Originally published on GoWorldTravel.com.
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.
