Keeping up with the kids at Disney World

You started planning your family vacation over 9 months ago. The day before you leave for 5 days in Disney Theme Parks the kids are ecstatic, your heart is pumping and you are praying that all goes smooth. After all, it is supposed to be fun, the time of our lives!

At 55 years old, and 5 trips to the Magic Kingdom and beyond I can speak from experience. Of course if you are a teenager you may disregard these tips, you are young and will only understand later when age catches up to you and you have to remind yourself, "I am no longer a teenager."  For the rest of us, the wise ones in charge here, I have some tips that I would like to share.

First is your state of mind. The kids are watching you and following your lead. Start at the departing airport. The terminal might look and feel frantic but do not let that rub off on you. Pay extra attention to your kids. Have them lead you to your gate. Sometimes, especially in New York, I pretend to take an imaginary Valium, just to keep me steady, calm and relaxed for my journey. Remember, letting the kids take lead roles here and there with close supervision builds there self confidence. Once you get the the Disney Theme parks you will further want to encourage them to take off on their own just so you get a bit of down time to charge your batteries. If after the first day in a theme park, the kids hit the bed and are fast asleep in 2 minutes, you have done your job well!

So, here are a few tips I would like to share. Plan ahead. Disney will ship you cool detailed maps of all theme parks. Have a general plan. Remind the kids it is a "general" plan and deviations are welcome. Get your Maps here!

Learn how the EZ Pass works and use it often. This is helpful when the parks are full.

As for yourself, the adults in charge here, you will want to carry your own lightweight backpack. Here is what I put in mine. Suntan lotion, a hat, my favorite snacks, water, small first aide kit, camera accessories, two cheap/disposable rain ponchos and hand sanitizer. I wear a bright and light weight shirt. It will be comfortable in the heat and easily visible for the kids. I wear a high grade graduated compression socks. Compression socks have many benefits for us at times when we are on our feet all day long. They improve circulation in the legs and you will praise them after your first long day on your feet.

Now, and probably most important is your footwear. Please NO flip flops or you will not last a day! Go for a mid to high end runners sneaker that fits you like a glove. I usually purchase a Brooks sneaker and remove the insole and replace it with a custom insole. Custom insoles are made to the exact contours of each of your feet so they offer the most comfortable ride available in footwear. The last thing you need is a blister and anything other than comfortable feet and legs.

Now that you have everything you need and are comfortable, you can turn your attention to the kids and make sure they are having the time of their lives. Their feet may wear out by the end of a long day, but be sure, by morning, they will be raring to go again! Cover some of these essential tips and you'll be sure to have a great time with the kids.