Photo: PhotoPass at WDW

The one thing parents know for a fact is that kids are as unpredictable as the weather in Florida.  While the Disney Parks are designed for kids (of all ages), there is so much stimulation that even the most routine of kids can be thrown off.  There is nothing like the meltdown of a 3-year-old child in the most magical place on earth.

I’ve compiled a list of tips that have come in handy with my little guys:

1: Do not over plan
I admittedly do not follow my own rule. I want to see and do it all!  There are rides to ride and characters to meet, parades and fireworks to see.  The thing is most of our kiddos, while they have abundant energy, can’t keep up with it all.  Make sure you have realistic expectations and pace yourself.

2: Stick to the routine/nap times
Kids like routine, so stick with it as much as possible.  If your little one eats lunch at 11:30 and then naps at 12 plan accordingly.  Keep in mind that naptime may be a bit longer than usual.  My little guys have a harder time sleeping on vacation (away from their own beds).  My husband and I (if we aren’t sleeping as well) will trade off on pool time. Moms, this hour or 2 by yourself is heavenly!

3. Bring plenty of snacks/water
It’s hot in Florida more months than not.  Bring plenty of water and a Sippy cup with you.  And pack those snacks; over pack in fact. Little ones can work up quite an appetite.

4. Take advantage of the playgrounds

Photo: Anne Fitzgerald

You go all the way to Walt Disney World to…play on a playground?  Counterintuitive right?  Actually no.  It took me a few tries to understand just how important the playgrounds are.  It brings a sense of normalcy to little ones.

So where are these located?  In addition to the ones located at many resorts, you can find play areas in the parks in the parks including:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  The Boneyard in Dinoland, USA
• Epcot
  Mission: SPACE, the Advanced Training Lab, Space Base
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Streets of America (rumored to close in October)
• Magic Kingdom Park
  The Laughing Place, located under the railroad tracks/train station in  Frontierland.
  Dumbo the Flying Elehpant queue in the big-top tent.
  Tom Sawyer Scavage Fort on Tom Sawyer Island.

5. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
The Florida sun is hot and my fair skinned little guys burn easily.  Even in the off months, it is still probably more sun than your little ones are used to.  Bring the sunscreen and apply according to directions.  Hats and sunglasses are great, if your little one will wear them.

6. Baby Care Centers
There is a baby care center in every park.  They have changing tables, family bathrooms, a kitchen and even a room for nursing mothers.  You can also purchase supplies if you forget diapers or wipes.

Photo: Anne Fitzgerald

To sum it up
Approach Walt Disney World Resort from a slower perspective.  Get to the parks early for “rope drop” (and before the mid-day crowds arrive), leave around lunch (the sun is at it’s peak anyway) for naps, and go back late afternoon.

You will have a blast no matter the pace.