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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World Railroad
Top 10 Rides at Disney World: Toddler Edition
It’s true that Disney brings out the kid in us all! From the most successful CEO’s to the “over-it” teenagers, Disney is the place where your inner child just can’t help but come out! With Mickey Ear hats appearing on unsuspecting naysayers and smiles for days, the magic of Disney can take you back! In my opinion, the best way to capture this magic is to do Disney with an actual kid!
I’m not a mom yet, but my nephew and niece are the next best thing and I love watching them! I love seeing Disney World through their eyes.
So, today, I’m listing my top 10 picks for rides and attractions at Disney World and I’m gearing it toward amping up the magic for you little one. We’re talking toddlers and their taking over the parks. These rides are sure to please your toddler and you! Here’s my take (in no particular order) for the top 10 rides at Disney World: toddler edition!
Let’s get started!
What’s not to love about the Walt Disney World Railroad? It takes you on a complete scenic tour around the Magic Kingdom all from the comfort of a fully functioning steam engine! Many folks have wised up and have used the train to beat the Main Street USA crowd, but not the toddler in my life; boy he could ride that thing all day if you’d let him! This is a calm ride that typically requires a short wait and is sure to please! You will see the sights and have a fun time on this ride that will make your toddler and the rest of your family smile!
Top 5 Overlooked and Underestimated: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Edition
Have you ever talked with someone who is still fresh with the “post Disney glow” only to realize that they missed out on some pretty amazing Disney Stuff? I’m always shocked when they didn’t even realize such a thing existed! I have a couple of spots that I always hit, no matter what and it is really hard for me to understand how anyone could pass them up! These personal favorites may not seem like much to everyone, but these are my top picks for overlooked and underestimated, Magic Kingdom edition.
Main Street USA Train Station
I have a 3 year-old nephew who is crazy for trains. I’ll take that back, he’s crazy for anything that moves- engines, wheels, tracks, steering wheels, axles he does them all! So, you can bet that we do our fair share of time on the Walt Disney World Railroad. For our family, the train is a must. Sadly, I will say that I often find myself hurrying through the Main Street USA Train Station in an attempt to board for a scenic tour around the Magic Kingdom. There are some really neat things in that station, including functioning mutoscopes (moving picture show), historical sights, a wonderful resting spot/parade viewing spot, and of course a beautiful shot of Cinderella Castle and Main Street USA. Take a little time and enjoy what the Main Street USA train station has to offer.
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House
Okay, so I’m sure some of you are thinking like I think…how could you miss the Swiss Family Tree House? I’m right there with you! I always stop by when I hear that infectious Swisskapolka tune! As impossible as it may seem, I actually think that this beloved tree can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Perhaps it’s the distraction created by the lure of Dole Whips at Aloha Isle? Maybe guests are zooming straight for the more popular attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean? Maybe it’s the camouflaged effect of the tree’s craftsmanship? Maybe it’s because typically this is a walk on type of attraction with little to no wait? No matter what the source might be, this attraction is often neglected. I love the charm of the story and the feel of the attraction. As a little girl, I was always intrigued by the ingenuity of this shipwrecked family (who are we kidding, I am still mesmerized by this fictional tale)! I simply can’t skip taking the grand tour and you shouldn’t either!
Top 5 Nap Spots for little ones in the Magic Kingdom
A long day at Magic Kingdom
Napping in Disney World? Who needs to nap in the most Magical Place on Earth? Well, your infant and toddler might. Ideally a trip back to your room is the best way to get a nap in for a soon to be cranky little one. Especially if they need a 2 hour nap to recharge. Sometimes that is not possible, so here are my Top 5 nap spots in Magic Kingdom. I’ve found these to be great places to put back the stroller and cross our fingers.
In no particular order:
- Tomorrowland-Benches outside Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. I know it sounds crazy, but the noise must act like white noise because I’ve had success here. It’s shaded and the rest of the family can explore the many rides in the area. A trip on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover or Carousel of Progress, might get your little one relaxed prior to placing them down for their nap. There is plenty of space, and amenities like bathrooms and snacks are nearby.
- Tom Sawyer Island-This is also a hidden gem to explore. The boat ride should soothe your little one and by the time you find a quiet bench they will be in Disney Dreamland. If you have older children you can send them along to explore the island with another adult. There are caves, a fort and play areas to keep them busy for a while. The only negative is that while bathrooms are available, snacks are not. So plan ahead.
- Walt Disney World Railroad-This is an idea if your child requires movement to fall asleep. While they can not be in the stroller, if you have sling or carrier they will soon be out. You can ride the railroad as long as you like and although there is noise, it is soothing to the little ones.
- Baby Care Center-Located near Main Street USA and the Crystal Palace the Baby Care Center provides rocking chairs, changing tables and sofas to give infants and their parents a place to wind down. It can be busy and you need to leave your stroller outside. But for a little decompression it’s perfect. The air conditioning is a bonus!
- Liberty Square-Check the parade and meet and greet schedules before you commit to this area. There are a ton of nooks to park with your stroller. Again, shade is helpful here. There are quiet spots near the Christmas Shoppe and entrance to Adventureland as you pass The Crystal Palace.
Top 5 Trains at Walt Disney World Resort
All aboard for the final article in this series: the Top 5 Trains at Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney was a train fanatic, so it’s only logical they would be prominent features in his theme parks. You know, he built his first thrill ride, the 1/8 scale Carolwood Pacific Railroad, in his own backyard years before opening Disneyland Resort. Proof positive that Walt, like Peter Pan, never wanted to grow up!
Walt’s favorite tops today’s Top 5:
1.) The Walt Disney World Railroad – Like its Disneyland counterpart, the Walt Disney World Railroad encircles Magic Kingdom Park, delivering Guests to convenient locations in the different lands and stopping every four to ten minutes on its 1.5-mile track. Its four antique, steam-powered engines, the Walter E. Disney, the Lilly Belle, the Roy O. Disney, and the Roger E. Broggie, were built in the United States around the turn of the 20th century and serviced the United Railways of Yucatan in Mexico until Disney purchased them in 1969.
Top 10 Disney World Attractions with the Shortest Lines
It’s officially summer! Kids are on summer vacation, the temperatures are rising, people are filling up their pools, and families are going on vacation. Therefore, Disney World is a crowded place to be! If you’re visiting Disney World during the summer, you’re probably wondering how can I experience attractions without waiting and waiting? Is there anything that has a short line? Yes, there is! Disney World actually has many attractions that offer short waits almost all of the time so I have compiled a Top 10 list of attractions with the shortest lines.
1. TTA/WedWay People Mover-This attraction rarely ever has a wait; and even if it does, it’s usually very short. On really slow days, some Cast Members will even let you stay on the ride if you don’t want to get off, which is great if it’s raining or you have tired feet or tired kids. This attraction also gives riders a sneak peak of Space Mountain and is about 10 minutes long, which is pretty lengthy in comparison to other rides and shows. Regardless of what time of year you visit Disney World, you are almost always guaranteed a ride on the TTA with a minimum wait.
