Vacationing in Disney With Kids

Disney theme parks offer a fun getaway for the whole family.

Disney has two major theme park resorts in the United States: Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. The former was the original--and many believe the best--while the latter hosts more visitors every year. Both are meant for families and children to enjoy (though grown-ups often love them, too), but like any vacation with children, it pays to plan ahead. The unique atmosphere of the Disney parks merits preparation, which will make your vacation much more enjoyable for everyone.

Climate

Both California and Florida see a lot of sun throughout the year--especially in the summer during peak vacation season. Keep your kids protected by putting sunscreen on them at the beginning of the day and giving them broad hats to wear. It can get rainy in Orlando as well, which means an umbrella and/or raincoat for your kids are good ideas. Disney theme parks entail a lot of walking. Make sure your children have comfortable shoes when running around, and bring strollers if appropriate so that the very young can nap while you travel through the park. Disney rents strollers at all of its parks if you don't want to bring your own.

Rides

Disney rides with kids merit two considerations: the length of the line and the appropriateness of the ride itself. Kids can get squirrelly when the line is long, so bring things for them to do such as hand-held games, word puzzles and picture books. Similarly, many rides at Disneyland and Disney World have height requirements, meaning that smaller children can't ride them. Note which ones they are and make your plans accordingly. (Disney parks do have "swap" policies, allowing the whole family to wait in line, then letting adults take turns holding the kids while the other grown-up takes the ride.) Take special note of rides that don't have height requirements but that may be too intense thematically for your kids. The Haunted Mansion, for example, is a slow-moving ride, but it is full of spooky images that may frighten young children.

Safety

Disney has a strong safety record at its parks, but with all of the crowds and stimulation, it pays to think ahead. Set up a central meeting place when you first arrive--an easily visible landmark--and instruct everyone to go there immediately in the event anyone becomes lost. Use wrist tethers or similar devices to keep very young children close at hand. For older kids, invest in walkie talkies or make sure everyone has a cell phone turned on.

References

• Momscape
• Mouse Planet