Can someone please give me a little assurance?

[disney-inspired]

I'm taking my little sister to Disneyland next week. It was originally going to be my my whole family but my dad says we can't afford it . I decided that I'm going to take my little sister anyways ( I have an annual pass and DRDollars) because I promised her a trip to Disneyland.

I'm a little nervous taking her to DL by myself. I'm 19 and my sister is 8. We are as thick as thieves, it's amazing how close we are. I'm just a little nervous. It's a big responsibility. I've driven to Disneyland before (last year) and it was during Monday morning traffic! It was so scary but my cousin and I arrived safely.

Any tips?

How crowded do you thinks the parks will be?

 

[sand2270]

Where are you driving from?

My daughter is 8. Now granted I am in my 30's, but my DD and I first made the road trip alone when she was 4 so I can understand you being nervous. Does she have a cell phone? If not make sure she knows your phone number, if she doesn't have it memorized pin it on the inside of her clothes.

Also point out what a cast member pin looks like and give her a map when you get there (there is a picture of the cast member pin inside) and tell her to find someone with a cast member pin if she gets separated from you (my daughter pointed out to me the picture was in the map). Another tip is to take her picture with your camera that day in case you get separated.

At 8 my daughter is already pretty independent and clever (she had the map out during our recent trip figuring out where to go) and assuming your sister is the same way you should be fine.

Another suggestion is to print out the directions from your home to Disneyland from your computer. The only thing I noticed when I did this was the directions didn't take you to the parking structure. When you get close the freeway is marked well about where to exit for parking. Stay to the left when you get off the freeway and follow the signs and they will lead you right into the garage. I made a wrong turn one day when I got off. When you get off the freeway you will hit a light where you will make a left. Than just stay to the left but go straight through the next light. Than just follow the signs to the parking garage.

Hope that helps. Relax and have fun!

 

[bonita_babe232]

I'm sure you guys will have lots of fun! Don't worry and i'm sure everything will turn out great! I would listen to the advice above as it is all great advice! Have a great time!!!!

 

[KerTggr]

The only advice I have is re: bathroom breaks. Remember that little kids don't always know in advance if they will have to go. And it is totally not fun to wait for a ride for 30 minutes to get out of line right before getting inside. If the wait is more than 20 minutes, I suggest you take her to the restroom before. Just tell her that you have to go and that she should try too. That way you are mroe likely to avoid that situation.

Also, since she's still pretty little, I suggest you do the bathroom break where you use stalls beside each other and she doesn't come out until you say it's OK. That way you can at least watch her feet. Disneyland is very safe, but I would not feel comfortable having her out of my sight if I were you.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

I would suggest making sure you pack a few snacks in a backpack/purse for the time at Disneyland. My 8 year old daughter could eat me out of house and home if I let her and snacks are expensive for a budget trip. We have never had any problem bringing in a few granola bars, bottle of water, and some zip lock bags of pretzles. Raid your parents pantry before you leave to get some free snacks. You might also think about packing lunch and leaving it in the car (in a cooler). PB&J travels well.

I'm sure you will have a ton of fun. Just make sure she understands that just because you are at a fun place, bad things can still happen. Have fun and let us know how the trip went when you get back.

 

[usschmidt]

I write my cellphone # on my kids' bellies w/a sharpie. They think it's funny I'm assured there's no paper to lose.

Also, if you have a cellphone that takes pics, take a pic of her that day. Then you won't have to remember what she was wearing, etc. if you two do get separated.

 

[TripHHH]

What an awesome big sister you are! I have a daughter who is 7. I always be sure to remind her exactly what to do if we get separated. Even though I watch her like a hawk and it's never happened....it's best to prepared just in case. I always tell her to not go far from where she first realizes we are separated, to look for somebody who works there, go into a store and find a clerk, ride attendants, vendors, closest Disneyland employee, and tell them she is lost (in a pinch, go to a mom who has kids with her...she'll help her find an employee). I tell her not to worry, that they will take her to the lost children center and I will be there to get her right away. Thank goodness, we've never had to do that...but you never know.

After that big lecture which I usually give right before we get to the park so it's fresh in her mind, I usually try to point out how many Disneyland employees are close by a few times that days and how to spot them.

Most of all, have fun...be a kid yourself!

 

[sand2270]

The only advice I have is re: bathroom breaks. Remember that little kids don't always know in advance if they will have to go. And it is totally not fun to wait for a ride for 30 minutes to get out of line right before getting inside. If the wait is more than 20 minutes, I suggest you take her to the restroom before. Just tell her that you have to go and that she should try too. That way you are mroe likely to avoid that situation.

Also, since she's still pretty little, I suggest you do the bathroom break where you use stalls beside each other and she doesn't come out until you say it's OK. That way you can at least watch her feet. Disneyland is very safe, but I would not feel comfortable having her out of my sight if I were you.

Also if you have staked out a spot for shows/parades make sure she goes to the restroom before you find your spot and maybe limits fluids while you are waiting. I can't count the times we have found a prime spot only to have my daughter say she needs to use the restroom. Now she is old enough to go by herself if it is close enough, but if you are not comfortable with your sister going off on her own do restroom breaks first.

 

[kingshockey04]

I was just in your situation last month when I took my sister and nephew (both are 10), I'm 21. I was a little worried at first, especially when she got sick one day and there was nothing I could do. But overall it was an awesome time. Before we left I went over instructions on what to do if we got separated and how to spot a CM important stuff like that.

Also bring children's medicine (aspirin, pepto,etc.), it will help you out just in case she gets sick.

My trip report is posted, you can see how we made it Have fun!

 

[Raidermouse]

If you need first aid of any kind or a nurse there is the baby/nurse/first aid station between plaza inn and the camera shop at the end of Main Street behind where the Red Wagon Corn Dog stand is.Was that confusing....

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Pick a safe spot for you guys to "meet up" in case you get separated. Even if she has a cell phone, it doesn't hurt to have one spot you can both find and get to if you manage to get lost.