If you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and you have preschool age children, pick up a copy of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers” by Lisa M. Battista. It’s a must read.
Lisa, a parent herself, has written this book especially for other parents with preschoolers visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. Moms and Dads can learn from Lisa’s own personal experiences as she sets forth the do’s and dont’s of touring Walt Disney World with small children.
Although my own child is far beyond the preschool years, I enjoyed reading this book. (disclosure: Lisa provided me with a review copy and this website is mentioned in Appendix A of the book…Thanks Lisa!) I was shocked at how clever some of the tips presented in the book were! I picked three of the things that I thought might be most helpful, but if you want to find out everything there is to know, you will have to buy the book. =)
- Pre-Introduction to Characters – Look for opportunities to interact with large costumed characters before your trip. If your toddlers are scared of Santa or the Easter Bunny, they may also find the Disney Characters frightening as well.
- Potty Training Pitfalls – Consistency is king in the potty training realm. Walt Disney World may be your child’s first interaction with the automatic toilet flush. We all know how they tend to go off whilst still sitting on the commode. Splash. Grr! Take advantage of the child-friendly toilets in each park’s Baby Care Canter. Not only are the toilets smaller, they also are void of the automatic flush.
- Let Your Toddler Be Your Guide – Take a tip from Jiminy. Let your little one be your guide. Your wee one may be more enthralled with something you may consider a distraction. “it’s a small world” will still be there next trip. I promise.
Walt Disney World Resort offers a unique vacation experience in a self-contained, easy-to-travel-to destination. However, with four theme parks, a myriad of on-site lodging, dozens of restaurants, and many recreational activities, planning a Walt Disney World trip with young children can be overwhelming. Battista cuts hours off your learning curve in this gem of a book.
Lisa has been gracious enough to provide a copy of her book to one lucky “Disney Every Day” subscriber. If you’d like a chance to win, leave a comment for Lisa below. Perhaps you’ve got a tip you would like to share. I will select the winner by random draw from all comments posted below on Friday June 18th.
Be sure and follow Lisa over on Twitter @DisneyExplorer and tell her Amanda sent ya.
Until Next Time,
P.S. If you would like a shot at our monthly $25 Disney Gift Card, subscribe to the Disney Every Day Newsletter and look for your “Where in the World are We” Contest Clues each week. Enter your name and email address below for a chance to win!
P.P.S. Congratulations to Meredith Glynn. You were randomly selected to receive a copy of Lisa’s book!
