Vacationing with young children can be challenging at times. Never fear! We’re here to give you some hacks to hopefully make your travels a little easier so you can slip into vacation mode and thoroughly enjoy your time away from home! The following tips are mostly focused on Walt Disney World, but a lot of these tips can also be used for many other destinations.
1. Water. Take those water bottles into the park. They can quickly and easily be refilled throughout each day. If you can’t find a water fountain or refill station, head to any Quick Service restaurant and ask for a cup of ice water. When we drive to Florida, we take it one step further by bringing a case of water with us and storing it in the freezer in our room. Grab a frozen bottle before heading to the parks every morning!
2. Bring your own snacks. Pack some granola bars, fruit snacks and other small treats for queue line bribery. You’ll save money on snacks when kids are pre-meltdown and have small treats to keep them happy when they need a distraction.
3. Dirty Laundry. Bring a cheap laundry bag and throw it in the resort closet. Dirty clothes aren’t getting mixed up in the suitcase, and you don’t want to just toss them on the floor to be dealt with later. Once you’re packing up to head home, throw the entire laundry bag in an empty suitcase to make it quick and easy to unpack and send to the washer once you arrive home.
4. Schedule your outfits. I know, you rolled your eyes. Stick with us here. Use packing cubes to sort your outfits for each day. It will save so much time in gathering your items for each new day. Also, remember to roll your clothes into the cubes to prevent wrinkles.
5. Portable Charger. Pack a portable charger and your phone cable. Between the My Disney Experience app, the Play Disney Parks mobile app and using your camera, your phone battery will not survive the day. Don’t be the person hunting for an outlet. Throw your phone in your bag with the charger and you’re good to go! Don’t forget to plug the charger in every night!
6. Share Suitcases. Our family of 4 often shares suitcases. Instead of 4 small suitcases, consider packing 2 large ones. It is less hassle, the kids are able to carry their own little tote or backpack, and you have less items cluttering up your resort room.
7. Bed Sharing. Are your kids sharing a bed? Turn them sideways. My 4 year old and 7 year old have more space in a queen bed and have fewer “open” sides when we turn everything sideways. Push a chair or high suitcase against the end of the bed to secure that kiddo and make sure everyone has the EXACT same amount of blanket.
9. Take Note. Grab the resort hotel pad & pen and throw it in your bag. We use them in restaurants to play tic-tac-toe, make mazes, fold origami and more. This helps make the time go by and prevent boredom as you wait for your meals.
9. Don’t Miss Out. Is there an adults-only ride you REALLY want to do? Take turns! Disney offers Child Swap for most rides with height restrictions. Walk up to the kiosk at the entrance and they’ll get you set up. Restaurant you've been wanting to try? Go. Odds are pretty good that they'll have *something* that your tiny humans will eat. Even if it's just fries and carrots.
10. Recycle. I always throw an old cell phone or GoPro in my vacation bag. My kids love taking turns shooting pictures and videos of characters and parades. I absolutely LOVE the point of view they get from their stance. I do not recommend allowing this on rides, and do not hand them anything that you are concerned with becoming broken.
11. Glow Sticks. Stop at your local discount or dollar store and stock up on glow sticks. Once you pull them out during the fireworks you'll be a hero. If you’re feeling generous, have your kiddos give sticks to other kids during the fireworks to spread some magic for other families. We always do this on our cruises.
12. ENJOY. Look at your child’s face. Soak it in. Enjoy your travel partner/spouse/friend/family member. Don’t get caught up in reservations, fast passes and queue line wait times. Look around, take your time and enjoy your vacation!
We hope you have enjoyed! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about traveling with small children or if you'd like our assistance with your next vacation!
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