Plan Ahead, Take Breaks, Use Kid-Friendly Amenities to Create a Magical Vacation

Let's face it - traveling with a preschooler can be challenging. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, close relative, or friend, it's difficult to relax and enjoy your vacation when the preschooler in your group is bored, tired, or just plain cranky.

No one understands pint-sized guests better than the experts at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. This 47-square-mile playground offers more than 60 attractions and entertainment options especially for preschool-age children. Sprinkle in some pixie dust and family-friendly services and you can see why Disney is the No. 1 vacation destination for preschool families.

Here are some vacation-planning tips to help you create magical memories for your preschooler and a less stressful trip for the rest of the family.

Top Picks for Preschoolers Magic Kingdom Mickey's PhilharMagic Cinderellabration Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin it's a small world Epcot Turtle Talk With Crush Kidcot Fun Stops Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab Journey Into Imagination With Figment Typhoon Lagoon Ketchakidee Creek Disney's Animal Kingdom Festival of the Lion King Kilimanjaro Safaris Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade The Boneyard Disney-MGM Studios Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage! Voyage of the Little Mermaid Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade Blizzard Beach Tike's Peak

• Plan ahead - Schedule your vacation when school is back in session (late August through September). That way you can take advantage of seasonal savings. With Magic Your Way packages offered by AAA Vacations®, you can put together an affordable and flexible vacation that fits your family's interests and budget.

• Stay at child-friendly hotels - Themed pools, children's activity centers, and larger-than-life icons are only a few of the child-friendly benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Check out the new Disney's All-Star Music Family Suites located at Disney's All-Star Music Resort. It features a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and sleeps six people - perfect for extended families traveling together on a value budget.

• Pick "magical" attractions - There is probably no better age to appreciate Disney magic or fantasy coming to life. From Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! to Mickey's PhilharMagic and Festival of the Lion King, preschoolers delight in attractions and entertainment that are interactive and, of course, they always enjoy their beloved Disney characters.

• Take a break - Set a reasonable pace. A weeklong vacation allows you to schedule some "down time" so young children can rest and adults can relax. Visit a theme park in the morning, take Disney transportation back to the resort for a nap or dip in the pool, then return to the theme park for more fun. Take advantage of Disney's Extra Magic Hours. Each day, one Disney theme park opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later for Disney Resort hotel guests. (Valid theme park ticket and resort ID required.)

• Make mealtime fun -- Make reservations for at least one Disney character dining experience. Youngsters love meeting their favorite friends "up close," and you'll treasure the photographs forever. Also, you can relax knowing meals are paid for in advance with the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining. The plan includes two meals and one snack per person, per package night, at more than 100 select restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.

• Use family-friendly amenities - Let Disney pamper you, too. Disney's Magical Express service takes the hassle out of flying by letting you bypass luggage claim at Orlando International Airport and relax on motor coaches that take you to your Disney resort. During your visit, leave the driving to Disney by using complimentary monorail, bus, and boat transportation. And if you need an "adult" night out, babysitting services are available.