Be informed and stay flexible.

If you're a parent, you're probably already well-prepared on the road. But taking those words to heart will ensure a trip to the famous mouse kingdom is a magical one.

Travelling in the off-season, like October or May, and researching the user-friendly Walt Disney World website in advance, will pay off and help customize your trip. Most importantly, the advice will help you avoid standing in long lineups with whiny children in the Florida heat.

Heck, you'd whine too if it weren't for some new services Disney has introduced just for parents of preschoolers.

The corporation opens one of its theme parks an hour early each day for kids who rise at the crack of dawn and think everyone else should too.

Guests of the resort can ride air-conditioned buses to and from the theme parks. There is affordable in-park stroller rental, and family restrooms with rocking chairs for nursing moms and highchairs for toddler meals.

Disney also recognizes little ones can't handle long lineups -- much. So it introduced the fancy new FastPass system, which operates like a reservation service.

Figure out the rides you want to enjoy and head straight there to pick up a ticket that bypasses lineups for a later show. Better yet, send your mate to get the passes while you and the kids enjoy the sights at your own pace.

DON'T RUSH IT. The place is busy enough as it is.

Unique swimming pools scattered throughout Disney's new Pop Century resort, are a welcome break after a long day of walking. They're well staffed by lifeguards and open late into the evening. -- Photos by Tom Bogart, Sun Media

There are plenty of chances to see beloved Mickey and Minnie and Winnie and ... so if you miss them the first time, don't despair.

You can even do lunch with the pals from Pooh Corner or have supper with Goofy and his friends at special restaurants. The furry critters visit every child and patiently pose for pictures and sign autographs.

Don't worry if you run out of camera supplies. There are kiosks selling photo stuff throughout the parks.

There are also cameras and Disney photographers taking pictures of you and yours on the rides and in the parks. The pictures are displayed by the time you exit and you can buy copies or check them out online using Disney's PhotoPass system.

TOO SPOOKY

There are lots of attractions for preschoolers, but beware that some are too spooky for tykes -- my five-year-old was frightened by a 3D movie and enjoyed it better without the 3D glasses.

The innovative rider-swap policy gives the waiting parent a chance to get on a ride right after the first parent and child alight, avoiding a double wait in line.

Disney advises families to head to the parks early and take a break in the middle of the day for lunch, swim or nap, then head back in the late afternoon when everyone is well-rested.

The average length of a Canadian family's stay, Disney says, is 4.5 days.

One Canuck mom told me her hubby and two boys were alternating days at the theme parks with downtime at the hotel pool. Good idea. With small children you have to slow down anyway.

It's best to accept the fact you can't see everything. There's too much.

Besides, Disney wants you to bring the kids when they're young, and then bring them back again when they're older.

Be sure to take some time for yourselves, adults, by using the day care and babysitting services offered by the hotels. There are some decidedly mature rides, impressive fine dining and five-star entertainment to enjoy without the kids.

Monitor the website, too. There are sometimes deals on there for vacation packages or Canadian at par holidays.

Remember to have fun. You're making memories that will last a lifetime.

- On the web: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com

My five-year-old's Top 5:

1) African Safari at Animal Kingdom -- a thrilling animal-filled African expedition.

2) Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin -- lots of lights, sounds and shooting action.

3) Pirate Ride -- a boat ride through classic Disney swashbuckling adventures in search of pirate booty.

4) Winnie the Pooh lunch -- a buffet with Hundred-Acre Wood characters. "The best lunch ever in my whole life."

5) It's a Small World -- a musical boat tour around the globe.

His honourable mentions:

1) Hoop-Dee-Doo musical revue -- a rollicking audience participation show with a down-home meal in Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness Resort.

2) Indy Speedway at Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland -- gas-powered cars driven by anyone tall enough to reach the pedal.

3) Chef Mickey's buffet with all his friends -- "Second best dinner of my whole year."

4) Festival of the Lion King musical show in the Lion King Theater at Animal Kingdom -- "The best show anyone can ever see."

5) Typhoon Lagoon Water Park with wave pool and water slides -- "Thumb's up."

6) Pop Century Resort, the newest value hotel at Walt Disney World -- "Knock down those other hotels and build more Pops."