Disney World: Avoiding the Meltdown

All parents know the feeling of the impending doom of the meltdown.  We have all seen it and thought "I'm so happy that's not me".  We have been that parent and felt like apologizing to everyone around us for the loud noise flowing from our child.   We can see it coming most times, and others it comes out of nowhere. Whether it is them asking "Are we there yet?" or them slowly starting to melt down from heat, cold, exhaustion, hunger, or any other minor or major issue.  Sometimes even the most well behaved kid just loses it.   My fear is having my kid screaming and melting down because we pushed them too far.  My husband and I love Disney World so much so that we spent the first half of our honeymoon there.  So when we decided the time was right to return with our kids (3 and 4 at the time) we knew there was only a realistic amount of time everyday they could handle "Doing Disney".

We took a look at our life and made a plan that made sense for us.  My kids were early risers and had also turned me into one too (my husband always has been).  Our plan started to form, we would hit all early morning hours and got all important rides done as soon as the doors opened.  I know some people like to play it by ear, but for us we decided that we had a 25 minutes MAX  wait time with our kids before they would drive us nuts or vice versa.  Everyday we scheduled a late breakfast or lunch in the air conditioning and then our fast passes for the afternoon.  We planned no more than five major rides or activities (like Splash Mountain, Soarin, Peter Pan) not including meals a day.  A few smaller ones that were great and usually air conditioned like Country Bears (a family favorite), the American Presidents, or the Three Caballeros in Mexico that provide entertainment but also a cool break.

We stayed at the Bay Lake towers in a one bedroom (we slept on a pull out) on our first visit.  Everyday around three we would walk our kids in the strollers back to the hotel and have them nap until 6-6:30.  It was good for us to decompress, usually have a glass of wine, unpack from the day, shower, and pack up for the night activities.  My kids were great at sleeping in strollers so we brought neck pillows at night to help them sleep better.  Even with all the planning there were lessons we learned like: to bring cool down towels, water bottles that can be filled anywhere for free where they sell fountain soda, use your snack credits whenever the kids are hungry, and their Churros are awesome!! I know spontaneity is great but to avoid the dreaded meltdown planning is necessary.

Kristin is a travel planner for Snapshot Getaways and she loves to watch her kids find a new favorite adventure. Contact her at her Facebook page or email at Kristin@SnapshotGetaways.com to plan your next family adventure.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Disney World is known for its rides, food, and purely magical moments created to ensure that each traveler can claim it is the " Happiest Place on Earth".   One of the best and unique experiences I have had with my family was the Padawan training (Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple).  We really weren't sure if either of my kids (Hailey 6, Connor 5) would be interested in fighting the dark side, but since I love Stars Wars I figured we'd give it a try.  

In the morning,  after running to get on Toy Story in Hollywood Studios we walked over and signed the kids up.  Times are set up for all day so we picked a time after lunch when the lines would be long.   When we arrived the cast members were very organized and had the kids sit on circles on the floor before training began.  To get them excited they asked a few question which my kids didn't know the answers but a few kids were definitely experts.   There were kids that were a little scared or just tired and didn't feel like listening.  I found the cast members patient and understanding but also made sure all their safety procedures were followed.  The teacher in me thought that they did an outstanding job.  I don't want to give too much away but the kids are trained and then they get to fight the dark side.  My daughter was so serious we actually thought she was miserable until she was done and said it was the best part of her day.  My son, asked to go back to the hotel to watch the movies (which we didn't b/c we're in Disney World and Fantasmic was ahead).  The whole experience was an A++  the professionalism of the cast members was what you would expect and the reality and sheer enjoyment from the kids was amazing.   I hope you find this helpful and add Jedi training into your next Walt Disney World adventure!

To sign up register head over to the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost located between Indiana Jones Stunt Show and the 50s Prime Time Cafe.
  

Here are a couple images from our trip:

Kristin is a travel planner for Snapshot Getaways and she loves to watch her kids find a new favorite adventure. Contact her at her Facebook page or email at Kristin@SnapshotGetaways to plan your next family adventure. 

Link to Disney's page

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/star-wars-jedi-training/

Skipper Canteen

Are you a fan of the Jungle Cruise? Then the Skipper Canteen may be your new favorite place to dine. Just recently opened, it follows the same theme as the the Jungle Cruise. It has a very unique menu which was different but with those that have picky eaters it may be a challenge to find something. It is currently walk up only and it only took us about  5 minutes to get seated. They are using a new technology that they text you when your reservation is ready, so you can roam around in the area. However, in the future once it isn't so new or during the busy periods I am sure you will need a reservation. It is a place that offers the same knee slapper jokes and the back side of the menu.

Ambasha Bread served with honey spread

Children's Grilled Flank Steak

"A Lot At Steak" Salad

Skip's Mac and Cheese

Ashton told our waitress he gave it 2 thumbs up so she brought the Chef out to meet him.

Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd who has 2 boys. She is also a travel agent with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter. She would love to hear from you or chat about Disney with you.

Friday Freebie-Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Another Free Disney Printable with so many uses.  Print and cut out the Olaf's pieces for a fun time for little ones.  Increase the image size and make a big cutout for a party decoration.  Laminate the pieces or print on card stock for long lasting fun.

Maria is a Travel Planner for Snapshot Getaways, please contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next vacation and like her Facebook page for updates!

Wordless Wednesday: Tom Sawyer Island

        

                                          

            

                                          

                          

Are you ready to find the hidden gems of Walt Disney World? Hope is ready to help! Contact her at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com or find her on Facebook. 

 
 

 

Your First Day at Walt Disney World

Most people arrive at the Walt Disney World resort in the middle of the day. They've been traveling, sometimes very long distances, and may be tired or hungry. But somehow, when you see this sight...

all the rest melts away and you're ready for some MAGIC! You may still be tired or hungry but it has become secondary to your excitement. So the question then arises; what can you do with just a few hours when you may be a bit run-down but want a little Disney magic to start your trip with? Well, after you've checked in to your resort you might try...

Exploring your resort:

Disney takes the time to put magical details into each and every resort on their property. We're often so busy enjoying the parks that we may miss these so taking some time on your arrival day to see all your resort has to offer is a great way to start your trip. From restaurants to shopping to pools every resort is unique so go explore!

Swim:

Speaking of pools, every Walt Disney World resort has fabulous pools for you to enjoy. There's usually a main pool full of activity and fun and a quiet pool for simply relaxing and soaking in the moments. Whatever your mood a dip in the pool can be the perfect end to a long day of travelling. 

Visit a Waterpark:

Maybe the pool is a little too understated for you but you still like the idea of some fun in the water. Why not visit one of Disney's two waterparks? Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are a great destination whether your looking for a few thrills to jumpstart your trip or just want to float around the lazy river to gear up for the next day. 

Disney Springs:

Disney Springs (the recently reimagined Downtown Disney) has something for everyone. If you're in the mood for shopping, having a meal, or just taking in the sights and sounds there will be something for you at Disney Springs. 

Special Meal:

With so many one-of-a-kind dining experiences to choose from on Disney property why not get started right away? Disney Springs and many resorts offer a variety of dining experiences from character buffets to dinner shows that you don't need a park ticket to enjoy. Or if you don't mind using a park ticket there are dozens of in park restaurants to choose from as well.

Explore OTHER Resorts:

As stated above, every Walt Disney World resort is unique and has much to see and do. From animal viewing with night vision goggles at Animal Kingdom Lodge to viewing Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian there's something for every one. Just be aware that exploring other resorts is encouraged but pool hopping is NOT.

Plan A Special Activity:

Much of the fun is included at Walt Disney World- resort, park tickets, perhaps even dining depending on your package. But there are still a few magical extras you may enjoy. Boat rentals, fireworks cruises, spa treatments, golf courses, and balloon rides are just a few of the options waiting to welcome you to the magic. 

Visit a Park:

Of course often you just want to get to your favorite theme park as soon as possible. It doesn't matter that you missed rope drop, arrive at a particularly crowded time of day, or will only have a few hours before the park closes- you just want the magic to begin ASAP! Because it's relatively inexpensive to add an extra day to a multi-day ticket this option is perfect for those who just can't wait. Another reason to visit the parks right away might be because of refurbishments. Several years ago we knew that the Mad Tea Party, arguably one of the most iconic rides at Walt Disney World, would be closing for refurbishment the day after we arrived. So, we went to the Magic Kingdom to ride on our arrival day before we headed to Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs). I think this smile says it was worth it!

Hope is ready to help you plan the first day of your trip as well as the last and everything in between! Contact her at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com or find her on Facebook.