We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Orlando

Free Newsletter

Interested in Orlando?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Orlando each week.
More Lists
Lists you may be interested in:
See All Orlando Lists
We remove posts that do not follow our Traveller Lists guidelines.
We reserve the right to remove any lists for any reason.
Report a problem
Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Vacation Specials
Travel Destinations

Explore other Orlando resources:

  [ Create a List ]
Jeannie16's Traveler List
Vote on this Traveler List!

Write a thankful note to show in this member's profile.Compliment Jeannie16

Top 10 - Surviving my daughter's first time to Disney

Ask this member a question. Jeannie16 Took a trip to Disney in December of 2007 with 6 adults and 3 girls ages 4-6. Wanted to have a pleasant time with little hassle. Here's some tips if you want the same.
20 Jun 2008
3.5 of 5 stars based on 8 votes
Here are my top 10 first time Disney to-dos with a 4 year-old, along with some survival tips for a Disney World vacation. These are the things that delighted my 4 year-old on her first visit to Walt Disney World. We tried a lot more than what is listed here - these were the biggest hits.

I myself had not been to Walt Disney World since I was a little girl. I found that with the exception of the two planned character lunches and one planned ride experience (Safari), the other items were relatively unplanned and slow-paced (even thought we were there over the holidays). This kept the adults happy along with the kids and made everyone less tense (there were 6 adults and 3 kids in our party).

I would advise shying aways from really hyped-up experiences. We visited some big shows, rides and parades while we were there and mostly it was a lot of waiting around for what my daughter thought was too loud and scary anyhow ;) The slower pace allowed the adults to watch the kids experience things too and we are still talking about how much fun we had!
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Orlando
  • Category: Best of
  • Traveler type: Never been before
  • Appeals to: Families with small children
  • Seasons: Winter
  • Tags: Disney World, preschooler, first time, Top 10, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT
1. Cinderella's Royal Table at the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table, Orlando
A character lunch (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Jasmine, Mary Poppins, etc.) at Cinderella?s Castle within the Magic Kingdom. We reserved a year in advance. Quite a big deal to meet these legends in person.
2. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (hosted by Belle) at EPCOT
Akershus at Walt Disney World, Orlando
A character lunch (Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Pocahontas, Alice) at Norway castle within Epcot. Lots of fun. Also booked well in advance.
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando
We got to Animal Kingdom early for a nearly no-line situation. We got so close to the animals - really amazing.
4. The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando
A chance for my little one to dig up her own mammoth fossil. Dinosaurs and fossils have been of particular interest lately and this answered a lot of questions.
5. Within the Pyramid at Mexico at EPCOT
Around the World at Epcot, Orlando
In Epcot, a nice meal at the restaurant under the stars and a volcano (actual smoke) - a margarita for Mommy a plus ;) Craftspeople painting wares - a chance to watch.
6. Activities at Most Pavilions within EPCOT
Around the World at Epcot, Orlando
Free spots to color and learn about different countries. A lot of free shows too: drumming in Japan and, juggling in Italy were attention-grabbing.
7. Journey Into Imagination With Figment at EPCOT
Epcot Center, Orlando
At Epcot - learn about the senses. Get sprayed with skunk smell - vey cool if you are 4 ;)
8. Swiss Family Treehouse at the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom, Orlando
A walk through and provoked a lot of interesting questions, "Why can't we live in a tree house?" and whatnot.
9. The Monorail
Walt Disney World, Orlando
The monorail was a big hit. Now she wonders if it will fit in our backyard.
10. Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom, Orlando
Travel in general for the first time by plane (to get there), the monorail (above) and by the train within the Magic Kingdom was very exciting. Bus shuttles from the hotel were even fun to the various parks.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Orlando