one from Disneyland. Sold separately, they are $19.95 each, but I got the whole set at the Disney Store in NYC for $79.99. You can get the dvd's separately, if you don't want all of the parks. You can also order these directly through WDW merchandise. These are great dvd's and go around each of the parks, showing the various attractions, including the HM & PotC. These also make wonderful souvies. I like watching them when I get the WDW itch.

Another thing is to check the tv listing for Disney on Discovery.com. This will list all the upcoming programs involving Disney (WDW, DL, DCL, etc.), what channel (TLC, Discovery, etc.) and what time it is being shown. They do have a few regarding WDW that are very good.

Hope this helps.

 

[Princesa]

Our library has the Disneyland fun one.

I picked up that one and the camping one at a garage sale once (happened to find those several months before we went the first time), and it was so helpful to mine to see the "real" characters before going....just to know that a mouse can tower over you! Mine watched it so much that my DS who was then 4, sang "I'm walking right down the middle of Main Street USA...." at the top of his lungs as we were entering MK the first morning...much to the amusement of all those around us


If you do find the Disneyland fun one, it has a clip of different rides and one is the HM.

Our local video store has one of Christmas carols too that feature the characters.

If your library doesn't have it, maybe they could do a search and borrow it from an interlibrary loan?

 

[kupperman]

I found the Disneyland fun video at Toys R Us, I would check there. Also try ordering the free planning video from Disney, it has great footage of characters and rides. The only downside is it might not arrive in time for your trip.

 

[tjkraz]

Disneyland Fun was filmed at Disneyland in CA. It does have a lot of shots of rides at WDW like Star Tours, Big Thunder Mtn Railroad and Haunted Mansion. But you'll also find quite a few attractions that are not at WDW, or have changed significantly since the video was created over 15 years ago.

Another to consider is Campout at Walt Disney World. The footage on this one is mostly limited to Fort Wilderness.

Beach Party at Walt Disney World features many locations throughout WDW. There are some shots of New York Street at MGM, a lot at Typhoon Lagoon (including Goofy surfing in the wave pool), and other scenes filmed on the beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon (with the Contemporary Resort and other landmarks in the background.)

Finally, Flik's Musical Advanture at the Animal Kingdom was entirely filmed at the AK shortly after it's opening. The video is hosted by Flik from A Bug's Life, and sounds very promising. Unfortunately it's the most disappointing of the bunch.

With two young kids, I've seen each of these videos dozens of times. We bought most of them when our son was about a year old--6 months before his first trip to Disney. I think it really helped as he has never been intimidated by the costumed characters.

I'm sure you can find all of them on eBay...probably at Amazon.com as well.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Now why didn't I think of the library? Great idea.

Thanks so much, everyone. I haven't tried Toys R Us yet, either, so I'll try them, too. I wanted to avoid ordering it/them online, because of the shipping time, but really, if I do it within the next couple of days, we should get them in plenty of time for the trip.

Thanks again,

 

[Leota]

An easy one is any of the WDW PLanning videos. I have my Grandsons watching them. I like them because they show the kids hugging the characters & being all happy to see them. Now my one Grandson, who is a little shy, is all excited to meet the characters. The other one didn't need any help in that dept., he was already into characters.