People are apprehensive when taking 2-4 years old to Orlando but there is so much to do and although they may not remember everything when they are older, the looks on their faces and the photos are such memories that they must not be missed. Hire the buggies available at all parks so if they do get tired, they can have a lie down, it is a long day of walking for them otherwise. There is nothing worse for everyone than a tired toddler who needs a sleep. Don’t forget the shade for your own buggies too. Take a cool bag with their favourite drinks in, we often freeze water or fruit juices in the freezer in the villa and then they melt nicely during the day.
Our kids used to love the characters as toddlers (still do I suppose) so Magic Kingdom was our first stop. Such a lot of characters here but most of all MICKEY! So off to Toontown Fair and stop by his house and then get the photo of Mickey in his famous red jacket and black trousers.
As you enter Mickey's home, be on the lookout for all the "mouse-ified" details: the coat rack, the mirror. And check out who Mickey’s been sent letters from on his hall table -- Buzz Lightyear, Ariel, even Wendy and Peter Pan! Keep on going thru all his rooms and you will see All Things Mickey. Toontown Fair is busiest in the early morning, but traffic flows fairly smoothly through Mickey's House. Allow 15-20 minutes to walk through. You'll have to wait a little longer to see Mickey though - we have waited up to 45minutes before now and the little ones found that hard. You can bypass the sights in the house and exit the back door, then follow the path to the Judge's Tent, in which Mickey greets guests most of the day. However, if you are going to Hollywood Studios, Mickey is always there in his Sorcerers uniform and the queues for him here are not great. Also, at Animal Kingdom, he is always about in Camp Minnie Mickey in his safari gear. Opposite Mickey’s house is a small play area with slides etc.
Make sure you take the little one’s swimming gear, there are lots of water fountains/water fun areas the parks. Aerial's area is fantastic so while you queue for the all important photo of Little Mermaid, the kids have a great time. Remember to reapply the sun cream afterwards.
Don’t miss the Share a Dream Come True Parade and Cinderella’s Castle often has shows during the day, the music will even give you goosebumps!
Definitely go to Fantasyland and take them on the It's a Small World (at time of writing this is in rehab until late 2004). Take them on Cinderella's Golden Carrousel and Dumbo The Flying Elephant. For Winnie the Pooh fans there is a colourful sedate ride for them to enjoy.
Off now to Frontierland and Goofys Dancing Jamboree where kids can get up and dance and even get involved in the show. County Bear Jamboree is a little dated but daft huge bears will keep them entertained.
Toddlers and adults alike will enjoy Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Tomorrowland – take a look at the photo outside and see the intensity on Dad’s face! Tomorrowland Transit Authority is not usually busy and is a welcome sit down and leisurely ride. Story time with Belle as you enter Tomorrowland near the base of the Castle takes place a few times a day – check the site maps/planner.
The above will definitely take a day, but you can go back to the villa mid afternoon to have a nap or swim and then return to the park in the evening but the fireworks whilst amazing, may frighten little ones as they are noisy.
We have been visiting Florida for over 15 years and always encompass a visit to Magic Kingdom – it really is the heart of Disney!