2. The magic backpack
Image: David Goehring, Flickr (license)
Delayed gratification is one of the most crucial scenarios a kid can be exposed to during development. If a kid knows something good is coming on a predictable schedule, that can keep them feeling happy and secure during uncomfortable moments that might normally result in a cry fest.
The Magic Backpack trick is simple. Find yourself a backpack, ideally with a Disney theme (you can DIY one if you want). Before your trip starts, fill this backpack with all manner of toys, treats, and kid-friendly tools to give your little one, but don’t let them see it. You’re basically putting together a Disney survival kit. Here’s just a few of the items you could use just for the plane segment.
- Coloring books and crayons
- Brain teasers or a plane-friendly puzzle
- Small crafts with a Disney theme
- A Disney stuffed animal
- A Kid Friendly Disney Travel Guide, like Birnbaum’s “For Kids by Kids”
The idea is to break the trip down into predictable segments. Explain each segment in advance: “After we get off the shuttle, we’re going to stand in a line, give our luggage to the airline then go through security. Once we get to the gate, you can have one item from the backpack.” When each segment is complete, your little one gets one item from the backpack if they behaved. On the plane, you can break the time into thirty minute chunks. Every thirty minutes (or hour) of good behavior, your little one gets a new something from the backpack. If they misbehave, give them a reasonable goal for good behavior, even if it means lowering the time threshold a little bit.
You can carry it through your entire trip. Once you’re in the parks, the threshold can be longer. Kids may only get one item a day out of the backpack during a park day, but you can mix it up however you like. The idea is to have a full Disney kit ready for them. While you can add some items you pick up in the parks, you will save a ton of money getting some items ahead of time online.
Here’s a few other items you could use for your magic backpack:
- A Disney sippy cup
- Autograph book and large pen (the characters need very thick pens to sign autographs)
- A costume of their favorite character
- Pixie Dust (aka a jewelry pouch full of cosmetic glitter)
- A pin trading lanyard and pins (you will save a ton buying these online. I’d also recommend getting some backings that lock since the Disney ones fall off.)
- A bubble wand
- A fake rose, like in Beauty and the Beast
- A foam pirate sword (no toy firearms though)
- Non-meltable treats and snacks
3. Work those little legs
Image: Disney
Strollers are definitely a godsend for travelling with small children. If you’ll be a using a stroller, a small, foldable one will prove far more convenient for navigating crowds than a two-kid wide monster. It’s the nature of many kids that unless they’re hyper, they want to exert themselves as little as possible.
I’m going to suggest something that could prove a contentious point, but it’s a tip that comes with many benefits: if possible, make your kids walk.
Just as exercise produces beneficial chemicals and endorphins in adults, so it does in kids. Getting your kids up and walking can help keep both parents and child on an even pace during the trip—the kid won’t be frustrated because he wants to run ahead and the parents are too slow. It’s okay if they still need rest breaks and some stroller time, but overall, they will be healthier if they are active during the trip.
Image: Disney
It’s also important to keep in mind that, on average, families eat a lot of unhealthy food during a Disney World trip: sugars, fried foods, that Dole Whip Float you just couldn’t resist. A Disney World trip is a great opportunity to teach kids the benefits of being active. You can frame it in terms of superhero or Disney princess training.
There’s another benefit to making the kids walk, one that just might save parents’ feet and sanity…
Comments
Glitter and pixie dust is not a good idea on the plane, in public or in the hotel room as it's hard to clean up, irritated other travelers, can be used as a weapon between siblings. Same with the bubble wand. Kids are better off with travel games, small puzzles in zip lock bags, healthy snacks. Keeping kids hydrated is critical, as are frequently applied sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Hidden Mickey books are great for waiting in line. Be prepared with lots of healthy snacks as an alternative to the junk food. Tummies and attitudes will thank you.