What magic do you and your kids love?

[NicholeB630]

So we are taking our DS2.5 and DD almost 6 in January. Aside from the rides and meet and greets what else have you with kids or without kids love about Disney? What else can we look for around the parks to feel the magic and things the kids would love seeing or doing. I am asking so we dont get so caught up in not getting on enough rides or meeting enough characters, I want to make sure we take the time and soak all of what Disney has to offer in

 

[staceyrhood]

My son, 7, loves looking for hidden mickeys and the agent p game in Epcot.

 

[worm761]

So we are taking our DS2.5 and DD almost 6 in January. Aside from the rides and meet and greets what else have you with kids or without kids love about Disney? What else can we look for around the parks to feel the magic and things the kids would love seeing or doing. I am asking so we dont get so caught up in not getting on enough rides or meeting enough characters, I want to make sure we take the time and soak all of what Disney has to offer in

DD is 4. We were at Disney this past summer. She loved playing at the playgrounds. She was very much into meeting characters so playing and characters was what we spent most of our trip doing.

Edited to add: The dance parties. She LOVED the dance parties.

 

[amandajune]

My DD5 just loved the pools. She enjoyed the parks but swimming at our hotel was so much fun for her. We are going again next month(!!) and she has asked many times about if she can swim! (And this kid swims all summer...) so just remember that even things likes swimming in a different pool can be magic!

Just saw that you're going in Jan- but I also second the playground suggestions. She also loved playing whenever she could- she didn't care about how many rides she was on!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Except for the first week in January, crowds are low and you can slow down and just have time to let the magic find you. Let your kids stop and watch street performers, stop and get that ice cream cone, let them ride Dumbo twice if they want. We find planning well, allows us more, not less freedom. We have a plan for meals and rest and our FP+, but then don't stress the rest. I have great memories of a much younger DS slowly walking the paths at AK and stopping to check out everything. One trip he rode Buzz like 10 times in one day! It was magical. Watching the firework with my family is very magical and worth keeping them up at least one night. My family also loves fantasmic and finds that very magical.

 

[jacknsally19]

There are a lot of really great shows to see too. My DD loves all of the shows and musical performances.

 

[pigletgirl]

For my DD, she LOVED being free from the stroller and just running and running. We did a lot of that at our resort. She also loved the characters too! I was a bit surprised as she can be shy with new people, but not with them! It definitely was magical!

It's just the small moments that I love. You will have those to reflect on!

 

[NicholeB630]

No idea why that says January were going Dec 6-14 lol

 

[msmama]

My son loves walking through all the indoor places. Yes, gift shops (he's not a beggar) but also anywhere else you can go in. We also spend time window shopping. The great thing about disney is that you can look all around, at the ceiling, the floor, and most likely there is some detail there to see.

At Disneyland (which was our last disney trip) we rode all the transportation that was available, lol. Up and down main street, the boats, etc.

 

[TLCdisneyfan]

My DD loves Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. She loves interacting with the video screens and fighting villains. She also collects the cards and enjoys organizing them in a book at home - it's a nice way to keep the magic going, and when I go on grown-up trips, I can always bring home more cards for her. Both kids (she's 7 now and my DS is 5) also love the Agent P missions in Epcot. This trip, we'll try Wilderness Explorers at AK and maybe the Pirate adventure in Adventureland.

 

[buzznina]

Look at all the wonderfully decorated window displays, especially the beginning of mainstreet in MK. Stop at the barber shop in MK and have them put glitter in their hair. Stop at all the 'Kidcot' stations in EPCOT. You may want to see if your DD wants to do pin trading. Just stopping to have a snack outside and watching everything can be great. Rafikis planet watch at AK to brush and pet goats etc., the boneyard digsite kids play area. Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground at HS. Most of all try not to rush and be frazzled by people or waiting in line. If you are using disney buses and are waiting in line, talk about what everyone wants to do or see if you are heading to the park. When returning talk about what was everyones favorite ride, food, character... it makes the time go by soooooo much faster. Above all try and relax and enjoy