Let’s just lay it out there, my kids are weird. Based on genetics alone, they didn’t stand much of a chance. While I love most of the weirdness that my sons and daughter dish out, it does present its challenges – especially when traveling. If your children are strange like mine, keep reading as I detail some things we’ve done to make Disney trips more manageable.
Prioritize
Before heading on your vacation, take some time to think about what’s most important to accomplish.
Laying out expectations helps…as well as a fair amount of threatening. Hey, to each his own.
Your priorities might be completely different than mine. Maybe you dream of getting to lounge by the pool each day for an afternoon break. Perhaps your family wants to get as many autographs as possible. My point is simply to take the time to discuss these things before your vacation. That way when it’s noon and you’re headed back to the hotel, you can mitigate broken hearts if your kiddos know they’ll be returning that evening. By letting little ones know that you’re all for filling up those autograph pages, but they may have to wait in a lengthy line or two, they’ll be prepared for the crowds who also want to rub elbows with Anna and Elsa.
Sensory Sensitivities
Realizing that this could be an article in and of itself, in addition to understanding that there are many forms of sensory issues with children, I’ll choose a couple of trip “hacks” that have worked out really well for my family.
First, let me start by saying that, while Disney parks are noisy, bustling landscapes of almost unending sensory overload, they are also the most accommodating locales in the entertainment business. If you have even an inkling that your child might enjoy a visit, but are hesitant because of his/her challenges, I’d encourage you to give Disney a try…REALLY.
My Kate has extreme sensitivity when it comes to loud noises. I’ll spare you the horror stories, and just tell you that a child who starts becoming anxious about that evening’s fireworks show at three o’ clock in the afternoon, with the sun still high in the sky, is no treat. Trust me on this.
Earmuffs have become a lifeline for both Kate and Robin. Loud ride? Earmuffs! Blaring parade music? Earmuffs! Fireworks? Earmuffs, earmuffs, earmuffs!
They could wear them eating green eggs and ham with a fox in a box, and I’d still be proclaiming the joys of earmuffs!
If your children are unsettled by noises, give earmuffs a chance. Even the bathrooms can be too much for some children. I’ve watched little ones in absolute hysterics over the flushing sound from the automatic toilets. You know what might help? Earmuffs!
My next suggestion is for any child that is even moderately responsible, and that is to have each of your kids carry their own backpack. I’m putting this under the sensory heading because my Robin is most closely related to a pilfering raccoon, and must have his stuff with him at all times. This goes beyond a special blanket or lovie, as anyone with a child like this knows.
Whenever we head to the parks, Kate carries a purse, Robin a backpack, and Riley has his pin trading bag. Each of the kids can be responsible for their personal items. This is especially helpful if your family has outgrown a stroller and Dad has no interest in being a pack mule.
Picky Eaters
If there’s one motherly shortcoming I’ll readily admit to, it’s that I wasn’t adventurous enough with introducing my oldest son, Riley, to new foods. He has had significant food allergies all of his life, and instead of being creative with his palate, I was stunted…and now, so is he.
With that said, vacation is no place to try to fix problems you’ve carried with you from home. Not only will this not work well, it’ll actually end badly, with you being shipped to the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine to become Grumpy’s first cousin.
Once again, Disney is more than accommodating. If there’s a particular restaurant you’re interested in, book a reservation. If you’re afraid there’s nothing your child will eat, get creative. We’ve dined at Blue Bayou in Disneyland many times with Riley opting for a side of dirty rice. Speak to your server and ask to order a side item for your little one. I’ve brought in food from quick service locations for my boys, just so my husband and I could enjoy a favorite restaurant. Don’t let dining limitations limit your fun…your child won’t be permanently damaged by eating a la carte orders of dirty rice and French fries for a few days.
I hope these suggestions are helpful with your particular pack. Let me know what works for your family…if nothing else, misery loves company!