Children and temper tantrums at parks, misbehaving...

[Jill in Chicago]

We really didn't see it! We went to Disney last October and honestly only witnessed a few melt downs. It was 92 degrees and I almost had a couple melt downs myself!

I thought about all of this yesterday when we visited the Museum of Science and Industry. (The museum now has tons of exhibits that would appeal to young children, so it really is a good place to bring kids of all ages.) The kids everywhere were screaming, crying, hurling themselves in tantrums on the floor. At times the screams were so ear piercing we literally had to cover our ears.

And for the most part the out of control kids were not the ones with school groups, they were the ones with one on one attention from parents.

So to those concerned about misbehavior at Disney, we really didn't see it.

 

[hildarumpole]

We only saw one on our last trip and it was a doozy. It was a little girl who had just had a make-over at the BBB. Apparently, she didn't care for her new look and started screaming and pulling at her hair and Cinderella dress. Her parents tried to calm her by telling her she looked like a pretty princess. That really set her off and she went into full blown meltdown, rolling around on the floor, kicking, screaming, and completely messing herself up. I felt sorry for the parents.

I've also noticed at museums more kids having tantrums, even in the kid-friendly, hands-on sections. Maybe the fresh air and sunshine at the Disney parks keeps more kids in check.

 

[~April J~]

This is our first trip and I am very scared of one of my children having a meltdown. I am worried about getting horrible looks from other guests or even comments. I am most worried about being on one of the buses trying to get back to the hotel so they can nap and one having a tantrum, or in the middle of a show. UGH. one of my biggest fears about this trip

 

[jngwright]

Fortuanately-alot of us are in the same boat, with small children at Disney. I wouldn't worry about getting the hairy eyeball if there is a meltdown. You will probably see more sympathetic looks than from people who don't understand because they haven't lived it.
ITA with OP about fewer meltdowns at WDW than other child friendly venues. We didn't witness anything out of the ordinary on our last trip (with kids) or many trips previously without!
Gotta love the World!!!

 

[wings91]

I used to see a lot of meltdowns on the bus or in the line for the bus back to the resort. A long hot tiring day can lead to a lot of tantrums. This is why I now take the car instead of the bus.

But in general, I see more meltdowns at the grocery store then Disney.

 

[teachingmykids]

Don't worry about your kids having meltdowns ~ it's probably going to happen and it's really not a bother. Everyone understands the stress, heat, excitement and just plain worn out feelings.
Children misbehaving is the real problem.
There have been numerous threads on rude kids (& adults), I'd rather hear a kid throwing a tantrum than have one run over my child or me. Rudeness is upbringing, meltdowns are just from being overwhelmed.

 

[stellablue]

I would think the people who primarily get the dirty looks are the ones not doing anything to control the tantrum.

 

[centurythree]

I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone's usually understanding of the circumstances. Plus a lot of times they're either parents themselves or once were the kid having the meltdown.

Not that I'm saying I ever had a WDW meltdown as a kid.

Really, I'm not.

The only thing that I'd ask is that if your child does have an off moment during a show, please take your child out of the theater before a cast member has to tell you to do it. It's just the right thing to do.

 

[ireland_nicole]

As the mother of an autistic child, I would ask you to please consider that when a child is melting down, they may not be badly behaved, the may have special challenges; and that when a parent seems to be "not dealing with a tantrum" they may actually be doing what is most appropriate for the child.
Nicole

 

[minmate]

To the OP -- we are planning a road trip this summer that takes us through Chicago. We considered stopping to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. Nice to know if my kids have meltdowns they'll fit right in!
Just kidding -- Hopefully they won't, but hey, they ARE kids after all!

Glad to hear you have had pleasant experiences at WDW!

 

[nascar-j]

This is our first trip and I am very scared of one of my children having a meltdown. I am worried about getting horrible looks

April,

My DS used to have meltdowns very frequently (caused by his ADHD meds). Most people understand, usually because we've all been there.

I know I always felt terrible when we were out until I was at Kohl's one day with my DW. She was bathing suit shopping and was on her 115th suit. My DS had enough of it and started up. We always used the 1,2,3 magic with him and it worked incredibly well. (thankfully). I gave him one warning and when I got to 3, I tossed him over my shoulder and carried him out. He was screaming as loud as he could and pounding my back the whole way out...
One older lady said, "Finally a parent that follows through and just doesn't make threats." and another lady was clapping as I headed to the door.
No one gave me a dirty look... Or at least I was too busy trying not to drop DS to notice. After this, I didn't worry much about what other people felt or how we looked to them. I knew I was doing what I needed to.

It sounds like you've been there before.. Most people have. I wouldn't worry about it. Things happen and once the fit is over, you can go back to enjoying a great vacation.

j

 

[centurythree]

As the mother of an autistic child, I would ask you to please consider that when a child is melting down, they may not be badly behaved, the may have special challenges; and that when a parent seems to be "not dealing with a tantrum" they may actually be doing what is most appropriate for the child.
Nicole

I've seen that situation too (outside WDW), where a child with special challenges was acting out and the parent was simply acting appropriately for the child's circumstances. Someone did make a nasty comment--and was promptly chewed out by other people nearby. Oops.

I guess my point is that you can usually rely on people to be empathetic. And WDW, in my experience, brings out the best in people.

 

[DaveCN]

Most of it is managing the kids. Dont press them to do too much, especially in the heat. Build in times to go back to the hotel and nap or jump in the pool.

We always let them take turns napping/relaxing in the double stroller when they were younger. (Too old for that now!)

So many of the meltdowns I have seen are related to the heat and stress. You can't avoid them 100%, but I think a lot of parents think that based on the cost of the ticket, they are going to be there from the rope drop to the last kiss, and the wee ones are going to like it . . . or else!!! Those that do that are setting themselves up for disaster.

 

[Dawnie]

On our last trip I can't remember any meltdowns, but I did witness a pretty funny scene between a Dad and his son...at least I thought it was funny, I'm sure he didn't!

The Dad was kneeling down in front of his about 5 year old son and I overheard him saying, "You want to go HOME?? Kids all over the world dream about coming to Disneyworld, and you want to go HOME???"

 

[Hawk]

but I think a lot of parents think that based on the cost of the ticket, they are going to be there from the rope drop to the last kiss, and the wee ones are going to like it . . . or else!!! Those that do that are setting themselves up for disaster.

You said it - and your right on! If it is going to be that burdensome, wait and go when you can afford it - and then have a great time with everybody with some truly wonderfull memories.

Tim/Hawk

 

[collcass]

The Dad was kneeling down in front of his about 5 year old son and I overheard him saying, "You want to go HOME?? Kids all over the world dream about coming to Disneyworld, and you want to go HOME???"

That will be my 4 yr old. it doesn't matter where we go, he always asks to go home

You said it - and your right on! If it is going to be that burdensome, wait and go when you can afford it - and then have a great time with everybody with some truly wonderfull memories.

Unfortunately, it only gets more expensive as the children age. For us there will never be a "perfect" time to go.

I hope my children don't have a meltdown but if they do, we will deal with it appropriately. They are, after all, children.

The more I read, the more WDW doesn't actually sound like a very friendly place. (not referring to OP - a statement based on reading many different threads)

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Our worst meltdown was when DD was 3 and we were waiting for Ariel. If anyone has done it, you know it takes forever.

DD begged to see her. So we got in line. Well it was hot and she asked to run through the water. I know I should have known better, but she just would go for a few seconds then come running back.

Well she was gone for longer than usual and I look over and she is standing under the fountain. I call her and she just stands there. The lady in front of me said she would save my space. (By this time we are waiting about 45 minutes) I go get DD and she is literally dripping wet. DD knew I was mad, DD then starts jumping up and down and screaming she wants to go play in the water and not see Ariel. At this point we are 2nd in line to get in the grotto.

I made her stay and see Ariel (bad mommy moment) So we have a "great" picture of DD sitting next to Ariel, dripping wet, frowning with her face red and blotchy. Ariel looks pretty though.

After that we met DH and DS at SM. They both look at DD and say, What the heck happened to her?

 

[sassyat30]

The last two times we've been there, we saw meltdowns left and right...ranging anywhere from right away in the morning, all the way to the parents who still had their children out at midnight.

 

[disjointed]

Everyone understands the stress, heat, excitement and just plain worn out feelings.

Unfortunately, not all people do understand a mere tantrum. As you said it, it's just because of stress, heat, excitement, and tiredness. There's been numerous times where people have given my family dirty looks when my little sister is having a tantrum. It's too bad that some people are so ignorant.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The Dad was kneeling down in front of his about 5 year old son and I overheard him saying, "You want to go HOME?? Kids all over the world dream about coming to Disneyworld, and you want to go HOME???"

With my DD, it was the threat of having to leave that kept her behavior in line.

My daughter had one huge meltdown when we were there last year. And it was our last day as we were packing up to leave. This was a throw herself to the sidewalk and kick and scream kind of meltdown. All because she didn't want to leave. Can't say that I blame her , but I was still horrified. Mousekeeping gave her a towel animal to calm her down.

We did have some more minor meltdowns when DD got scared. She freaked out at Festival of the Lion King and after that, pretty much anything that was a dark theater type attraction prompted terrified sobs. We had to get up and leave the Nemo musical and Playhouse Disney. What drove me nuts was that she freaked out at Playhouse Disney even before any of the characters came on-stage. She started crying when the CM (dressed in shorts and polo shirt, not any costume) was leading the kids in songs and dance before the show. Oh well, at all times, we quickly headed for the exits.