Advice on setting the pace so younger kids don't get overly tired or cranky?

[imjen]

I'm trying to decide whether to do two or three days at Disney during our October trip and part of my concern is that last year by the middle of day 3 my kids were soooo tired and cranky (and so was I! LOL). I guess I have a hard time pacing ourselves and push us too hard. Maybe because that's how my family did Disney growing up. We went during our visit to my grandparents house, every two years, and usually only had 1, sometimes 2, days at Disneyland. So we started at opening and went full speed until late in the evening. I don't push my kids to go all day like that (we usually end the day before dinner time), but we still keep a pretty brisk pace until we crash.

I need to figure out a more relaxed plan so we have more fun and aren't so exhausted. Last year I would suggest to my family to head back to the hotel for a rest break after lunch but they didn't want to leave. So we pressed on, but the afternoon was really not that fun because they were tired and grumpy. I probably should require that we go back for a break after lunch. What do you do?

We will be flying in Wednesday around 1 pm and spending that day and night with my grandparents in Huntington Beach. Then we could do Disney Thurs, Fri, and Sat. or just 2 of those 3 days. We will be staying in a hotel across the street from Disneyland for 2 nights I believe. We have never stayed late enough to see Fantasmic or the fireworks and I would really love to do that this time. But I'm sure we'll need a long rest break at the hotel to pull that one off. Please give me your families typical park strategies to prevent the tired and cranky spells. I have noticed that if I wait until my kids have already reached their tired/grumpy breaking point it is really difficult to get things back to a happy & relaxed state. So I'm hoping to prevent most of it! My kids will be 8, 6, and 3.

Also, my BIL and his kids (6 & 3) may be joining us on Friday and they'll probably want us to spend Saturday there with them as well. So if we did 2 days it would probably have to be Fri & Sat but if I had my way it would be Thurs & Fri b/c of the crowd factor on Saturdays. I'm leaning toward 3 day hoppers, doing early entry Thursday, Friday spending most of the day there, including Mickey's Halloween Treat, and 1/2 day Saturday because I know we'll be exhausted by then.

I'd love to hear your families tips/tricks! Thanks!

 

[MateasMom]

I think the best plan is not to plan LOL. Go with the flow. Don't run from one side of the park to the other. Take breaks to enjoy the small stuff. Take time to sit and watch performers on mainstreet/etc. Try to do indoor sitdown shows throughout the day, especially during the hours your kids are normally cranky/tired. Let toddler/preschoolers walk when you can to burn of energy....but have a stroller handy in hopes they're willing to nap by afternoon. Know that if you don't see and do everything, that's okay! You'll be back someday....and it's better to enjoy what you do see then rush through the day simply for the priviledge of being able to fit in everything.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We've always done breaks in the middle of the day for that reason. Even I get tired after going non stop from opening till mid day! We'll usually get some lunch, swim, take a nap. Head back to the parks for the evening, refreshed! I know it can be hard, because it's time you could be in the parks! But any time I've pushed it and not gone back for a break I've paid for it the next day! Just being dragged out!

I also agree taking time to sit down and enjoy the things, going at a slower pace sometimes is okay too!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We took our first (and so far only) trip last September. It was DH's 4th trip, but first in 20 years, and the first time for my small children and me.

I had a rough idea in my head that we would head back to the hotel for nap and pool each afternoon, and hit certain events on certain days (because they weren't offered every day), but other than that, we were wingin' it! Here's how it went:

DAY 1 (Thursday): We arrived mid-afternoon. Hadn't eaten since breakfast, so went to Mimi's and did a grocery store run. Went to DL @ 7pm, but had only 1 hour of play before park closing. DS6 begged for every single souvenir toy he saw, and whined all the way through DTD to the hotel.

DAY 2 (Friday): Arrived at the park after opening, went straight to Fantasyland. After riding several rides, took a long meandering walk past the ranch (or whatever it's called) in Frontierland, then back through Adventureland. (More sightseeing than anything else.) Had lunch at Carnation Cafe, then headed to CA. Walked through Hollywood Backlot, boys were a little wound up while waiting for Turtle Talk with Crush. Back to the hotel mid-afternoon for a rest, then had an early dinner there before heading back to DL for the fireworks. DS6 and DH were too bored waiting for the fireworks, so they left to go on a couple rides. DS2 fell asleep in the stroller before the fireworks started.

DAY 3 (Saturday): Slept in, hit CA at opening. Toured Bugs Land, then took a walk along the waterfront. Walked through the boardwalk area, went on a few rides but all the carnival type activities were closed. Had lunch at Whitewater Snacks before heading back to the DLH for DS2 and DH to nap, DS6 and I to go on a pirate treasure hunt, then hit the pool. Early dinner @ Goofy's Kitchen, then to DL to hit Innoventions. Not something to do late in the day, we were all pooped. Well, the adults were pooped, the kids were overtired and very energetic. Back to the DLH, boys hit the pool while I cleaned up the room.

DAY 4 (Sunday): Again hit CA at opening. Did the River Run a couple times, WOOHOO! Again walked the loop around the boardwalk. We seemed to spent a lot of time walking and looking, not so much time riding rides. Ah, well. Back up through the HOllywood Backlot, did the Beast's Library, met a few characters, and Disney Playhouse. Lunch at the DLH Crocs Bits & Bites. We were all tired, so relaxed in the room, watched cartoons. Went to CA Taste Pilot's Grill for dinner, then headed to DL Tomorrowland, then rode a few rides in Fantasyland in the dark. We were all really tired, so we left the park a bit early and took our time walking back through DTD, stopping to listen to music or enjoy a fountain.

DAY 5 (Monday): Hit the park around 9:30, headed to Fantasyland, then Autopia, then Toontown, where we had lunch. Headed back to Fantasyland and hoped DS2 would nap in the shade in the stroller (he didn't) while DS6 and I hit a few rides. Hit Adventureland and Critter Country, did some shopping in Frontierland, and headed out of the park. We were pooped, so we ordered room service for dinner, and hit the pool that evening.

DAY 6 (Tuesday): I pushed everyone out the door to hit EE! We finally got to ride Peter Pan and several other rides, met characters, and lunched at Plaza Inn. On to Frontierland (riverboat ride and Tom Sawyer Island) for the afternoon, then Critter Country. DS2 crashed as we walked back (later afternoon) through Adventureland, so we stopped in the shade of Court des Anges to rest. We had dinner at French Market, enjoyed the parade on Main St., then headed back to the DLH. And the boys hit the pool.

Day 7 (Wednesday): 8:00 Lilo & Stitch breakfast, then to DL Toontown for Morning Madness. Spent a lot of time at Toontown, then to Tomorrowland, and lunch at Redd Rocket's Pizza Port. Met a few characters and did some shopping along Main St. as we headed out of the park to rest. Then to CA for the Block Party Bash (DS2 missed because he fell asleep.) On to DL Rancho del Zocalo for dinner, then Pirates, then Tomorrowland (and Buzz), and Adventureland (Indy.) Shopped in DTD on the way back to the DLH. Boys hit the pool, of course!

Day 8 (Thursday): Another EE day! Made it to Main St. for the rope drop, then followed the masses to the Indy ride, then Big Thunder. Then Fantasyland rides and a round trip on the train. Stopped to watch several bands play on our way to and down Main St., then headed to CA for Grizzly River Run and Soarin'. (We must have eaten lunch at some point, but I don't remember where.) Did some souvenir shopping in CA, then crossed again to DL, and DS2 crashed in Adventureland, so we stopped at a fountain near the NOS train station. One last trip through Critter Country, then two last rides on Indy, and out of the park after closing.

In summary, I think we did a whole lot of walking, more than necessary. Now that we know where things are and when best to see them, hopefully we'll spend our time more productively next trip! And while we didn't exactly have a blistering pace, we did push the boys' energy levels. For the most part they handled it well and we were able to see and do more because of it. I was so surprised they insisted on the nightly dip in the pool, no matter how tired!

 

[stagemomx3]

Here is what I would do:

Assuming 9am opening 8am EE:

Thursday- Definetly do EE- Knock out all of Fantasyland that first hour. Then do Space and Buzz as close to real opening as possible then the rest of Tomorrowland.

Do you need to do Toontown? If so be there at opening at 10am for opening since it's a non Madness day! The place should be empty- explore and meet with characters then plan on lunch at 11am, or favorite lunch place is The Hungry Bear(I think it's called that over in Critter Country) so take the train around 10:50 or so ride around the park getting off in Adventureland and walk over the hill to the Hungry Bear- someone could grab fast passes for Splash though you might not need them.

Now here is where you could go with two different options-
Ride- Pooh and Splash
Then Haunted Manshion and POTC
Then Big Thunder Mountain

Then I would head out of the park and go back to the hotel and swim/rest.
After dinner head back into the park and do Adventure land-
Grab Fast Pass for Indy, ride Safari explore, tree house, do whatever til Indy Fast Pass time, and then shop on your way out of the park.

If you don't want to go back to the hotel and rest I would at least ride the rafts over to Tom Sawyer Island- sit and rest, let the kids explore, then ride one of the Ships around the Island so that lots of at least sitting and resting occurs sometime in the afternoon.

Ok- day 2 in the next post.

 

[stagemomx3]

Day 2 Friday- Evening MHT(very fun by the way!)

Sleep in!!!!
Possible late morning character breakfast?
Then explore Disneyland at your leasure, only Fantasyland should be crowded.

Definetly take and afternoon break- You do not want to be tired and crabby for MHT!!! I would be leaving Disneyland by 1 or 2 pm.

Get in line early for MHT
Head to the back of DCA first and work your way forward.

Day 3 Saturday-
Sleep in again- MHT was a late night
What do you still need to see in DL or DCA? Start there! Take an afternoon break so that you can stay up late for Fireworks and Fantasmic.

It's more fun if you are not tired and crabby!!!!

 

[imjen]

Thank you everyone for your fantastic advice and feedback! I totally forgot that MHT would be at the same time as the fireworks on Friday night so if we want to do that we will have to be there Saturday night as well. Hmmmm...we may end up waiting until next year to see them. What would be really nice, would be if they added a Thursday MHT that week. We went on a Thursday last year and I liked the fact that it started an hour earlier. What do you think the odds of that happening are? I'd hate to buy tickets for Friday and then have Thursday open up after.

 

[mousecrazy]

Since it's not your first trip and sounds like, not your last, my suggestion is to slow down and cater your touring plan around your 'must dos.' You'll never do everything with three small kids in two or three days - so why try and go tired and crazy in the process. Our recent trip was much more relaxed than prior trips and we had a great trip...probably our best trip ever. We each picked our must dos at the beginning of the trip. Then each morning, we would evaluate the list to see what we 'had' to do that day and everything else was extra. One of our 'must dos' was swimming at the hotel (ie mid day break). Each of us picked our favorite 'must do' food stop. And of course, we all had our favorite rides/attractions we had to visit. My 'must do' was stop at each and EVERY Photopass photographer to have our family picture taken! It worked out really well and it was all about having a fun time as a family - not about seeing everything (because we knew we would be back next year). Granted, this approach won't work for everyone, but it worked very nicely for us!


Enjoy your trip!

 

[Chocolate lover]

I don't want to brag but I have to admit when we went on our 2nd to last trip we were concerned about our dd who was 5 at the time that she would not be able to keep up to the pace of doing DL, well boy did she shock us because she was awesome, she walked, rode on all the rides, walked, and rode on all the rides, stood in line for characters, everything every day without complaining anymore then the rest of us. Complaining while trying to find a place to watch the parade, complaining waiting for the parade to start, well, we were all doing that. She was great, never wanted to go back to the hotel during the day nothing, just went from morning to night, daily.

I honestly think you shouldn't worry about it until you get there, your kids may surprise you. Let them set the pace, if they are up early go early, if they are tired, slow down and rest. We found even on our last trip when we took my brother and his family, we let them set the pace and their kids like ours just went daily, every day. You learn when and where you can sneak a break in without the kids noticing i.e. Honey I shrunk the audience, Talking with Crush, are great places to take a break without anyone realizing it.

 

[mattmommy]

At WDW we always rent a double stroller if we have cousins for my ds6. At DL we'll be using our Disney Visa for our free stroller. He obviously has been out of a stroller for many years, but to give him a break we have it for him to sit in and also to hold our packs of water, sunscreen and everything else we bring in.

 

[DevilDuckie]

At midday nobody will want to take that break but at about 8 pm you will all be sorry if you didn't. We've skipped it once or twice and been sorry for it every single time.

Remember that doing less and enjoying it is better than pushing to do everything and stressing people out. There is a point at which happily eating an ice cream on a bench is better than rushing to get in another ride on Space Mountain. It's like an all you can eat buffet- eating too much will only make you sick. Stop when your kids are getting overloaded and just relax and people watch for a little bit.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Honestly to do it all, and faves more than once.....I think you need more time ! Many of us do 5 days year after year !

 

[Albort]

A) GIve them Churros with extra suger and a chocolate dipping sauces.

B) GIve them Candy.

 

[imjen]

Honestly to do it all, and faves more than once.....I think you need more time ! Many of us do 5 days year after year !

That would be nice. But it's just not possible for us. 3 days will have to do. We did okay with repeating the faves last time. There are several things we don't enjoy that much, including Bugs Land and Toon Town that we skip in order to do the ones we really love. I'm going to take several poster's advice and insist on a break in the early afternoon for a few hours. That should really help. And I just need to R-E-L-A-X my expectations a little and not push to get on the rides so much. Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone!

 

[lilpixie]

I had that same concern on our last trip as we had our 3 daughters (6,3, and 6 months). Our reservations got messed up at our hotel which was in walking distance and we ended up having to be at a hotel that was a 30 minute shuttle ride. I knew there wouldn't be lots of time for naps, etc since we weren't in walking distance. We rented strollers for the younger 2 kids. We got there every day before opening and left before the night parade. Amazingly, our kids never got tired and cranky -- not one fit! The baby always napped in the stroller. We were there for 3 days. We made sure we had a good breakfast, carried snacks and water, and stopped for meals before they got too hungry. We did some shows and stopped to rest when we needed. We pretty much went on all the rides we wanted to. It actually worked out for us. Just make your list of must-do's and make a tenative plan - but kinda go with the flow.
Have fun!!!