4. Sleeping beauty
Image: Jack Miller, Flickr (license)
While you don’t want to run your kids to death, particularly the first few days of a Disney trip, there are benefits to keeping them active enough to need a nap about midday. We’ve talked about this tip before, but a mid-day retreat is one of the best tools in a parent’s Disney hack arsenal.
Yes, some kids are going to want to power through and stay the whole day. Making sure the kids know the schedule and sticking to it can help with this adjustment. You can also use the magic backpack to take the edge off. The best thing parents can do is get the whole family to the parks right at opening gate. Crowds are lowest in the morning, and you can usually ride twice as many rides since queues will be short. Right around lunchtime, the late risers show up, lines get long, and kids get squirmy.
Plan to leave the parks shortly after lunchtime—maybe around 1-2pm. If your little one has been walking, you should be able to settle them down for a nap. If your room has a kitchenette or microwave, you can heat up some warm milk to help knock them out.
Once everyone’s had some time to recover, return to the parks for dinner and evening entertainment. Speaking of which…
5. Take the night off
Image: Disney
I’m serious.
Disney is a top destination for adults as well as kids. Instead of spending the entire trip with your kids glued to your side, take a night for yourselves while giving your kids an adventure all their own.
Disney World has four outstanding children’s activity centers—Club Dolphin at the Dolphin hotel, The Sandcastle Club at The Beach Club, Simba’s Cubhouse at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Lilo’s Playhouse at the Polynesian Resort. Kids can spend the evening enjoying movies, board games, activities, and dinner at all four locations. The Sandcastle Club and Lilo’s Playhouse also include educational programming like volcano building, kid’s cooking classes, and pirate training. In turn, Camp Dolphin and Simba’s Cubhouse offer parents discounts for dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Dolphin. If you don’t mind spending extra, Disney also offers an in-room sitter service.
Disney goes above and beyond with their activity centers. When I was a kid, my parents left me at The Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort so they could have a quiet dinner together. I enjoyed the experience so much, they couldn’t get me to leave. It became a favorite event for every trip. The kids get to enjoy an independent night out, and you get a little much needed alone time.
What are your favorite hacks for travelling with kids at Disney?
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.