Disclaimer: No children were upset or angry in the above photos. I may or may not have bribed a child with a lollipop to give me a grouchy face. I’ll never tell.
Everyone knows that familiar sound at Disney. I’m not talking about the joy, amazement, and excitement. I’m talking about the screaming, melting down child. You know, when a child is thrashing around crazily and the mom is scrambling to try and get the sweaty, angry child to calm down and the dad is saying “We’re never coming to Disney again if that’s how you act”. Or reverse the roles. Whichever works.
I typically smile and say “There’s a Disney Meltdown!”
We’ve gone to Disney almost every year since I was little and during that time I’ve seen lots of meltdowns. My kids have their moments as well. Here are some tips to help prevent a Disney Meltdown.
*Plan breaks in between rides. During these breaks, you could ride some of the milder things such as It’s a Small World, visit the Hall of Presidents, or Country Bear Jamboree.
*Take breaks often for water and snacks. See my post about feeding your family at Disney without going broke to see what snacks you can take right into the park with you. Many times, the children are hot and dehydrated.
*During the hottest part of the day, consider going back to your hotel for a much needed break. You can return to the park when everyone’s well rested and hydrated. Be willing to drop everything and head back to the hotel. As much money as you paid to get in the park, if no one is having fun, it’s not worth it.
*Don’t stay at the park from open to close if you have small children. That’s the fastest way to burn them out (and yourself as well)
*Plan a day during your trip to sit at the hotel and do nothing but veg, watch tv, and swim.
*Remember to put sunscreen and hats on your child and keep them in the shade as much as possible. The only thing worse than an exhausted toddler is a sunburned exhausted toddler.
*Bring the stroller. Even if you have a 6 year old that walks a mile every day. There will be times your child will want to sit down and there aren’t always places to sit.
*Dress them in comfortable clothes and shoes. Sure, they look cute in their little dress up Disney princess shoes, but after a couple hours (or 20 minutes), they are no longer so fun.
*Be patient with your children. They are most likely completely exhausted and overwhelmed.
Have your children had a Disney Meltdown before? How did you react? Any tips to add, leave a comment.
For more of my Disney posts, click here.
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