Parenting is no joke. Parenting at a theme park is not for the weak.
Whether it’s dealing with meltdowns on line to ride a roller coaster that will last thirty-three seconds, buying the light-up glowing thingy that will get broken in no time, or trying to find the family car when everyone is cranky, theme parks with a family can be rough. However, at the end of the day, theme park days with family can be some key ‘core memory’ type days for kids and well, for you. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Plan your trip. And be ready to throw said plan out the window.
Kids have a way of making plans obsolete. You can pack and prepare and memorize a map to no end, but you’re just one potty accident, allergic reaction, or ride closure away from tears sometimes. Make a plan, pack the sunscreen, but be ready to change the day’s plan at a moment’s notice. And give yourself (and your kids) grace. Sometimes a rainy day running through Animal Kingdom in crappy Dollar Tree ponchos makes for a great memory shared at the coffee table as adults (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience). No matter what happens on your theme park day…you are making memories that will last a lifetime for your family.
“You’re doing great.”
— Coco’s Mom, Bluey
Kids Need Breaks and Treats and So Do You
From buying the overpriced popcorn (seriously, $11?), to detouring for a little Starbies run, doing small things to take care of you and your kids can make or break your theme park day. Taking the time to budget for and plan for little treats (not necessarily big indulgences) and breaks can make a big difference. A happy parent means happy kids and vice versa.
Taking the time to be a good parent and making the effort to make car trips, amusement park trips, and grocery store trips fun and special (or even just survivable if we’re being honest) makes a difference.
The Theme Park Mama 