You’re taking your kids to Walt Disney World. What could be better?! You’ve paid a lot of money. You’ve made hotel reservations, dining reservations, maybe even reserved Lightning Lanes. You might have a spreadsheet. You’ve planned, anticipated, and thought about this vacation for months, maybe even years. It’s Disney. It’s going to be perfect!
There are lots of expectations built into that line of thinking, and it is easy for all of us to fall into this trap, even those of us who visit the World frequently. There can be a lot of pressure to make this the ultimate family vacation and fit everything in, but often, the most memorable moments come from simply enjoying time together with your loved ones. The good news is your vacation doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be wonderful. One of the best ways to enjoy your trip is to leave room for flexibility and go into it with realistic expectations.
Here are a few tips to keep your expectations in check.
Same Cast of Characters, Different Setting
Remember, you are bringing your kids on vacation. While you love them dearly, they are still going to act like kids, even on vacation. They are not going to be endlessly grateful that you brought them to the most magical place on Earth. They will not be perfect angels the whole trip. They are probably going to have tons of fun, but at some point, they are also going to be tired, hungry, grouchy, overstimulated, and out of routine.
Even though you are on vacation, parents still have to parent. You don’t get a day off from being mom and dad. You might need to stop for an attitude adjustment, and there is no shame in that. In my family, we have had challenging moments, where none of our parenting skills seem to be working and our positive attitudes are not rubbing off on our kids. I’ve noticed other families having similar moments. There will likely be some less-than-picture-perfect moments because that’s life, and that’s ok.
Teaching opportunities are everywhere at Disney. That is one of my favorite things about our trips together. There are countless opportunities to teach and practice life skills–patience, endurance, social awareness, perseverance, kindness, courtesy, manners, sharing, taking turns, delayed gratification, just to name a few. Vacations create opportunities to step outside our comfort zones, try new things, and build confidence. Waiting in line can become an opportunity to practice self-regulation and the art of conversation. Use it as a lesson in enjoying the moment without relying on a device for entertainment.
Be Prepared and Be Flexible.
- Anticipate needs. Be in tune with your child. You know your child best, and you know their cues. Bottom line: If your child is not happy, no one will be happy. You do not want to be the family whose kid is having a meltdown because he/she has been pushed beyond their limits. I am not saying cater to your child’s every whim. I am not saying buy your kids every souvenir they ask for. I am saying meet their needs.
- Bring snacks and drinks, so you have something ready to pass out when hunger or thirst strikes. We try to stick with snacks that have substance. Some of our favorite things to pack in our park bag are Uncrustables, peanut butter pretzels, applesauce pouches, and raisins. If you go to a grocery store or have a grocery delivery, apple slices and grapes (Pro Tip: freeze the grapes overnight) are great choices as well. It is so important to stay hydrated, especially on hot summer days. Remember, you can always ask for a free cup of ice water at Quick Serve locations.
- Is it going to be hot or rainy? Bring cooling towels, spray fans, a stroller cover, and ponchos with you. It is so much cheaper to buy these in advance versus at the park.
- Get inside in the air conditioning every chance you get, especially if there are seats. On a hot summer day, Disney’s air conditioning might just be your favorite attraction. It also allows you to see some shows you might not normally stop and see. On a typical trip in the off season, we usually focus on rides, but if it’s a summer trip, you can bet that we are going to stop and see all the shows at Magic Kingdom. I’m looking at you, Tiki Room and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
- Make plans to visit the pool at the hottest part of the day. Transportation can be time consuming, but it can be so refreshing to go back to your resort, cool off, and then return to the parks for the evening.
- Know where you can go to get out of the crowds and let your kids burn off some energy. One of my favorite spots is the leaping waters by the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot. This is a great spot to let kids be kids. The water feature is so fun! It feels like a break without leaving the park. The KidCot spots are another great place to give your kids a break from the hustle and bustle of the park. If you look for them, there are lots of nooks and crannies in each park to pause and regroup.
- If you have kids in diapers, I cannot recommend the Baby Centers enough. When my kids were little, they were my go-to place for diaper changes. If we were anywhere near them, I would make the trek versus using a changing table in a restroom. Now, my definition of near might have been a little different than my husband’s definition, but it gave me peace of mind that the changing tables were clean (like really clean), padded, and in the air conditioning. Need I say more?
- Take kids to the bathroom or change diapers before you get into a line. It is such a hassle for you (and other guests around you) when you have to get out of line to take a small child to the bathroom. Emergencies happen, but plan ahead when you can.
- Speaking of lines, you are going to wait in lines, and you will walk a lot. Kids will also end up walking a lot, even though many of them are riding in strollers throughout the day. It is a good idea to prepare your kids and practice these things at home. Brainstorm some things you can do while you wait, like playing I Spy or searching for Hidden Mickeys. Take walks around your neighborhood or a local park. Park in the back of the parking lot so you have to walk farther to get into a store or restaurant.
- If fireworks are too loud and scary for your child, check out a ride or enjoy a show. The wait times should be shorter. I spent many firework shows strolling my kids through a gift shop, snuggling up to watch Country Bear Jamboree, or watching from our room, far, far away from the noise. Those memories are priceless. Now that our kids are older, we get to watch the fireworks shows (up close) all the time.
- If your child is not quite ready for roller coasters or big thrills, don’t push them. There will be time for that later. There are so many other things to see and do. Also, there is Rider Switch if older kids want to ride and little ones don’t.
- Your child might not be up for the magical moment you’re trying to create. Maybe you thought your kid would love the characters, but your princess won’t go near them. Maybe you scheduled a 1st Haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop, and your little prince was not happy with the haircut, or the bubbles, or the millions of stickers the lovely cast members give out. It’s ok. Accept defeat and move on, but take a quick picture before you do. It will make for a great story as they get older!
Keep Your Routines
Try to keep some aspects of your child’s schedule normal. If your family rises early, go to the parks early for rope drop. Does your family eat meals at certain times? Try to stick to those time frames. If your child takes an afternoon nap or has a rest time, go back to the hotel at that time. The beauty of staying on Disney property is your “home away from home” is just a short bus (or monorail, or boat, or Skyliner) ride away. And have you seen how many kids fall asleep in transit?! If your child has a bedtime routine, keep to it. You can take a vacation and weave in the normalcy and comfort of your everyday routines.
Meltdowns Happen, Even at Disney
Sometimes, even the best laid plans go awry. Give yourself grace. You are not a perfect parent. No one is. You’re probably hot, tired, and overstimulated too. If you lose your cool, take a few minutes to apologize and reset. If your child is having a meltdown, take a break. Find a quiet spot to let them regulate their emotions and reset. If we’re being honest, most parents have been in your shoes at one point or another.
Cast Member Interactions
Do not expect to be pixie dusted by a Cast Member. Cast Members are amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly. They bring the magic to life day in and day out. However, with the number of people that visit Walt Disney World each year, it is completely unrealistic to expect this to happen. I would highly encourage you to interact with Cast Members. Ask questions, express your gratitude, or let them know if you are experiencing a problem, but do not do it with the expectation that you are going to get something.
Final Thoughts
With Disney Vacation Club, there’s comfort in knowing you can always come back. There’s no need to rush or try to do it all in one trip. Slow down and enjoy your family in the moment, especially during those early years when rest breaks, snuggles, and simple joys are part of the magic. Some of the most memorable Disney moments aren’t the rides, but the wonder, laughter, and connection you experience at each stage of life.
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