Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to WDW With Preschoolers - Review & Giveaway - Ended 3/13

We started taking my daughter to Walt Disney World when she had just turned 4 years old.  Our most recent vacation there also included my 12 month old son.  So I understand how taking preschoolers to Disney really does make for a different mode and pace during your trip ... but boy, is it worth it!  

Even though I feel like I know a fair amount about vacationing at Disney World, I still love reading about trip planning and ideas.  It's exciting to revisit your favorite places and memories, and you never know when you'll pick up a few good tips for your family's next visit.  

I had heard of the guide, "Beyond the Attractions:  A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers", and thought it was a fantastic concept.  So I was very excited at the chance to read and review a copy.

I found it interesting that the author, Lisa Battista, said she was initially a member of the "no Disney before age 5" club.  She discusses why she changed her mind, and has since put together this specialized information - filled with insights to help you really maximize this experience with the little ones in your life.

You will find basic coverage of travel topics to help get you off and running - such as lodging, transportation, and the dining options and attractions that are most appropriate for preschoolers.

But I also enjoyed some of the extra, unique topics covered - like a whole chapter dedicated to Hidden Activities.   I found this chapter highly enjoyable, as it's filled with numerous details on "extra" amusements and opportunities that are available ... some of which I had little to no previous awareness of.

Some things covered in the guide that I found particularly helpful and interesting:

Top Six Tips  ~ Especially if you are planning your first trip to Disney, there is an overwhelming amount of travel advice out there!  So nice to have a focused, concise list of things to keep in mind.

Preparing - Should You Go? ~ Some things to be aware of, which may even help you decide if your child is ready for a trip like this.

Take a Break ~ A list of great spots to do so in each park.  What a brilliant idea!

Prices ~ For many of the tips found in this guide, I appreciated that a specific price is quoted.  Some of these were for things I had always been curious about, but never stopped to find out the cost.  And some of which were less than I assumed, and are now on my list for my next trip - such as having my child's shadow silhouette drawn for only $8, with an oval frame for $7.95!  (I also didn't know there were four, count 'em FOUR, places where you could have this done.)

Contact Information ~ A very thorough resource list is included, which will no doubt prove invaluable before, and during, your stay.

Special Maps & a Packing List ~ Just for preschoolers needs.

This isn't a huge guide, but that's part of what I found refreshing, and it's the conciseness and relative brevity that makes it so effectual.  There are so many different types of vacations you can have at Disney World.  In a minimal amount of time, this really helps you to focus on the most pragmatic tips for taking your preschoolers to see Mickey - and making sure it is a magical, memorable vacation of a lifetime for the whole family!

I received a copy of the book "Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers" free of charge, to reveiw.  The opinions expressed are my own.

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Lisa has generously offered to giveaway a copy of "Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers" to my readers!  Enter using the form below.

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