What do you do with early morning risers?

[rjthkids]

I sort of ended up asking this question on a theme park related question around EMH hours in the morning.

My kids are up between five am and five thirty am on most days. Rarely, they will sleep in until six a.m. Usually, they are dressed, pressed, fed, and ready to go by six/six thirty in the morning.

Does any have recommendations of some fun early morning things to do with a four year old and a 17 month old early in the morning? Without EMH, parks don't open until 9:00 am which really leaves us without stuff to do at their "best" time of day. By four o'clock in the afternoon is when they are ready for wind down and they're in bed between 6:30/7:00 at night. So, we really need to gear ourselves towards exciting/stimulating morning activities and slow ourselves down as the day wears on.

Any suggestions?

 

[indigoxtreme]

Are you stayong on site? When are you going? Most of the hotels like POR and POFQ have some beautiful landscape etc. The playgrounds and the pool areas. Take them for an early breakfast and sit by the pool read to them there and just love the quiet time with them. A lot of nature is out at this time in the morning. Take a few mintues and listen to nature. See what they can hear and help them to learn what is making the sounds.

 

[shaylahc]

How about visiting the pool? My kids are early risers, too, but it takes us a lot longer to get going in the morning. We were at the Pop a few weeks ago and one morning at 7:30 we had the pool all to ourselves We also have snacks handy and encourage the kids to watch some cartoons while we get ready. I don't think you'll have too much trouble finding things to do....the time it takes to get 2 parents and 2 small children fed, bathed and dressed, plus add in travel time to the parks, you may find it's not too early at all!

ETA that if you plan on keeping your kids up later to see the fireworks, etc, they may actually sleep in later because they will be worn out.

 

[8 Ears]

We allow an hour from when we leave the resort to when we are in the park. That is plenty even on site, so maybe a good 30-45 minutes. WE have one that is an early riser as well but he was mighty pooped the whole time.

Have them watch some TV while you get ready. Tons of cartoons on and Disney this and that on many channels.

I agree with other posters, enjoy your hotel while others are still snoozing. Take a walk around, how about a game or 2 in the arcade? Take the long way getting there.

Time will fly Have a great trip!!

 

[jennymouse]

I'd take them for an early breakfast then catch the first bus to the park. If you're one of the first at the turnstiles you might even get lucky to be asked to open the park! That happened to us at MK one time when we got there way too early!lol

 

[SqueakyMouse]

The 2 younger children and I have breakfast, swim, and play at the playground while dh and older ds sleep. It works well for all.

 

[kangaand2roos]

-schedule an early character breakfast near or inside of whichever park you plan on visiting that day, then be at or in the park right at opening.

-find some ducks to feed. Many resorts have them and kids love feeding them!

-just enjoy BEING at Disney!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Turn on the Disney channel and squeeze some extra room time in the A.m.

My girls are early risers---but there about 6am. We don't have Disney channel at home--so this is a treat for them .

 

[speakupjc]

Do an early character breakfast, go to the petting zoo and stable in Fort Wilderness.