Essential Child Safety Tips for Your Disney Parks Visit
Disney's Hollywood Studios at Christmas
Cast Member at Animal Kingdom
A Disney vacation is filled with magic and fun, but when you're visiting with little ones, it's important to have a plan in place to keep them safe. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids, these child safety tips will help ensure a smooth and worry-free experience at the parks. In this blog, I am going to talk to you about Child Safety Tips and then I will share my own expereince in losing a child at a theme park.
First, let me ease your concerns: approximately 11 children go missing each day at Walt Disney World, but they are typically found within 30 minutes. Disney cast members are extensively trained to handle these situations and respond swiftly once they are alerted that a child is lost.
TAKE A PICTURE IN THE MORNING!
This serves two important purposes: first, you capture a joyful picture of everyone smiling and energized, ready to tackle a magical day at Walt Disney World. Second, you create a recent snapshot of what everyone is wearing that day. While we hope you never have to use this photo to find your child, having an up-to-date picture can be incredibly helpful if your child goes missing for any significant period of time.
Talk To Your Kids About Getting Lost & Establish Clear Park Rules
Have an open conversation with your kids about the possibility of getting separated from the group. Reassure them that while it’s unlikely, being prepared is always wise. Encourage them to stay close and avoid running ahead, as getting lost can happen quickly—especially in crowded areas where it’s easy to become separated.
Before entering the parks, discuss what to do if they find themselves lost. Go over simple safety rules, such as “stay where you are” and “always look for a cast member.” Establish clear boundaries, especially in busy areas, and emphasize that they should never leave the park without you. This proactive approach will help your children feel more confident and secure as you explore the magic together.
Make sure your kids know your name.
I know this is silly, but go and ask your two and three year old if they know your name. Your name is Mommy and Daddy. We forget that our children do not learn our actual names until a little later in life. If they are not wearing a magic band, it may not be easy to track the parent down. I let my children, three and older, wear magic bands. Now that there are slap bracelets, you can add silicon watch loops to keep them from falling off.
Make a plan in case they get lost.
Once our kids were about three years old, they understood that if for some reason they do not see mommy or daddy, they need to freeze where they are and look for a cast member. This works when they are really young and give them tips on how to find a cast member.
Look for Name Tags: Explain that all cast members wear name tags and are easily recognizable by their Disney uniforms.
Head to Nearby Attractions: Encourage them to stay near attractions, restaurants, or shops, as there are usually cast members nearby.
Seek Help from Adults: Advise them to look for other adults who might help guide them to a cast member.
Use Landmarks: Teach them to identify well-known landmarks (like Cinderella Castle or Spaceship Earth) and to head toward those areas to find a cast member.
Ask Questions: If they see someone in a uniform, they can simply walk up and say, "Excuse me, can you help me find my family?"
Stay Calm: Remind them to take deep breaths and stay calm, as this will help them think clearly.
Do Not Wander: Emphasize the importance of staying in one place rather than wandering around, as this makes it easier for you to find them.
Follow Signs: Explain that there are signs throughout the park that can help guide them to guest services or first aid, where they can find assistance.
Look for Information Boards: Point out that there are information boards throughout the parks that indicate where to find help.
Trust the Cast Members: Reinforce that cast members are there to help, and they should feel confident approaching them if they need assistance.
Make Sure Your Kids Can Identify a Cast Member
Cast Members Badge
For those who may not know, Disney refers to all its employees as 'cast members.' They can be easily identified by their uniforms, name badges, and the locations where they work. I always remind my kids to look for these three key identifiers. If they ever need help, they should approach the cast member stationed at the entrance of the last ride or attraction, as they’ll be wearing a Disney uniform and a badge with their name and hometown. I advise against approaching cast members who are walking around the park, just to be safe. Remember, cast members are trained to assist children in any situation and will do everything they can to ensure your child feels safe and supported once they’ve been 'found.'
Have a Parent Plan
Designate one person as the 'runner' and another to 'stay in place.' The parent who stays in place should keep the other kids calm and find the nearest cast member to alert them that a child is missing. Meanwhile, the runner should return to the last known location to begin the search.
When searching, remember to LOOK DOWN—children are small and can easily be overlooked. It’s crucial to shout, 'I am looking for a child named [child’s name]. He has brown hair and eyes and is wearing a red shirt and black shorts.' This not only helps in locating your child but also alerts other parents nearby to join the search.
I want to clarify that I would only shout my child's name in a theme park, not in a more public place. At Disney, there’s a sense of safety since most visitors are families who will likely respond in a supportive manner. In contrast, I would hesitate to call out my child's name at a public beach or mall, where there could be strangers with less benevolent intentions.
When your child is found, try to stay calm and reassure them that they are safe. They may be upset, so your soothing presence can help them feel secure again.
Finally, avoid the blame game. Losing a child in a theme park can happen to anyone; placing blame won’t help bring your child back any faster. Focus on reuniting and ensuring everyone feels safe.
GPS Devices
In our family, we rely on Verizon Gizmo watches to keep tabs on our kids during visits to Disney parks, but there are many age-appropriate devices available to help you track your little ones. We love the Gizmo watch because it allows the kids to call a pre-approved list of contacts, which provides an extra layer of reassurance. The built-in tracking feature helps them feel confident in reaching us in case of an emergency.
Here are some other tools you might consider for keeping your children safe and connected:
1. Apple AirTags
These small tracking devices can be attached to your child's backpack or clothing. With the Find My app, you can see their location in real-time. This is a great option for older kids who can carry a small item discreetly.
Verizon Gizmo Tracking System
2. Jiobit Smart Tag
This wearable device offers real-time GPS tracking and can be clipped onto clothing or worn as a wristband. The Jiobit app allows parents to set safe zones and receive alerts if their child leaves those areas.
3. AngelSense
Designed specifically for children with special needs, AngelSense offers GPS tracking along with two-way voice capabilities, allowing parents to communicate with their child. The device also provides real-time location updates and alerts.
4. TickTalk Smartwatch
Similar to the Gizmo, the TickTalk smartwatch allows kids to make calls, send messages, and has a GPS tracking feature. It also includes fun features like games and a camera, making it appealing for children.
5. Wearable Safety Devices
There are various wearable safety devices that resemble jewelry or clothing accessories, such as smart bracelets. Some of these devices have emergency buttons that children can press to alert parents or guardians in case of danger.
6. Family Locator Apps
Apps like Life360 allow families to share their locations in real-time. This can be particularly helpful for older children who have their own smartphones. The app also includes features like driving safety and crash detection.
Where Do Most Kids Get Lost?
Most kids tend to get lost in theme parks in areas that are crowded or have high foot traffic. Here are some common locations where this can happen:
Entrance and Exit Areas: These places can be overwhelming with large crowds entering and leaving the park, making it easy for kids to get separated.
Popular Attractions: Lines for popular rides can be long and chaotic, leading to kids inadvertently slipping away from their group while navigating the crowd.
Parade and Show Areas: During parades or shows, families often gather in large numbers, which can create distractions and cause children to wander off.
Food Courts and Dining Areas: Busy dining spots can lead to confusion, especially when families split up to find seating or order food.
Restrooms: Children may go off to find restrooms, and in the hustle and bustle, they might lose track of their group.
Gift Shops: Kids can easily get distracted by merchandise and wander off while browsing.
Play Areas: Play zones or interactive areas can attract children and lead them to stray from their parents.
Transport Areas: Locations like monorails, trams, or buses can also be tricky, as kids might not fully understand where they are going.
Where do lost children go?
If a lost child is found, those under ten years old are escorted to the Baby Care Center, providing a safe and comforting environment until they can be reunited with their families. For children over ten, they are taken to Guest Relations at the park, where staff can assist them in locating their guardians. If the child is wearing their MagicBand, it can help identify them faster, as it is linked to your reservation, allowing cast members to quickly verify their identity and ensure a swift reunion.
These are a few more tips for preventing lost children at theme parks:
Temporary Tattoos with Your Phone Number: Consider using temporary tattoos that display your phone number. These can be easily applied to your child’s arm or wrist and are a fun way for kids to have your contact information visible. Etsy offers a variety of designs, so you can choose one that your child will enjoy wearing. This way, if they get separated from you, they can easily show someone their tattoo to get help.
Custom ID Bands: Custom ID bands are another great option for keeping your child’s information on hand. If your child is reluctant to wear a bracelet, you can creatively place it in their shoe, loop it around an ankle, or even attach it to a belt loop. This ensures that it stays with them without causing discomfort. Again, Etsy has a variety of options to choose from, allowing you to personalize the bands with your contact information and any medical details, if necessary.
Have Them Memorize Your Cell Number: Teaching your child to memorize your cell phone number is a simple yet effective strategy. Make it a fun game by practicing together leading up to your trip. Knowing your number can help them seek out help more effectively if they find themselves lost, empowering them to approach a cast member or another adult with confidence.
Determine a Meeting Spot for Older Kids: For older children, it’s important to establish a clear meeting spot in case you become separated. Choose a prominent location, like a well-known attraction or a landmark, where everyone can easily find their way back. While younger kids may struggle with navigating the park, older ones can understand the importance of returning to a designated area. This strategy gives kids a sense of security and a plan to follow if they feel lost.
Kid Leash: NO JUDGEMENTS HERE! - I have never had a runner and I always wondered if I would use it if I did. Using a child leash can be a practical solution, especially in crowded environments. While some parents may hesitate to use one due to judgment, it can provide an added layer of safety for active children or "runners." If you’ve never had a child who wanders off, it might be hard to imagine how easily they can slip away in a busy park. A harness or leash allows for freedom of movement while keeping your child secure, giving you peace of mind as you navigate large crowds together.
Our Lost Child Story
Universal Studios Orlando Florida
We were on a big family trip with my in-laws. My kids were ages 9, 6, 6, and14-months at the time. After watching a show in a large theater, we were exciting and people pouring out into the bustling park. The crowd was overwhelming, with families and children everywhere, and my twin son was just a few steps ahead of our group.
As we made our way to the Minions queue, my mother-in-law began counting heads, to keep track of everyone. I glanced down, and my heart sank—I realized my son was missing. Panic surged through me. I was the designated runner in our family, and I instantly took off back toward the theater, my mind racing.
Meanwhile, my husband’s started announcing to our family, “We lost our child!” I sprinted back, but my husband said Someone near the entrance said they had seen him, and that is when they all got out of line and followed him.
I reached the theater, when I spotted him— He had instinctively followed our family plan: stay in one spot if you get lost. Despite being upset, he was right where he needed to be and was looking for a cast member. He sobbed, “I didn’t remember the plan,” but I realized that I had repeated it so often that it had kicked in instinctively when he felt lost.
He had been gone for about 10 minutes, but in that moment, it felt like hours. I started reassuring him that everything was okay now. I knew I could not be angry at anyone so I calmed those feelings down too.
That experience reminded me how crucial it is to have a plan in place when navigating crowded places. Stay it OVER AND OVER to the kids becuase they will follow it without even realizing they are following it.
I hope this blog helps you feel confident and secure in your safety plan at Disney and all theme parks alike. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you can enjoy a magical experience while keeping your loved ones safe.
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
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