An age-by-age guide to Disney park activities: iVillage

An age-by-age guide to Disney World activities

by Ellen Parlapiano

Discover what to see, where to eat and what to skip at Disney World and other Disney theme parks

As a travel writer and Disney fanatic, I've visited Disney World many times with my children. As a result, I've learned two important lessons:

Lesson 1: You can't do Disney without a plan.
Lesson 2: That plan will change as kids grow.

The secret to a perfect Disney vacation is knowing the attractions that best suit your kids' ages and developmental stages, then taking in just enough to leave your family enchanted, not exhausted.

This age-by-age guide will give you and your family the kind of insider information that's hard to find elsewhere, whether you're looking for places to chill out or ideal areas for greeting your favourite Disney characters. I'll help you find the best rides, resting spots, and attractions for kids of every age. Also, I'll share tips on when you should go and what you should avoid - so your first Disney experience isn't your last!

Start by reading: Things To Know Before You Go

Then check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10 years)

(Ages 10 Years and over)

Ellen H. Parlapiano often writes about family travel for U.S. magazines, and was a contributing writer to the Fodor's 2001 Guide to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and Central Florida. She has been to Disney World over 15 times with her two children.

Things To Know Before You Go...

Be prepared. Study the guidebooks (and don't leave home without one). Be aware that park hours may have been reduced substantially due to the economic downturn and recent world events. Some attractions run on limited schedules. Use the age-by-age articles that follow to help you plan your itinerary, but also get a park map at your hotel so you can review the schedule beforehand.

Go during the school year, if possible. Crowds are thinnest in January, October, early November and December (before Christmas week).

Be realistic. The younger your child, the less ground you can expect to cover. During the high season (Easter, summer months, Thanksgiving, and Christmas break), you may conquer only a few attractions per day.

If you're a single parent, consider travelling with another adult who has kids of similar age to yours. Your kids will be happier, and you'll have adult companionship as well as an extra pair of helping hands.

Hit the parks early. Get there at least 45 minutes before official opening time. Bring snacks, and toys to amuse little ones, while waiting.

Use the 'Fast Pass', a system that's available for the most popular rides and attractions. When a certain ride has a long queue, the 'Fast Pass' allows you to return later at a specified time, when you'll get to ride without a lengthy wait. (But you can't get a second Fast Pass till the time frame on your first one has expired.).

Take a daily break. Having a nap or going back to the hotel for a midday swim can prevent meltdowns.

Eat in at breakfast. Bring along cereal or breakfast bars, plastic bowls, and utensils; then send a family member to the hotel food court for milk and fruit.

Save character breakfasts for departure day. Several of the Disney hotels and theme park restaurants have them, and it's a great way to celebrate before heading home.

Check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10 Years)

(10 Years and over)

Babies and Toddlers (Ages Birth Through 2 Years):

Keep In Mind: A child's patience and attention span are limited at this age, so tailor your schedule accordingly. Stick to tame, slow-moving rides, and allow lots of time for feeding, changing, snoozing, and cuddling. Schedule just enough to sample the magic without overstimulating baby. You can always come back again in a few years, when he or she will appreciate the experience even more.

Parks to See: The Magic Kingdom-especially Fantasyland and Mickey's Toontown Fair, where attractions are specifically designed for little ones.

Touring Strategies: Head to Fantasyland first. It's where you'll see all the scaled-down classic Disney attractions. If your child slips into her morning nap, relax on a shady bench or check out the charming (and air-conditioned!) Tinker Bell's Treasures shop at Cinderella's castle. From Fantasyland, stroll over to Mickey's Toontown Fair. Break for lunch, then head back to your hotel; or, stay a few more hours and leave after the 3:00 parade. If you don't mind disrupting your little one's bedtime routine, hit the park again after dinner (if it's open), head for Adventureland and Frontierland and catch the SpectroMagic parade.

Don't Miss: Cinderella's Golden Carrousel; It's a Small World; Dumbo the Flying Elephant; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Walt Disney World Railroad (kids enjoy watching it pull in and out of the station even more than they like riding it); Minnie's Country House at Mickey's Toontown Fair (pint size, with lots of fun buttons and levers for pressing); Toon Park (an interactive play area in Mickey's Toontown Fair where kids can make the animal topiaries "talk" by stomping on lilypads); and The new Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride in Adventureland.

Skip: Scheduled character appearances (the crowds and the larger-than-life Disney characters may be overwhelming); Tom Sawyer Island (tough to navigate with a stroller) and the Swiss Family Treehouse (too much climbing!)

Kids May Be Scared By: Dark surroundings and loud noises at some of the attractions (for example, fireworks shows, or the gunfire at Pirates of the Caribbean ride).

Parades to Catch: The Share a Dream Come True parade (if you're still in the park at mid-day), featuring Disney characters in giant snow globes. (Have one adult grab a curbside seat about an hour ahead of time, while the other keeps the child entertained.)

Meals Plans: Formula, baby food, and juice are available at hotel gift shops and the Baby Care Centers located in all the Disney parks. (You can nurse there in a relaxed setting.) For a quick Fantasyland lunch, duck into the Pinocchio Village Haus, where you can cut fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and pasta salad into bite-size pieces. Stash small boxes of cereal in your diaper bag to tide kids over between meals. With small children, room service or takeaway dinners from hotel food courts may be more relaxing than dining out.

Best Spots to Greet Characters: From a distance at parades and shows like the new Cinderella's Surprise Celebration, where kids can safely wave or call out to characters without getting close enough to be frightened.

Places to Chill Out: The Baby Care Center (with rocking chairs, toys, and baby supplies); the rockers outside the Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland; Donald's Boat in Mickey's Toontown Fair, with refreshing sprinklers.

Hot Tips:

Bring your own lightweight, folding stroller so you can skip the queues (and fees) at the rental counter.

If your baby's too young for a ride, you and your spouse can "baby switch" at the entrance. Tell the attendant that you'll hop on the ride first, while your spouse and the baby wait for you on the sidelines. Then, when you come off, your spouse can ride, while you hold the baby.

Check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10 Years )

(10 and over)

Preschoolers (Ages 3 Through 6 Years)

Keep In Mind: Preschoolers love repetition and will ask to go on their favourite rides again and again. This is fine if the lines aren't long. During crowded times, however, move on to the next attraction. Children may beg for wilder rides, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain, but must be at least 40 inches tall to board them.

Parks to See: The Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Epcot is too enormous, and has little to interest most young kids.

Touring Strategies: Spread the sights out over the course of your vacation. Plan to see Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Toontown Fair one day; Frontierland and Adventureland another. Set aside another day for Animal Kingdom. A half-day is enough for the compact Disney-MGM Studios. Occupy evenings with sit-down events like the Magic Kingdom's SpectroMagic parade, the Fantasmic show at Disney-MGM Studios, or the Electrical Water Pageant (which can be seen from all of the Disney monorail hotels). Set aside your last day for revisiting the kids' favorites.

Don't Miss:
In the Magic Kingdom: Dumbo, the Flying Elephant; Peter Pan's Flight; Cinderella's Golden Carrousel; It's a Small World; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Mad Tea Party; Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin; Mickey's Toontown Fair (especially Minnie's Country House, and the Barnstormer rollercoaster-a tame coaster that's perfect for pint-sized riders); The Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Jungle Cruise.

In Disney-MGM Studios: Voyage of the Little Mermaid; the new Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! show, where kids can meet Bear in the Big Blue House and friends; Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3-D. In the Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris; TriceraTop Spin in Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama!; Conservation Station, where you can meet animal experts and ride a train to a petting zoo.

Parades to Catch: The Magic Kingdom's Share a Dream Come True Parade (a must-see for preschoolers!) The parade is interactive and stops periodically so kids can actually march and dance with the characters. If you have time, also check out: The Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade in Disney-MGM Studios (get there about 45 minutes beforehand, and snatch one of the shady benches in front of the Sounds Dangerous theater); and Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade in Animal Kingdom.

Skip:
At Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain (Kids must be a least 44" to ride, and are seated individually, so you will not be able to sit next to them); Alien Encounter (too intense and scary for children under 12); Tomorrowland Speedway (kids can't drive their own cars unless they're 52 inches tall).
At Disney-MGMStudies: Tower of Terror (has a dark, foreboding pre-show and frightening 13-story free-fall); Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (kids must be at least 44 inches to ride); Walt Disney: One Man's Dream (young kids will find it boring)

Kids May be Scared by:
In the Magic Kingdom: Snow White's Adventures (the witch pops out); the Haunted Mansion (dark, scary pre-show and ghosts galore); Pirates of the Caribbean (gunfire and menacing pirates).

At Disney-MGM Studios: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (contains fire and many explosions); The Great Movie Ride (some kids think the gunfight is real); Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey (some of it takes place in complete darkness); Fantasmic (loud noises and lots of mean-looking villains); Studios Backlot Tour (which contains fire, a flood, and explosions).

At Animal Kingdom: It's Tough to Be a Bug (though comical, the 3-D bees and spiders can frighten some); Dinosaur (a T-Rex lunges unexpectedly from the darkness).

Meal Plans: Duck into counter-service restaurants by 11 a.m., before they get busy. Also check out the McDonald Fries carts, located at select locations throughout the parks. For leisurely dinners, try out sit-down restaurants that have kids activities and entertainment. Two kid-pleasing favorites: Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge hotel, where children can compete in hobby-horse races; and the Ohana Grill at the Polynesian Resort, where kids participate in Hawaiian-style sing-alongs and coconut-rolling races.

Best Bets for Character Meals: Magic Kingdom's Crystal Palace, for buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner with Pooh and the gang; and the Once Upon A Time Breakfast at Cinderella's castle in Magic Kingdom, where kids can dine royally with Disney princesses. Preschoolers also enjoy Chef Mickey's buffet breakfasts and dinners at the Contemporary Resort.

More Great Spots to Greet Characters: Character caravans that come to Disney hotels in the morning - ask at your hotel desk for times); Mickey's Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom; Mickey Avenue in MGM; and Camp Minnie-Mickey in the Animal Kingdom.

Places to Chill Out: One of the sprinkler areas in the Magic Kingdom, located at Ariel's Grotto and Donald's Boat (water revives even the crankiest children!); Disney-MGM's Miss Piggy Fountain, in front of Muppet-Vision 3D (kids love splashing their hands in it; Animal Kingdom's Boneyard (a gigantic sandbox and interactive playground with caves, slides, and climbing nets).

Hot Tips:

Bring a stroller (or rent one). The kids will need it.

Buy the children a small trinket on the first day to keep them from hounding you constantly. Then tell kids you'll buy them one special souvenir at the end of the trip.

Check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10)

(10 and over)

School-age kids (Ages 7 to 10 Years):

Keep In Mind: These are the thrill-seeking years, and kids may beg for rides that are too wild or intense for them. If you're unsure whether a ride is appropriate, check with a Disney staff member or try it yourself first. Most kids this age enjoy Splash Mountain (a five-story flume ride); Space Mountain (an in-the-dark roller coaster); Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (a 13-story free-falling elevator); and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (an indoor roller coaster that goes up-side down 3 times!)

Parks to See: The Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Typhoon Lagoon water park (but hit water parks early or late in the day to avoid crowds).

Touring Strategies: Kids will have clear preferences, so tap into their interests. For example, an animal-lover may want more than one day in Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios are extremely popular with this age group, since they offer the most thrill rides. Take advantage of the "Fast Pass," so you can ride popular attractions without a lengthy wait. If the parks are open late, you can plan on returning most evenings, since children of this age have more late-night staying power than younger kids.

Don't Miss:
In the Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain; Splash Mountain; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; Mad Tea Party; Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin; Haunted Mansion; Pirates of the Carribbean; Jungle Cruise; SpectroMagic nighttime parade; "Discover the Stories Behind the Magic" interactive kiosks, located throughout the parks, where kids can play Disney trivia games.

In MGM: Star Tours; Who Wants to Be a Millionaire-Play It!; The Great Movie Ride; Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

In Animal Kingdom: Kali River Rapids; Maharajah Jungle Trek; Kilimanjaro Safaris; Pagani Forest Exploration Trail; Dinosaur; It's Tough to Be a Bug!; Tarzan Rocks show
In Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Body Wars, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Innoventions (save this technology arcade for after you've seen everything else, and set a time limit - or you could be there forever); Kidcot Fun Stops, at each country in the World Showcase (kids can make cultural crafts, and collect paper coins to use later at the Tapestry of Dreams parade); IllumiNations nighttime laser and fireworks show (scout a viewing spot at least 30 minutes beforehand).

Parades to Catch: Magic Kingdom's 100 Years of Magic Parade (kids are invited to join the parade at certain points); Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade in Disney-MGM Studios (one of the few places you can spot Star Wars characters); Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade in Animal Kingdom; and Epcot's Tapestry of Dreams parade (the Dream Catcher invites kids to toss in coins they collected earlier at the Kidcot Fun Stops)

Skip: Magic Kingdom's Alien Encounter (even some adults find this terrifying!)

Kids May be Scared by: Honey I Shrunk the Audience (the lifelike 3-D lion and snake appear to jump off the movie screen); Rock'n'Roller Coaster (fast, loud, dark, and goes upside-down); Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (a 13-story free-fall).

Meal Plans: Food-court meals offer finicky eaters lots of choices. Try Sunshine Season Food Fair in Epcot's Land pavilion, featuring pasta, pizza, baked potatoes, and more. Also seek out portable foods, like Turkey Legs, McDonald's fries, and fresh fruit, located at carts throughout all three parks. Theme restaurants are also a big hit with this age group - especially the Sci-Fi Dine-In in Disney-MGM Studios, where kids dine in cars and watch old science fiction movie clips.

Best Bets for Character Meals: Liberty Tree Tavern family-style dinner with Mickey and the gang in the Magic Kingdom; Donald's Prehistoric Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus in the Animal Kingdom; and the Garden Grill Restaurant at Epcot's Land Pavilion, where Mickey and friends host breakfast, lunch and dinner. Character meals give kids a leisurely opportunity to clown around with favorite characters, get autographs, and pose for photos.

More Spots to Greet Characters: Scheduled character greetings in all parks (check park maps for exact times).

Places to Chill Out: Typhoon Lagoon water park; Animal Kingdom's Kali River Rapids (you get drenched on this ride!); Epcot's Ice Station Cool (a frosty igloo where you can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world); and El Rio del Tiempo ride in Epcot's Mexico pavilion (a relaxing boat cruise that almost never has a queue); Fitness Fairgrounds in Epcot's Wonders of Life (with hands-on exhibits, and cool exercise bikes); the Yacht and Beach Club's Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (sundaes are enormous, so share them).

Hot Tips:

Give kids bum bags for holding autograph books, sunscreen, and pocket money.

At Epcot stores you can buy a "passport" that kids can have stamped at each stop in the World Showcase.

Check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10 Years)

(10 and over)

Preteens and Teens (10 and over):

Keep In Mind: Kids will want the independence to explore, without you beside them. Depending on their maturity and your level of comfort, consider giving kids the opportunity to ride some attractions alone or with siblings. Understand that kids this age are very self-conscious and often feel embarrassed by their parents. So think twice before donning that Goofy hat!

Parks You Should See: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach water park, and the Disney Quest arcade located at Downtown Disney.

Touring Strategies: Hit the parks early and head for the most popular thrill rides first. Utilise the Fast Pass system to minimise waiting time. Older teens can run ahead and the secure the Fast Passes for the whole family.

Don't Miss:
In the Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain; Splash Mountain; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; Haunted Mansion

In Disney-MGM Studios: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; Rock 'n' Roller Coaster; Star Tours; Disney Who Wants to Be a Millionaire-Play It!; The Great Movie Ride; Walt Disney: One Man's Dream (which contains interesting architectural models of Disney theme parks); Studios Backlot Tour

In the Animal Kingdom: Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris; Dinosaur; It's Tough to be a Bug

In Epcot Center: Space Ship Earth; Test Track; Body Wars; Illuminations; Honey I Shrunk the Audience; Innoventions; Cranium Command

Parades to Catch: Disney Stars and Motor cars parade at Disney-MGM Studios, with cool cars, Star Wars characters, and hard-to-find villains, such as Hades from Hercules.

Skip: Character shows (kids will claim they're too babyish)

Kids May Be Scared By: Alien Encounter and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Meal Plans: Restaurants with all-you-can eat buffets will satisfy teens' varied tastes and big appetites! Try out the brand-new Boma at the African Kingdom Lodge Hotel, which features African dishes along with American classics. Ethnic restaurants are fun to sample, since kids are more adventurous eaters at this age. (There are plenty to choose from in Epcot's World Showcase!) And, if you have sports-loving sons or daughters, make sure you eat at the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk. It's a fan's paradise, with televisions everywhere (even in the bathrooms!)

Best Spots to Greet Characters: Parades - especially the nighttime SpectroMagic in Magic Kingdom. Kids this age still love seeing characters, but don't always want to admit it. Parades allow them to view their favourites, without having to pose with them.

Places to Chill Out: Water parks - especially Blizzard Beach (where daredevils will zoom down the 120-foot Summit Plummit waterslide at speeds up to 60 miles an hour).

Hot Tips:

If possible, have kids travel with friends, or other family members close in age.

Get a pair of two-way radios, so mature, responsible kids can venture off a bit on their own, yet still stay in constant contact.

Check the age-by-age guides for the lastest tips and hints to make the most of your next Disney vacation:

(Ages Birth to 2 Years)

(Ages 3 to 6 Years)

(Ages 7 to 10 Years)

(10 and over)