Survival Tips From a Disney Mom

While you may wait a few minutes, you won’t be standing there for an hour. I know this from experience because we did FASTPASS for a few of the rides. It is pretty sweet. But with a toddler or preschooler in tow, even waiting 15 minutes is too long.

Hart knows all about that—she and her husband took their 3-year-old daughter, Kate, on her first trip to the Magic Kingdom when she was just an infant.

So, you’ve got a kid, and the kid doesn’t want to stand in line. But you’re at Disney, dad gummit! You want to ride Space Mountain! So, what’s a parent to do? Stamp their feet and have a hissy fit?

That’s what I would do. But Hart is waaaaaay more mature than I am, so she takes advantage of the “Baby Swap Pass” system.

Say both you and your partner want to ride Space Mountain. To avoid standing in line twice, ask the line attendant for a baby swap pass.

“You and your child go hang out somewhere, and your husband goes and gets in line,” Hart explains. “Then after he gets out, you go and get in line, in the FASTPASS line.”

Pace Yourself—This is One Giant Park

Hart has plenty more top-secret tips to share, which is why she started her own website, Disney Savvy. The site includes detailed information on attractions at all of the theme parks that comprise Disney World, as well as gems like this:

Build up your stamina before you get to the resort by taking walks with your child to prepare yourselves for all the footwork ahead of you!

And she’s right about that, because let me tell you, it feels like you are walking to oh, say, THE MOON. These parks are huge, people. Add the heat and humidity, and this mama is ready to drop by noon.

So be sure, says Hart, to arrive early—before the crowds really get unmanageable— always carry a bottle of water, and don’t try to pack a two-week vacation into a long weekend. Disney World spans thousands of acres, and you must have realistic expectations for your trip.

And, those of us traveling with kids should do our best to maintain a somewhat reasonable schedule—that means taking frequent snack or drink breaks, or going back to your lodgings for a nap and some downtime.

“It isn’t fun to watch moms walk around with kids who are dead tired,” Hart says. “You don’t want to go and not get your money’s worth, but you do need to keep to your routine as best you can.”

She makes it all sound very easy. Very tempting. I think I’m having a change of heart!

Wait a minute, why is my nose growing?