One of my favorite things to do with the kids is talk about our upcoming trip to Disney. While this originally started as a plan to help prepare them, it’s slowing turned into a regular household discussion.  At the dinner table, after we’ve gone through other relevant topics of conversation, I will yell out, “Who’s going on…. (insert ride name)?!” This inevitably turns into a frenzy of calling out the names of rides, discussing which is everyone’s favorite, what they can’t miss, what they need to go on, etc.  It has become a little tradition of sorts, and I love seeing their faces light up as we go around the table.

Prior to our last vacation there was a lot of conversation about Splash Mountain. After the trip was over I asked Grant (at the time 4 years old) what his favorite rides were and Splash was right up there. Yeah, um…..he didn’t even go on it.  Just goes to show you the power of suggestion.

If you’re getting ready for an upcoming trip and unsure of what rides your family may like, go to YouTube.  This is an awesome tool for watching the rides ahead of time to see what may or may not work for your children.  Yes, part of the spontaneity is taken out of the equation, but if you have a child who is sensitive to certain things it is a great way to help plan your itinerary.

Once you have your list together and are heading for the parks, just remember to keep expectations at a reasonable level.  Everything is going to be stimulating and fun for the kids, even if you don’t hit every single thing on your itinerary.  And if your children are anything like Grant, just keep saying the name of the ride over and over again and they’ll think they went on anyway! 😉

Here he is… the king of Splash Mountain himself:

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel