Sunday, March 4, 2012

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.

*o*     *o*     *o*


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.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

21 comments:

  1. We're not planning to take my nephews on their first trip to Disney for another year, but I've definitely planned on getting a copy of this book before we take them.

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  2. I liked the night light idea. Bringing something from home is always a welcome thing on a trip away from home.

    (but add a bouncy bed and you can probably find a way to connect with the room :D)

    We're just starting to gear up for our first family trip with a 3 year old and a 6 year old. It's going to be a challenge, but, with the proper resources and information ...

    We're ready. :)

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  3. I like the hidden tips part, I dont know much about Disney at all
    sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com

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  4. we are planning a trip for this december and would love to read this before we go! sounds like it will have lots of great tips for our little miss and how to make this trip awesome for her! thanks for the chance to win this!

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  5. i loved the tip about remembering to bring ponchos, since they are very expensive in the parks!

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  6. I would love to know Safety tips! We are going in 2 months, with 3 kids {twin toddlers too}. First time. I need all the tips I can get!!

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  7. i've never heard of the monster inc laugh floor (or some of the other attractions listed.) I'm going with my 4 yr old niece in November.
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ %com$

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  8. i would love to win this

    ashley.dominguez30@yahoo.com

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  9. like the night light idea
    gkuroda(at)gmail.com

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  10. I think its great they mention the scary things at some of the attractions. I have never even been myself, so I have no idea what might not be cool for a little kiddo.

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  11. I knew that kids under the age of three do not require a theme park admission, but I did not know that they eat free at buffets and family-style restaurants. Great tip!

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  12. My favorite tip: Is Your Child Ready considerations!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  13. oooh I love the hidden tips! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

    - lablogs@yahoo.com

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  14. I enjoyed the packing tips. We are going to WDW in November and will have a 2 year old there for the first time. SO many great tips though!!

    aniwilsonintx at hotmail dot com

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  15. I like the hidden activities when your kids need a break

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  16. I like the information on the Baby Care Center that contain a nursing room; restrooms with child-sized toilets; changing tables; an area in which to feed children, complete with high-chairs; children's supplies for purchase

    thransom@gmail.com

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  17. The packing tips were helpful! My husband and I have a three year old and 18 month old. We have been talking about Disney World as our next trip. This book would be PERFECT!!! Thanks

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  18. I read a few of the dining tips which would come in handy with a picky-eater toddler!!

    juliedianebaker at aol dot com

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  19. I like the reminder to bring ponchos. We didn't even think of it last time we were there and ended up buying them - very expensive.

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  20. I like the dining tips. Particularly great to know that ” Children under the age of three do not require a theme park admission and eat free at buffets and family-style restaurants”.
    beckeesdeals at gmail dot com

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  21. the packing tips helped me alot we are getting ready to go in the next month and I really need this :)
    hebb dot julie at gmail dot com

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