If Inside Out taught us anything , it ’ s that emotions can shift faster than the flip of a switch , especially for kids . A trip to Disney World triggers a wide range of emotions . But sometimes the extra stimulation , late nights , and sugar rushes inside the Disney bubble can put kids ’ emotions into overdrive .
Here are some ways that we can help our kids manage and appreciate every big feeling that takes over their “ control panel ” at Walt Disney World .
JOY Whether it ’ s seeing the castle for the first time , meeting their favorite character , or riding their top attraction , there are countless opportunities for kids to experience joy at WDW .
HOW TO MANAGE IT After each particularly happy moment , consider doing a debrief video , maybe while you ’ re in line for the next attraction . In the video , ask questions based on your child ’ s five senses , such as “ How did that Mickey Bar taste ?” or “ What did you smell when you were riding Soarin ’?” or “ How did that first drop feel in Expedition Everest ?” By tuning in to all their senses , you can convert those fun moments into joyful memories .
ANGER Ride closures , long queues , climbing temperatures — Disney definitely gives kids some reasons to get angry .
HOW TO MANAGE IT Often , anger is a response to disappointment . Validate that emotion by letting your kids know you ’ re disappointed that Test Track is closed too , then model an appropriate response ( such as figuring out a Plan B ) before their hair catches on fire , so to speak .
Positive distraction is another great way to manage anger . When my kids were small , I tried to ward off long-line meltdowns with healthy snacks , small toys , and songs . Now that they ’ re older , we have group games that we like to play . Our favorite is a version of 20 Questions , starting with : “ I ’ m thinking of a character who is [ color ].” We don ’ t limit the number of questions , though , so the game easily fills the wait for Flight of Passage .
FEAR Loud noises , fast rides , and creepy villains — oh my ! Sometimes kids need help turning chills into thrills .
HOW TO MANAGE IT Try to get at the heart of what ’ s making them afraid . Is it the darkness , the volume , the speed ? That way you can encourage their bravery by reminding them of something similar they ’ ve conquered in the past .
But don ’ t diminish or ignore kids ’ fears by forcing them to do something they don ’ t want to do . Instead , find an accommodation that works for your child and your group . For example , one of my sons was afraid of fireworks as a toddler , so we would find a viewing space indoors ( like inside a shop with a window ) to muffle the sound for him .
DISGUST Some of the unique foods at WDW might make kids turn up their noses in disgust !
HOW TO MANAGE IT In our family , we have a “ one more bite ” guideline for new foods because sometimes the first bite is really more unexpected than unpleasant . If , after one more bite , the kiddo still doesn ’ t like it , then they can give it to someone else ( with four sons , someone ’ s bound to eat it !). This strategy works best at festivals where portions and prices are smaller . For meals , we tend to manage disgust by sticking with foods they know and love .
SADNESS We all feel sad when our Disney trip is over !
HOW TO MANAGE IT My family gets the post-trip blues big time after a Disney Cruise . To cope , my twins will often host a stuffy “ meeting ” where they ( and any new souvenir stuffies ) will describe the trip to all the stuffies that stayed home . This helps them relive the good memories while also enjoying one of their favorite parts of being home — a great way to manage sadness .
Disney vacations certainly produce big emotions in small people ! By setting a positive tone and thinking through proactive managing techniques , hopefully we can help Disney become a magical “ core memory ” for our kids .