A while ago we gave you some first steps in preparing your kids for your trip to Disneyland to keep them safe and a little out of your hair. As I've continued to watch other families, and my own, tackle logistics and kids in the parks over the years I've noticed there are a few more things you need to consider before you leave or enter the parks. These simple suggestions should help you avoid unnecessary conflict or heart attacks and ensure a pleasant and magical vacation!
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Food & Merchandise
- WHAT YOU'RE EATING - If any of your kids could be described as a "picky" eater then you need to have a talk with them beforehand about what to expect for food inside the parks. This can be avoided if you're planning on bringing most of your food with you, but don't feel like you have to miss out on some great restaurants because one or two members of your family are not too keen on the idea. Talk with them ahead of time and let them know about the kid's menus if necessary so they can know that there will always be something that they'll eat even if it's something simple. This is particularly useful if you're traveling with extended family members whose diets you are not completely familiar with.
- SOUVENIRS - I mentioned before to let your kids know that there is a limit to your shopping. Another useful idea is to give them a Disney gift card before you go loaded with the exact amount of money they're allowed to spend. Kids immediately begin weighing their options heavily before making a decision and are always very happy with what they end up with.
Safety
- SECURITY CHECKPOINTS - Let your kids know what to expect at security checkpoints. Help them understand that they'll need to get any bags ready ahead of time to be inspected and what can or cannot be in their pockets when they go through metal detectors. Little reminders like these can save a lot of time in the moment.
- YELLOW LINES - Make sure your little ones understand to keep an eye out on the ground for yellow safety lines. It's important that they know to stand behind one when they see it until a CM instructs them to continue. This is a major safety concern throughout the parks.
- FENCES & WALLS - No one is allowed to climb or stand on fences or walls anywhere in Disneyland. It's a safety hazard. Many families don't keep their children off but then CMs are forced to police them regularly. Don't be that family. Let your kids know they are not allowed to climb on them.
Miscellaneous
- MISPLACING TICKETS - If someone in your family is prone to losing things, make sure you discuss with them the expectations you have of them and their tickets. The answer could be that you'll hang on to them but other options include lanyards, purses or bags, or having a responsible sibling hang on to them.
- TICKETS - Let your family know when they're going to need their tickets out, where, and why. You may have to remind them a few times but eventually they'll get it themselves and you won't need to remind them. These would be instances like FastPasses or park re-entry.
- LOOSE OBJECTS - Those with "hats or glasses best remove 'em" because they may fly off on a ride! Let kids know that this is a possibility so they can do something about it. Have them turn their hats around so they're less likely to catch the wind, take their glasses off on California Screamin', not wear flip flops on Soarin', or generally not forgetting their belongings anywhere. Come up with solutions ahead of time and they'll know what to do when the situation arises.