Top Ten Tips for Taking Young Kids to Disney World

Disney World 2007. I'm at Animal Kingdom with my two boys, waiting for Daddy to return from the new Everest coaster. The toddler screams as I attempt to remove ice cream from his face and hands with a baby wipe. My four-year-old cries (I'm not sure why) and takes a swing at me. A woman passing by reminds me, "It's the happiest place on earth!" She laughs. Or is that a snicker? I suspect she's been there.

As we continue our day at the park, I realize that my kids are not the only ones whining, crying, or screaming. Meltdowns and tantrums are certainly not unheard of here in Disney World. After all, it's a sensory smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and smells that can be overwhelming for little ones. Especially little ones far from the familiarity and schedules of home.

Yet it's worth it. One hundred percent worth it. The stress will be forgotten long before the first precious photo is glued in the scrapbook. In the meantime, follow these ten simple tips to make your day at Disney World as stress-free as possible for you and your child.

1. Anticipate the trip . . . or not
Waiting for the big day at Disney can be half the fun. But don't start talking about it too soon. A week or two can feel like an eternity when you're three. Make a Disney countdown chart, plan must-sees, watch Disney videos and read Mickey or Pooh bedtime stories. Your family can have a blast getting ready for the big day. But a word of caution: know how much excitement your child can handle. One of my boys bounced out of bed an hour early for two solid weeks asking, "Is today Disney World?" Needless to say, the sleep deprivation provided the ideal conditions for pre-vacation meltdowns. Next time, he'll find out on the way to the airport.

2. Be prepared
As a former Girl Scout, I feel obligated to remind you to check the weather report, wear sunscreen, and reapply it often. Of course, the kids are usually pretty well slathered; it's the adults who sometimes forget. Please put your kids in sensible shoes and save the flip-flops for the pool. And for your own well-being, don't wear 4-inch stiletto heels and push a stroller. (Yes, I witnessed this.)

3. Pack the essentials
Piggybacking the "Be prepared" mantra, let's talk about the diaper bag/backpack/suitcase that will be accompanying you for 10-12 hours in the park. Of course, there are several things you need, but remember that you are not on a week-long hiking excursion in the back country. Here are the essentials: sunscreen and/or rain poncho, diapers (if applicable), baby wipes (regardless of your child's age), a change of clothes, camera, juice boxes, water, and snacks. I have no problem shelling out money for ice cream and lunch. After all, I am on vacation. But it is nice to have some crackers and a drink ready at all times. I like to pack grapes, since they travel well and help keep the kids hydrated. I wear shorts with zippered pockets for my own necessities: ID, Disney ticket, cash, credit card.

4. Plan your day . . . but be flexible
Read the tour books and figure out what you really want to see and do. The first time I went to Animal Kingdom I missed "The Festival of the Lion King" because I did not plan to get to a show in time. The second time I went to Animal Kingdom, I saw my show, but zigzagged the park so many times I couldn't wait to soak my feet in a hot tub. Be logical, but do not be a slave to a schedule or master plan. If your child wants to ride Dumbo three times in a row, fine. You do not have to see and do everything, despite what you paid for the tickets.

5. Take breaks
If you are reading this, your children are little. Slow down the pace. Eat your meals slightly before or after the typical rush and linger a bit. Consider resting at your hotel for an afternoon nap or a swim, and returning to the park in the evening. If your child cannot handle being up past the usual bedtime, don't let them.

6. Make waiting fun
I wish you luck and creativity with this one. Prepare your child for waiting in line and praise them for their patience. Offer distractions: sing songs, eat snacks, drink drinks, play "I spy", tell stories. And use those Fast Passes for the popular rides. I didn't realize there is a limited number issued, so try to get them early in the day.

7. Prepare for the characters
The first time I took my toddler to Disney World, it dawned on me that he had no idea who the characters were. Before the trip, I created Disney flash cards. This helped my child become familiar with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and the gang. Watch to see how your child reacts to these larger-than-life creatures. I have one child who runs up for hugs and autographs, and another who clings to me wide-eyed. For photos, place yourself between the "clinger" and the character. Never force them together. If your child collects autographs, remember to have a pen handy. You can buy a souvenir pen in the park for about $3.00.

8. Don't be a slave to the camera
Take lots of photos, of course, just don't get carried away. Remember to experience the moment, too. Disney photographers are readily available. They will give you a PhotoPass card with a code. Just keep the card with you and hand it to any photographer snapping your picture. After your trip, you can log-on to the web site to view and share all of your photos. You can also edit the photos and add Disney borders. Prices start at $12.95 for a 5 x 7 print. You may not want to purchase many at this price, but you can get some nice shots of the whole family. Some photographers are happy to snap photos of your family with your own camera, as well.

9. Go ahead and buy something
Souvenirs are a big deal, even for the littlest consumer. Your kids will probably want to shop, so let them get a little something right away to get it out of their systems. I try to save the serious shopping for the gigantic Disney Store in Downtown Disney shortly before leaving for home. You can turn the souvenir shopping into a learning experience, too. Being a firm believer in chores, I let my preschooler do work-for-hire prior to the trip. I don't pay for regular responsibilities like picking up toys, but I'm happy to shell out a quarter or two for sorting laundry or sweeping the floor. (My son quickly found out that the grandparents pay better than Mommy and Daddy; they benefited more than I.) I treated my boys to tee shirts and Potato Head parts, but any other shopping was in their control. My four-year-old handled his transactions himself. He was as thrilled with his "very own" receipt as he was his purchase.

10. Smile
Bottom line, your kids react to your stress and emotions. Be lighthearted and have fun. You're at the happiest place on earth, for Pete's sake! Smile and shrug off any meltdown you were unable to prevent. At this young age, your child will not remember everything about Disney World, but they will remember the time spent with you.