Soothing the Screamers

Lesley Sawhook shares tips for letting the magic happen

- Lesley Sawhook, February 4, 2011

When walking through the Happiest Place on Earth, sometimes you hear ... screaming.

For example:

I've seen children scream as their parents drag them to places where they don't want to go. The angry parents scream back: "I paid too much for this vacation to hear you throwing a fit!". Then, having finally made it to Tower of Terror, the children scream again when they realize with fear what's in store for them, and the angry parents scream back: "We HAVE to ride this ride!".

I don't know about you, but as a parent of two young children, that is not the memory I want them to have of our Disney World family vacation.

As parents, what can we do to make our children love Disney as much as we do?

Happiest Tip: Take It Easy!

My advice: take it easy. Don't go commando.

I realize you spent a lot of money on this vacation and you have a mile-long list of rides and attractions that each member of your family wants to see, but I suggest making a daily 'must do' list.

Each morning, perhaps while you're waiting for the bus or grabbing a quick breakfast, look over the park map with your family and let each person pick the number one thing they want to do that day.

Make it a priority to get it done.

Then determine which rides you should head for right away and which you should postpone until you've gotten Fast Passes.

For example, if your daughter wants to ride Dumbo, waiting until noon is not a good idea - go immediately to Fantasyland and get it done right away because that ride doesn't offer Fast Passes. If your son wants to ride Space Mountain, however, then a Fast Pass is a great idea.

Happiest Tip: Designate a Runner!

Don't drag your entire family as you trek through the park picking up Fast Passes. If you do, you'll have tired and cranky children on your hands very quickly. Instead, designate one family member as a 'runner', give him ('him' because it's often Dad!) all your park passes, and promise to meet him at the next scheduled attraction. While the runner is away, the rest of the family can relax a bit, have a snack or drink break, maybe hit the restrooms, or hop on a ride the runner doesn't enjoy.

Happiest Tip: Do the Parent Swap!

If your children are scared of a ride, don't force them on it or you'll traumatize them for the entire trip. Have a back-up plan. For example, if you're in line for the Haunted Mansion and your child starts to cry, decide in advance which adult will skip the ride and take the kid for ice cream. Use Disney's parent swap option so the entire family doesn't miss out on what they want to do just because one member of the group isn't tall enough or brave enough to ride.

Happiest Tip: Make the Memory Happen!

We've been to Disney countless times and we still haven't seen it all. You will not see everything, either. It's impossible. Don't even try it. Instead, relax - take the time to see what you really want to see and don't worry about falling behind on your 'schedule'. Don't skip a meet 'n greet with your child's favorite character just because the line is long and you're rushing somewhere else: make the memory happen. Let your children trade pins, get autographs, enjoy a Mickey bar, see the fireworks, and do whatever they want to do.

Isn't that what going to Disney World as a family is ALL about?

Lesley's Exclusive Food & Wine Festival Vacation Deal

The Happiest Tips on Earth can only get you partway to the Happiest Place on Earth. For the rest, you need Destination Magic. Drop Lesley a line and see what magic she can make for you when you're planning your next Disney trip!

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