What your #1 Tip for travelling with kids to WDW?

[Ash aka sky]

We have all heard the usual tips... tying ballons to strollers etc! but what is your number one tip to share with other parents?

Mine... if your travelling with a baby who is using bottles or kids with sippy cups, before you go buy a box of Dawn wash & toss dish cloths, cut each cloth up into 6 or 8 pieces, carry a few of the pieces in a baggy to the parks then use them to wash the bottles/cups. Stops them from smelling and makes them reuable so you don't have to carry as many bottles.

Anyone one else got a tip to share?

 

[MissMagnolia]

Don't force an afraid child on a ride they obviously are terrified of going on. All it does is stress you out, them out and make for a not-so-fun experience.

In terms of a positive, I would bring disposable bibs with me. They were a life-saver (or should I say "clothes-saver").

 

[Laurabearz]

Leave BEFORE the meltdowns....

 

[Plantlady]

Tell your kids they get souviners on the LAST day. That cuts out the "I want THAT!" as you go through all of the gift shops. They stop and think about what they want.

 

[PollyannaMom]

My number one tip is not to push them too hard.

Make sure you do the one thing that is most important to each person in your group, but don't feel you have to do everything to get your money's worth. (I've heard it expressed as "Have your fun.") There is so much there, there is not time to do absolutely everything in a normal vacation anyway.

 

[Dancin Desert]

#1 Tip? Relax ... you're on vacation ... not a mission.

(Next time ... I think I'll actually FOLLOW my advice. )

 

[DisneyMama2H&O]

We have all heard the usual tips... tying ballons to strollers etc! but what is your number one tip to share with other parents?

Mine... if your travelling with a baby who is using bottles or kids with sippy cups, before you go buy a box of Dawn wash & toss dish cloths, cut each cloth up into 6 or 8 pieces, carry a few of the pieces in a baggy to the parks then use them to wash the bottles/cups. Stops them from smelling and makes them reuable so you don't have to carry as many bottles.

Anyone one else got a tip to share?

Thanks for this tip. I have the Dawn wash & toss' packed already. Great idea to bring them to the parks. I will definitely do this.

 

[allaboutmm]

If your there when the weather is really hot, in the morning fill a ziplock bag with ice, and put a face cloth in it. Bring it to the parks with you. Later when your starting to get hot, refresh w/ the cloth. Even though the ice will be melted, the cloth will feel great on little heads and necks.

Bring small items/toys to make the time pass while waiting in line.Example the small pinball( made out of cardboard-like they might get at the doc/den office)game, small doll -Polly Pocket-w/o all the other stuff that goes w/ it, books.,gum-bubble blowing contest. If your there at night, bring glow stick items.Maybe bring extra items to hand out if you see another child having a hard time. I am sure that other parent will be so thankful as well!!!!!!!!

 

[lovehoney]

Make sure to feed your kids. I'm always forgetting to feed them until it is too late. My DS5 will have meltdowns if he goes four hours without food.
We usually try to have snacks every couple of hours. Nothing big, maybe share a popcorn , icecream or get some fruit.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

Leave BEFORE the meltdowns....

I second this one

 

[sconnell]

Schedule Down-time. (Whether or not your family needs a nap.)
The whole thing can be quite a sensory overload! For some families, going back to the room is necessary, for others, just taking a long sit-down lunch and some quiet shows is good enough.

If you do go back to the room for a break, there is no need to carry as much stuff. Lighten your load and you'll be suprised how much easier it can be!

 

[momandseandodisney]

Don't force an afraid child on a ride they obviously are terrified of going on. All it does is stress you out, them out and make for a not-so-fun experience.

QUOTE]


Totally agree, and it makes for a miserable exper. for others around you!

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Go prepared for a melt down. No matter what you do to try to prevent it, be prepared that WDW is very stimulating to the senses and at some point your child or you will have one. Accept it and move on

 

[Zoemakes5]

I have a couple.

Bring a bottle of bubbles. We use it when waiting for parades, or when someone is getting food at a counter service rest. and the other parent is waiting at the table with all the kiddos.
For toddlers or even early pre-schoolers. Bring a change of clothes in a ziploc bag. Everything from shorts to shirt to underwear and socks. More than once I've needed to make a quick change. Normally from getting wet or dirty or messy from the day or playing in the water or eating. Once from an accident.
I have to ditto the throw-away bibs! I also brought the disposable toddler sized silverware when we went when my little ones were smaller.
I ALWAYS bring a sweatshirt/light jacket. Many times it's just for the hyper-air conditioned rides/shows. (especially after they get wet.) But, it's saved us from a miserable time on numerous occasions.
Bring batteries for the camera!

 

[LaraK]

Figure out a "quiet zone" at each park where you can go for a quickie rest when things are getting tense...a garden or a shaded bench. Also, find places to let the little ones out of the stroller to just run...even though you are walking, they're not. The new playgrounds are a great addition to each park.

I also have a packing tip. Pre-pick outfits if you can. Put each outfit into a zip-lock baggie (including socks, diaper and/or underwear). Then, instead of the debate with your child over which shirt and which pair of pants, they can just pull a full outfit out of the suitcase (and then you can put the dirty clothing right back into the ziplock at the end of the day). This also makes it much easier to throw an extra outfit into the diaper bag.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Go with the flow! DOn't have any plans written in stone. With kids you have to be flexible. Last year the kids (ds5 and dd9), decided they wanted to go to TL again instead of doing AK. They also wanted to stay all day at MK, and not take a break. We have certain things we "want to get done", but since we and the kids have been there so often, we let them make alot of ride decisions! We took breaks every park day but 1 (MK day), and we had a blast. No meltdowns (well...not many, I mean what are you going to do with the husband!!).

 

[diz8297]

I always suggest that first time trippers get the vacation planning video and have the kiddos watch it to see what the characters look like at WDW. They are very different from the cartoons. I also explained to my crew that the characters were big and there weren't any problems. Gotta love those magical moments!!

Phyllis

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

Thanks for this tip. I have the Dawn wash & toss' packed already. Great idea to bring them to the parks. I will definitely do this.

I have looked everywhere where can I find these and are they near the other dish soaps????

 

[Princess1967]

I also have a packing tip. Pre-pick outfits if you can. Put each outfit into a zip-lock baggie (including socks, diaper and/or underwear). Then, instead of the debate with your child over which shirt and which pair of pants, they can just pull a full outfit out of the suitcase (and then you can put the dirty clothing right back into the ziplock at the end of the day). This also makes it much easier to throw an extra outfit into the diaper bag.

This is a terrific tip. Thank you!

My tips would be:

1. Don't assume a child between the ages of 5-7 is ready to walk. It's a lot easier to use a stroller and conserve their energy. Amazing how many more meltdowns you can avoid by this one simple thing, and..

2. Take twice as much money as you think you'll need and twice as few clothes and you should make out just about right! LOL

 

[ObsessedwithWDW]

Schedule Down-time. (Whether or not your family needs a nap.)
The whole thing can be quite a sensory overload! For some families, going back to the room is necessary, for others, just taking a long sit-down lunch and some quiet shows is good enough.

If you do go back to the room for a break, there is no need to carry as much stuff. Lighten your load and you'll be suprised how much easier it can be!

I keep hearing take breaks during the day and as I am making my itinerary it seems like these breaks are more of a 4 hour hassle than anything else??? An hour each way to the resort??? Is it worth it??? I am a NEW MOM so I am not being sarcastic I am honestly asking....thanks