Since my 2 girls can not hold still for longer than 2 seconds at a time, I know waiting in lines at Disney World is going to be a challenge, so I came up with some ideas that I hope will help.
1. Lots to do in Line: Walt Disney World
This is a book (which I bought) and there is also an app (which I didn't buy). Full of trivia questions for every ride and attraction (the answers are found in the queues and also at the end of each chapter) and scavenger hunts. Play by yourself or compete with your family to see who can get the most points.
2. Walt Disney World Adventure a Field Guide and Activity Book for Explorers
I wrote about this book in an earlier post. It has puzzles and games you can do while waiting in line.
3. Look for hidden Mickeys.
There is a book and an app of where to look for them (although I didn't buy either so can't comment on them). Although not up to date you can also check out hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/. Some of the books I mentioned in my resources post also list a few hidden Mickeys.
4. Play I-spy. Or 20 questions.
There are a lot of things you can find in the lines, get creative.
5. Bring a bottle of bubbles to blow.
I saw this idea somewhere but probably will not do it.
6. Many of the rides have interactive queues.
Haunted Mansion supposedly has a mystery you can solve. Dumbo has a play area. Pooh has fun things to do. At Test Track you can design your own race car.
7. Make sure to have snacks and drinks with you.
8. If waiting in line at night, bring glow bracelets/necklaces (check the dollar store).
9. Give the kids the camera and let them take a few pictures. Maybe even give them each a disposable camera so it's not a big deal if they drop it.
Now for a few airport/airplane ideas.
Since it's recommended you get to the airport so long before your flight, I know my girls will be antsy before they even get on the plane. So I packed a small inflatable beach ball in each of their carry on bags. I figure we can find an empty waiting area and let them throw and kick the balls around. Being so small the balls will deflate quickly to repack when it's time to board the plane. Then they can also use the balls at the hotel pool/beach.
I made up an airport scavenger hunt.
-person on a cell phone
-someone using a laptop
-a pilot
-someone with more than 3 pieces of luggage
-a baby in a stroller
-a boy wearing a backpack
-someone eating
-a newspaper
-a woman reading a book
-a red suitcase (or any other color you pick)
-a man wearing a baseball cap
I know we will be the family on the plane that everyone hates with the uncontrollable kids. I am so nervous about the girl's first airplane ride. I packed their carry-ons with lots of things that will hopefully keep them busy.
1. I made them each a Disney activity binder. I printed lots of free Disney coloring pages, word searches, connect the dots, and other age appropriate activities for each girl (I just searched google for "free Disney printables"). I also included a few blank pieces of paper for drawing and some 8 1/2x 11 patterned scrapbook paper for putting stickers on. Then I filled a pencil case (the kind with holes so it would fit in the 3 ring binder) with crayons, markers, Disney stickers,Disney tape, etc.
I forgot to take pictures of this and the camera is packed now but I will try to remember when we get back to show some pictures of it.
2. Lots of snacks. Also gum and lollipops to help with their ears popping.
3. Disney themed books, including an I-spy book
4. Leapster and a couple new Disney themed games for my older daughter
5. Their favorite doll/stuffed animal
6. A few new Disney themed toys that I will give out to them throughout the flight. Check the dollar store for these. I got them a Minnie Mouse puzzle in a cute little tin that should fit nicely on the tray. I also got at the dollar store small Disney figures and Disney themed rubber band bracelets (I forget the name of these). And at a yard sale I found Rapunzel (older dd's current favorite character) Barbie.
7. My Kindle Fire with new books loaded on it.
8. Color wonder book (Disney themed of course) and color wonder markers for my younger daughter so I don't have to worry about her making a mess.
9. Both of the girls will have a window seat so they won't be fighting over who gets to look out and hopefully looking out will help keep them entertained.
10. Mini etch a sketch
11. Other ideas I saw (probably on pinterest lol) are window clings for the plane windows, making puppets out of the barf bags, and playing i-spy with the in flight magazine.
So hopefully this will be enough to survive a 3 hour flight with 2 VERY active children!
This is my last post before we leave Monday for Disney (1 more day!!!) so stay tuned at the beginning of November for lots of pictures and posts about our trip. I'm hoping to show you some of the things I made to prepare for our trip (Mickey ears chalk countdown calender, binder full of information, embellished flip flops, mouse ears, etc.). I'll also share ideas and tips I learned while there and things I'd do differently if we're ever lucky enough to go again.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Disney Resources
Here are the Disney resources (books and websites) I found most useful while planning our upcoming trip. Some are for planning your Disney vacation in general and others are from the educational aspect.
*Walt Disney World Resort Guide to the Magic for Kids by Tim Foster
I bought this book (although pricey at about $25) for my older daughter to use while at the parks and as a keepsake afterwards. Has info on all rides/attractions at each of the four parks, scare factor, room for autographs, stickers, and a travel journal. Great book in my opinion.
*Walt Disney World Adventure: a Field Guide and Activity Book for Explorers
Although this book is a little too advanced for my 5 year old, I like it. Has activities like secret codes, photo scavenger hunts, and word searches as well as trivia. Also has websites to explore related topics (presidents, Mars, countries, biomes, and much more). Good to use while waiting in line.
*Lots to do in Line by Meredith Lyn Pierce
Since a large part of visiting Disney is waiting in lines and my girls are not good at that, I thought this book would be a nice idea. I'll let you know how well it worked after our trip. It is full of scavenger hunts and questions (you can keep score or not) for all the lines at Disney World. Keeps your kids busying looking all over (answers are in the back of the book if needed) and if they compete against each other they can practice math by adding their scores.
*Vacation Education Destination Epcot and Vacation Destination Magic Kingdom
Written by a homeschool mom. Both available for Kindle. I didn't read these as I enjoyed coming up with my own ideas but if you need more help I've heard they are good.
*Magical Mouse Schoolhouse: Learn While you Play at Walt Disneyworld Resort
I bought the Kindle version for $5. There were some good ideas and "take away" activities but the majority are things I had already thought of on my own or were only very loosely related to the ride or attraction it went with. There is also a website (MagicalMouseSchoolhouse.com) to go along with this. The website offers monthly "earn your EARS" activities that you complete and submit proof of to get a small prize in the mail. We did the Spetember one (involving dropping an egg to test safety) and received a jumbo Minnie Mouse eraser. We are currently working on October's (time travel).
*The Mystery at Disney World by Carole Marsh and the Teachers Guide to go along with it.
A good chapter book for young readers. The teachers guide has a question for most pages and at the back there is a page of questions for each subject (math, English, geopgraphy, art) and activities (maze, word search, quizzes, design your own amsuement park, etc.).
*sse.disney.go.com/media/ap/spaceship-earth/#/real-disney-theme-park-science
Very cool website with videos from Disney on science related topics, such as, electricity. energy, gravity, magnetism. You can also download extension activities. Connect with Disney imagineers and scientists to find out the answers to all your questions. Take the theme park science challenge. There are also many links to other science websites.
*themouseforless.com
Lots of printables for Epcot World Showcase countries. Use before your trip to study, during as a scavenger hunt, and after to reinforce what you saw and learned. This site also has printable child travel ids (in case your child gets lost), word search puzzles, autograph pages, kids maps, checklists, and more.
*WDWprepschool.com
While not educational, this has been my favorite planning website (she's also on facebook and does a weekly podcast). Lots of good info including best/worst times to go to Disney, packing lists, free printables, and a wealth of other important things.
*http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/home.aspx
The Moms Panel is another useful site for planning your trip. You can get answers to all your questions here.
Well I think that covers all of my favorite Disney resources. Let me know if you have any to add.
All opinions are my own. I bought all books myself and received no compensation or credit for reviewing them.
*Walt Disney World Resort Guide to the Magic for Kids by Tim Foster
I bought this book (although pricey at about $25) for my older daughter to use while at the parks and as a keepsake afterwards. Has info on all rides/attractions at each of the four parks, scare factor, room for autographs, stickers, and a travel journal. Great book in my opinion.
*Walt Disney World Adventure: a Field Guide and Activity Book for Explorers
Although this book is a little too advanced for my 5 year old, I like it. Has activities like secret codes, photo scavenger hunts, and word searches as well as trivia. Also has websites to explore related topics (presidents, Mars, countries, biomes, and much more). Good to use while waiting in line.
*Lots to do in Line by Meredith Lyn Pierce
Since a large part of visiting Disney is waiting in lines and my girls are not good at that, I thought this book would be a nice idea. I'll let you know how well it worked after our trip. It is full of scavenger hunts and questions (you can keep score or not) for all the lines at Disney World. Keeps your kids busying looking all over (answers are in the back of the book if needed) and if they compete against each other they can practice math by adding their scores.
*Vacation Education Destination Epcot and Vacation Destination Magic Kingdom
Written by a homeschool mom. Both available for Kindle. I didn't read these as I enjoyed coming up with my own ideas but if you need more help I've heard they are good.
*Magical Mouse Schoolhouse: Learn While you Play at Walt Disneyworld Resort
I bought the Kindle version for $5. There were some good ideas and "take away" activities but the majority are things I had already thought of on my own or were only very loosely related to the ride or attraction it went with. There is also a website (MagicalMouseSchoolhouse.com) to go along with this. The website offers monthly "earn your EARS" activities that you complete and submit proof of to get a small prize in the mail. We did the Spetember one (involving dropping an egg to test safety) and received a jumbo Minnie Mouse eraser. We are currently working on October's (time travel).
*The Mystery at Disney World by Carole Marsh and the Teachers Guide to go along with it.
A good chapter book for young readers. The teachers guide has a question for most pages and at the back there is a page of questions for each subject (math, English, geopgraphy, art) and activities (maze, word search, quizzes, design your own amsuement park, etc.).
*sse.disney.go.com/media/ap/spaceship-earth/#/real-disney-theme-park-science
Very cool website with videos from Disney on science related topics, such as, electricity. energy, gravity, magnetism. You can also download extension activities. Connect with Disney imagineers and scientists to find out the answers to all your questions. Take the theme park science challenge. There are also many links to other science websites.
*themouseforless.com
Lots of printables for Epcot World Showcase countries. Use before your trip to study, during as a scavenger hunt, and after to reinforce what you saw and learned. This site also has printable child travel ids (in case your child gets lost), word search puzzles, autograph pages, kids maps, checklists, and more.
*WDWprepschool.com
While not educational, this has been my favorite planning website (she's also on facebook and does a weekly podcast). Lots of good info including best/worst times to go to Disney, packing lists, free printables, and a wealth of other important things.
*http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/home.aspx
The Moms Panel is another useful site for planning your trip. You can get answers to all your questions here.
Well I think that covers all of my favorite Disney resources. Let me know if you have any to add.
All opinions are my own. I bought all books myself and received no compensation or credit for reviewing them.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Epcot
Today will be the longest post about making Disney educational as I will be covering Epcot which has two parts, Future World, and World Showcase.
Epcot is an acronym. What does it stand for? What other acronyms do you know?
First up is Future World
Spaceship Earth
Communications through time. Pick a topic highlighted in the ride and do a unit study on it when you get home. Possible topics include the Renaissance, ancient Egypt (make papyrus or write your name in hieroglyphics), Dark Ages, printing press. Search Pinterest for hands-on activities to go along with these topics. If you could go back in time, what year or period would you choose and why? What do you think the future will be like?
Sum of all thrills
Design your own coaster and then ride it in a simulator. Learn about inertia force, gravity, building, etc.
The Innovations and Imagination pavilions are full of hands-on, educational activities that explore numerous science and technology topics.
Living Seas/The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Study coral reefs. Where are they found? What animals live in them? Study sea turtles, manatees, sting rays, dolphins, clown fish, etc. Which of these animals are endangered and why? What determines if a sea turtle will be a boy or girl? Answer: the temperature of the sand where the eggs were laid. If your child is interested in art have him/her draw a coral reef.
The Land
Where does food come from? Follow your favorite food from the farm to your table. What are greenhouses used for? Study rain forests, deserts, prairies, and other biomes. Locate each on a map and find out what animals live in them.
Soarin'
Find California on a map. What states border CA? What is the capital and population? What sights do you see on the ride and where in California are they found? Study bridges using the Golden Gate bridge as an example. Build a model bridge (see Pinterest for ideas).
Mission Space
NASA, space, famous astronauts, Mars, gravity, and weightlessness are all possible topics of study. Who was the first American in space? How far away is Mars from Earth? Why is it known as the red planet?
Universe of Energy
Obviously you can learn about energy. What are the different types of energy? What is the Big Bang? What are fossil fuels? How can you save energy?
Test Track
Learn about taking care of cars and car safety. Maybe someone can show you how to change a tire and check the oil level. What keeps you safe in a car? Draw or write about your dream car. The cars go 65 mph. Make up math problems related to this speed limit.
Part two is World Showcase.
I plan to briefly study each country before our trip. Ideas I'm hoping to do for each country:
Locate on map/globe
Make a flag; what do the colors/designs on each flag represent?
Capital city
Cook a meal
Study the culture and clothing
Famous landmarks
Language--learn a few words
Music
Customs
Money
While at Epcot I plan to buy at least one educational souvenir in each country. I will be back to post what I got in each one after our trip.
Specific country idea:
Mexico
Make a pinata. What is the significance of pinatas? Learn hello, goodbye, please, and thank you in Spanish. Make Mexican hot chocolate, refried beans, tacos, etc. Study the Mayans and Aztecs. Watch The Three Caballeros.
United Kingdom
Watch Mary Poppins. Have afternoon tea w/scones and tea sandwiches. Have fish and chips. What countries make up the UK? Who is the current queen?
Germany
Make pretzels. Learn a word or two in German. What is Oktoberfest? Who was Saint George? Try to yodel.
Norway
Study Vikings, the Stave Church (similar buildings are the oldest structures in the world), Akershus fortress, trolls/folklore. What is a fjord?
China
Build a model of the Great Wall. Why and when was it built and how long is it? Study the Gobi desert and Yangtze River, Terracotta warriors (see replicas of them here). Watch Mulan. Learn to write your name in Chinese. Make fortune cookies, egg rolls, dumplings.
American Adventure
Possible topics to study include, Pilgrims, the Mayflower, Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary and Civil wars, etc. Learn a patriotic song.
Japan
Watch the Japanese candy artist (Miyuti) while your here. Learn about kimonos. Eat sushi. What is a haiku? Write your own haiku. What is a pagoda? Research Buddhism. What are koi?
Morocco
Learn to belly dance. Try couscous and hummus; eat with your hands. What is a monarchy? What other countries in the World Showcase are monarchies? Answer: UK, Japan, Norway, Canada. Watch Aladdin.
France
How tall is the Eiffel tower? Who built it, when, and why? Build a model of it. Study famous artists from France. Who painted the Mona Lisa and what's the name of the museum it's in? Paint your own masterpiece. Learn to say please, thank you, hello, and goodbye in French. Make crepes. What are Versailles and Notre Dame?
Canada
Learn a few words in French (or review the ones you learned above). What flower is on the Canadian flag? Make maple syrup. Play or watch hockey. What is the significance of totem poles.
Italy
Study famous artists from Italy and design your own masterpiece. Who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling? Learn a few words in Italian. Why is Venice made up of canals? Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean? What other famous landmarks are in Italy? Have some gelato.
While touring the World Showcase, sample food (snacks are inexpensive) from each country. Do the Kidcot (craft) stations along the way, buy a passport ($10 or make your own) and get it signed/stamped by natives of each country. Talk to them and ask them questions about their countries.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure
Free. Great way to see and learn about the World Showcase countries.
Next time I will be posting some of the books, websites, and other resources I found useful in planning and researching for our Disney trip.
Epcot is an acronym. What does it stand for? What other acronyms do you know?
First up is Future World
Spaceship Earth
Communications through time. Pick a topic highlighted in the ride and do a unit study on it when you get home. Possible topics include the Renaissance, ancient Egypt (make papyrus or write your name in hieroglyphics), Dark Ages, printing press. Search Pinterest for hands-on activities to go along with these topics. If you could go back in time, what year or period would you choose and why? What do you think the future will be like?
Sum of all thrills
Design your own coaster and then ride it in a simulator. Learn about inertia force, gravity, building, etc.
The Innovations and Imagination pavilions are full of hands-on, educational activities that explore numerous science and technology topics.
Living Seas/The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Study coral reefs. Where are they found? What animals live in them? Study sea turtles, manatees, sting rays, dolphins, clown fish, etc. Which of these animals are endangered and why? What determines if a sea turtle will be a boy or girl? Answer: the temperature of the sand where the eggs were laid. If your child is interested in art have him/her draw a coral reef.
The Land
Where does food come from? Follow your favorite food from the farm to your table. What are greenhouses used for? Study rain forests, deserts, prairies, and other biomes. Locate each on a map and find out what animals live in them.
Soarin'
Find California on a map. What states border CA? What is the capital and population? What sights do you see on the ride and where in California are they found? Study bridges using the Golden Gate bridge as an example. Build a model bridge (see Pinterest for ideas).
Mission Space
NASA, space, famous astronauts, Mars, gravity, and weightlessness are all possible topics of study. Who was the first American in space? How far away is Mars from Earth? Why is it known as the red planet?
Universe of Energy
Obviously you can learn about energy. What are the different types of energy? What is the Big Bang? What are fossil fuels? How can you save energy?
Test Track
Learn about taking care of cars and car safety. Maybe someone can show you how to change a tire and check the oil level. What keeps you safe in a car? Draw or write about your dream car. The cars go 65 mph. Make up math problems related to this speed limit.
Part two is World Showcase.
I plan to briefly study each country before our trip. Ideas I'm hoping to do for each country:
Locate on map/globe
Make a flag; what do the colors/designs on each flag represent?
Capital city
Cook a meal
Study the culture and clothing
Famous landmarks
Language--learn a few words
Music
Customs
Money
While at Epcot I plan to buy at least one educational souvenir in each country. I will be back to post what I got in each one after our trip.
Specific country idea:
Mexico
Make a pinata. What is the significance of pinatas? Learn hello, goodbye, please, and thank you in Spanish. Make Mexican hot chocolate, refried beans, tacos, etc. Study the Mayans and Aztecs. Watch The Three Caballeros.
United Kingdom
Watch Mary Poppins. Have afternoon tea w/scones and tea sandwiches. Have fish and chips. What countries make up the UK? Who is the current queen?
Germany
Make pretzels. Learn a word or two in German. What is Oktoberfest? Who was Saint George? Try to yodel.
Norway
Study Vikings, the Stave Church (similar buildings are the oldest structures in the world), Akershus fortress, trolls/folklore. What is a fjord?
China
Build a model of the Great Wall. Why and when was it built and how long is it? Study the Gobi desert and Yangtze River, Terracotta warriors (see replicas of them here). Watch Mulan. Learn to write your name in Chinese. Make fortune cookies, egg rolls, dumplings.
American Adventure
Possible topics to study include, Pilgrims, the Mayflower, Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary and Civil wars, etc. Learn a patriotic song.
Japan
Watch the Japanese candy artist (Miyuti) while your here. Learn about kimonos. Eat sushi. What is a haiku? Write your own haiku. What is a pagoda? Research Buddhism. What are koi?
Morocco
Learn to belly dance. Try couscous and hummus; eat with your hands. What is a monarchy? What other countries in the World Showcase are monarchies? Answer: UK, Japan, Norway, Canada. Watch Aladdin.
France
How tall is the Eiffel tower? Who built it, when, and why? Build a model of it. Study famous artists from France. Who painted the Mona Lisa and what's the name of the museum it's in? Paint your own masterpiece. Learn to say please, thank you, hello, and goodbye in French. Make crepes. What are Versailles and Notre Dame?
Canada
Learn a few words in French (or review the ones you learned above). What flower is on the Canadian flag? Make maple syrup. Play or watch hockey. What is the significance of totem poles.
Italy
Study famous artists from Italy and design your own masterpiece. Who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling? Learn a few words in Italian. Why is Venice made up of canals? Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean? What other famous landmarks are in Italy? Have some gelato.
While touring the World Showcase, sample food (snacks are inexpensive) from each country. Do the Kidcot (craft) stations along the way, buy a passport ($10 or make your own) and get it signed/stamped by natives of each country. Talk to them and ask them questions about their countries.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure
Free. Great way to see and learn about the World Showcase countries.
Next time I will be posting some of the books, websites, and other resources I found useful in planning and researching for our Disney trip.
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