What are your fondest Easter memories from your childhood? Does your family have generations’ worth of special traditions, or are you working to create new ones with your family as you get older and perhaps have moved away from loved ones? While taking your kids to visit the Easter bunny, participating in an egg hunt, and awakening to a basket filled with goodies on Sunday morning may all still be staples of the holiday, here are a few new Easter traditions to incorporate into your family this year.


Break out the water toys. You may already give your children outdoor-themed toys on Easter morning to usher in the arrival of spring, but if the weather permits it, have an all-out water play day! Here’s why: In Poland, people drench each other with water on Easter Monday in a tradition known as Smingus-Dyngus. They might use buckets of water, squirt guns and everything else they can get their hands on, but you can set up a slip n’ slide and a water balloon station in your backyard! Legend has it that females who get soaked will marry within the year.

Create a mosaic on Holy Saturday. If you’re religious, you know that Holy Saturday is a period of waiting and often, other than food preparation, there isn’t much to do. It’s the perfect time for arts and crafts! On the Greek Island of Corfu, traditional “pot throwing” takes place on this day. People literally throw earthenware into the streets! The origins are murky. Some say the custom comes from the Venetians, used to throw out all old items to usher in the New Year. Others say throwing pots welcomes spring and symbolizes new growth in new pots. While you might not want to break pottery with your kids, you can purchase ready-to-assemble kits from a craft store. Make a stepping stone for the garden to stick with the spring time theme!


Make omelets. Why not put eggs to use in a way other than hard-boiling them this year? In Southern France, a giant omelet is served up for the townspeople in the city center. Allegedly, Napoleon and his army were traveling through the region, when they were introduced to omelets. Napoleon is said to have liked it so much that he ordered a giant omelet to be made for his army the next day. This is a really easy dish for kids to help make, and they’ll love being able to choose their own toppings to go inside.

Host your very own Easter Egg Roll! It’s interesting that the White House has hosted this event on Easter Monday for the past 130 years, yet I don’t know of a single, American family who participates in this tradition! But why shouldn’t we? It involves rolling a colored, hard-boiled egg with a long-handled serving spoon, toward a finish line. So break out the utensils and have the kids roll eggs (real or plastic) out in the back yard! Whether they win a prize or not, they’ll be entertained (and you’ll probably be entertained by watching).

Walt Disney World, where the magic lives. 

I have been going to Walt Disney World yearly for the past 10 years and can't get enough of it. If you think you know Walt Disney World, today I have a fun facts for you that may just blow your mind. Here are some Walt Disney World fun facts.


It’s Not a Small World, After All . . . Covering nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the nearly 25,000 acres, a third is designated as conservation land.

A Cast of Thousands . . . more than 70,000 Cast Members in Central Florida to be more precise. That’s how many people it takes to create the magic at the Vacation Kingdom. Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States.

What the Well-Dressed Mouse Will Be Wearing . . . depends entirely on the occasion. Mickey Mouse himself has more than 136 different sets of duds, ranging from a scuba suit to a tuxedo. Minnie Mouse’s wardrobe contains more than 100 outfits, including everything from a cheerleader ensemble to evening gowns.

Suds ‘R Us . . . If you were to wash and dry one load of laundry every day for 52 years, you’d clean as much as the folks at Walt Disney World Laundry do in a single day. The cast members there launder an average of 285,000 pounds each day. In addition, between 30,000 and 32,000 garments are dry-cleaned daily.

Smile! . . . With millions of visitors annually, it’s no wonder the Disney parks are among the most photographed places in the United States.  On any given day, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers take between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The PhotoPass service allows guests to view, share and order their Disney photos online and create Disney products such as PhotoBooks and mugs.

I’m Dreaming of a “Green” Christmas . . . The 1,500 Christmas trees at Walt Disney World Resort won’t be the only “green” holiday delights each season as each Walt Disney World resort hotel glows with new “conservation” lighting — more than 700,000 LED lights in all. String the bulbs end to end and the strand would stretch for 96 miles or light the path from Jacksonville to Orlando, all while using 1/10th of the power of traditional incandescent bulbs.


Who’s Still Thirsty? . . . More than 75 million Cokes are consumed each year at Walt Disney World Resort along with 13 million bottles of water.

Ears to You . . . When laid end to end, there are enough of the famous “Mouse Ear” hats sold each year to stretch 175 miles or cover the head of every man, woman and child in Orange County, Fla. There are also enough Disney character T-shirts sold to put Mickey Mouse’s smiling face on the chest of every resident of Montana.

Sign Here . . . If you stacked the number of standard autograph books sold annually, it would match the height of 200 Cinderella Castles. Add the Princess-style autograph books and, end to end, the books would reach 88 miles into space.

Gone But Not Forgotten . . . Walt Disney World Lost and Found is one busy place. Every day an average of 210 pairs of sunglasses are turned in and, since 1971, an estimated 1.65 million pairs of glasses have found their way into the “lost” bin. On an annual basis, Lost and Found cast members collect more than 6,000 cell phones, 3,500 digital cameras, 18,000 hats and 7,500 autograph books.

Curious Claims . . . According to long-time Lost and Found staffers, the most unusual items turned in have been a glass eye, a prosthetic leg and a potty trainer. Each, incidentally, was claimed (but not by the same person).

Busman’s Holiday . . . Nearly 300 Walt Disney World buses transport guests around the Vacation Kingdom, making the Walt Disney World fleet the third largest in Florida behind Miami and Jacksonville.

Fly Me to the Moon . . . Since 1971, the total miles logged by Walt Disney World monorail trains would be equal to more than 30 round trips to the moon. One dozen new cars were put into service along the 14-mile beamway in 1990 as the original fleet received a well-deserved retirement.

Here’s Looking (Down) At You . . . From the air, Walt Disney World Resort boasts a number of “heady” sights. For instance, the unique “Mouse Trap” on the 6th hole at the Magnolia golf course that looks like a famous corporate symbol. Over at Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Club, Mickey’s profile greets golfers on the large practice green. The famous mouse is the model for the courtyard and area in front of the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Room With a View . . . Disney’s Wedding Pavilion was designed to provide the bride and groom a view of Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle while standing at the altar.

THEME PARKS

Boulder Builder . . . Here’s one to stump your friends with. How many stones are there in Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom? NONE. The whole shell of the building is fiberglass.

Green Thumb . . . More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at The Land pavilion at Epcot are served in Walt Disney World restaurants.

Finger Food . . . More than 1.8 million pounds of turkey drumsticks are consumed every year in four Disney theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Spaced Out . . . Spaceship Earth, the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot, weighs 16 million pounds — more than three times that of a space shuttle fully fueled and ready for launch. The outer “skin” of Spaceship Earth is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic-alloy triangles. Also, did you know that rainwater never falls off the sphere? It’s channeled into the ball and funneled away.


Water, Water Everywhere . . . If you emptied the water from The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot into one-gallon milk jugs and laid them side by side, they would stretch from here to New Orleans, Knoxville or Raleigh — 540 miles. And the recipe for the artificial seawater called for 27 truckloads of sodium chloride, or common table salt.

Ready, Aim . . . The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza can shoot water 150 feet in the air — within 30 feet of the top of Spaceship Earth. If all of the shooters were fired at once, there would be 2,000 gallons of water in the air.

IllumiNations . . . More than 26,000 feet of lights outline the Epcot World Showcase pavilions — a string long enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times.

It’s a Tall World, After All . . . Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (just under 200 feet) is the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, followed by The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (199 feet), Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle (189 feet), Spaceship Earth at Epcot (183 feet), Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom (180 feet) and The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (145 feet).

Biggest Ever . . . Disney’s Animal Kingdom encompasses 403 acres, the company’s biggest theme park. The park’s centerpiece is The Tree of Life, 14 stories high and 50 feet wide at its trunk.

RESORTS

Strings ‘n Things . . . Disney’s only full-time harpist entertains diners at Victoria & Albert’s, a grand dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Big Gulp . . . It would take more than 20 million 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola to fill one of the humongous Coke cups at Home Run Hotel in Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.

Tennis Anyone? . . . It would take nearly 9.5 million tennis balls to fill one of the tennis ball cans at Center Court Hotel in Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. That’s enough to stretch from Walt Disney World Resort to Key West.

World’s Largest . . . Stormalong Bay, Disney’s Beach Club Resort swimming area, holds 750,000 gallons of water, making it the largest sand-bottom pool in the world.


Five-Legged Goat . . . The mosaic mural in the fourth-floor lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort was created in 1971 with 1,800 one-square-foot tiles and took 18 months to construct. Look closely: there’s a five-legged goat facing the monorail track.

Music to Your Eyes . . . The musical notes across the registration desk at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter play out the first verse of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Big Wheel Fit For a Big Kid . . . The giant Big Wheel in the 1970s courtyard of Disney’s Pop Century Resort can “accommodate” a child rider who weighs up to 877 pounds (according to the “recommended child weight” sticker affixed to the gigantic toy).

Room Roulette . . . If you wanted to stay in all of the guest rooms in all of the hotels and resorts currently open on Walt Disney World property, (at a rate of one per night) it would take decades.

HORTICULTURE

Bloomin’ Beauty . . . Nearly 12 percent of Walt Disney World property — an area equivalent to nearly 3,000 football fields — is devoted to gardens and maintained landscapes. That’s 4,000 acres worth of beauty.

Well Grounded . . . Each year a horticulture staff plants 3 million bedding plants and annuals, and maintains millions of other plants including more than 4 million shrubs, 13,000 roses and more than 200 topiary.


A “Family” Tree . . . The “Liberty Oak,” which is the focal point of the Liberty Square area in Magic Kingdom, is the proud parent of more than 500 young trees. They all started out as acorns harvested from the majestic oak.

Mow Miles Per Year . . . 450,000 mowing miles, to be exact — that’s what it takes to maintain 2,000 acres of turf. For the record, those mower miles are the equivalent of 18 trips around Earth at the equator.

There’s plenty of reason to celebrate in the month of March: the weather is getting warmer, spring is upon us and we’ll be wearing green while celebrating the luck o’ the Irish on the 17th! Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Whether you have deep-rooted, Celtic traditions or not a drop of Irish blood in your body, you’re welcome (and encouraged) to partake in the holiday’s festivities. You might be surprised to know that there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit on this day that’s so steeped in tradition (other than heading to a bar). Here are a few ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.


Dress the part. The first rule of St. Patrick’s Day is to wear green. Whether it’s in the form of a simple lapel pin or a head-to-toe ensemble, you simply must wear green or you’ll risk being pinched! Why, you ask? Well, Ireland is known as The Emerald Isle because of its lush greenery, so the American tradition on this day is to wear green in honor of Ireland. If you don’t, the pinch is a sort of “shame on you,” but one legend dates back to the 1700’s and says that leprechauns are the ones who do the pinching (and you can apparently ward them off by wearing green).

Decorate with shamrocks. Shamrocks are actually a variety of three-leafed clovers found in Ireland. You can readily by small pots of them in grocery stores this time of year. Because, as the name implies, this is a holiday based in Catholicism, folklore says that Patrick himself used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity. Whether you’re religious or not, you can decorate with the iconic plant.

Let the music play. Thanks to music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify, you can easily type in “traditional Irish music” and instantly have a dinner soundtrack for St. Patrick’s Day. Expect to hear sounds of tin whistles, harps, fiddles, Irish flutes, bagpipes and bodhráns. You can even take your children to an instrument shop to see these items up-close and hear a demonstration. There will likely be no shortage of live musical performances on this day, however, so check out events in your area.


Attend a parade. Every city has a rain or shine St. Patrick’s Day parade. It’s one of the staples of this holiday, and something you can enjoy with the whole family. You’ll hear Irish folk music, see traditional dancing and costumes, and will likely see horses along the route. There may even be food vendors present, but if not, area Irish restaurants and pubs will certainly be hosting after-parties. While the biggest parades may happen in major cities, just Google search “St. Patrick’s Day parades near me,” and you are bound to find several options.

Eat, drink and be merry! Whether you prepare a traditional dinner at home or go out for a feast, corned beef and cabbage should be on the menu! It’s actually an American tradition that originated in the late 1700’s when Irish immigrants lived among Italian and Jewish immigrants, and found themselves frequenting delis. Since corned beef is cooked much like Irish bacon, it caught on as a delicious and cheaper alternative to pork, which they had been more accustomed to in Ireland. This easy-to-prepare meal is typically served with potatoes and Irish soda bread as well (which can be either sweet or savory).

Now I have a St. Patrick's Day printable quote just for you. Simply click download and share with a special friend that you think you're lucky to have, or keep for yourself.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on February 28th this year. This celebration is held the day before Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day period of fasting known as Lent in the Christian faith. Regardless of your religious affiliation, Mardi Gras can be a great way to celebrate the coming of spring! And in case Mardi Gras only brings to mind debauchery in New Orleans, there are plenty of fun traditions to make sure even the kids are having a good time. Here are a few ways to throw a family-friendly Mardi Gras party.


Decorate with the signature colors of the occasion. Head to the nearest party supply or dollar store and pick up all things green, purple and gold! These colors aren’t arbitrary; in 1892, they were declared the colors of Mardi Gras with green standing for faith, purple signifying for justice and gold symbolizing power. Jazzing up your house with tablecloths, streamers, balloons, confetti and tableware in these colors will scream Mardi Gras, if nothing else does! And don’t forget the matching beaded necklaces to hand out!

Create a mask-making station. Head to the craft store and stock up on supplies to make Mardi Gras masks! You can purchase pre-made cardboard masks, or use foam or poster board to cut out the shape of a mask yourself. Just punch holes in the sides for ribbons to secure it. You can even use half of a paper plate and a Popsicle stick! Whichever way you go, make sure to have markers, paint, glitter, feathers and jewels in the themed colors, and a few bottles of glue.

Set up carnival games. Almost any kids’ carnival game can be given a Mardi Gras twist, simply by using purple, green and gold. Keep everyone busy and having a good time by setting up multiple game stations at once. Use buckets and bean bags to create a bean bag toss; use cones and colorful rings to create a ring toss game; use bottles, sand, funnels and scoops for a sand art station; and consider designating a coloring table crayons and themed-coloring sheets.


Serve beignets, a King Cake, and jambalaya. Beignets are donut-like treats and are a staple of Mardi Gras! Order them from a bakery or try your hand at making them at home using this recipe.

The King Cake is a true New Orleans tradition. A cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry and iced with the signature colors, this cake is special because a plastic baby is hidden somewhere inside. (This tradition symbolizes the baby Jesus, also known as the King of Kings, revealing himself to the Wise Men during the Epiphany.) The person who gets the slice with the plastic baby in it is dubbed “King” for the day (and is also supposed to be the one to host the next party). Purchase a plastic crown for the party and let the “King” wear it throughout the party!

No Mardi Gras party is complete without jambalaya, but most kids won’t like it because it’s typically a spicy dish. You can either make a version for adults and a separate version for the children, or just go with one kid-friendly recipe which you can find with a quick Google search.

There’s nothing like a young child’s first encounter with Mickey Mouse at the Disneyland Resort.  As the child’s eyes light up with wonder and amazement, family memories begin, and those memories are sure to last a lifetime. From these cherished character experiences to attractions that are ideal for toddlers plus healthy dining options, there’s so much magic for little ones to enjoy. Another plus for families with small children is the close proximity of both theme parks and the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, making this a walking resort that’s easy to navigate. Complimentary resources and services also are available to enhance a visit with young children.


Guest Services

Baby Care Centers: In Disneyland at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. and in Disney California Adventure at Pacific Wharf, guests will find complimentary Baby Care Centers. These comfortable staffed locations offer nursing rooms, changing rooms, feeding areas, microwaves and more.

Family-friendly restrooms: Families will find companion restrooms conveniently located throughout both parks. With six companion restrooms at Disneyland, and five at Disney California Adventure, parents have convenient options with this public restroom alternative.

Secured items: Four Locker locations are available for storing valuable items during a visit, with two in the main entrance plaza, one on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland and another on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Parents of young children may benefit from this service by safely stowing items they do not wish to leave in their stroller.

Renowned guest service: Guests will find friendly cast members ready to answer questions at City Hall in Disneyland and the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure. Parents will appreciate conveniently located information boards featuring attraction wait times at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, and at the end of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Guest relations kiosks are located throughout both parks, with supplies of park maps and time schedules.


Attractions

Top attractions for preschoolers: Families will find countless fun, age-appropriate shows and attractions for preschool-aged children upon their visit. Some of the many options include:

In Disneyland:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Goofy’s Playhouse
• Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• “it’s a small world”

In Disney California Adventure:

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (32″/81 cm or taller)
• Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
• Flik’s Flyers
• Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
• King Triton’s Carousel
• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Baby on board!: The Parent “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy an attraction a young child may not want to board. A parent who waits with that child while the other parent rides the attraction may then board the ride with minimal wait time after the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member at an attraction’s entrance about this service.

Break out the measuring tape: Some attractions at the Disneyland Resort have height requirements to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests. Before visiting the Disneyland Resort, parents may want to measure their small children to limit any surprises upon arrival. Guests will find height requirements for applicable attractions at Disneyland.com.

Character Experiences

All the Resort’s a stage: Parents of small children will find entertaining Character Shows are some of the best opportunities to enjoy quality time with the family in an experience that’s mesmerizing for every age. For some children, the shows at Disneyland Resort are their first experience with live music and theater. Performances are scheduled daily, including Mickey’s Soundsational Parade or Main Street Electrical Parade and the stage production Mickey and the Magical Map at Disneyland, and both “Frozen-Live at the Hyperion” and “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” at Disney California Adventure.

Magical meetings: Some favorite spots for Character Encounters are Fantasy Faire, where Disney Princesses interact with guests, and Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland; and Cars Land where Mater and Lightning McQueen can be found cruising through Radiator Springs, and in Hollywood Land at Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome at Disney California Adventure.


Character dining: Parents and preschool-aged children may enjoy a tasty meal in the company of a favorite character such as Cinderella, Minnie Mouse or Donald Duck at the Disneyland Resort. Five locations currently offer character dining experiences: Ariel’s Grotto at Disney California Adventure, Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel, Plaza Inn at Disneyland and Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Dining

Delicious healthy meals: Nutritious food and beverage options are an important component for families. For guests who are seeking to make healthier choices, the Disneyland Resort offers power pack meals, designed for children with snacks such as apple slices and string cheese, and the Mickey Check symbol available on kids’ menus. The Mickey Check helps parents easily identify healthier dining options that meet Disney nutrition guidelines.

Special dietary requests: Table-service restaurants and select quick-service locations across the resort offer allergy-friendly menus to all guests. Parents can confidently choose the safest ingredients and alternatives for young children who have common food allergies.

Guilt-free snacks: With six locations within Disneyland, and three locations inside Disney California Adventure, fruit carts offer healthy snack options for families looking to refuel between attractions and entertainment. Fresh fruit, yogurt and juice are just some of the options parents will find at these locations.

Photo Opportunities

Snap the magic: Guests will find nine iconic photo spots across the Disneyland Resort. They are conveniently marked with a “Nikon Picture Spot” sign in front of beautiful locations such as the Partners statue in the Central Plaza at Disneyland, and Mickey’s Fun Wheel at Disney California Adventure. As children grow older, photos from a special trip to Disneyland become a lasting treasure.



Worth a thousand words: Guests with pre-school aged children can easily capture priceless memories with Disney’s PhotoPass Service. Photographers are staffed at iconic locations, character greetings and select dining experiences in both parks. Guests wishing to have their photos taken may ask this trained cast member for a free PhotoPass Card. At each subsequent encounter where a PhotoPass photographer is present, guests simply show the same card to collect all of their memories in one convenient place. Many photo packages are available, including digital and printed copies online and in person at Main Street Photo Supply at Disneyland and Kingswell Camera Shop at Disney California Adventure.

Magical Memories

Disney Wish Program: Through the Disney Wish® Program, nearly 800 wishes are granted each year for children with life-threatening medical conditions. This collaboration between the Disneyland Resort and nonprofit wish-granting organizations has been making wishes come true since 1981. Guests who visit Disneyland as part of the program may utilize the Disney Wish Lounge, located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., near the First Aid Station and Baby Care Center.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Children ages 3-12 receive the royal treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. In this unique experience, parents may choose from a variety of packages with fun hairstyles, beautiful dresses and photography options that fit every budget. Parents watch the magical transformation unfold as young ones truly believe they are becoming their favorite Disney Knight or Princess.


Special Merchandise: Disneyland Resort guests will find many shops with fun merchandise that will help create lasting memories. Parents may pick up their child’s first Mickey Mouse ear hat that can be embroidered with the child’s name or a very first plush of a favorite Disney character. A special souvenir is a sweet reminder of the precious preschool years.

Located next to the city of love, Disneyland Paris offers the perfect romantic setting to make any wedding day a memorable celebration. They are now opening their magical gates to bring to life couples’ dreams in a storybook setting with Sleeping Beauty Castle as a backdrop.


Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings offers the chance for couples to create a truly unforgettable moment: a wedding as exquisite and unique as they are. They’ve put together two collections, Royal Wedding Collections where couples can design an entirely personalized celebration and Romantic Wedding Collections where they can choose the celebration that best suits their dreams.

The Royal Wedding Collections bring every couple’s biggest dreams to life, from “once upon a time” to “happily ever after”. The unique entertainment and exclusively-designed settings make this celebration an ultimate fairy tale wedding and an everlasting memory.


Thanks to Romantic Wedding Collections, couples can choose to celebrate their love in an array of venues with spectacular themes. Unique enhancements, such as Disney characters or live music, will make this celebration extra magical.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding specialists have been making dreams come true in Disney destinations around the world for 25 years. Couples can now rely on both their expertise and experience at Disneyland Paris to bring the perfect celebration to life. From the first steps of planning right up to the day itself, they will oversee the tiniest details to ensure this day exceeds all expectations.


About Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons is an evolving business offering wedding experiences, expert advice and fashion that has been making dreams come true for 25 years. The brand is based on fantasy, global wedding planning services and the desire to make wedding dreams a reality. Together, they've vow to celebrate the dearest love stories of couples from all over the world. For more information visit http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/events/disney-fairy-tale-weddings/

Wondering what rides you should use your FastPass+ on while at Walt Disney World if you have a pre-schooler? Today I share a few suggestions at each park.


I have been to Walt Disney World more times than I have fingers and never by myself. Each time I've visited I have always had my children with me, each in a different age range since my oldest are all 4 years apart, while Madison the youngest, is 8 years younger than her youngest brother. Walt Disney World is the one place where it doesn't matter how old you are, there is something for everyone. I decided to take Madison when she was first 2 years old and everyone thought that she was too young, but she enjoyed herself and since then, we've been back every year. At age 2 she was too young to do most of the rides but now at age 5, there is so much more she can do and of course she enjoys it so much more.


Now the reason I have decided to do this post, a few people have asked, "what rides should I use my FastPass+ on if I have a pre-schooler?". You're only given 3 FastPass+ passes per day per park and unless you're staying at a Walt Disney Resort, the earliest you can book is 30 days in advance (60 if you're a Walt Disney Resort guest).  I'll be doing a post exclusively on FastPass+, what is it and why you should use it. However, today I want to share with you my must do FastPass+ rides at Walt Disney World for pre-schoolers.


Must Do FastPass+ Rides at Walt Disney World for Pre-Schoolers - Magic Kingdom

I almost always start at Magic Kingdom whenever we visit Walt Disney World. If this is your first time visiting, you may want to start here. It's the only place you will be able to meet Cinderella and of course her castle is also here. This is by far Madison's favorite park as well since she just LOVES the Mad Tea Party ride and Prince Charming Regal Carousel. So let's get down to which rides I think will be best.

The Barnstormer - 35"+
This is by far one of Madison's favorite ride. We like to call it the baby roller coaster and is a great way to introduce your little one to a roller coaster. It's perfect for those little ones who aren't into big thrills. The ride isn't too long and before you know it, you're back to the beginning. Lines can be long since this ride is great for younger kids so having a FastPass+ would come in handy for a second ride.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 38"+
If you want to kick up your roller coaster ride a notch then the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is definitely what you're looking for. I have seen lines for this being as much as 120 minutes. This is the one roller coaster that will have you hanging on to your seat. You have to be quick on this one as FastPass+ service are usually limited. It's rare to get it for the day that you want, so when you see it, grab it.


Tomorrowland Speedway - 32"+
Think of it as a bigger version of their power wheels. Kids get to drive their very own gas powered car around a race track. Kids over 32" can drive on their own while those under will need an adult to ride with them, but they can be in the drivers seat. The track is designed to look like a real speedway and Lightening McQueen fans will have a blast driving 7mph racing against each other. Standby for this ride can sometimes be 60 minutes and up so having a FastPass+ for this will come in handy.

Peter Pans Flight - Any Height
This is another that can have very long wait times. The last time I was there, there was a 75 minute wait time. Sit in a pirate ship and fly around Neverland meeting all the characters from the story. Once again children love this and Madison wanted to do this one twice.

It’s a Small World - Any Height
Now if you're looking to just sit back and relax, then It's a Small World is the perfect ride for you. You sit in a boat while going through the different countries while listening to It's a Small World continuously. While adults can find it painful to sit through, kids just seem to love it.

Must Do FastPass+ Rides at Walt Disney World for Pre-Schoolers - Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom I feel has always been one of the most underrated park at Walt Disney World, but it has also been one of my favorite. It consists mostly of character meet and greets and shows. While most people tend to think of it as Walt Disney World's Zoo, because of all the wildlife you can find, there are a few rides that are available for your little ones to try.

Kilimanjaro Safari - Any Height
This is my favorite ride at Animal Kingdom and another that has very long wait times. Travel through the Kilimanjaro Safari on a tour that showcases the animals of Animal Kingdom. See Lions, Giraffes and the African Elephant. Now since these are animals in their almost natural habitat, depending on when you get your FastPass+, you may see different animals throughout the day.

Kali River Rapids - 38"+
Be prepared to get wet! In the heart of Asia, get on a river raft and get ready to go whitewater rafting. Travel down a waterfall, while you bob and spin while getting splashed. We had a blast on this ride although Madison wasn't too thrilled to get wet in the end. Get your FastPass+ for this and also a poncho.



Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain - 44"+
This is the only roller coaster at Animal Kingdom and a must. Madison was finally able to do this last year and what a thrill it was. Be prepared to go backwards in the dark and with a few drops. There were lots of screams, even from adults. This is also one where you'll have your photo taken while on the ride, so have your memory maker or magic band ready to purchase your photo at the end. This is another ride that can have very long wait times so FastPass+ is definitely recommended.

Dinosaur - 40"+
This one is perfect for your dinosaur fans. Travel back in time to the prehistoric age and try to rescue an Iguanodon. Since this one is done in mainly the dark, it can get a little scary for very young children and Madison wasn't too much of a fan. However skipping the line with your FastPass+ for those who want to ride is recommended as standby lines can also get pretty long for this one.


Must Do FastPass+ Rides at Walt Disney World for Pre-Schoolers - Epcot

This is probably one of my favorite parks, there is so much to do here and so much to learn. While there aren't a lot of rides here at Epcot, this is where you will meet Anna and Elsa in Norway at their home and for the one ride that is almost impossible to get on UNLESS you have a FastPass+.

Frozen Ever After - Any Height
This is actually the most popular ride at Walt Disney World and one of the most difficult to get a FastPass+ service for and you truly have to be quick about it. Standby times can be as long as 2hrs and more. Madison and I still have yet to ride this and we've been to Walt Disney World 2 times in the past 3 months. We're hoping to be able to ride it this summer. We've been told the best time to get on the ride is close to closing and the magic morning hours.

Test Track - 40"+
Kids will have a blast designing a car and putting it to the test in terms of speed and maneuverability. This was a hit with Madison and my boys although they're older just loved it. This is one thrill ride that everyone will love.


Mission: SPACE - 44"+
For those interested in science and outer space, Mission SPACE is the place to be. Little ones would have a blast pretending to be an astronaut in a space simulator blasting your way to Mars. There are two levels of intensity, Green and Orange. Green is less intense and doesn't spin while Orange does. If you suffer from motion sickness, then your best bet will be the Green team. This is one experience you may not want to miss.
Must Do FastPass+ Rides at Walt Disney World for Pre-Schoolers - Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is just like the name it portrays, is very much like Hollywood. Filled with lots of hit shows with a few rides sprinkled in between. Most of the shows can have long wait times very much like the rides so I will suggest a few that I just think you should see with your little ones.

Star Tours - The Adventure Continues - 40"+
This is one 3D ride that every Star Wars fan will love, even if you aren't a Star Wars fan you'll still love it. This ride is motion simulated so you'll feel like you're flying off to a galaxy far, far away. With special effect and music, you'll even get to the meet the great Darth Vader. Standby times for this can get excessive so this is one you will definitely need a FastPass+ for.

Toy Story Midway Mania - Any Height
Kids will have fun blasting their way through the Toy Story game in 3D. There are a few games to play and you'll have fun trying to beat the other's score. There are even 4D special effects so don't be surprised if you end up getting wet. You've been warned. Madison really enjoyed this one and most kids do.


The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 40"+
One of the most popular ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios and one that can have really long standby times. Madison was scared to do this one but I did this on our very first visit as a family. Mikael was about 3years old at the time and he was able to ride with us as a family. It's a haunted elevator ride and there are a few drops that can get scary, but if your little one is a thrill seeker, they would love this! I'm hoping that Madison will go with us, when we go back this summer as a family.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration - Any Height

Disney Junior Live - Any Height
This is another show and is right outside the Disney Junior character meet and greet station. You can either visit with the characters beforehand or after the show. It's an interactive show where the kids get to join in and play along with their favorite Disney Junior characters that they love. Sophia, Doc McStuffins, Mickey and friends and more.


Now while there are many more shows and rides that you can use your FastPass+ service for at Walt Disney World, the ones I suggested are more suited for your pre-schooler. If you can think of any others, I'd love to hear of them.

Can you think of any other rides that you can recommend for pre-schoolers?