First off, set a basic and clear outline of the days activities. My kids often become worked up when they know something big is happening, but don't know when and the anticipation kills them. So, for example, tell your little one at breakfast "we will be going to the Magic Kingdom after we eat, and will see some characters, and then will come back for a nap." As the activities start, remind your child about the earlier discussion, and what comes next in the sequence. If you do choose to go back to the resort for a nap, let your child know that you will talk about the rest of the days activities after everyone has had the proper amount of rest, and is ready to go again.
Next, never fail to have enough snacks and water. This may seem far from a novel concept, but as a previous cast member it was shocking to see how many parents drug around their young children who had, had enough and were screaming for food. As we all know, wait time for food at Disney can be a bit daunting, so prepare in advance. Also, it is a good idea to stick to some tried and true healthy snacks from home ( if you're able to pack them, or find something similar at the parks).
Another thing to do is to actually listen to what your child is saying (this works no matter the age - it even can work with newborns). So many times my daughter would become frustrated and angry because she had been mumbling about something that excited her, or that she wanted to see/do and no one heard her. Children at any age are trying to show that they're growing up and can interact with the rest of the family, so let them even if that means taking a few minutes out of the day to sit on a bench and hear them out!
As a former cast member I also strongly encourage any parent to bring a change of clothes for their kids. Some of the rides can make them wet, or they may end up sticky from that Dole Whip or Mickey Bar you all enjoyed. I sure know my children throw a fit if they're uncomfortable, so it's easily avoided popping them into something new before they realize they're wet/sticky/hot/etc.
One of the other tricks I have learned while being at home with my children is that they react in part to how I am acting. As parents, it is easy to let the day show on our faces and in our composure, and in the parks it is also easy to let everything cause us to rush and stress about the experience being perfect. The kids will pick up on all of that, and will react accordingly. So, though it's hard, the best strategy for being in the park with young kids is to take it slowly, enjoy each reaction (even the bad ones - they will be funny later on!), and know that the park will always be there for another visit.
Something else to definitely schedule in on every trip (I will admit that even as an adult I have taken advantage of this) is a nap. Even if you and your child are no longer at a point of feeling they are necessary in day to day life, take a nap! It really helps to break up the day, and can avoid that mid afternoon boiling hot mess of a breakdown. If napping really isn't something you want, then take an hour or two away from the parks for a swim in the pool, or to walk the grounds of your resort. Basically, take a break from the noise and constant movement to amp up the excitement for the evening.
Yet another thing I suggest is having any child that feels they are too old for a stroller out and about to practice walking for longer distances a few months prior to a trip. Most kids have no idea how large the parks are, and swear up and down to their parents that they can walk the whole thing, only to end up crying and begging to be carried. So let them train little by little so that nothing is a shock to their systems.
Finally, remember that your little ones will need comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and maybe a hat to keep themselves healthy and safe. No one is happy with blisters and a sunburn, so come up with a plan of action to avoid them!
I hope these tips help all of you in your next trip, and if anyone has more tips to share please feel free to comment or e-mail them to bibbidibbakemia@gmail.com
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