Insider's Guide to Disney World

Family Fun in the Parks

Decide who will get the most out of your visit before you arrive. While many families bring young children to Disney World, toddlers won't remember much, and they can make your visit a challenge. If this is a trip you want the kids to cherish, take only those who are at least 4 years old.

•  Where To Stay: Disney does family lodging better than anyone, with themed hotels in several price ranges. At the high end, we prefer the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian Resort, which offer a variety of rooms. We also like Port Orleans Resort Riverside for its more reasonable rates and waterfront location. Old Key West Resort offers some of the largest accommodations. As a Disney Vacation Club property (time-share), it rents popular two- and three-bedroom condos with kitchens. Meanwhile, the basic rooms at the All-Star Resorts are quite affordable most of the time.

•  How To Spend Your Time: Schedule activities around the youngest member of your group. Kids over 6 years old can enjoy two theme parks a day.

If you're toting tots, rent strollers for the length of your stay. Although you must return the stroller at the end of each day, you'll receive a ticket which allows you to avoid the longest morning lines after the first day.

Outside the parks, head to DisneyQuest for five floors of interactive rides and games in Downtown Disney, or plan a day at a water park.

•  Mealtimes: The Dining Plan offers the best value for guests staying in Disney resorts. It includes one table service meal, one counter service meal, and one snack each day (including non-alcoholic beverages and tips). Make reservations for your most important dinners three months before you arrive. Also, you may want to rent a refrigerator for your room.

•  In the Parks: While each park has something for little visitors, most prefer Magic Kingdom. Don't miss Pooh's Playful Spot, a new playground in Fantasyland. At Animal Kingdom, skip DINOSOAR with its roaring T. rex, and let brave adventurers try Primeval Whirl.

The Shannon Family's Top 10
Senior Designer Jennie Shannon recently spent a week with her husband, Brian, and their 4-year-old son, Mac, while leaving 21-month-old Cade at home. They plan to introduce him to Mickey next time. Here are their family faves.

1. 1. Riding Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom.
2. 2. Eating breakfast with Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.
3. 3. Hang gliding virtually on Soarin' in Epcot's Land Pavilion.
4. 4. Using the Photopass allowed our family to have a picture taken together.
5. 5. Watching Mac paint and decorate Mickey Mouse cookies at the Concourse Steakhouse in the Contemporary Resort.
6. 6. Riding in the front car of the monorail.
7. 7. Viewing the Fantasmic! evening show at Disney-MGM Studios.
8. 8. Watching Festival of the Lion King's singing, dancing, acrobatics, and audio-animatronics in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
9. 9. Interacting with Nemo's friends at Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot.
10. 10. Housekeeping magic. Mac's toys had fun while we were in the parks. We would often return to find The Incredibles climbing the bunk bed.