This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walt Disney World® Resort. The opinions and text are all mine.

Planning a family trip soon? Here’s 5 Things to do Before Traveling with Preschoolers, so you both will be all set for the big trip.

Just 18 short days and we’ll be hitting the road for our ‘Family Spring Break Adventure 2017’. This year is special for a couple of reasons. One, we are taking our first major family trip in our new motorhome, yes we’ll be glamping and we’re so excited. Secondly, ‘we’re going to Walt Disney World® Resort!!! Yes, not only are we hitting the road for family fun, but we’re taking our first ever family trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, it will be amazing!

Traveling in our motorhome from Michigan to Florida is going to be a really fun way to take a big road trip. We’ve been talking to our kids about what to expect, where we’ll be stopping and so forth. Getting them excited for the journey along the way to the most amazing vacation destination. The anticipation level is off the charts at this point!

Our youngest child Leightyn is now old enough to engage in meaningful conversations about what our trip involves. We’ve taken trips in the past, but this one is extra special and we’ve made a point to include her in the details of planning, prepping and packing for this big trip. Preschoolers are naturally inquisitive at this age and including them in the details helps them feel included and helpful.

We’ve hopped online together and explored Walt Disney World® Resort and all it has to offer. From exploring the theme parks to even taking a peek at the campground we’ll be staying at. Leightyn has a good feel for how much she’ll get to see, seeing the ‘world’ all in one place. It warmed my heart seeing her eyes light as she realized that she’s going to visit where ‘the princesses live’. She recognized iconic characters that she’s only seen on TV and in movies and the anticipation of our trip grew bigger and bigger.

5 Things to do Before Traveling with Preschoolers

Pack fun things for the trip together.
Make a countdown chain.
Plan & pack snacks together.
Download apps onto devices.
Look at maps and check out destination online.

Pack fun things for the trip together: Let your child lend a hand packing things they’d like to bring on the trip. Explain that we can’t bring everything, show them the size backpack, suitcase, etc. they will be using. Be sure to let them know important things such as a favorite stuffed animal or blankie will come along too. These are still important to preschoolers and especially when they are away from home and familiar surroundings.

Make a countdown chain: A countdown chain is an incredibly important visual aid helping your preschooler see just how long until the big trip arrives. Time is still a vague reference to small children. Giving them a clear visual helps get through the multitude of questions about how long until we leave.

Plan & pack snacks together: My kids like their snacks, and they also like knowing they’ll get to eat what they normally enjoy while we’re on the road. I fill individual snack size re-sealable bags with pre-made snack mix. Giving my daughter a measuring cup and some baggies, she can fill the bags herself. I also let her help me with the shopping list for vacation snacks.

Download apps on devices: We have 2 solid days of driving on our trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, nearly 10 hours each day. Having some new apps downloaded on our devices helps breakup the day. I tend to choose apps that are fun and educational.

Look at maps & check out destinations online: Show your preschooler where you’ll be traveling to online, look at a map. Check out how far it is from the home, from grandma’s house, or other points of reference. Exploring online prior to the trip takes away some of the anxiety of the unknown. Plus it gives your children an added sense of wonder. You’ll be surprised at how many details they remember from your online explorations.

Another fun way to get your preschooler involved beforehand is by having them help plan out ride FastPasses. Take a look online at the attractions available for each park day and decide which you should book first etc. You can also give them sneak peeks of your dining plans when making reservations. Talk about the menu, the decor, and where the restaurant is located. Having spent time online together prior to the trip will help them feel more comfortable when they are there in person soaking in all the fun!

Traveling with preschoolers is both fun and rewarding for the entire family. Do a little prep work to make the trip enjoyable and memorable, and above all…HAVE A GREAT TIME!