Molly is a proud mommy of three Neurotic Disney Children. Though young in age, she is a veteran Walt Disney World vacation planner. She would classify her life in two parts; on a Disney vacation, or planning one. She first visited her utopia at age 3 and could not imagine her life without it. One of her proudest moments was when her son told her that he wanted to be an Imagineer and she can’t wait until her daughter is old enough to have a favorite Disney princess. She hopes to instill a life long love for Disney in her children and any one else who is willing to have a little faith and trust!
Photo Credit: Molly Beckley
Here is the second half of the Disney Dozen for things my children must have on their Disney vacations!
#7. Clothing! This might not be something your children are attached to, but wearing the correct clothing while touring the parks in red hot heat is paramount to your Disney survival! We dress in as little clothing as possible! When purchasing summer clothes for my kids I always have our Disney trip in mind, and try to purchase shorts and sleeveless shirts made with very light weight material. I also make it a point to gather Mickey shirts and the like from places like Target.
Photo Credit: Molly Beckley
#8. Footwear! If you have children ages 5 and under chances are that they will be doing more riding in the stroller rather than walking. For this reason, I focus on footwear that will keep my kids feet cool and comfortable. I would never suggest a child that is going to walk all day in the park wear Crocs, but for little ones in strollers, these are great. They can slip them on and off by themselves and their feet will stay nice and cool. Being able to rinse them off after a Mickey ice cream bar plops down on them is an added bonus. My guys love collecting Disney themed Jibbitz for their Crocs as well! In addition to Crocs, I also bring water shoes and a nicer but still comfortable sandal to wear out to dinner for my kids. I like water shoes rather then Crocs in the water parks because if your little one is experiencing a water slide they won’t fall off! We like Pediped’s Amazon water shoe, and their Sydney sandal for a dressier shoe. I would never recommend a flip flop for touring the parks, and I would always recommend something with covered toes and a back. I personally stay away from sneakers that require socks. Hot feet will make the rest of you hot very quick!
Photo Credit: www.crocs.com
- #9. Toys! You may think it crazy to bring toys to Walt Disney World, but you will be thankful that you have a few little things to keep your children entertained whether it be on the plane en route to Disney or in your hotel room when Mom and Dad are trying to get ready. The kind of toys I’m talking about are not the huge extravagant kind. I’m talking about small things that you can pick up before your trip that will be a novelty to your children. I love to peruse my favorite dollar store or Target for inexpensive Disney themed merchandise that I can pop out during our trip for my kids.
Photo Credit: www.dollartree.com
#10. Glow lights! This also may sound like an odd idea, but you and I both know your kids will be begging you for all of the light up toys they see for sale at Disney’s various night time entertainment. If you have already gathered some glow necklaces and bracelets ahead of time at the dollar store or Target, your children may just be happy enough with these, and not ask for any other light up do-dads at Disney! Last year we got away with only purchasing one light up Buzz Light Year for each boy, which I consider a victory!
Photo Credit: www.dollartree.com
#11. Ears! Do not forget to bring your hats and ears that you’ve collected from various trips! I made the mistake of forgetting my boys’ Mickey ear hats on a day trip to the Magic Kingdom once and they would not rest until I bought them another set of Sorcerer Mickey ear headbands to wear that day. Save yourself the extra purchases and bring the ones you already have!
Photo Credit: Molly Beckley
- #12. Love! Walt Disney World is an over the top, exciting, magical, wonderful experience for your family. This being said, it can also be very stressful at times trying to keep your little ones happy through out your trip. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the fabulous moments you are bound to experience with your munchkins on your much awaited vacation. Make sure they feel the same love from you in Walt Disney World that they feel from the rest of the year. Don’t let those stressful situations get in the way and remember to roll with the punches! It is Disney World after all! You never know what magic awaits around the next corner!
Photo Credit: Molly Beckley
Contributed by: Molly Beckley (NDM#398) Molly is a DDL Planning with Little Ones Blogger. She is also the creator of The Real Disney Mom.
