Kids under 10 are the ideal age for a Disney World vacation. They are old enough to enjoy most rides, but young enough to really enjoy the magic of Disney. Help your kids get the most from your vacation by choosing a great place to stay, interacting with characters, planning ahead for souvenirs, and experiencing the best rides and attractions.
When to go: Most children in this age group have a school schedule. You can either plan your trip for times when school is not in session, or take the kids out of school for your trip. Every family and school district is different, so taking the kids out of school may or may not work for you.
Tip: If you do take the kids out of school, ask for a packet of schoolwork to take along. You can easily work in some time each day for homework — if it is hot outside, consider returning to your resort for a swim and homework time each afternoon.
Where to Stay: Kids are the stars of the show when it comes to Disney resorts. It is impossible to find a "bad" resort, but there are a few that stand out as great picks for kids under 10:
If your child enjoys athletics, consider the value priced All-Star Sports resort. This location features "locker room" style furnishings and buildings are embellished with giant sports equipment, making your room easy to find. Note that some of the bathrooms at this resort are "shower only," in keeping with the locker room theme.
The moderately priced Port Orleans Riverside features an old-fashioned watering hole complete with slide and fountains, a food court that offers an array of goodies to tempt even the pickiest eater, and slide out trundle beds that are the perfect size for kids.
Consider Disney's newest resort, the Bay Lake Towers for almost instant access to the Magic Kingdom, a two story water slide, and a host of activities designed to appeal to kids. This resort is adjacent to the Contemporary, so you can enjoy all the amenities of a classic Disney deluxe resort as well.
Getting Around: Kids are not known for their patience, so research the best ways to get from "here" to "there" in the parks. If you choose a monorail resort, you can travel to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot with ease, and most kids think of the monorail as a ride. Not in a monorail resort? Don't fret, just take your car or a complimentary resort bus or boat instead.
Rides and Attractions: There are rides designed to tempt and entertain this age group in every Disney theme park. From the dizzy spinning of the Mad Tea Party, to the breathtaking plunge to the bottom of Splash Mountain, the Magic Kingdom has something to offer everyone. Consider saving a day for a trip to Typhoon Lagoon, and let your little animal lover swim with real sharks at Shark Reef. There's plenty to do in every Disney theme park, so don't miss some of the best attractions for kids.
Disney Fun: Plan ahead and pack some souvenirs and an autograph book for each child in your group. You can also bring along a mini backpack or tote for each child, and allow them to fill it up with little snacks and surprises each morning. Having some small snacks or toys will help them tolerate the time waiting in line a little better.
Tip: If your child is a pin trading fan, check out Vinylmations, the hottest new Disney collectible!
Dining: Make reservations and enjoy a kid favorite like Epcot's Coral Reef, where you can watch real marine life while you dine. You may also enjoy one of Disney's popular character dining locations, and spend some time getting to know some of your favorite Disney stars. Don't overlook the importance of snacks for this age group. You will be doing a lot of walking and burning a lot of energy, so stop and check out some of Disney's best snacks and drinks between meals.