Tips For Groups and Families

(Short Excerpts From the Book)

Afternoon Breaks Makes Night-time Entertainment Easier

Taking breaks is a must at Disney World. A full day in the parks is truly a marathon. If you’re not careful, the trip can be one of the most exhausting vacations that you have ever taken. With parks closing as late as midnight some nights, it is imperative that you and your family take a break, grab a snack or meal and even a nap if possible. Most might consider a nap a waste of time, but we feel that it is truly a time saver for families.

Taking breaks becomes a time saver when you and your family are able to stay at the parks later and enjoy the time that you are there instead of being grumpy or asleep. The first time we went with small children, we went the whole day without any major breaks and never went back to our hotel. By 7:30 the kids (and adults) were wiped out and were cranky. Our kids barely saw any fireworks because they always fell asleep in the stroller or worse in our arms. Disney World is such a stimulating place that children, in general, can’t handle a full day of it. It has a sugar affect on them. They get wound up and then come crashing down.

           The next time we went, we took a hotel break everyday. Around 1:00 we headed back to the hotel and everyone would take a nap. After the first day it was not a problem for all of our kids to go right to sleep during this time. This was a good rest for Mom and Dad, too. We would return to the parks around 3:00 and were re-energized to tackle the magic. The big difference would come at night. The children were wide-awake and full of energy. They would watch the fireworks with wide eyes and were all in better moods. Ending a day at the parks in this manner is a whole lot better than carrying sleeping or crying children out to the car, or worse the bus. We highly recommend taking a big afternoon nap.

Know That You Won't Get to See Everything

Unless you plan on staying for several weeks and plan on spending all of your time in the parks, you will not see everything. It is important to understand that idea and to embrace it. You and your family will have a more enjoyable trip by not trying to “run” through the parks. Our family had been to Disney World three times before we saw the Country Bear Jamboree. Personally, we never missed it. We now love the show and kids want to see it, but it was not a vacation breaker when we didn’t see it and it wouldn’t be a terrible vacation if we didn’t see it or other rides and attractions during our next visit.

           There are so many rides, attractions, shows, theming, and shops that it is almost overkill to the common guest. You will be able to have fun all day and will not be disappointed if you could not see a ride or two.  Do not base the success or failure of your vacation on how much you are able to do in a day. You’re in Disney World with your family; your vacation is already a success.

Follow Your Child's Lead

At Disney World your children are the Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom. Adults can have fun and re-live their childhood, but remember that your children are still in their childhood. It’s their memories and experiences that you are building, so let them take the lead.

Let your children plan part of the trip- your children should feel involved with the vacation. Let them contribute in some way as to what goes on during the trip. Let them decide where to eat, what parks to go to first or what rides to ride. Any involvement can easily heighten their experience.

Let your children veto pre-set plans- If your children decide that they want to ride something again, go to a different part of the park or go see the parade, let them. This does not mean that they should have total control over you and direct the whole itinerary. It just means that you should give them a little say. Riding that ride just one more time could mean more to them than seeing the rest of the park.

           Look to the children for breaks- when your children become cranky or if they look tired, it is probably time to take a break. Be in tuned with your children at all times. 

Gameboys For Line Entertainment

Waiting in line is inevitable at Disney World. Even with FastPasses and low attendance, you and your family will be stuck in a line at some point. How do you keep your kids from kicking the person in front of you or from climbing on the rails? Try bringing a gameboy or a cheaper version of some electronic game. This is great for keeping them focused on something other than standing still in between cattle guards. This helps the time pass a little faster and can keep their spirits up.

If gaming devices aren’t your thing, try something else that can keep them occupied.
- Look for Hidden Mickeys
- Typical traveling games (I Spy, Paper-Rock-Scissors, etc.)
- Go over your itinerary and maps
- Talk about your favorite rides so far and what fun things you have done
- You can download park maps onto your Palm Pilot or cell phone. Let them explore the virtual map.

Rider Switch/ Child Swap

Disney has a unique option available to anyone who has children. The Baby/Child Swap program allows an adult and their party to ride while one adult stays outside with the baby or child. After the first ride, the adult that waited can ride immediately along with three other friends/family that just rode the ride. During this swap the second adult (and party) are allowed to the front of the line via FastPass line (Rider Switch Pass) or by just staying on the ride. The first adult gets off the ride and takes the baby or child and waits for the others to finish. In this program both adults get to ride a ride that would normally be too big or scary for the little ones and as a bonus big brother/sister, cousin or whoever gets to ride twice. It is a great opportunity for everyone to be able to ride everything that they want to without inconveniencing the whole group. It is also a great way for everyone to share the ride together.

How the swap actually occurs varies from ride to ride. At some rides the swap takes place outside while at others the swap takes place on the platform of the ride. The trend has been that most of the “child swap” rides have moved their switches to the outside of the ride. This makes it easier on the ones operating the ride, as they do not have to make a special line for those that are waiting. It’s hard to say which technique is better. Inside of the ride is good because the second adult can ride immediately without having to re-enter the line. The outside swap is good because you do not have to take the baby or child through the line. If you have a sleeping child in a stroller, you might want to wait to ride the attractions that have inside swaps. For outside swaps the baby or child is oblivious that a swap is actually taking place.  Be sure to always ask outside and to always have the whole group together before the ride.  Sometimes the children must be present in order to get a pass.

Look in our book, Disney on Dime, for a detailed list of all of the rides that offer the "Child Swap" option.  Also included, in the book, are suggestions of how to utilize your time and what activities and facilities are available in and around every "Child Swap" ride.

Want More Family Tips and Secrets?  Get our free booklet of Tips for Families when you order our book!

Look in the Booklet  for more Family and Group tips on: How to Make Itineraries How to Cope with Weather Relaxing and Taking it in Magical Gatherings Advice "Take a Break" Rides Preparing Your Children Stroller Advice and Tips Finding the "Magic What Can the Kids Ride? Group Planning More "Child Swap" Tips Tips for Infants

Other Topics That Can Help with Families and Groups:

Character Meeting Tips

General Tips for Groups and Families