The Disney Second Shift

So let me explain why you're so tired at Walt Disney World and why I call this a trip or an adventure, not a vacation. First, you are overstimulated. Disney hits all your senses at once all day long. Sight, sound, and touch all day long! Not to mention the brain power you use when strategically planning and executing your day.

If you have a full park day and manage it correctly, you are lucky to have minimal tantrums and a lot of fun. But kids are human, and sometimes they have off days, so let's say one of the kids has an off day, and now you are managing emotions that turn into tantrums and an exhausted child. That adds to your exhaustion as a parent (this is why I am #teammiddaybreak.)

By the time you return to your resort, clean up the kids, and get them all in bed. You are READY TO SLEEP! But you can't because what I call the Disney second shift begins.

This truly sets a Disney vacation apart from any other vacation you take with your family. With other vacation destinations, most people wrap their heads around that if they do a high-intensity site seeing activity one day, they do a low-stimulating, relaxing day next. For example, we went horseback riding and white water rafting in Costa Rica one day then hung out at the pool and relaxed the next. No one would have suggested we go rock climbing or rappelling after a high-intensity day with white water rafting. But for some reason, doing four super overstimulating park days in a row where we are walking 6 - 8 miles per day is something people think our bodies can handle. Disney requires the same thought process as any other vacation. Ok, so I digress. Let's get back on track.

So now it's 11 pm, and you are ready for bed but have to prep for the next day because it will be a disaster if you don't. Preparing the night before is the key to a smooth start to the day, so let me walk you through the Disney Second Shift.

Once all the kids are in bed, my husband and I lay out outfits for the next day. Depending on what packing method you use, this should be quick. We change our packing method depending on our plans, but I typically pack our daily outfits in one packing cube. Then we lay them on the couch or the dresser, depending on the room.

Then we plug in all electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, extended battery packs, and vlogging camera (I know most of you don't have one; before I vlogged, I took a big Nikon D7100 to document our trips.). Charge Magicband+ for each member in the family and/or kids gizmo watches or smart watches if we are using those, then if you bring tablets to the park, those must be charged too. Repack diaper bag, and ensure kids' bags have crocs, pin lanyards, pin bag, and ponchos. Fill water bottles, stick them in the refrigerator, refill the snack bag, replenish park bag supplies, and pack my fanny or purse.

In the summer months, my list is longer. Add charging all electric neck and handheld fans. Put cooling towels in the freezer. Make sure to have our ponchos, umbrellas, waterproof sandals, and much more.

(If you are looking for the ULTIMATE Disney Park bag, read our blog on all the items you may need for Walt Disney World.)

This list may seem like a lot, but all of this makes our days run smoothly in the morning and our park days more enjoyable. How to remember everything in the morning? I have a list on the door or table. Then my husband and I run through all the items we need in the morning as we pack the stroller. We never pack the stroller the night before because we will always forget something that way. But use a strategy that works for your family. Then after all of this we finally get to bed.

The Next Morning

So after we book our Genie+ selection, we get the kids dressed, pack the stroller, and go to the parks. The morning runs seamlessly, and we always start the day on the right foot.

But doing this multiple nights in a row without a break is exhausting. The rest day or late morning is not just for the kids, but they are for the parents too. As much as you want to keep kids to their similar routines, you are the caretaker and have to as well. In our daily lives most of us do not work from sunup until sundown, so taking that route at the parks will also live you exhausted. So take advantage of breaks to ensure you do not burn out and enjoy this adventure (vacation) with your family.

Going to Walt Disney World is one of my favorite vacations with my family, and it can be one of yours, too, as long as you are prepared.

What are some things you do to prepare before starting your next day of adventure?

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