Sure, it’s plenty easy to consider yourself a pretty darn amazing parent for just handling the logistics and footing the bill for a family vacation to Walt Disney World – and you’d be sort of right. It IS a big deal to plan and pay for a Disney vacation these days, I’ll give you that. But if you want to get the most out of these trips, you have to keep a few things in mind. Yeah, I’m showing my age again, but I have been taking my children on Disney vacations for almost 20 years – benefit from my mistakes and pay close attention now.
Five Ways to be an Awesome Parent at Walt Disney World…
1. Stay out of the shops – Your family will be exposed to a toy, treat, or souvenir buying opportunity about every six feet while visiting each park. Balloon vendors, Disney pin kiosks, souvenir carts, pre-parade light-up-toy sellers…the temptation to buy is literally everywhere!!! If you don’t intend to purchase something every ten minutes, try not to expose little ones to so many opportunities for you to say NO! I’m aware that you cannot exit many rides without passing through a gift shop, but over-exposure to all that merchandise is a meltdown waiting to happen. Cut down on this by pre-purchasing some sale t-shirts or dollar-store Disney items before you ever leave home & bring those with you as special treats. If you need to shop, try to do it on your own.
2. Put your smart phone or tablet away – I know those devices have become an enormous part of everyday life, but if ever there was a time to focus on the little people you’re raising, it’s while you’re away from home. There is so much to take in at Walt Disney World, so many opportunities to focus on new and exciting (and sometimes scary) things – what a great gift we can give our kids if we stay in the moment, relaxed and happy, soaking it all up with them. Think for a minute how lonely it might be to be much shorter than those around you all the time (or being confined to a stroller) while the people you love most in the world are constantly texting or filming a parade or show instead of enjoying this time with you, on your level.
3. Make wait times family times – As a lifelong habitual people-watcher, I tend to notice what other people do while waiting in line. Most of them are doing nothing but looking bored or unhappy or impatient. We like to talk. To each other. We might ask “ice breaker” questions – open-ended queries intended to make us think about or look for particular things. This is where Disney trivia, Hidden Mickeys, looking up, looking down, and focusing on those magical Disney details will help you raise a new generation of Disney fans.
4. Get drenched – Little ones love those resort pools, water rides and parks, and splash-and-play areas. These are especially fun and exciting at Walt Disney World. Stop worrying about how you look and what you’re wearing. Plan ahead so you have no excuse not to jump right on in there and play! Nobody cares about your hair or makeup except YOU. Hats, sunglasses, quick-drying clothing, and water-friendly shoes are invaluable. Take the time to gear up and be ready to have a soaking good time! These are the times your kids will remember most.
5. Have fun and don’t be crabby – Part of being the parent sometimes involves the challenge of letting things go. Let go of worry, stress from home that may have followed you on vacation, irritation from getting less-than-magical service, being hot, bored, lost, hungry – you get the idea. Fake it ’til you make it if you have to, but put on a happy face, focus on the positives, and remind yourself that your offspring’s childhood is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things. You don’t get a do-over on these memories – make ’em count.
Let me hear from you! What are your best tips for being an awesome parent at WDW?