Dodge the Meltdowns When Traveling to Disney With Kids 3-6 Years
I am often asked by clients, “Is it a bad idea to take my toddler/preschooler to Disney?” or “Should I wait until my child is older?” As a mom of a newly turned 4 year old, I get it 100%! It can be overwhelming to plan a Disney World trip, but a Disney vacation with kids, especially those between the ages of 3 and 6 years, can make your head spin. In all honesty, these ages are truly the best to visit Disney because at this age they take everything in and they believe in the magic; witnessing that is absolutely magical in and of itself.
Below are my top tips and tricks on how to avoid the chaos and meltdowns so your family can still have the most magical Disney vacation, regardless if your kids are younger!
Tip #1: Airtags
Get your child an Apple Airtag for safety purposes and for peace of mind. AirTags are little round trackers that were originally created by Apple to be used for various items like keys and wallets.
These Apple devices work off of Bluetooth, and an item’s (or child’s) location can be seen on the Find My Apple app. What is awesome is that AirTags’ Bluetooth system will constantly bounce off others’ phones so even if you’re not close to the item you misplaced, you will still be able to see its location.
My family always takes 1 to 2 AirTags with us to Disney (in case one of the airtags dies while we’re there) for my son to wear in the parks. Parents of toddlers and young kids know that their childrens’ new found independence makes these little Disney lovers feel invincible, which may cause them to wander. Although we keep our eyes on our son at ALL times, it gives us peace of mind knowing that he is trackable if anything were to happen. How do I keep an AirTag strapped to my son while at Disney? I have found that the AirTag toddler bracelets work the best and kids tend to keep them on better than the necklaces or AirTag protectors that can clip to clothing/shoes.
Tip #2: Park Bags & Security
If you are going to Disney with kids, there is a good chance that you will go through security with a stroller. What can really slow your family down going through security at each park is your park bag IF you are not utilizing this tip!
To get you and your family cleared by security as quickly as possible, you will want to make sure you have all your park essentials packed into a clear stadium bag. This allows security to see through the bag easily without pulling everything out if the security guard needs to inspect your bag.
Tip #3: Snacks
I cannot stress this enough… Take all the snacks!
There is no such thing as too many snacks, especially if your family is trying to save money in the parks. Our bag usually has some fruit, veggies, Disney gummy snacks, beef jerky, crackers, squeeze pouches, and a few of my son’s favorite sweets (Sour Patch Kids and Oreos). Bringing a good selection of snacks will save $7+ dollars on snacks at quick service restaurants every few hours because, let’s be honest….kids play the greatest hits of “I am so hungry” every hour or two.
Tip #4: Refillable Bottle & Juice
It is extremely helpful and cost efficient to bring a refillable bottle for each child, as well as a few bottles of water (you will use these bottles of water to refill your childrens’ bottle) in a small cooler. Our family’s favorite refillable bottle is hands down Yeti’s kids cup because they are so durable and keep our son’s drinks cold literally all day long, even in 90+℉ weather. Even the adults get a Yeti bottle for themselves (we have both the 36 and 46 oz bottles and love them both).
Tip #5: Pack a First Aid Kit
I think we can all agree when I say that toddlers and younger kids tend to be clumsy. If there is something to trip over or run into…they will find it. This is where having a small first aid kit packed in your park bag will come in handy. Bandaids and the foaming spray Neosporin will become your best friend because it will save you from having to truck across the park to the First Aid Center just to get a small bandaid for a skinned knee or elbow.
Take Away
Taking your kids, especially when they’re between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, is something you will remember for the rest of your life. From attractions, parades, fireworks, character meet and greets, shows, and magical extras, watching your littles experience all that Disney has to offer will have you believing in magic again. Every age is the perfect age to visit Disney World, even if you are an adult (wink wink!).
Keeping realistic expectations and following these tips and tricks will help your family have a Disney vacation that has minimal meltdowns and will help keep you from becoming overwhelmed and stressed out the entire trip.
Did you know when you book your next vacation with me you get access to all the tips and tricks I have?!? As a mother of a preschooler that goes to Disney multiple times a year, I can help plan a Disney vacation that is a perfect fit for your family. In addition, you will receive a personalized vacation guide along with various tips for your trip.
To get started just click here .
I am so excited to help you and your family be surrounded by Disney magic!
If you have any questions or you would love my help in planning your next magical vacation please feel free to email me at meganrevels@smartmomstravelagents.com.
With all the love & Pixie Dust,
Megan Revels
