“What are the best things to do at Walt Disney World?” The answer is different for everyone and last week we discussed the top attractions for our littlest friends. This week let’s look at some favorite attractions for older children, those between ages 5-11.
Magic Kingdom: Before you think Tom Sawyer Island “isn’t very exciting”, let me explain why it’s perfect for kids! I have found this to be a great place to cool off, let the kids run and stretch their legs and I have even bought a couple of cap rifles in Frontierland to let the boys play with in the Fort on the island. The Island is shaded with trees, has a lot of trails, a few caves to explore (don’t worry, they aren’t long enough to get lost in), several bridges to walk over. There are plenty of benches along the way and since it is self-guided, you can wander around as much as you like. To get there, you’ll take a raft from the landing in Frontierland (and then back again when you leave). Bonus: I have also found this spot to be very enjoyable with little ones under 5 as well, since they aren’t confined to a ride or a seat at an attraction, so can run around and expel some energy.
Hollywood Studios: My reasons for selecting Toy Story Mania is because it does not take any skill to pull the trigger, there is no height requirement and will keep even the grumpiest of guests laughing the whole way through. This ride is a blast for grownups too, as it will take the adults back to their childhood as they see Mr. Potato Head and other familiar games become larger than life! Add a layer of fun by seeing who gets the highest score in your car as you join Woody through a wild ride in the Midway!
Animal Kingdom: You really don’t have to see the movie ‘Avatar’ to enjoy Na’vi River Journey, a slow ride through the bio-luminescent forest of Pandora. This beautiful glowing scenery on this attraction is a sight to behold! You can even join the Na-vi Shaman of Songs as you make your way through the attraction, marveling at the plants and creatures all around you.
EPCOT: Turtle Talk with Crush is an enchanting 15 minute show in the Seas With Nemo and Friends that allows the kids to sit in the front and literally talk with Crush. They can ask questions and in true Crush form, get an answer that will have the kids and adults alike laughing. Adults will be sitting there wondering how the interactive conversation really happens while the kids will just enjoy the antics with Crush and his friends. Be warned though: your children will likely be talking like the “Crush Man” for the rest of the day.
There is so much at Walt Disney World for all ages, but these are a few of the attractions that the kids in my family enjoy the most. Do your you kids or grand kids have rides or attractions that they really love?
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Debbie and her husband live in Chattanooga, TN. They both are huge Disney fans and try to visit the most Magical Place on Earth at least once a year, if possible. They are enjoying taking each of their now 10 grandchildren and hope to also take their great granddaughter in the near future. One of their favorite trips has been visiting Disney with adults only, including one trip when their son proposed to his girlfriend. Each trip begins with the planning, which can take up to a year, beginning with how to get the grandkids excited about their upcoming trip. They have surprised some of them the day before they left, while the latest one had “presents” every 10 days starting at 90 days all leading up to an exciting trip with her parents along also. Their philosophy on Disney Trips? “Each trip is completely different, like visiting Walt Disney World for the first time.” They both enjoy all that Disney has to offer, but enjoy Animal Kingdom and EPCOT the most. It is their goal that everyone who visits Walt Disney World has a magical trip with lots of memories to last a life time.
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