Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
your family from this unremitting assault on the senses and do something relaxing
and quiet such as swimming or reading.
The theme parks are pretty big, so don't try to see everything in one day. Even
during the off-season, when the crowds are smaller and the temperatures more pleas-
ant, the size of the theme parks will exhaust most children under age 8 by lunchtime.
A Texas family underscores the importance of naps and rest:
Despitenotfollowinganyofyourtours,wedidfollowthethemeofvisitingaspecific
parkinthemorning,leavingmidafternoonforeitheranapbackattheroomoratrip
to the pool, and then returning to one of the parks in the evening. On the few occa-
sions when we skipped your advice, I was muttering to myself by dinner. I can't tell
you what I was muttering.
When it comes to naps, this mom does not mince words:
One last thing for parents of small kids—take the topic's advice and get out of the
park and take the nap, take the nap, TAKE THE NAP! Never in my life have I seen
so many parents screaming at, ridiculing, or slapping their kids. (What a vacation!)
Disney [parks are] overwhelming for kids and adults.
A mom from Rochester, New York, was equally adamant:
[You] absolutely must rest during the day. Kids went from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the
park.Kidsdidgreatthatday,butwewereallcompletelyworthlessthenextday.Def-
initely must pace yourself.
If you plan to return to your hotel at midday and would like your room made up,
let housekeeping know.
Routines That Travel
If when at home you observe certain routines—for example, reading a book before
bedorhavingabathfirstthinginthemorning—trytoincorporatethesefamiliaractiv-
ities into your vacation schedule. They will provide your children with a sense of se-
curity and normalcy.
Maintaining a normal routine is especially important with toddlers, as a mother
of two from Lawrenceville, Georgia, relates:
The first day, we tried an early start, so we woke the children (ages 2 and 4) and
hurried them to get going. BAD IDEA with toddlers. This put them off schedule for
naps and meals the rest of the day. It is best to let young ones stay on their regular
schedule and see Disney at their own pace, and you'll have much more fun.
