5 Tips to NOT lose your kids at Disney Parks (or to make sure you find them if you do!)
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare: with big crowds and so many things to see, we can all get so easily distracted as soon as we step foot into Disney’s parks. Here are 5 important tips to keep from losing your kids during your magical adventure (and what to do during worst-case scenarios!)
With a Walt Disney World trip comes big crowds, even during less busy times. It also involves a lot of transportation, walking, distractions and getting into and out of trains and rides: thus, all the conditions favourable to lose keys, phones, souvenirs… and maybe even kids!
If your kiddo has a tendency to wander off, you will want to read and apply the following tip for a smooth park day where everyone arrives and leaves together.
How to NOT Lose Your Kids at Disney Parks
Take a picture of your kids the morning before a park day
A great tip is to take a picture of your kiddos every morning .
This way, should your child wander away, you will know/remember what he/she was wearing. This is the first question a cast member will ask you, and if this happens, your brain may not process things as usual (with the sense of panic, you might draw a blank). Having that picture can save you precious time and headaches.
(Pro tip: Make it a 2 in 1 picture and take a picture of them in front of the row where you are parked in, so you also have that information for later!)
Tell your kids what to do if they wander away from you
Before hitting the parks on the first day, tell your kids what to look for if they ever get separated from you. Mostly, tell them to look for (and recognize) any cast member wearing the cast member name tag. Any cast member will be happy to assist your child and comfort them until you are reunited.
Write your kid’s information…. on them!
One of the greatest tips I ever received was to write your child’s name and your phone number on their arm with a washable marker and cover it with liquid bandage. This way, it won’t rub off.
Should they get lost, at least their contact information is right there on them (they cannot loose that) and a cast member can call you directly!
When you get back to your hotel in the evenings, you can use nail polish remover to easily wipe off the liquid bandage.
Anti-loss harness for toddlers
Otherwise known as “toddler leashes” they are a controversial subject. Many disapprove of their use but my motto is “whatever works”. The choice of using them can depend on many factors: the kid, on the context, the parents, the crowds, etc.
I know I used them once for my oldest child when he was about 2 or 3 years old – so no judgment on my part.
Harnesses are usually something like a small backpack that you can secure around your child’s back with a strap that you can hold onto, giving your kid a bit of freedom to roam a little further… but not too much.
Plus you can get in the magic by getting a Disney related one ahead of your trip, like this Mickey themed one:Cute Baby Anti-lost Harness Safety Leash Mini Strap for Boys and Girls (Red) : Amazon.ca: Baby
Dress multiple children alike, or in bright colors!
This is a common tip, but caught in a moment of panic, it’s a lot easier to spot a particular color, even in Disney crowds (where people wear colorful and bright clothes by default).
Bonus if everyone in your party is dressed the same! Disney family shirts are common, and while many may think they are corny, not only do I think they are fun, but they make it SO easy to always find your party quickly. Your eye will be attracted to your group so easily.
They are also a great way to extend the magic: it’s so much fun to receive those packages before your trip!
A busy park day can get confusing. Don’t lose sight of what is most important to you by doing these few simple steps!
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