Scariest Moment of my life: Losing my kid at Disneyland Resort

[letthembelittle]

Thank you for the reminder! We do have those tattoos that you can write on, and while my 8 + 6 year olds know my number my 4 + 2 year olds don't. And that littlest one of ours is an adventurous little soul so she will be a handful to watch!

I disagree a little about not touching a lost child, I have taught my kids to either find a worker or a mommy with kids if they loose me, because as a mommy I will certainly take care of your child until we find a worker to take over. I have helped find a few lost parents in local stores but since I was just with my little kids we had to move our new lost friend to get help from employees. In all the cases I have held our new little lost friend's hand gently as they are usually crying and upset, its what a nice person should do. I get that in this world of crazy people it might not be politically correct to touch another persons child but a scared child needs to know that there are still good grown up human beings. I could never just watch a child struggle to find help, to me that would be like watching a drowning person but not jumping in to save them if you could. Be a good human and help if you see a lost little one.

 

[Mousequake]

I would certainly love to do that last thing about being a good human, but these threads always seem to warn me that I can't approach a lost child in any way since I'm a guy, never mind the fact that I have cared for my daughter as a stay-at-home dad since the day she came home from the hospital, that I volunteer several days a week at her kindergarten, and that I've babysat for numerous kids over the years. I have literally had people tell me here they would specifically tell their lost children not to approach dads with children if lost at Disneyland.

This isn't specifically addressed at you, letthembelittle. Just a general comment.

 

[cmwade77]

I would certainly love to do that last thing about being a good human, but these threads always seem to warn me that I can't approach a lost child in any way since I'm a guy, never mind the fact that I have cared for my daughter as a stay-at-home dad since the day she came home from the hospital, that I volunteer several days a week at her kindergarten, and that I've babysat for numerous kids over the years. I have literally had people tell me here they would specifically tell their lost children not to approach dads with children if lost at Disneyland.

This isn't specifically addressed at you, letthembelittle. Just a general comment.

That's very sad that people do things like that. It may not be the lifestyle for me, but I wouldn't tell my kids not to approach you because of it.

Of course at the parks, the easiest thing to do is teach them how to tell who a CM is, as they will do all that they can to help.

 

[Mousequake]

That's very sad that people do things like that. It may not be the lifestyle for me, but I wouldn't tell my kids not to approach you because of it.

Of course at the parks, the easiest thing to do is teach them how to tell who a CM is, as they will do all that they can to help.

Thanks!

Approaching a CM is definitely the way to go, but I also tell my daughter that if she can't find a CM (which is INCREDIBLY unlikely at DL), the next person she should look to for help is a parent with children. I've worked hard to instill in her that dads are in no way inferior to moms as parents and primary caregivers since she gest that message from so many other sources, so it would go against that if I told her to only look for a mom with kids. Yes, I know that statistically, moms are a bit safer. But given 1) the incredibly small chance that she couldn't find a cast member, 2) the incredibly small statistical chance that a dad *with children* at DL was dangerous, and 3) the beliefs I'm trying to instill in her concerning moms and dads being equal, that is absolutely a risk I'm willing to take.

 

[letthembelittle]

Thanks!

Approaching a CM is definitely the way to go, but I also tell my daughter that if she can't find a CM (which is INCREDIBLY unlikely at DL), the next person she should look to for help is a parent with children. I've worked hard to instill in her that dads are in no way inferior to moms as parents and primary caregivers since she gest that message from so many other sources, so it would go against that if I told her to only look for a mom with kids. Yes, I know that statistically, moms are a bit safer. But given 1) the incredibly small chance that she couldn't find a cast member, 2) the incredibly small statistical chance that a dad *with children* at DL was dangerous, and 3) the beliefs I'm trying to instill in her concerning moms and dads being equal, that is absolutely a risk I'm willing to take.

Agreed and no offense taken, I would want someone to help my child if they were lost no just stand back and watch or leave the area to find help leaving the child behind. Go you for being an amazing father, those of us with husbands like you are SO LUCKY!!!

 

[Barry Browning]

Well you aren't alone.Lost my son in DL once and hey he grew up and works as a CM in CA next door.I also managed to leave a $400 video camera in toon town on a bench and a cart CM salvaged by vacation and had it when I came back a bit later.Oh yeah we left my fanny pack and wife's purse in the webing in the Indy cars.SH#$ happens.It isn't a perfect world. I am glad it worked out ok for you all.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I would certainly love to do that last thing about being a good human, but these threads always seem to warn me that I can't approach a lost child in any way since I'm a guy, never mind the fact that I have cared for my daughter as a stay-at-home dad since the day she came home from the hospital, that I volunteer several days a week at her kindergarten, and that I've babysat for numerous kids over the years. I have literally had people tell me here they would specifically tell their lost children not to approach dads with children if lost at Disneyland.

This isn't specifically addressed at you, letthembelittle. Just a general comment.

I'm a single guy and HATE that if I see a lost kid I can't help without it being suspicious. I understand why, but I hate it.

Leaving for work a couple years ago I saw one of my neighborhood kids crash her bike, she was probably 5 or 6, and was crying hysterically and no one else was around. I didn't know what to do, didn't know which house was hers, and as a single guy I didn't think it was appropriate to approach her. I ended up going to my neighbors house (who is a sweet grandma ) and told her, she went out and comforted her, found out where she lived and walked her home. It's been a few years and it still bothers me that I left a little kid crying on the sidewalk as I looked for someone else to help her because as a single guy I was terrified people would get the wrong impression.

OP, glad you found your little one with no harm.

 

[cmwade77]

I'm a single guy and HATE that if I see a lost kid I can't help without it being suspicious. I understand why, but I hate it.

Leaving for work a couple years ago I saw one of my neighborhood kids crash her bike, she was probably 5 or 6, and was crying hysterically and no one else was around. I didn't know what to do, didn't know which house was hers, and as a single guy I didn't think it was appropriate to approach her. I ended up going to my neighbors house (who is a sweet grandma ) and told her, she went out and comforted her, found out where she lived and walked her home. It's been a few years and it still bothers me that I left a little kid crying on the sidewalk as I looked for someone else to help her because as a single guy I was terrified people would get the wrong impression.

OP, glad you found your little one with no harm.

My thought is this, I don't think you should care if people get the wrong impression. That's their problem, you ate trying to do the right thing and that's what matters.

I think those that have been convicted of crimes against children shouldn't be approaching them, but otherwise, I don't care if you are single, married, male, female, straight, gay, etc. If it were my child, I would want you to help, especially if Noone else is around.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

I will say I was very impressed with the Cast Members inside Disneyland. A Cast Member told me that she has often had to escort children to the Lost kids area in Disneyland. And the employees at this Downtown Disney store DID try to help. It was frustrating because they just seemed a bit lackadaisical about the whole issue. I am sure this may happen regularly to them. And most children are found quickly, such as mine.

I'm sure they weren't "Lackadaisical" in their own minds. As you've mentioned and it's been touched on, the Cast Members have their protocols and plans of action. If you, as a concerned and probably already freaked out parent, went to a Cast Member for help and they started freaking out as well, it would only serve to escalate the situation. By staying calm and following exactly what they've been taught to do they were probably trying to lessen if not diffuse the tension of the situation. I'm sure they were concerned for you and your child, but they had to keep even heads for you.

 

[jason41483]

Thanks!

Approaching a CM is definitely the way to go, but I also tell my daughter that if she can't find a CM (which is INCREDIBLY unlikely at DL)

Considering DLR's max capacity is around 85,000, and they staff around 10,000 during high peak times (like holiday), this means there is 1 cast member for every 8 people in the park. If you lose your child, those are pretty good ratios!

 

[jazzkitten]

So glad you found your son pretty quickly. What a nightmare!!

Just wanted to share that I saw two machines near the pin shop in Downtown Disney (by the Monorail station) that make personalized metal ID tags (like dog tags). I think they are meant for luggage or other personal items, but I'm sure you could attach them on a child's bracelet, necklace, or belt loop. They come in different Disney-themed shapes. Thought this would be perfect for parents of young children!

 

[larina]

That's very sad that people do things like that. It may not be the lifestyle for me, but I wouldn't tell my kids not to approach you because of it...

What lifestyle? Stay at home dad? I'm so confused.

Thanks!

Approaching a CM is definitely the way to go, but I also tell my daughter that if she can't find a CM (which is INCREDIBLY unlikely at DL), the next person she should look to for help is a parent with children. I've worked hard to instill in her that dads are in no way inferior to moms as parents and primary caregivers since she gest that message from so many other sources, so it would go against that if I told her to only look for a mom with kids. Yes, I know that statistically, moms are a bit safer. But given 1) the incredibly small chance that she couldn't find a cast member, 2) the incredibly small statistical chance that a dad *with children* at DL was dangerous, and 3) the beliefs I'm trying to instill in her concerning moms and dads being equal, that is absolutely a risk I'm willing to take.

Yay! I could not agree more.

My thought is this, I don't think you should care if people get the wrong impression. That's their problem, you ate trying to do the right thing and that's what matters.

I think those that have been convicted of crimes against children shouldn't be approaching them, but otherwise, I don't care if you are single, married, male, female, straight, gay, etc. If it were my child, I would want you to help, especially if Noone else is around.

Yes! It's sad that we live in a world where a decent man feels he can't approach a hurt child because he could be accused of wrongdoing. It's ridiculous, really!

 

[LilPiratesMommy]

I didn't read all the replies but I totally understand I've been a parent of an older child that has had something happen and it's terrifying. But a few ideas carry a sharpie and write your number on their arm. Also. My son has epilepsy and I found the these velcro I'd bracket where you slide a pice of paper with info on it. Look on amazon.

 

[coaches24]

I know the feeling. In June I took my then 4 yo for one day to the parks. We went and saw the disney Jr show because DD just had to see Sofia and Doc in the show. She had brought her "kittie" with her to carry around and accidentally left it in the theater. We didnt realize it till we were outside and to the stroller with a huge crowd around us. As soon as she realized she had forgotton "kittie" she took off like a dart through the crowd to run back where she left it. I tried to catch her but couldnt get through the crowd as well as she could. I thought I was close behind though but when I got to the doors the Disney Jr theater she was no where to be seen. I looked around and started calling her name but didnt see her. Luckily after only a couple of very terrifying minutes a woman heard me calling for hre and asked me if she was a little blonde girl and I said yes. A family had seen my daughter looking for me where she lost me and kept her there right near the theater on the side of the building. Cant tell you the feeling of relief I felt to find her.

 

[southlake]

I do not work for Mabel's Labels but I bought these for my daughter on our first trip to DL in 2012. She wore them every time we visited. I didn't put them on her this year when we just went in 2013 as she now knows her first & last name, our first and last names, and her city, but I am going to put them on again next time.

http://www.mabelslabels.com/category/My+411+ID+Wristbands

 

[Mjmdiva]

I do not work for Mabel's Labels but I bought these for my daughter on our first trip to DL in 2012. She wore them every time we visited. I didn't put them on her this year when we just went in 2013 as she now knows her first & last name, our first and last names, and her city, but I am going to put them on again next time. http://www.mabelslabels.com/category/My+411+ID+Wristbands

Great idea!

 

[disneylove69]

You don't want name announced as this can help child predators. Do know what your child's shoes look like. Child predators will take child to bathroom and change clothes and hair but not likely shoes. We always have parents stand by door as you know your child best. It can ve scary but trying to remain calm is best thing any parent can do nothing is harder then trying to get information from a panic parent.

 

[marmur1]

How scary! As a new-ish mom (2 yo), this is one of my biggest fears. I'm so glad this had a happy ending!

I do not work for Mabel's Labels but I bought these for my daughter on our first trip to DL in 2012.

These are a great idea! I may do this for our next Disneyland trip. I just ordered a shoe ID from Road ID for my daughter (which I've used before while running), but love the idea of the wristband, too!

 

[audrey2580]

Glad to hear it work out.