Miranda's Top Must-Do's for the Little Ones

So many of my friends are planning their kids' very first Disney World visit this year, and I'm so excited for them! Many have been asking me what's great for the younger kids to do in the parks, so I thought I'd give all you moms and dads a quick list of my top "must-do's" for the little ones at each theme park. There are plenty more great attractions for the kids than just the ones I'm listing, but my inner 2-year old is writing this post and these were always her favorites :). Enjoy!

Magic Kingdom

1. Peter Pan's Flight (in Fantasyland) -- This has been my all-time favorite attraction at Disney World since I was 2. The kids will LOVE it! This is one of Disney's classic "dark rides" which uses black lights (super cool if you wear white!) and audio-animatronics to take you through the story of Peter Pan. You hop aboard a flying pirate ship and journey from the Darling's nursery to Neverland, soaring over London along the way. You'll see the mermaids, the Indians, and Peter's epic battle with Captain Hook. Here's a tip: Although the ride only lasts about 3 minutes, it is very popular and the line is almost always long. If you're going at a crowded time of year, you might want to grab a Fast Pass for this one.
2. The Country Bear Jamboree (in Frontierland)-- Yes, it's a little corny, but when you're a little kid there's nothing much cooler than a bunch of singing, dancing, talking bears. The Jamboree is one of those attractions that often gets overlooked, but is still a wonderful piece of Disney storytelling. You take a seat in a saloon-style, old-time theater, sit back and enjoy some great songs and entertainment from the Country Bears. This is the attraction that inspired the 2002 movie "The Country Bears."
3. It's a Small World (in Fantasyland)-- Ok, so this isn't usually the parents' favorite, but I promise the kids will love it! There is so much to look at and so many wonderful colors in this ride that you can ride it over and over and see something new (trust me, I made my parents do it! LOL). I'm sorry, but the song probably will be stuck in your head :). At least there is almost never a wait time, and it is a great way to relax and cool off in the park.
4. Dumbo (in Fantasyland)-- Everyone's favorite flying elephant gives little ones the chance to soar up high in the sky... or at least it seems like it. Dumbo is a simple ride of up and down and round and round, but it's a winner with kids. And now that it's reopened in it's new location as part of the Fantasyland expansion (see my previous post about the expansion for more info), it's twice the fun with a new interactive que and extra riding capacity.
5. Under the Sea (the Little Mermaid ride in Fantasyland)-- This attraction in the New Fantasyland tells the story of the Little Mermaid in a not-at-all scary dark ride. You hop aboard a clam shell as Scuttle begins to tell the story. A ride backwards downhill makes you feel like you are diving beneath the ocean surface and into Ariel's world.
6. Enchanted Tales with Belle (Fantasyland)-- The other new attraction in Fantasyland is from Beauty and the Beast. This attraction is completely based on interaction with the children in the audience. You travel via magic mirror from Maurice's cottage to the library of the Beast's castle where Belle is waiting for storytime. Children are chosen to become different characters from the movie, such as Lumiere, Cogsworth, Chip, and Mrs. Potts. They help Belle tell the story. It's a great to way to meet-and-greet with characters!

Epcot

1. The Seas with Nemo and Friends (in Future World)-- This is probably Epcot's best attraction for the kids. It's another classic dark ride that takes you through the ocean in a "clammobile" as you search for... yep, Nemo :). Nemo, Dory, Marlin and friends swim around the aquarium with the real fish (still trying to figure out how they do that) and sing great songs you didn't hear in the movie.
2. Turtle Talk with Crush (in Future World)-- Next door to the Nemo ride is Turtle Talk with Crush. This is another amazing technological wonder from Disney. Your kids can actually talk to Crush, ask him questions, and he will answer them! Pretty cool, huh?
3. Journey into Imagination with Figment (in Future World)-- This ride has changed a lot from when I was little, but it is still a hit with younger kids. You're on a tour of the Imagination Institute, exploring the five senses, but Figment keeps interrupting and causing big laughs. It's cute and quirky, with a great interactive area at the ride exit.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

1. Toy Story Mania (in Pixar Place)-- Without a doubt, the most popular ride in the park. Get there early and get a Fast Pass! This ride is awesome for the whole family. Your ride vehicle comes equipped with a pull cannon, which you use to play various carnvial style games hosted by the Toy Story characters. It's all in 3-D and makes for lots of laughs. Plus it's great when you earn braggin rights for having the high score :).
2. Disney Junior - Live on Stage! (in Animation Courtyard)-- Your kids' favorite Disney Junior shows come to life on stage. Kids are encouraged to sing and dance and clap along with their favorite characters. There are a limited number of shows each day, so be sure to consult your guide map when you get to the park. (There are also other great stage shows like Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage).
3. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure (in the Backlot)-- Oh-em-gee!! You couldn't get me out of here when I was little! This is an awesome playground for the kids. They get to climb a spiderweb, slide down a roll of flim, and even ride an ant. It makes you feel like you're right on the movie set of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." Awesome!

Animal Kingdom

1. Affection Section & Conservation Station (in Rafiki's Planet Watch)-- This is the place where the kids can pet and interact with real animals like goats, llamas, sheep, and more. They can also see how the animals are cared for and talk to their trainers.
2. The Boneyard (in Dinoland)-- This playground gives kids the chance to dig up dinosaur bones, play music, go through mazes, slides, and more.
3. Festival of the Lion King (in Camp Minnie-Mickey)-- This is my favorite show at Disney World. It's a wonderful telling of the story of the Lion King featuring amazing acrobatics, singing, dancing, and even a fire-breather. For the last song, kids are invited to come down and be part of the show. It's great fun for the whole family! (Also be sure to check out Finding Nemo The Musical in Dinoland).
4. Finding Nemo, the Musical (between Dinoland and Asia)-- This bright and brilliant show tells the story of Nemo that we all know and love, but this time with amazing effects, new songs, and gorgeous animated characters. It is unique among Disney stage shows in that most of the cast are puppets, but I promise this isn't like any puppet show you've ever seen.
5. Kilimanjaro Safari (in Africa)-- The safari is one of the park's top two attractions and is a must-do for the whole family. You'll hop aboard a safari truck driven by a guide who takes you from the jungle to the Savannah, pointing out and teaching you about all the animals you spot along the way. Unlike seeing them in a zoo, these animals are right up close and personal, sometimes blocking traffic as they cross the road in front of your truck. You can see animals all throughout the day, but you will often spot the most either in the morning just after park open, or on one of the last trucks in the afternoon. The ride closes before dark.