Basic Training for a 3 year old

[Ava83]

Okay I know that may sound drastic...but has anyone had any luck with "training" their little one for Disney? I have a spirited little one and am concerned that I can do something now to prevent breakdowns in October when we go.

My DH and I have a mantra, don't set Ava up for failure...meaning don't put her unprepared in a situation for her to meltdown and stuff. We don't shield her but we give her expectations and watch her to see what is going one with her.

Well I have had the bright idea to prepare her for Disney World. We go places like the zoo and wait in line, I am taking her to an amusment park, we go to fesitvals, and the biggest is we explain everything to her, you have to wait because there are other kids etc.

I know she is only 3 but has anyone had any luck doing this is the MK and everything else so overwhelming that this is a futile effort?

Also is there anything else I am missing that I can do?

Thanks in advance!

Peg

 

[perpetualplanner]

Both of my boys were at Disney at 3 (or a little before) and we didn't have any problems. Kind of did what you said - explain it to them and practice at the zoo etc... Also - just don't get into lines that are extremely long and when they start to get tired, when they are more likely to melt down, take a break!!!

Taking a break is the #1 thing to remember IMHO.

Hope you have a wonderful trip, and all those practice trips make great fun too.

 

[minkydog]

It sounds like you are already doing all you can to train your daughter. I wouldn't change a thing. When you go to WDW, pay close attention to her moods, don't let her get too tired or too hungry, and don't be afraid to walk away from the parks if it's time to go ( you know what I mean..)

Don't let fear of tantrums keep you from enjoying your time. EVeryone who has children understands that sometimes meltdowns happen and nothing you do will stop it or prevent it. Three yr olds have very little self control and can be expected to cut loose a time or two. Go with the flow, my dear, and have a great time.

cathy--mom to John(18), Eleni(12) and Christian (10)

 

[Ava83]

You all are so sweet! It makes me feel less worried.

We already have the breaks planned. I have been watching her on our outings to figure out the leave or cry time.

Peg

 

[bopper]

RE: not setting her up for failure:
Getting her used to lines is great. But also bring little things for her to do in line and little snacks. Realize that she lives in the here and now...she wants to what she sees. Take it at a slow place, and make sure to go to the unstructured play areas when possible. She does not have a goal of getting on every ride, so she won't be disappointed that she missed some. She may just know she wants to look at the ducks right now.

 

[disneyphanatic1911]

I put my DD1 in a stroller and my DD3 walks with me around the neighborhood daily to get us used to the amount of walking we'll do at Disney. I try to get my DW to go with us, but she won't have it.

 

[pospisil]

Do people consider it rude for one parent to stand in line and hold their spot, while the other parent wanders nearby with the 3 yr old, to keep him from getting bored? Or would people think they were cutting in line?

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

Get her used to seeing the real life characters - they're bigger than she/you may expect.

We watch the Disney Sing Along - Disneyland (It's a Small World) video (it only comes in VHS). It has "live" (vs cartoon) characters in it (Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, Donald, Goofy, etc). Our DS was just under 2 the first time that we went and he had no problem with the characters after watching the video (in fact, it's still a favorite!).

Mrs PB

 

[laughinplace199]

I think you've received some great suggestions along with the steps you're already taking.

Something that works for us is keeping our kids on their regular schedule. On vacation, we always try to keep nap time and bed time the same as it is at home. Although the bed time tends to be a bit later on vacation! It has worked for us. We've brought our kids to WDW when they were 3 YO and 1 YO and again when they were 4 YO and 2 YO. They've never had a meltdown at WDW!

Have a wonderful time. I'm sure you'll make some wonderful memories on your trip!

 

[ksoehrlein]

I think you're right on track! Some of the worst meltdowns that I have witnessed have been caused by parents/grandparents wanting to do things on their agenda, not the child's, and it sounds like you are fully prepared to do things at her pace.

DD's best friend had the awful experience of meeting her grandparents for the day at MK when she was 3. I say "awful" because as soon as she saw Minnie, she headed right over to get in line to get a photo and a hug. Well, this didn't fit into "Nana's" plan, so she pretty much dragged her out of line saying, "I didn't come here to see DGD with characters; I want to see her going on rides." Full-fledged meltdown ensued (and who could blame her!) and our family decided to do things without their family that day.

Anyway, going for long walks in your neighborhood (take your stroller!), the zoo, and amusement parks are great training. You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[rt2dz]

You've gotten some good advice so far. We didn't have problems at that age at all. We just follow our boys lead. They change their schedules while at Disney for some reason (first day back home and they are back to normal), and we adjust to them. If they don't get up early, we don't leave early for example.

We don't leave the parks for breaks though--we found out the hard way that it just doesn't work for them--THAT is when we had a melt down. We take in-park breaks (sit down meals, Tom Sawyer's Island, Shopping while they ride in the stroller, Hall of Presidents & other mellow rides & shows, ride the train for awhile, etc). Sometimes, just switching parks (usually from MK to Epcot or vice versa) will do the trick. Of course, both of them will just sleep whenever they need to sleep regardless of what is going on around them.

I do have to admit, we go out to eat A LOT. Go the zoo, six flags, festivals, parades, shopping, museums & movies so they are quite used to most of it long before their first birthdays.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Try not to expect to much out of her. At some point I am sure she will get at the very least whiny, and everyone will be tired and miserable..wanting more sleep and less walking. Just try and reember why you are all there..to enjoy time together as a family. Not neccesaraly to ride the latest ride or whatever.
Have a fun trip!!

 

[crisi]

RE one parent waiting in line: Most lines aren't set up for that. And yes, people do get upset when you cut. For the most part, their three year old is waiting in line for Dumbo.

I haven't used it, but I'd recommend an investment in Tour Guide Mike. As I understand it, Mike will help you come up with a customized touring plan which will reduce the amount of time standing in line. Now....the caveat is if you stick to a touring plan, then you'll be find yourself saying "no, Dumbo now, Small World later." So there is a compromise to be made between following your little ones desires, and reducing wait time. If she gets it into her head to ride Dumbo at 11:00 am you'll be standing in a long line.