Spending the day at Walt Disney World has always been one of my favorite family experiences, but seeing Disney World with a three-year-old girl is something quite special.
Like many little girls, little Amélie can recite her favorite Disney princesses in a flash. She has a wide assortment of princess dresses on hand, suitable for any occasion, and a vast array of princess shoes, tiaras, and even little purses. Being a princess is serious business when you’re three.
There were three generations of family along on our recent trip to Walt Disney World, but little Amélie was definitely the star.
Her face lit up with wonder as she skipped down the streets of the Magic Kingdom. When I glanced over at her parents, their faces were lit up with joy — the joy of seeing their little girl happy.
This is one of the reasons that Walt Disney World continues to be one of the most popular familiar vacation experiences. Sure, Walt Disney World tickets are pricey, but treasured family memories are priceless.
While Walt Disney World is fun for kids of all ages (myself included), experiencing it through a little girl’s eyes is a unique experience.
I saw that first-hand when we stopped into the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The large store is filled with dresses and accessories for all the Disney princesses, and Amélie ran from display to display in delight.
Then she ran by a mirror on the store wall. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a reflection of herself — wearing Belle’s beautiful golden gown. As she stopped to gaze at her royal reflection, suddenly the image changed, and she was wearing Elsa’s dress from Frozen.
The “Magic Mirror” is just one of the interactive experiences at Walt Disney World. I’m not sure how the mirror works, but the result is captivating.
Within seconds, Amélie had a long line of little girls behind her waiting to see themselves in the mirror’s princess attire.
If you have a little girl of your own, Walt Disney World has plenty in store for you. Here are some of the best attractions and experiences for little girls.
Princess Fairytale Hall
Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland)
If you have a little one who has a Disney princess on her most-admired list, then Princess Fairytale Hall is a must-visit. This brightly-colored royal attraction is the home of Anna and Elsa, and is located in the center of New Fantasyland, a multiyear project that more than doubled the size of Fantasyland.
Guests choose one of two lines — one to meet Anna and Elsa and the other to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel. (Other princesses also pop in for a visit.) The line winds along walls of stone and stained glass windows with images from the film Cinderella.
When it’s finally time to meet the princesses, guests are ushered into the royal chambers for some precious photos and time to chat with the Disney princesses.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland)
Ariel is the star of this 20-minute musical, which uses film and puppetry to take little ones on a journey to the royal undersea grotto.
The theatre is quite dark and has a few scary moments when Ursula appears, so it’s not recommended for kiddos under three. After the show, fans can stop by Ariel’s Grotto to meet Ariel herself.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland)
One of the newer rides at Walt Disney World, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is appropriate for all ages. Guest ride a clam shell through the broken hull of Prince Eric’s ship and down into Ariel’s underwater world, where they’re greeted by all of their favorite Little Mermaid characters.
Princess Storybook Dining
Epcot (Askershus Royal Banquet Hall)
Located in a medieval castle, Askershus Royal Banquet Hall is a Norwegian-style restaurant where many of the world’s best-loved storybook princesses appear.
This Disney character meet-and-greet allows little ones to meet their favorite princesses, stopping to pose for photos and get signed autographs while enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner. Popular attendees include Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Mary Poppins and more.
Reservations are a must and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit at MyDisneyExperience.com or by calling (407) 939-5277. Cost is $30 to $60.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland)
Belle’s enchanted castle is the setting of this popular sit-down restaurant. Each room in the castle is different, from the West Wing (home to the enchanted rose) to the Gallery to the Grand Ballroom.
The restaurant serves fast food items for breakfast and lunch and table service for dinner. Belle and the Beast can often be seen dancing at the castle.
Reservations for lunch and dinner are strongly recommended, and can be made online at MyDisneyExperience.com or by calling (407) 939-5277.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s latest parade extravaganza features characters and floats from all the best Disney stories. Costumed characters swing, jump, walk and dance as the parade winds its way through the park.
It’s a great way to see many beloved story figures at one time. Check the daily schedule for parade times.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Magic Kingdom (Cinderella Castle) and Downtown Disney Marketplace
This magical beauty salon is made just for little girls. Located inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, little girls can choose from several Princess-Perfect Packages which include a royal hairstyle of their choice. Packages start at $59.95.
Shimmers, nail polish, face gems and even T-shirts or tutus are additional add-on options. If you don’t mind lightening your wallet, the Castle Package ($194) includes a complete costume of her choice and a set of professional photos.
Little boys are not excluded. The Knight Package includes hairstyling with gel and a sword and shield. The boutique is very popular. Reservations are a must and can be made up to 180 days in advance at (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895.
Disney Princess Meet-and-Greets
For our little Amélie, meeting the Disney princesses was a must. Her parents used the MyDisneyExperience mobile app to map out where each princess was set to appear throughout the day, and we timed our visit to make this happen.
While the best place to meet many princesses in one place is Princess Fairytale Hall, other top spots to meet princesses include:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Epcot
- Princess Storybook Dining at Askershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Princess Aurora in France Pavilion
- Jasmine in Morocco Pavilion
- Mulan in China Pavilion
- Snow White in Germany Pavilion
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Premiere Theatre)
Anna and Elsa are among the cast of this 30-minute interactive retelling of Frozen in the Premiere Theatre at Hollywood Studios. Guests are invited to sing along, and you can bet that “Let it Go” and “For the First Time in Forever” are sung with gusto by each little (and big) guest. The show is performed multiple times throughout the day.
Frozen, an attraction
Epcot (Norway Pavilion)
The former Norway boat ride attraction at Epcot is now Frozen, a brand new ride that takes guests on a journey through Arendelle. The experience offers a location where visitors can meet Elsa and Anna in person.
If You Go
To make the most of your family trip to Walt Disney World, sign up for a free MyDisneyExperience.com account. You can make restaurant reservations, get FastPasses and plan your vacation.
The free mobile app has maps and real-time wait times for each ride so you can make the most of your visit. Read More at What’s New at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/
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