The planning phase of a Disney Parks vacation never quite prepares you for the challenges you will face once you arrive. One of the most common aspects of the park that I find people are unprepared for is how overwhelming the environment can be. Sensory overload, inconsiderate guests, and impatient family members struggling to process excitement and occasional disappointment can all be, well, a bit much. Here are five ways you can reset that overload before it pushes you to the breaking point.
Change the Pace
Swap a high-energy attraction for something slower, like a boat ride or a show, to give your body and mind a break. That extended rush of air-conditioning, controlled lighting, and a more comfortable distraction can take the edge off enough to reset the whole family. There is nothing wrong with deviating from the plan with a change of pace that will bring the fun back to your Disney day.
Take a Break
Whether you are grabbing a drink and finding a breezy spot in the shade, or leaving the park for a swim and a sensory reset back at the resort, taking a break from the itinerary can work wonders on park burnout. A cold beverage and somewhere to take the pressure off your feet can alleviate those heightened feelings that feel consuming in the moment.
Review Your Photos So Far
This might be a weird one, but one way I like to reset when the kids are fighting, the crowds are pushing, and everything feels too much, is to take a scroll through some of the photos so far. The moments and smiles you’ve captured in just a few days or even one morning alone can be a great reminder of what you came here for. Seeing the memories-in-the-making you will take home with you can put you back on track, ready to tackle the next inconvenience and take it all in your stride.
Zone Out with Earbuds
When you are in the longest queue of your life, in extreme weather conditions, sometimes you just need to zone out. Take the spotlight off the inconsiderate woman blasting her gossipy conversation on speaker phone behind you, and put in those AirPods for a moment or two. I’m all for embracing the atmosphere of the parks, but occasionally, separating yourself from it is more beneficial. Keep it on theme with a Disney Parks history podcast or maybe the soundtrack to your favorite Disney movie. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride always makes me smile, even after the first hour in a slow-moving attraction line.
Talk About It
This is my favorite one, because I find it works better with my teens than anything else. If I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, chances are the family is too. Take a snack break and talk about it. As soon as you get those frustrations out in the open instead of bubbling under the surface, something magical occurs where they have less control over what happens next. Open that discussion and crack some jokes; it will help relieve everyone of their struggles and even reconnect you.
As hard as you’ve worked on the perfect Disney itinerary, making a few changes for the emotional well-being of the group is far more important (and beneficial) than ticking every box on the list.
Feature Image: Photo by Nicholas Fuentes
