Family Trip - Rules for the parks?

[Lilsia]

what I found that worked with throwing self on floor was to just walk away. mine did it once at grocery store. I just walked to end of row turned corner and watched. when no one came to her she got up and came to find me. I have a bad knee and back and was not able to carry far even as babies. if fit happens at home just walk to another room and wait for the fun to wear off with no one watching. I was never able to carry one out of park or store but I have been known to sit and wait a little out while laying on the ground

Mine each tried that temper tantrum in the store when they were toddlers one time and one time only. I picked them up kicking and screaming and headed home. They went straight to their room with a stern lecture from me. They stayed there until daddy got home and heard about what they did and he gave them another round. They never did it again, anywhere. After that 1 meltdown and consequences, they knew that we meant business and that that kind of behavior did not get them what they wanted. The worst thing a parent can do is to allow that kind of behavior, even one time, because they know that it will work sometimes. Nip that in the bud, as they say, and you won't have any issues. Plus other people should not be subjected to that. I know you did what you needed to do and my post was not for you so much as other new parents that don't know how to handle this situation.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Mine each tried that temper tantrum in the store when they were toddlers one time and one time only. I picked them up kicking and screaming and headed home. They went straight to their room with a stern lecture from me. They stayed there until daddy got home and heard about what they did and he gave them another round. They never did it again, anywhere. After that 1 meltdown and consequences, they knew that we meant business and that that kind of behavior did not get them what they wanted. The worst thing a parent can do is to allow that kind of behavior, even one time, because they know that it will work sometimes. Nip that in the bud, as they say, and you won't have any issues. Plus other people should not be subjected to that. I know you did what you needed to do and my post was not for you so much as other new parents that don't know how to handle this situation.

my problem was I would be the one having to be carried out if I tried to carry either one of my toddlers out of a store to the car. had to do something else because they learned quickly I could not carry. not that it was a temper tantrum but I was almost down trying to carry young baby back lost and found to find my keys that fell out of a pocket. thank goodness a worker who I knew asked if she could help and she carried her for me. my daughter, baby's aunt, had to leave to get her young son at end of school day and could not stay

 

[anotherfakename]

there is no need to get hostile, you can disagree with someone without being critical.

just because you don't feel the urge to pee doesn't mean you won't pee if you try, your bladder still contains urine it just isn't full yet... there's no harm in trying

My Son throws a fit every time I asked him to sit on the toilet, telling me that he doesn't have to go. Nearly every time I get him on the toilet he pees or poops. It's not like I put him on there every 5 minutes but, Dude, you have drank your entire water bottle and not used the toilet in 3-4 hours. Parents generally know their kids.

 

[anotherfakename]

Ours used to be:
We are taking a break mid-day; air conditioning or pool. You don't have to sleep but you do have to come back to the hotel.
You get X amount of dollars for souvenirs, which you control. Spend wisely and don't ask for anything else.
We will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable per day (my kids used to beg for hot dogs and chicken tenders the whole trip).


This year it is just me and my two teenage daughters. So excited that they can go off on their own while I have a drink by the pool. Or that they can sleep in and get themselves ready while I go to rope drop.

 

[stephnerninnie1984]

I didn’t read through all the replies because I couldn’t deal with how many people were getting onto you about the bathroom rule
Here are my suggestions on rules/boundaries for the Disney trip:
-discuss what to do when you get lost. Point out what cast members look like (look for the name tag) OR find a mom to help you. If your kids don’t know your phone number, you can write it on a piece of masking tape and put it on the inside of their clothes. My son got separated from us once a couple years ago (he was 7) when we went to park the stroller for his sister, and he thought we went into the ride. He found a cast member and stayed with her next to the ride he knew we were heading too. He did great!
-Being at Disney means we WILL be standing in a line. There’s lines for rides, lines for food, lines to have your picture taken. I set this expectation real quick to eliminate whining. My kids caught onto it and dealt with the lines well. We played Rock Paper Scissors, or heads up, 20 questions (must be a Disney character of course!) and other small games while we waited.
-let everyone pick 1-2 “must do’s” for the day.This way everyone is happy. Anything else you get done is just icing on the cake.
-Set a budget OR give each child a gift card for souvenirs and then STICK to it. It’s soooo hard to not buy everything but it’s also a good lesson.
-Take plenty of water/snack breaks. I usually kept a treat in my bag and when they did start melting down (tired, heat, long day, etc), I’d pull out those jelly beans or that lollipop and all was well!
-1 treat per day. Their choice.We packed MOST of our food in. We would eat breakfast at the hotel/home, pack in lunch and snacks, and then eat out a dinner meal if we were staying long enough. As passholders we weren’t often there open to close. That being said, each child got to pick a treat a day. Mickey bar, rice krispie treat, churro, cupcake...whatever they wanted. But only one.
-Be flexible. Rides will go down, melt downs will happen. Lines will be long. But if you go in with a good attitude and just have fun with it all, then it will be a good time with great memories made no matter what. I hope
You enjoy your trip!

 

[Jennkneefir]

On my last trip with my sister-in-law and nieces we had to set rules about gift shops/souvenir shopping. Every time we got off a ride and were dumped into a store it was a little exhausting dragging the kids out. We decided to set a time limit after a ride (5 mins), and then set some time aside at the end of each day for the girls to shop. They had each saved up spending money in anticipation of the trip and were keen to spend every penny.

 

[NotUrsula]

Not a set of rules but we also have a system for QS meals. I have 4 kidlets so everyone has a job. Our plan will be modified due to current conditions.

1. We all decide that we want before reaching the ordering station
2. Adults order/pay and stay to pick up trays
3. All 4 kids are sent to secure a table large enough for 6 with enough chairs. They are prepared to scout for tables and ask for empty chairs from neighboring tables. The 2 youngest stay at the table
4. The 2 oldest gather napkins, forks and condiments and then deliver them to the table. They only take what we need.
5. The oldest kid returns to the adults to inform us of the table location and help with trays if needed.
6. After eating, every cleans up and we take trash.

Yes, definitely modified. Essentially all QS meals now have to be ordered through the mobile app, and most locations have a CM stationed at the entrance to the seating area who will not let parties in until they have their food. (There are some exceptions to that, but this is the new normal.) It's getting a bit better now that more places are opening, but for smoothest results, plan to order about an hour before you are ready to eat (90 minutes in Galaxy's Edge.)

 

[Karin1984]

Depending on ages, make rules about that it is okay to split up. Sometimes you either have different interests or if tensions rise, it can be good to split up or for someone to go back to the hotel. Forcing people to stay together and cheerful, can sometimes make things worse.

 

[sponica]

We don't have Disney-specific rules. I'm not sure why rules have to be different than at home.
Hold my hand when it's crowded?
Sit still at the restaurant.
We're not buying a stuffy in every gift shop.
IF we get a souvenir, it has to be less than x dollars and fit in the stroller.

 

[tinkerjo]

I am more likely to put rules on the adult kids
1. No complaining (especially if I’m paying)
2. I’m not babysitting all the time!!!
3. If you aren’t there for meals find your own food
3. If you aren’t ready in the morning we leave without you!!! I’m gonna be there for rope drop!!!!
the kids are easy. They are so happy to be there that we didn’t need any set rules. It was one place my kids never fought. As always, you have to mind your manners, use common sense, and what mom and dad says is final. We did talk about things like souvenirs, snacks, and what to do if lost as part of our planning so they weren’t really “rules” but they knew what to expect. After the first few trips it wasn’t necessary to discuss (except the getting lost talk. Had to make sure they knew what to do)

 

[OliviaB]

Here are my suggestions on rules/boundaries for the Disney trip:
-discuss what to do when you get lost. Point out what cast members look like (look for the name tag) OR find a mom to help you. If your kids don’t know your phone number, you can write it on a piece of masking tape and put it on the inside of their clothes. My son got separated from us once a couple years ago (he was 7) when we went to park the stroller for his sister, and he thought we went into the ride. He found a cast member and stayed with her next to the ride he knew we were heading too. He did great!

I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this conversation with my boys. We’ve already talked about stranger danger AKA tricky people, how do I now tell them it’s acceptable to approach a CM (stranger) if “their parents get lost”?

I understand the importance of preparing them, just don’t want to cause any confusion...

 

[sponica]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this conversation with my boys. We’ve already talked about stranger danger AKA tricky people, how do I now tell them it’s acceptable to approach a CM (stranger) if “their parents get lost”?

I understand the importance of preparing them, just don’t want to cause any confusion...

I'd just use the same language you would at home. If they got lost in the grocery store, you'd tell them to find a name tag that has the store name on it. At Disney, they need to find someone wearing a mickey name tag.

 

[tinkerjo]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this conversation with my boys. We’ve already talked about stranger danger AKA tricky people, how do I now tell them it’s acceptable to approach a CM (stranger) if “their parents get lost”?

I understand the importance of preparing them, just don’t want to cause any confusion...

sometimes we need to talk to strangers. When we need help we locate a store employee, police, fireman, etc. Disney is no different. You don’t go with someone you don’t know, but if you need help, locate a CM (pretty identifiable) it’s good to be cautious (especially these days) but most kids should be able to still seek out appropriate help without causing confusion

 

[katyjeka]

Our rules remain the same at Disney as they are at home. Be respectful to everyone and use please and thank you. Our girls have always known that its okay to say they need a break and they've had enough. Bathrooms breaks are not a battle I wish to fight with 4 girls. They go when they need. Disney is not the best place to introduce a new set of rules. It's overwhelming for most so sticking to your normal behavior is best. Have a great trip.

 

[OliviaB]

TY @ Tinkerjo and @sponica.

I will continue to think through my approach.
Our trip will be a surprise, so I’m considering discussing the “ground rules” on the airplane, and the coloring book idea mentioned in an earlier post is fantastic. ( I have no artistic skills but I’m sure Google can help me find something?)

Maybe CM’s 101 could be a part of our Park Day 1 orientation? Show a few examples of where to locate a CM by walking to a store? We could politely ask a CM to take a moment to show the boys their uniform and badge/name tag while we explain what to look for? We could also show them our phone number listed on the back of their 1st Time Visitor Buttons?

I wouldn’t want to take up too much of their time, and I don’t want to over dramatize things... But a very close childhood friend was abducted when we were 16 on the way to school. It’s been nearly 20 years and we still have not found her. Needless to say, I realize I have sensitivities about the subject.

Just trying to be prepared.

sometimes we need to talk to strangers. When we need help we locate a store employee, police, fireman, etc. Disney is no different. You don’t go with someone you don’t know, but if you need help, locate a CM (pretty identifiable) it’s good to be cautious (especially these days) but most kids should be able to still seek out appropriate help without causing confusion

 

[sponica]

TY @ Tinkerjo and @sponica.

I will continue to think through my approach.
Our trip will be a surprise, so I’m considering discussing the “ground rules” on the airplane, and the coloring book idea mentioned in an earlier post is fantastic. ( I have no artistic skills but I’m sure Google can help me find something?)

Maybe CM’s 101 could be a part of our Park Day 1 orientation? Show a few examples of where to locate a CM by walking to a store? We could politely ask a CM to take a moment to show the boys their uniform and badge/name tag while we explain what to look for? We could also show them our phone number listed on the back of their 1st Time Visitor Buttons?

I wouldn’t want to take up too much of their time, and I don’t want to over dramatize things... But a very close childhood friend was abducted when we were 16 on the way to school. It’s been nearly 20 years and we still have not found her. Needless to say, I realize I have sensitivities about the subject.

Just trying to be prepared.

I've lost track of who has what age kids in this thread...the challenge with the cast member costume is that it can change based on where they are stationed, so if you show the kids the main street area cast member and they get lost near space mountain and are fixated on finding someone with a main street costume, it might not help. You really just want to look for the cast member badge. There are cast members everywhere. Ride lines, stores, food service, kiosks, etc.

 

[OliviaB]

You really just want to look for the cast member badge. There are cast members everywhere. Ride lines, stores, food service, kiosks, etc.

Thank you.