The key with preschoolers is not to wear them out. Try to take a break in the middle of the day and return to your hotel for naps or a dip in the pool. When you re-enter the park in early evening, you'll be raring to go. Note: If you're not leaving the park for a midday break, rent a stroller even for three- and four-year-olds. I guarantee you'll want it. When it comes to rides, start slow and build. Five-year-olds who begin their day with the gentle rides of Fantasyland may later be ready to tackle Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion or Jungle Cruise.

Finally, being there with Rachel reminded me that meeting the characters is a big thrill for kids this age, so you don't want to pack your schedule so tight that you blow past Pluto en route to your 27th attraction.

(For other age-specific itineraries see the following links: Magic Kingdom with kids ages 6 to 9 and kids ages 10 to 13.)

Morning

If you're staying at a Disney resort and visiting on an early-entry morning, Fantasyland is one of the sections that opens early, so head down Main Street U.S.A. through Cinderella Castle. Even if it's not an early-entry morning or you're not staying at Disney World, go to Fantasyland.

Ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant first--this little elephant is capable of drawing huge lines later in the day. Then move on to Peter Pan's Flight, Mad Tea Party and, finally, Tomorrowland Speedway, which is so visually appealing, looping through Fantasyland and Mickey's Toontown Fair, that few kids will let you pass by without stopping.

Toontown, which will become very crowded in the afternoon, should be your next stop. Tour Minnie's Country House, then Mickey's Country House. Visit Mickey in the tent behind his house, and the other characters in the Toontown Hall of Fame. If your kids are up to it, ride the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm. It's a good "first coaster" for preschoolers and it's plenty zippy, though it lasts a mere 52 seconds. You can see the whole ride from the ground, so watch it make a few runs, then decide.

Stop for a snack and a break. Then visit Donald's Boat, an interactive play area that gives kids plenty of chances to get wet. Next, catch the train from Toontown Station and disembark in Frontierland, then head south to Adventureland.

Midmorning

CHOICE TIME: If your kids are character junkies, take advantage of the greeting sessions that are often scheduled in Adventureland for midmorning. (Consult your character schedule, which can be picked up at City Hall or at most shops throughout the park.)

Are the kids getting a bit tired? Stop in for the funny show at the Country Bear Jamboree, or try the Enchanted Tiki Birds and the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. Older, bolder kids might like the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square or Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.

A late character breakfast is also a good way to take a midmorning break. You can arrange priority seating at the Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle by dialing 407-WDW-DINE. (Note: If you're visiting during summer or at another crowded time of the year, you should make dining reservations at least a month in advance. If you're visiting at a less busy time or are willing to eat at off-times such as 3 P.M., you can make dining arrangements from your hotel room. If your kids have their hearts set on visiting Cinderella's Royal Table, the most popular of the character breakfasts, make reservations 60 days in advance.)

Afternoon

Take a break and return to your hotel for lunch, a nap or a swim if you're staying at a Disney resort or a nearby off-site hotel. If your hotel is more than a half-hour from the Magic Kingdom, look for afternoon resting places in the parks. Choices include: Legend of the Lion King, the railroad, the 3 P.M. parade, the Enchanted Tiki Birds or Country Bear Jamboree. The Hall of Presidents is so adult-oriented that it encourages full-scale napping for little ones.

Evening

Re-enter the park. If you've decided to book a character dinner, choose an early time like 5 P.M., when the crowds are light and the kids well rested.

Return to Fantasyland and ride It's a Small World and anything else you missed in the morning. Legend of the Lion King is a must-see, but crowds can be daunting, so let one parent be the "line king" while the other takes the kids for a snack.

Are the kids winding down? If so, return to Main Street U.S.A. and stake out curb space for the SpectroMagic evening parade 30 minutes in advance. If you're close to the Main Street hub where the parade originates, it will pass you first and you can exit the park while the bulk of the crowd is still lined up and watching--a real advantage, because the crush of people leaving the park after the parade can be frightening to young children.

If you decide to stay a while longer, the park's kiddie sections are far less crowded after the parade, so you can see Fantasyland attractions you missed in the morning or revisit favorites. Outdoor rides like Dumbo and the Barnstormer are especially magical at night.

Kim Wright Wiley, author of Walt Disney World With Kids (Prima), is a contributing editor at Disney magazine and is FamilyFun's new Theme Park Expert. Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.