Scared of Getting Lost

[janeofthejungle515]

I'm 9 and my family is planning a trip in December to WDW. I'm really scared of getting separated from them because the place is so huge!!!!!!! Does anyone know any ways of not getting lost or what I should do?

 

[tinkandme]

Hi Janeofthejungle515,

Thats a great question!
Make sure every one in your family has there own map
of the park. When you arrive at the park talk with your family and set a meeting place somewhere in the park usually near the exit/entrance is a good place. So if any one gets seperated they can return to the exit/entrance. You can always ask a cast member for help, they are very helpful for finding lost parents. Another idea is a two-way radio to communicate with other members of your family, so If you are seperated from your family, you can describe to them where you are and whats around you.

hope this helps!

Tinkandme

 

[Melika77]

HI! When we went to WDW as afamily in 1999, we all tried to wear similar colors. For example, one day wear shades of red another wear shades of blue...etc. This may help in family identification. Also bring ponchos from home that are all the same color. Make sure they are not yellow! Disney only sells yellow ponchos...

Hope this helps!

Melissa

Contemporary 1984
Offsite 1988
DxL 1997
DxL 1999
DxL 2000
PO Aug. 2001

 

[vicb]

Hi Jane,

I have a 9 year old daughter and we've been to Disney, Six Flags and Kings Island in recent years. Sometimes we hold hands in really crowded areas just to be sure. My daughter knows if we get separated to talk to a park employee. Usually they will escort you to an aide station where your parents can meet up with you (this has never happened to her but is good to know).

I think just the fact that you are already aware of this issue will make it pretty unlikely you will be lost from your family! Just be aware of each other and have a blast!

 

[catwho]

You seem very mature to be concerned about getting lost in a large crowd. I'm a mom of three kids (and one your age) and we have yet to loose one, but it is something we think about every trip. Our first rule is that we stay together. That includes Mom and Dad. Sometimes I'll pop into a shop that has little breakable things, but only if Dad knows and has something planned for the kids (like the kidstations at Epcot) Also, our kids know if they do get seperated from us that they just have to ask any CM (cast member) to take them to the Baby Center. Our 9 yo knows how to get there in all the parks by herself.
If you have younger siblings, talk to your parents about putting bells on their shoes. We do this with our 3 yo and 6 yo. We always know if they lag behind and can find them quickly if they do get seperated from us. (We use different shaped bells for each kid) And the suggestion about wearing similar colors is a good one too. And the CM's notice those things too. We were called the Red Family all day on our last trip (which is funny because our name sounds almost like Red - my dh wanted to know how they knew our last name! )

Get a map that is all your own. Circle the Baby Center and if you get seperated you can show someone the last place you saw your parents. They may be able to locate them before you have to trek *all the way* to the baby center (which can be quite a hike in the parks). If your family is taking or renting a stroller you could also tie a balloon onto the stroller so you can see it above the crowds.

But my best suggestion is my first. Just stay with your family. Maybe even do a "buddy system" so that everywhere you go you are with your "buddy"

 

[RumpleMom]

You have received really good suggestions so far. I would add that each morning take a good look at the clothes everyone in your family is wearing and remember the colors. Also be sure you know the name of the resort where your family is staying. When my DD was little we pinned a resort pin to her clothes in case she was too upset to remember. It's always a good idea to hold hands in a crowd- our whole family does. I take recent pictures of our entire family in my fanny pack. It is unlikely you will be separated from your family, but if you lose sight of them for a minute, stop, look around and stay calm. I guarantee your parents will be more upset and scared than you.

 

[holycow]

everyone has given you wonderful advice! I just wanted to add that when you get to the parks have your parents pick a meeting place if someone does happen to get separated from your group. Also have your parents point out the cast members so you know who to go to in case you do get separated.

My son became separated from us one time. He told a cast member and they took him to the lost children place. They had movies playing and he said everyone was so nice. They even gave him 2 fast passes so he could ride his favorite ride. Relax and have fun!
Lisa

 

[wendyww]

We have motorola walkie talkies. We use them on all vacations. I think they have a range of 2 miles.

 

[mummajea]

Here are some things that might also help.

If you are staying on site you can request a key card just like the one mom and dad gets. They can have Activated or not it is up to them. But what is nice is that it has their name on it and where you are staying. Sometimes when you are upset you might forget these things, so it is a good reminder.

We always pick easy to find and uncrowded places to meet if we get seperated. Cinderalla's fountain by the castle is good. It is not very crowded by it so it is easy to spot others, compared to places say on Main street or the front of the park. Unfortunately though it is now a designated smoking area so it can really be stinky!!!

The one rule we have for our DD is if she does loose sight of us she is to plant her feet in the ground, grab onto something like a post or fence and sream at the top of her lungs for us. And not mom or dad, but our names!!

The worst thing really is to run around trying to find your parents. They could be looking for yu and you each keep missing each other. Have a rule. You stay put for say five minutes. Then you go to the meeting place. If know one shows up in say 15 minutes, you go to the lost parent center, or find a cast member to help you. Never go anywhere except with the cast member.


Most importantly let others in your group know you are concerned about getting spereated. that way everyone can work together to stay together.

 

[kristikae]

These are all great suggestions. If you should happen to get lost, don't worry! The CM's are great. I got separated from my family when I was young (I think it was in 1972) at Disneyland. The CM's took care of me and even gave me an ice cream cone!