Tips for Traveling to Walt Disney World With Children

1. Remember, children will enjoy the trip much more if you don't push them to have a good time! To try seeing and doing everything may be a pace you can keep up with, but not any child under age 10.
   
2. Bring a stroller, or be prepared to rent one, for any child age 5 or under - even if their feet hang over the edge and they are a bit too big for it. Who cares, it's better than carrying them! You're not walking around the mall for just a few hours. There is a LOT of walking in all of the theme parks.
   
3. Bring lots of snacks (no chocolate, it melts) for them to munch on in the parks. Have them in zip lock bags, size portioned for your child(ren). Small pint sized bottled water is better than juice boxes. They stay cleaner and it's a lot healthier for them.
   
4. Let them take their own camera. The joy they get out of this is amazing.
   
5. Let them each choose a few must-do's rides for each day. If they don't get on a favorite ride you will hear nothing but grief that they wanted to go do that.
   
6. If a main goal is character autographs try the character meals instead. The lines for autograph seekers can get quite long, taking a big bite out of your "ride time". Why not sit down, and have the characters come to you, while relaxing in the air conditioning and enjoying a good meal.
   
7. If you fly and your child is prone to ear infections make an appointment with your pediatrician a couple days before you leave to check out those ears and make sure they are in A1 shape. If they are iffy, he may give you a prescription to take with you "just in case".
   
8. Never think your children are too young for Walt Disney World. My videos of my 1 year old are priceless. Although she doesn't remember being there WE remember her being there, and she THINKS she remembers being there!
   
9. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen... even on shady days. Little ones have very sensitive skin. A bad sunburn can occur, and be quite uncomfortable for all of you.
   
10. Either early to rise, or late to bed... but not both.
    
11. All Walt Disney World resorts provide Port-A-Cribs and bedrails for anyone in need. If you call guest services they will be delivered to your room.
    
12. If your children are VERY picky eaters, remember, even if not on the menu, any Walt Disney World restaurant will make your child a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
    
13. Don't forget sunglasses for the kids also when you pack your own.
    
14. Whether or not you decide to take your child out of school to go to Walt Disney World is up to you. But if you do, please tell the teacher far enough in advance so you can get the assignments they may need to make up. This saves on having 5 hours of homework to do on the day before you leave, or on the day you return.
    
15. Have your child save some spending money on their own, using some creative ideas to do so. The thrill they get when they can buy whatever they choose (and yes, let them) with their own money is so worth it.
    
16. Hang a countdown chain about a month before you go. Let the kids take off a "link" each night. It's a great way to countdown to your trip to Walt Disney World!