Disney with Kids

I do not have kids but I wanted to help out those of you that do to make your Disney memories filled with more magic.  This is all based on some random observations by my Mommy and me during our many runDisney trips.  The following is all about before you even get to a park (although they also apply to while you are at the park).

Have FUN!  Relax and enjoy spending time with your family.  This means talking to your kids, watching their faces as they take in everything around them and pointing things out to them.  This doesn't mean you spend the day checking your smartphone and updating your facebook status.  I cannot tell you how many kids are tugging on their parents shirt and the parent "swats" them away and continues to play with their phone.  Phone can be good though if you have a particularly long wait and give it to your child to play a game while waiting... climbing/swinging on the chains in line is not a good choice.  Pay attention to your kids!
Be a little silly!  Think about it, are you ever going to see these people again?  Probably not. Be a little silly and once in a while take that goofy photo.  Don't be afraid to dance to the parade music or join in the pre-parade activities to keep the littles entertained.

 Be prepared to entertain your kids a little here and there.  Disney has a lot to offer in this aspect but let's be honest, waiting for the bus or the bus ride itself isn't that fun.  Engage in a conversation about what you are going to see or do today.  Play I spy.  Fill out a post card for a family member...Also, waiting for the bus in the morning is not the best time to ignore your child while playing on your phone and sipping your coffee.  Kid full of energy and running around can quickly turn into a screaming child that fell and scraped their knee--delay going to park to get bandages and endure a screaming kid each time you try to put sunblock on them and it stings.

 You are staying on Disney property... take some time to explore the resort.  It has lots of details as well so you can spend the day you get there or the day you are leaving checking it out.  Take some photos as well.  FYI--photos are more fun if you have people you know in them.

 House keeping does a wonderful job making sure you have fresh towels and your room is straightened up while you are out.  Make their job easier by putting away as many of your personal belongings as possible.  Besides, do you really want to come back to your room after an exhausting day at the park to your suitcase mess in the corner (they aren't touching that).  Have your pajamas out before you leave in the am so it makes going to bed easier.  Before bed get out clothes for the next day.

Temptations are everywhere... in the case of food and items your child will want to buy cause, "I need it..."  We've all seen and heard that meltdown.  Buy some Disney items before your trip and give them to your child throughout the trip as rewards for good behavior or to use on the trip.  That over size pen and autograph book or some Disney clothes from the store close to home.  If it has a Disney character on it your child probably isn't going to really care that it didn't come directly from the Park.
Stay tuned for Park info for Disney with Kids.