Disney World Parenting Tips

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

26 May 2007 06:58 AM

You may think that parenting is the same at Disney as it is at home. You would be right, but the problem is that a lot of parents focus on leniency as a way of keeping the peace when they are in the heavily crowded areas that comprise the parks. Yes, you may be more lenient when you are at the parks, but don't sacrifice discipline and order just to avoid a whine or a complaint.

Gluttony

Disney World is a great huge invitation for gluttony. After all, there are tons of souvenirs from hats to clothes to toys and costumes and so much more. There are candy shops, ice cream shops and so much that you can spend money on. The prices are pretty steep for some items, a costume purchased at Disney World might cost you $100, but the same costume purchased at home is $30.

Your kids don't know how to be frugal or what items are really worth getting versus what costs a small fortune and aren't worth it. So you need to set firm limits with your children and remind them that no matter how much fun Disney World is and how magical it is, that doesn't mean you can let them run amuck like pirates.

Normal Routines

You are not in your normal routine. Your kids are aware of this. But don't lower your expectations for their ability to be polite, to not scream at you and to listen when you speak. They can't run off just because they see something and they still need to ask when they want something.

Your kids will believe that this vacation is all about them and who wouldn't at Disney World? It's important to remind them firmly that it's a vacation for the whole family and that means everyone has to compromise. Our daughter loved the Magic Kingdom, she would gleefully have gone back to that park every single day.

However, we insisted that she had to give the other parks a chance and she fell in love with Disney-MGM, Epcot and the Animal Kingdom, though we did return to the Magic Kingdom several times.

Don't Be Afraid to Say No

Don't be afraid to tell your child(ren) no. Saying no is important for everyone. I remember one afternoon in the Magic Kingdom, she was tired and angry because she wanted to go back on Splash Mountain and we'd already done it three times, it was time to do something else.

She got mad enough that she was jumping up and down and shouting. We walked her over to a quieter area with benches and we put her in a time out. While I monitored the time out, my husband went to get us some drinks and snacks. After ten minutes, she was calmer and after she ate, she recharged her batteries and she was set to have a good time again.

Keeping your expectations the same whether you are out of town or at home, your children will appreciate it and your family will enjoy the vacation at Disney far more.

Do you maintain your discipline at home and on vacation?

Related Articles:

Switching Off - A Parent's Guide to Riding at Disney Parks

Parker, Pirates & Potter: What A Summer Awaits Us

Pirates & Princess Party Returning This Summer

Disney World: What's the Best Time of Year to Go?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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