Following the Leader: Advice for Parents

"Following the leader, the leader, the leader

We're following the leader wherever he may go" - Peter Pan

Kind of a funny movie to reference when talking about parents at Disney considering these kids never want to grow up right? Wrong. You have to think like a kid, or even be a kid at heart in order to truly understand kids at Disney.

There are a few frequent problems parents run into at Disney that this section hopes to clear up for those traveling with little princesses or pirates. The whole point of this is to lead by example; the example of the kids at heart. So let's follow the leader and have some fun!

My biggest piece of advice stems from the 20+ years I have spent at the park. I can't tell you enough how many times I have seen parents force their children on a ride that they were too scared or nervous to ride. I have seen kids cry, scream, melt down, and not enjoy the ride that they were forced on to, which is no fun for anyone.

You never want to scare a kid at Disney nor do you ever want to force a kid to do something that you want to do that they don't. Save yourself the tears, the melt downs, and the guilt and take this biggest piece of advice: use rider swap (also known as parent swap). Rider swap is available in all 4 theme parks in Florida.

What is Rider Swap you might ask? Rider Swap is ideal for guest travelling with kids who are "too small to ride" or who don't want to ride. Guests take turns waiting with the young princesses and pirates and then "swap" with another adult from their party to experience the ride without waiting in line twice. You will have to tell a Cast Member that you would like to do Rider Swap before you get on the ride. This will definitely reduce tears, melt downs, and guilt.

I always am/always was a giant chicken and that chicken in me wasn't always consistent. Sometimes I would want to go on the Haunted Mansion, sometimes I didn't. Rider Swap came in handy when all of a sudden I was afraid to ride the Haunted Mansion and when I really did not want to ride Splash Mountain or Tower of Terror. My parents never forced me to ride anything I did not want to ride and I am so grateful for that, especially since even today, I see parents forcing their kids on rides. Parents, let your child decide what he or she wants to do. With Rider Swap you won't have to wait any longer or have to get in line again and you and your party will be much happier.Always ask a Cast Member at the attraction about Rider Swap and any other options to ensure a good time for all.

On the topic of Rider Swap, it is always a good idea to your research on height requirements for your little ones. There are many fun rides that have height requirements that your little princess or pirate may want to ride, but are maybe not tall enough to ride yet. I would suggest doing a little research about the rides at Disney with the minimum height requirements in mind before your trip. This may mean either waiting another year for that growth spurt or just enjoying the many rides and shows without height requirements. Usually the minimum height for most "thrill rides" is between 40-48".

For some more information regarding height restrictions, these websites are very helpful:
Disney World Height Restrictions: http://www.orlandowelcomecenter.com/disney-height-requirements.htm

Next piece of advice when travelling with little princesses and pirates is utilize the lockers at the Disney Parks. You know you bring a lot of stuff with you such as snacks, jackets, umbrellas, diapers, etc. and your shoulders and backpacks can only take so much. You can always rent a locker for the day and put in those souvenirs you acquire throughout the day in them or take out whatever you need whenever you need it. It is super easy and super affordable. Just look on your maps or for this sign and your shoulders and back will thank you later.

The next piece of advice might throw your mind into a tizzy but when travelling with little ones it is always important to discuss what happens if you and your kids get separated at any point during the day. This is something that my parents always discussed on every bus, car, or monorail ride before we ever set foot in the parks. They would say, "now if we ever get separated, where do we meet?" My sister and I would always respond with a predetermined location for which ever park we were at that day. So that is the next piece of advice: determine a place to meet if you ever get separated for whichever park you will be visiting that day. Of course, if your child does get separated and you didn't pick a spot, make sure your child tells a Cast Member they are lost. They will bring them to one of the lost children locations such as the one in the picture. Just remember, if you are scared, your princess or pirate will be just as scared or even more so than you. While this is unpleasant to talk about, it is important to talk to your kids about getting separated or lost. Make sure they know that Cast Members are friendly, nice, and will be able to find you as quickly as possible.

Let's say that you and the other adults in your party want a night out in the parks, at a restaurant, a tour, or nightclub and you are travelling with kids who are too young to join in the fun. Have no fear! I have the perfect piece of advice especially for those who are at the Walt Disney World Resort. Have you ever heard of the Neverland Club? It is a kid-only indoor playground complete with dinner straight out of the Peter Pan movie. Did I mention that the kids are supervised the ENTIRE time? From experience, I went to the Neverland Club as a kid and my only problem is that I am too old to go back. I had so much fun there and met some great kids. Just walk through the window and your child will be transported to Peter Pan's favorite kid-only get-a-way.

Photo advice: There are a lot of great picture opportunities at the Disney Parks noted by many signs or even family tradition. But if there is one picture I wished my parents took was the first time I saw Cinderella's Castle. So in my opinion, if there is one picture that is a must, it is your child's reaction to Cinderella's Castle. While everyone in your party is staring in awe, look at your child and capture the moment. That, and of course you need your child's reaction to meeting their favorite character.
If you need more help trying to figure out the must-have pictures from your disney vacation visit: http://www.travelhyper.com/2011/11/photo-friday-must-take-disney-shots/
Don't forget to get those silly and random moments as well; those make extra special memories.

I would also suggest looking into family tours. I went on a great tour with my family (the family magic tour) about a hidden mickey search that had an extra special surprise. I won't spoil the surprise, but this is the one tour I will never forget and I am so grateful we have those pictures to remember it by. Remember to look at the age requirements for tours before booking.
Disney World Tours: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/

The last piece of handy-dandy advice is to be flexible and know your child's limits. While I did mention that it was important to plan your day to make sure you see what you want to see, it is also most important to know your child's limits and to be flexible with that schedule. Those little feet can only take so much walking and standing in line as well as handle so much activity and sights during the day. To avoid this do research on stroller rentals so your little one's feet don't have to suffer. Information about stroller rentals can be found here:http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/stroller-rentals/

Also, use fastpass to reduce wait-times in line for those rides that have long waits. No need to wait hours and have the little one's feet hurt more than they have to.

Also consider taking swimming/nap breaks during the afternoon so everyone can relax and recharge. Remember you cannot possibly see or do EVERYTHING the Disney Parks have to offer. Remember it is better to take breaks and miss one or two rides than have a full on tantrum in the middle of the day. Plus, with so many great swimming pools and other goodies the resort has to offer, breaks can be just as fun as running around in the theme parks. This is not to say you can't do everything you and your children want to do at the Disney Parks. I suggest you make a list of your top priorities for your park experiences, and start at the top to ensure you don't miss any rides or sites that are truly important to you and your children. I suggest looking at maps before you leave so you and your kids can plan those must-do rides and activities.
Disney World Maps: http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/

These are just some helpful hints when travelling with young princesses and pirates. Enjoy the memories you will all share together and never forget!