All the years that we spent going to Disney World, we had a system; we had things down to a T on how we executed our Disney experience. It was without kids and we created what we call "the Disney Pace", a speedy walk, but not a run, that we used to rush to all the rides, shows, meals and things we needed to do while we spent the small amount of time at the largest theme park we loved. Mind you, this pace is quicker than your normal pace, which is why it has its own name. After all those years of experiencing Disney as a" Disney Adult" on many kid-free trips, it would be a good number of years before I could actually bring my own kids to Disney, and because I didn't have kids for many years, I experienced Disney with my parents. Having a good grasp on how to do Disney WITHOUT kids, makes going to Disney WITH kids a completely different experience. In our next series, we wanted to point out some things that could change the way you do Disney, depending on who you are bringing with you.
The first thing that was noticeably different with bringing kids to Disney, is they are impatient. And they complain A LOT. Now depending on the age of your kids, will depend on how much patience they have waiting in lines. They also need to eat. But that can be said for any human being in Disney World or Disneyland. When you are hot, hungry and tired, we all get crabby, but kids get there faster and they are more verbal than some adults. If you have older kids, ( I count older kids as 10+), let them know there will be long wait times for some of the popular rides, but that it will be worth it. Have games you can play in line to make the wait manageable. Some lines at Disney World are interactive, but some of these features still haven't come back from the close down in 2020. Disney World does have a PLAY app, that lets you play some games for certain rides, or answer trivia questions. A very popular game is the Heads UP! That you can get on your phone. I have seen multiple families with kids and teenagers play this. If you have younger kids, some of the rides they ride will have smaller wait times, but give them snacks, or entertain them with games or movies on your phone or tablets.
Kids expect to be able to enjoy all the rides, but some rides have height requirements. Make sure to take time to measure your kids, so they don't get disappointed. I think we have discussed this before, but I have heard many stories of people trying to smuggle their kids on the ride because they wanted to ride so bad. These height requirements are for their own safety. Please follow the guidelines set in place and make sure your kids understand which rides they can't ride and which ones they can. If they are upset by not being able to ride something, perhaps give them another option. Maybe offer an extra treat, or an extra ride on another ride they love. Or if you plan on going back again, tell them that next time you come, they will be able to ride it.
Another expectation is that kids can last as long as adults. They can't. Some adults can't even last all day. What I mean by this is that if you plan on getting to the parks at rope drop until the park closes, that is a long 12 hours. Yes, there is a LOT to see and do, but don't deviate from your kids schedules. IF you have kids that still nap, try to take a break during nap time, even if it means leaving the park and coming back. Some adults appreciate this too as a break in the middle of the day is nice. Don't do everything in one day. If you are only going to be there a few days, prioritize what your kids want to do. Sometimes you have to sacrifice, or take turns. If
you go with another adult, or another family, maybe they will take your kids so you can do something fun, and vice versa.
What ever your expectation for your trip, except the unexpected.. Plan for what you can control, but know that things will come up that you didn't expect. Kids are kids, and sometimes adults act like kids. Your parents act like kids, your spouse feels like they are a kid. What ever the case, don't expect to see and do everything, but do make memories. See the joy on your kids faces as they meet their favorite characters, or ride the Millennium Falcon, or have the best plate of mac and cheese in the world.
Comments