Seeking Good Resource or Advice on Disney World for 3 and 5 Year Old Girls

I took my two when they were 3 and 5, and we went to all the parks.....but If I had to do it again I wouldnt waste my time at epcot....there really wasnt anything there that the kids were interested in, but you HAVE to go to the magic kingdom, MGM studios and animal kingdom....they'll have a blast!!!!!

I'm hijaking this old thread to ask you guys what about older kids? I have never been to Disney and would like to take the family next summer - the kids will be 12 and 15. Will they think it's too young and dumb or are there things that are cool for kids their ages? Thanks in advance for your advice! K.

I took my grandson when he was 4. Oddly enough he really liked Epcot. Strange as it sounds. The studio park was hard for him because he wasn't big enough for most of the rides, unfortunately that is where the Star Wars and Muppets were so that is a little of a pain. The safari park was sort of like going to a zoo so he wasn't really all that impressed but he liked the manatee because he could get close enough to them to really study them. Not the best idea for going there though. Naturally Fantasy Land was a big hit.
If you only have a couple of days I would do Fantasy Land and Epcot. They have a booth at most of the displays for the children to make a craft item they can keep. He is 10 and still has the mask he made and a couple of other things he made there. Take a shirt the characters can sign for them to bring home for each of them. The people are really great about signing things and letting you take pictures of them with the children so have plenty of film!

They will love Magic Kingdom. Most of the other parks might be a bit much for them (not to mention will make you crazy).

Our son loves the character meals. We have gone every year for the last five years and have either done breakfast or lunch at either the Crystal Palace with Pooh and the 100 acre woods characters or a meal at Chef Mickey's. My son enjoyed both of them but we celebrated his bday at both so it's a bit different if you tell them it's a bday.

They do a lot of fun additional things if it's celebrating a bday.

Anyway my advice as a parent who has been to all the parks would be to start with Magic Kingdom and see how you do before venturing on to other parks. Your kids will be exhausted and so will you.

I am sure some other parents will have some more fun suggestions.

What side of town in Indy are you on? If it's north I can tell you some good kid friendly places.....

I am not sure if it is world or land you are talking about but if it is world you must go to the animal kingdom!! It is the most magical place I think. It will have something that will interest all of you, even the little one. Make sure to go to the Lion King show. It is amazing and something I still remember from going as a kid! Good luck and have fun.

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Hey girl! Well when we went my kids were 9 & 7 so they knew what was going on. Yours are still real young. If you were to do all the parks now they really won't know whats really going on especially the 1 & 3 year old. I would mybe go back later when they get a little older.

S. -
We are HUGE Disney fanatics! My advice is to plan on spending at least a full day+ at Magic Kingdom. Toontown would be great for your age kids. There are also lots of meet & greet characters in that area. Don't miss out on the parades!
MGM Studios is our favorite park because of the entertainment & shows & character meetings. As far as the rides there don't expect much for your little ones. Definitely plan on seeing Beauty & the Beast, the parade, The Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney!
Animal Kingdom is somewhat of a glorified zoo although there are some great shows there also including the Lion King and Tarzan Rocks. If your kids are into dinosaurs there is a fantastic locations for "digs" and an extra large jungle gym. The parade is pretty fun there also.
We're not hug Epcot fans but "traveling around the world" is pretty neat. The laser light & firework show is a must see at night.
I would definitely recommend buying the Barnbum's "Official Guide" to Disneyworld. They come out with a new edition every year & it has great tips for all age groups on things you don't want to miss.
Have a great vacation!
M.

I would highly recommend Cinderella's Castle for dinner sometime. I went in grade school and I am still in love with it.
I would also recommend the seeing the shows, Lion King is great.
Order the free DVD online about Disney, just get online and they will send it to you. We are going in May and we got the DVD, my daugher who is three loves to watch it. She keeps talking about all the cool stuff she is going to see when we go.
Good luck and have a great time.

T.

I think they are too young. I thought this age would be a perfect age to take MY sons in 2001, and they are 7 and 8 now and don't even remember it. I think waiting a few more years and saving for it will make your trip more smooth, more fun, more enjoyable , and more stress free. But most of all, memorable. Disney is expensive. They should go when they'll remember it.

I would definetly do MGM studios- they have alot of the characters there from the disney channel. Also magic Kingdom- that's a classic with rides for kids and more characters there. Animal Kingdom would be good if they like animals. I have never really seen characters there and there are not many rides for kids. Epcot is boring to me, so I don't know what your kids will think. You would like it if you want to know about other countries. With kids though, I would stick to Magic Kingdom and MGM. have fun!!

i went on vacation with my dad in 2002, when my sister was 3. He got a great package deal by visiting Disneyworld.com. We got hotel accomadations, tickets to 4 parks and transportation to and from the parks/hotel. MAgic Kingdom and Epcot were fun, but Disney Animal Kingdom was by far our Favorite. it was a zoo and theme park all rolled into one.

I realize I am really late on this one, but I just had to tell you what I think. My husband and I took our daughter in 2002 when she was just turning 6. She loved it. We have been thinking about going back in 07. We now have a 3 year old son also. Yes, Disney is expensive. If you do it right, it doesn't have to be as bad. We go during the off season. Not as many people. It is really hot, but I bought a spray bottle with a fan on it so my daughter could keep cool. You can also take a ride on the elevated tour train that goes through Space Mountain. There is A/C in there. Just find little ways to cool off like that. You also don't have to stay in one of their fancy hotels. You can be off site, or go to one of the all-star resorts. You won't be at the room for anything but sleeping anyway. Also, driving there would save some too. My parents live in TN. We plan on stopping there for an overnight to break the trip up. I hope all this helps! Have fun!

Well we took out 3 girls to Disney World for Halloween in 2004, are girls were 5 years and twins 2.75 years. We found that Magic Kingdom was the best park to visit. We visited Cinderella's castle and watched the show. We visited Belle for story time and went to Mickey land for autographs of each of the princesses. Magic Kingdom has so many things for young girls to do. My girls are very much into Disney Princesses. Alot of people had breakfast with Cinderella we didn't but will go next time. You got to see the parade at 3pm it wonderful but get a spot early so your at street level for the girls to get a good view.(Fills up fast) The firworks at night at magical and a must see.
The other place that was a great visit was MGM Studio we got to see Bear in the Blue House, Jojo, Mary Poppins and the parade at MGM was spectacular. It had so many characters that my girls recongize. We got so many autographs there as well.
We went to Epcot but was a mistake the kids really didn't enjoy it so we really couldn't as well. Hindsight, we wished we sent the full day at MGM Studio instead. We didn't want to spend time at the Animal Kingdom since we have a drive through wildlife park in our state.
During our trip we spent about 4 days at Magic Kingdom and 1/2 day at Epcot and 1/2 day at MGM Studio. When we go again next year we are going to spend at least 4-5 day at Magic Kingdom and 2 days at MGM Studio and possibly a day at Animal Kingdom. Our girls will be 7 and 5 and MAgic Kingdom is bi and takes alot of time to see it all. If you can go off season you'll have less lines and waiting for shows or rides.
Hope this helps it it a wonderfull age to take to Disney World and they will still talk about years later. Mine still do.
ENJOY the vacation.

We are Disney "freaks" and have gone to both US parks repeatedly as well as Disney cruises! My daughter's first trip to Disney was at 9 months, so they are NEVER too young! I would recommend two resources to assist your planning: 1. the book Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2007. If you follow it to the tee, you will rarely wait in line anywhere AND capitalize on some things that are not routinely advertised. I purchase one each and every trip even though we've gone countless times. 2. The website mousesavers.com which advertises some great deals and options. Also the trip planner section of disney.com can be quite helpful. There is a section called Magic Beginnings (I believe) which caters to pre-schoolers and would likely be helpful.
My number one tip would be to stay in the park; espcially with young ones, it is so much easier to leave midday for a nap/swim and go back if you are on site. As previously mentioned, your children will likely enjoy the Magic Kingdom and MGM most. Epcot and Aminal Kingdom can be somewhat "dry" for children that young, although you know best your children's likes/dislikes. I would recommend staying closest to Magic Kingdom for ease of going back/forth.
If you choose to do any of the character meals, be sure to sign up prior to the trip or you might be very disappointed. We always purchase a package deal which includes one or two of these, as well as all our meals; much more economical in the long run! Also, most of the onsite resorts feature full kitchens so, if you do get "overloaded" you can easily prepare a meal or two "right at home."
Allow plenty of time or you'll end up with some really LONG days and mostly, have a great time!

S., If you yourself haven't been to Disney before you are in for a treat. The only thing is your children are still kind of young to do the Disney circuit. It is an all day affair at any of the parks. My sister and I just took our two daughters again. They are eight. I think the Magic Kingdom would be your best best with small ones. Your 3& 5 year old will probably enjoy Its a Small World, the Tea Cups, Cinderella and all the Princesses. Mickey and Minnies house and meeting most of them. But wear good shoes, take sun screen, bottled water and an umbrella because the clouds open up whenever they want. It is usually a short spray but its fast and heavy.
Check Disneys web sight and see whats appropriate for small children. All of the parks are spread out and you will do a lot of walking.