I will be posting my Animal Kingdom adventure soon, but I wanted to pass along a few thoughts about visiting theme parks with kids.
- Get there early to avoid riding the tram. While it may be fun, folding and unfolding the stroller is not. If you arrive early you are able to park close enough to the gate to walk.
- If you are going to purchase a souvenir, wait until the end of the day. Most parks have a package service, but why waste valuable theme park time shopping when most of the shops stay open after the park has closed?
- Pack snacks and water. Little bags of cheerios have kept my 2 year old happy while waiting for shows to start.
- Don’t rely on height requirements to decide if your little one should go on certain rides, read the description. There have been a few rides that my children were tall enough to ride but the attraction was so scary it almost ruined our day.
- If you are traveling to Florida in the winter months dress in layers. While you may enter the park with 45 degree weather, by lunchtime it will be 78 and sunny. Dress appropriately or you will melt.
- If your kids are tired take a break. You are there for them. Too many times I have seen parents dragging their tired and crying children through the streets of Disney yelling at them to have a good time.
- Even if your children don’t normally ride in a stroller bring one to the park. Their little legs will tire quickly in these large parks. It is nice to have one and give your kids a break if they get tired.
- Make a vacation budget and stick with it. This is probably the hardest advice to follow because it is easy to be swept up in the magic. If you lack self discipline leave your credit cards at home.
More adventures and photos coming soon!
