Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [57]
The Scare Factor
Although the Mickey’s PhilharMagic theater is dark and some special effects startling—Donald leaps right out of the screen at you—the presence of beloved Disney characters usually calms the kids. Unless you have a baby or toddler who’s afraid of loud noises, children of any age will love the show.
it’s a small world
Map location 13
During this 11-minute boat ride, dolls representing children of all ages greet you with a song so infectious that you’ll still be humming it at bedtime. (Which may or may not be a good thing.) The line moves steadily, even during the most crowded parts of the afternoon. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers seem to be especially enchanted.
Helpful Hint
Although beloved by preschoolers, it’s a small world can be torture for older siblings. One 10-year-old wrote that Disney should offer an “I Survived it’s a small world” T-shirt similar to those they sell outside of Splash Mountain or the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. In other words, if older kids opt to skip the ride, don’t press the point.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Map location 14
Tinker Bell flutters overhead as you board miniature pirate ships and sail above Nana’s doghouse, the night streets of London, the Indian camp, and Captain Hook’s cove. Of all the Fantasyland attractions, this one is most true to the movie that inspired it and the level of detail is so captivating that even older kids tend to enjoy the ride. It only lasts three minutes, though, so if the wait’s longer than 30 minutes, use Fastpass or come back during the parade.
Helpful Hint
Upon entering Fantasyland, immediately get a Fastpass for either The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan’s Flight. Both attractions draw longer-than-average lines. But when The Little Mermaid attraction opens, that will be the hottest thing in town, so get a Fastpass for it first.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Map location 20
This upbeat attraction follows Pooh and friends through a “blustery” day, so be prepared for your honey pot–shaped car to swirl and sway along the way. Designed especially for younger kids, the ride is gentle and fine for any age. Pooh’s Thotful Spot, at the exit, has great souvenirs for Pooh fans.
Insider’s Secret
Many Disney purists mourned the passing of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, an original Fantasyland attraction that was torn down to make way for Pooh. In a nod to the dear departed amphibian, there’s a painting inside the ride that shows Mr. Toad passing along a deed to Owl.
Prince Charming Royal Carrousel
Map location 16
Seventy-two white horses prance while a pipe organ toots out “Chim Chim Cheree” and other classic Disney songs. The carousel is especially gorgeous at night.
Insider’s Secret
Heigh ho! As part of the Fantasyland expansion, Snow White’s Scary Adventures will be closing down to make way for a new attraction. The ride will feature the Seven Dwarfs, a mine, and rickety mining cars.
Dumbo
Map location 19
There’s something very special about Dumbo. Although the lines move slowly—you could wait an hour for the 90-second ride—most kids seem willing to wait for a chance to ride in one of the iconic flying elephants. Come first thing in the morning to cut the wait time way down. And if all you want is the Dumbo shot, there’s an earthbound elephant beside the ride, just for photo ops. After the Fantasyland expansion is complete, two identical rides (dueling Dumbos?) will be in what once was Toontown. This should make lines more manageable.
The Scare Factor
You control the height of your Dumbo flight via a joystick, so the ride is appropriate for any age. All the elephants do rise for a couple of high-flying