Avoiding Child (or Parent) Meltdowns

You might think that since Walt Disney World is "the happiest place on Earth" that everything will go swimmingly, and there will be no meltdowns.  But that would ignore the facts that there is much excitement and anticipation involved; there can be long waits including for food; it can be very hot; normal schedules are not usually being followed; the parks are large,  crowded and can be confusing; and there will be a lot of walking.   No, imminent vacation disaster isn't necessarily awaiting you,  but here are some tips to help your kids and yourself enjoy WDW without breakdowns or major distress.

1. Try to keep to your child or children's schedule as much as possible.   If they normally take a nap mid afternoon,  then either take a break and go back to the resort, or let them do so in a stroller. Let your kids stamina and their cues on when to slow down, have a snack, or push on to the next attraction.                                                                      
2. Get to the parks as early as you can, and take a break by your resort pool, then come back (or park hop to a different one.  The break will do wonders for everyone and can actually extend your park time not shorten it.                                                     
3. Plan out your Fastpasses and have a game plan about which attractions or shows you want to do, and try to follow it, allowing for flexibility.   We wanted our kids to get into the Jedi Training Academy show, and so we got up early enough to get there just after rope drop.   Then we ran to the sign up spot and once we were given a show time, we reconfigured our plans to fit.                                   
4. If you think your kids need one, bring or rent a stroller.   There are some limitations to where you can bring them, but if your younger ones aren't used to so much walking, they will be happier in one.  By three years old, ours wouldn’t sit in one anymore so there was no point.                  
5. Bring refillable water bottles with you into the parks, along with some favourite snacks such ad granola bars to beat dehydration,  thirst and bouts of hunger.  Security turns a blind eye to food brought in,  and you can get free ice water at all quick service restaurants.                                    
6. Consider a Fastpass for a parade or fireworks show to save your kids (and you) up to 2 hours sitting by a curve.  We did it for the Main Street Electrical Parade and it was worth it.                          
7. On hot days, make sure to mix in indoor shows and attractions along with relaxing rides such ad the railroad or People Mover.                                       
8. Make sure you take care of your kid or kids' needs first,  including rides that you don't have a Fastpass for.   My nearly four year old son's day in the Magic Kingdom was saved, and a probable meltdown averted, when a Cast Member magically invited us to follow him to the front of the line of Tomorrowland Speedway,  which had over an hour wait--far too long for a disappointed and tired child.  I still can't thank that CM enough! And I have since learned from my mistake. 

For more details on such topics as making Fastpass and dining reservations,  saving on snacks, and whether or not to Fastpass a parade or fireworks, check out more blog posts.

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