Hey There, Jordan!
I'm so glad you've found your way to planDisney. I bet this is a question you never considered before kids, right? Visiting Walt Disney World Resort with young children is such an exciting experience, but it also comes with lots of extra considerations for Moms and Dads. Will they be able to nap in the stroller? How does the
Rider Switch service work? What happens if we get separated? Where's the best place to buy toddler footwear when they lose a left shoe (from experience, I can tell you it's the
Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park)? Believe me, as a mom of four, I ask myself these same questions each time we travel. To help put your mind at ease, I'm happy to share some details about what MagicBands can do and offer a few suggestions about keeping track of your kids in a busy Walt Disney World theme park.
MagicBands are a really useful accessory when you visit Walt Disney World and they're one of my kids' favorite parts of our vacation –– when the MagicBands go on, they know Disney magic is on its way! You can use them to enter theme parks and Lightning Lanes, open your Disney Resorts Collection hotel room door, make purchases, access interactive features in the parks, and more. But unfortunately, MagicBands can't be used as a GPS tracker (seriously, it would be
so cool if they could, though!). Instead, here's what I recommend to minimize your chances of being separated at Walt Disney World and what to do in case it happens:
1. Talk to your kids about getting lost before they arrive. Let them know that the parks can be busy and it can be easy to get separated in a big crowd, so it's important to stay close. Also, tell them not to wander away if they look up and can't find you –– they should find the closest Cast Member to help (be sure to point out the Cast Member name tags once you arrive, so they know what to look for).
2. If possible, put young kids in a bright, recognizable shirt. It's easier to spot them quickly when you can pick them out in a crowd.
3. On
really busy days, I've written "Mom: (cell phone number)" on their arm with a marker –– hopefully this will help someone contact me quickly in the unlikely event we get separated.
4. Don't panic and stay put (I know that's easier said than done). Chances are, your child is somewhere close to you. Find the closest Cast Member and let them know that your child is missing –– they'll immediately take steps to alert the right people and help you. If you have another adult with you, you can send them to look while you stay in one spot.
Most importantly, remember that while getting separated is a scary experience for both of you, Walt Disney World Cast Members are trained in these situations and will be actively working to get your child back to you safely. If a Cast Member finds a lost child, they'll immediately take them to a secure location until their parents can be located. Children under the age of 10 will be escorted to the
Baby Care Center in each theme park, while children over the age of 10 will go to the Guest Relations location. And lastly? Try to take a deep breath –– you and your kiddo will be back together in no time!
Thanks for stopping by planDisney, Jordan. I'm wishing you and your family lots of pixie-dusted (drama-free) adventures during your upcoming visit to Walt Disney World!
See Ya Real Soon,
Amy