Top 11 Tips to Avoid Disney Park Melt Downs

By: Amy BaranekAugust 17, 2017We don’t like to talk about it, because we like our memories of the happiest place on earth to stay that way … however, melt downs are very real and can tax even the most calm and level-headed person around. Below are some suggestions to help reduce and maybe even avoid melt downs altogether on your vacation!1. Watch Videos: This greatly helped my kids know what to expect. There were certain rides they decided just wouldn’t happen(Dinosaur-too scary). It also allowed them to visualize things like Expedition Everest(that I never thought they’d ride). After watching the video, it helped for them to know the unknown and we would discuss what worried them about the ride and how they could avoid it, this way they could make the decision on their own, with realistic expectations of what to expect on the rides.2. Plan Sit Down Meals: Having a sit down meal (I prefer lunch or dinner) is a wonderful break from the heat and crowds of the park. Knowing that you have a reservation in air conditioned splendor is a great way to reset yourself and family.3. Use Fastpass Wisely: I always give a list of most popular FastPass picks. If a ride you want is on here plan on using your top 3 picks around mid-late afternoon when the park will be the most crowded. You will be so happy getting in the 5 minute fastpass lane for Splash Mountain on a 90 degree day. There is the option for a 4th Fastpass and some people like to schedule Fastpasses as early as possible in the morning to take advantage of this. Here’s why this isn’t my favorite idea: Often, the FastPass pickings at this point are disappointing and sometimes nonexistent. The second reason is if you are there first thing in the morning, most rides have a very short wait making Fastpass unnecessary. I’m always happy to plan Fastpass,however you think will work best for your family, but I always want to be sure you have realistic expectations when planning.4. Take a Hotel Break: This may not always be feasible, but getting out of the crowded park environment to reset either with a nap or some pool time can leave you recharged for the rest of the day!5. Watch a Show: I always try to give people a quick list of reset areas. A sit down air conditioned show is great for this-and the best part is all the parks have it!6. Have a Must Do List: Discuss with adults and kids what rides or characters at each park are must do’s. Everyone should be able to pick 1 or 2 must do’s and these must happen….no arguments, if anyone argues they are to be reminded about their must do that no one complained about. (This is how I got 2 kid boys and 2 adult boys to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table)7. Don’t Be Too Strict: Do remember, there are lots of new surroundings, stimuli from every direction and so much to do and see it is easy to get overwhelmed. Your kids will become hot, tired and cranky and will not be on their best behavior. Normal rules don’t apply. Relax your normal rules, don’t force a thank you, let them hold their stuffed animal, and don’t worry if they didn’t eat all their food.8. Do Have a Plan: To counter above-DO NOT let them get away with hitting, tantrums, and whatever else you want to add in there. This can be hard to enforce-are you going to say “If you don’t stop it we’re going back to the hotel” because realistically, you’re probably not going to enforce this and when you are hot and crabby with a child that’s acting up, these things will come out of your mouth. Once your kids realize you aren’t fulfilling your threat-you are done for! What worked well for us was the snacks/dessert threat. We had the dining plan so each child would be able to use a snack a day. This could be whatever they wanted-a cupcake, Mickey bar, or Sprite. However, if they weren’t following my loose rules established for the parks, they would lose their snack. They quickly realized I wasn’t joking and for the most part-did well the rest of the trip.9. Plan an Extra Day: How many park days do you want? Now, if possible, add another day to your stay. I like to have the ‘day of rest’ mid vacation so you can sleep in, relax, enjoy your hotel, or maybe some time at Disney Springs. It’s a great day to reset after a couple early mornings and late nights!10. Use a Stroller: If your child is 5 or under-use a stroller! Yes, a 4 or 5 year old can walk, but do they typically walk 10 miles or more a day? Do you want to be carrying their hot sweaty body around when they have started crying because they just caaaan’t w a l k aaaaanymoooooore? No one gets a prize ribbon for having a 5 year old walk through Disney. If they walk most of it great-you’ve had a tiny cart to hold your water all day. I can almost guarantee that your child will be in the stroller at least 50% of the time; and you’ll be grateful for it!11. Use a travel agent: Shameless plug, right? Honestly, we help plan and coordinate all of the above. A good agent will send you an itinerary and suggestions of what to do when the park is more crowded. Prior to this, they will help you figure out your family’s ideal plan and make dining reservations, FastPass reservations and more for your family. We are here to bounce ideas off of and give you new ones. Even if you think you know everything about Disney, 2 heads are better than one and we may just make you aware of a special offer or new event in a park before you even knew it was out. I love sending the ‘congrats, Disney released a new offer that applies to your stay and you saved hundreds of dollars on your trip’ email. The best part? You’ll be paying the same for your vacation using a travel agent as you would if you book on your own through Disney.There you have it, my top tips to help avoid melt downs while at Disney. Some of these will even help with the excitement before your trip. Implement what will work best for you and your family but do use them, you will be much happier with a little prep work and planning in trying to reduce the dreaded Disney melt down!I would love to help your family make their own melt down free memories at Disney! Please contact me anytime for a free quote at amyb@wishesfamilytravel.com or call me at 248-229-0307. It would be my pleasure to help you! Please remember, I help with all aspects of your travel including dining reservations and fastpass picks, and my concierge services are always complimentary! Also, please follow my Facebook page to stay up to date on all Disney offers!