WDW -- for kids who are not fans of Disney

[SleepingUgly]

Does that make any sense? We are taking the kids (DD5 and DD3) to WDW this May ... even though they are not fans of anything Disney.

They are not into the Disney movies. They are not into any of the princesses. (I must be the only mother of two little girls not fighting to make PS for breakfast at CRT exactly 90 days in advance, haha.) They do not watch Disney cartoons. They're not fans of Mickey or Minnie or Goofy or Pluto or any other characters. The only characters they really know and love are Pooh and the other 100-acre-wood characters, which is why I've already made ressies at Crystal Palace for lunch.

So, why are we still going then, you ask? Because it's DISNEY, silly. And also because I would like to go back and visit, considering how I haven't been since December 1988. (Were some of you even born then???) And it's just one of those things that you must do with your kids, right?

So, now for my question: How can I prep my kids for Disney World, when they are not Disney fans? I mean, they KNOW about Mickey Mouse and all the characters, but they're just not that into them, kwim? We have some movies at home, and I will try to show those to them, but they're really not that interested. (Frankly, if there was a Nick Jr./Noggin and PBS Kids Park, we'd be all over that like a bad suit!)

So, any suggestions for getting my kids excited about this upcoming trip? I've told my older one about her Wonderland Tea Party and the Pirate Cruise (non-Disney things, for the most part) and also about the pool at the AKL, so they are excited about that. But, how can I get them excited about seeing the characters and the rides and the attractions ... when they won't even know/care about the story behind them??? Or does that even matter?

Linda

 

[TXTink]

At the ages of 5 & 3, I don't think I would try to change anything.

If they want to watch a Disney movie that is fine, but I don't think it is necessary for them to know the storylines of the movies for them to enjoy the rides. They may find that they do like more Disney characters when they see other children their ages get all excited about them, but maybe they wont! I wouldn't worry about it.

It could actually work in reverse, you could take them to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and afterwards have them beg for the DVD or a mermaid outfit!

As long as you all stay positive, they will gave a good time...I think...

 

[kirbsam]

I don't see any problem with it at all. My two daughters know about disney, but we never really watched the disney cartoons much, so characters were no big deal to them, except buzz light year. Most of the rides and activities have very little to do with the characters, except those in fantasy land. I think you will be surprised how much they can see and do that is not disney cartoon material. I would also be willing to bet that when they do see the characters, they will enjoy it. and if they don't, who really cares. You will have a great time and it will be magical.

 

[KimKamMom]

Our trips to Disney are because I love it!
My two daughters have learned to love Disney because of me.
They never even knew about our first trip until the car service showed up.
Now, they can't wait for the annual trip.
Mine are 4 and 6.
I'm sure it won't be long before you all love it together.
Have Fun!!!!!!

 

[Evil Queen]

I know what you mean. DS8, no real interest in characters or movies. But he's never had any real desire for this.

I have been able to get him to watch some movies lately, and actually he is looking at Disney in a whole new light. Which I am so excited about.

DS22 and I of course were raised on Disney stuff.

I am thinking about having all of us shirts made for each day we are there. Since 4 days at the park, each one of us gets to pick a movie/theme for shirts for a certain day. Ex: I am an Evil Queen nut, so I will pick us each a shirt that revolves around that. DS22 loves Maleficent as the dragon in Sleeping Beauty, so I will pick 4 shirts for each of us around that movie.

We are having a ball in just looking through our choices. Right now DS8 is sticking more to a Stitch theme, but actually mentioned Goofy last night.

This venture is getting him more exposed to the characters as well.

 

[rgbmommy]

(Frankly, if there was a Nick Jr./Noggin and PBS Kids Park, we'd be all over that like a bad suit!)

That decribes my kids too! (Which is one reason why we're not going to MGM) Although, my dd, who's 5, does really like the Princesses. The only thing I've done is rented a few movies, like Dumbo, Beauty & the Beast, and Snow White. (the ones you can't buy right now). I also rented a Mickey Mouse cartoon that had Donald Duck and others, as well as a Chip & Dale cartoon. I did this mainly to just expose them to the characters. We're going to Chef Mickey's one morning and I wanted them to at least know why mommy was going to be excited about seeing Chip and Dale! They still aren't really "into" those characters, but that's OK. Oh and my kids don't have a clue who Peter Pan is, and aren't really gung ho about the Toy Story characters. (mine are 3 & 5 also)

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Just tell them they are going on a trip to a really fun place. There is so much to see and do that is not movie related.

 

[DisneyArk]

I'm sure you'll have a great time! WDW is amazing for kids even if they don't love all the Disney movies.

Do your girls enjoy music and dancing? My sons do and they loved watching the Disney Sing-along videos before we went to WDW. I'm not talking about the ones that show clips from the movies, these are ones that show kids singing and dancing with the characters. It's a great way for kids to see what the characters will look like and get familiar with them. The bad news is that I think they are only available on VHS (not DVD).

Disney's Sing Along Songs
Our favorites are Disneyland Fun - It's a Small World, Beach Party at Walt Disney World and Campout at Walt Disney World.

This is just an idea, but I really think your daughters will LOVE WDW!!