Perhaps it’s because my kids are homeschooled. Or perhaps I’m just geeky that way. But when my family decides to head out on vacation I go into hyper-drive. I see it as an opportunity to get primed for our visit to [insert cool vacation destination here], learn about the area, and delve into all sorts of activities related to our upcoming trip. We immerse ourselves in our planned vacation, seeking out historic information or maps of a city or details about must-see attractions. We live and breathe our vacation destination for a month before we’re set to leave.
Author Kate Reilly gets me! In her new book, Walt Disney World Resort: Extreme Vacation Guide for Kids, Kate presents more than 30 activities that will help kids prepare for and enjoy their visit to the Magic Kingdom. The only book about Disney travel that caters specifically to children, it begins with an introduction to Disney World and acknowledges that waiting for the trip will be the hardest part. The beginning of the book features ideas for counting down to the departure date and methods for earning money to spend during the vacation. (I love that she encourages kids to take responsibility for some of their spending money.)
The rest of the book is filled with projects that will help kids prepare for the trip or keep them wondering about the magic of Disney. Make a trading tote (for trading pins), an autograph book, a magic towel that transforms into a tote for visiting the water parks, or a water bottle tote. Or delve into the science of Disney with science projects that explore animation, hydroponics, fiber optics, and magnetism. In many cases, Kate offers related “Minnie Projects” that are easier to make and maybe better suited to younger siblings. Think of them as your Fast Pass to fun.
Once you’re on the road, there are games to play (no backseat bickering!) and then Kate walks young readers through the different areas of the park, making note of the must-see attractions. The final section includes a collection of projects that kids can do to preserve their Disney memories.
While the book specifically covers Walt Disney World in Florida, all of the projects and even some of the details about the park itself would just as easily please visitors to Disneyland in California.
The book is available from Polka Dot Suitcase or from Amazon for about $14.
I completely relate to this article and have often wondered which came first, the homeschooling or the tendency to see all experiences as potential learning experiences.
This book looks very cool. Thanks for the heads up.
I completely relate to this article and have often wondered which came first, the homeschooling or the tendency to see all experiences as potential learning experiences.
This book looks very cool. Thanks for the heads up.
Sounds like a great addition to our library. Thanks!
Sounds like a great addition to our library. Thanks!
My sister–with six kids–is a huge Disney fan. This sounds like the perfect book for her. This would make a great holiday gift too.
My sister–with six kids–is a huge Disney fan. This sounds like the perfect book for her. This would make a great holiday gift too.
This will never go out of style. Disney has been around forever. What a great idea for a book and a great way to get the kids ready for their visit.
This will never go out of style. Disney has been around forever. What a great idea for a book and a great way to get the kids ready for their visit.
Great idea for a book. I wish there were more books out there like this. Kids travel and can take part in the planning/preparation for the trip. I love this idea and may adopt some of the ideas for future travel plans.
Great idea for a book. I wish there were more books out there like this. Kids travel and can take part in the planning/preparation for the trip. I love this idea and may adopt some of the ideas for future travel plans.
My kids love those disney trading pins! I love your article – sounds like you guys are having a great experience, and like you…my kids put me into “hyper-drive” as well. 🙂
My kids love those disney trading pins! I love your article – sounds like you guys are having a great experience, and like you…my kids put me into “hyper-drive” as well. 🙂
Sounds like fun! I have fond memories of visiting Disney and singing there with my choir is sixth grade. 🙂
Sounds like fun! I have fond memories of visiting Disney and singing there with my choir is sixth grade. 🙂
This is something the younger set in my family would enjoy – good to know about it.
This is something the younger set in my family would enjoy – good to know about it.
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Just what theme is this webpage site making use of? I do know it is a blogging site engine website but Ive never noticed this colour pallette before.
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