How To Keep a Family Happy at Disney..

Since we visit Disney quite frequently, and happen to be a large family we do possess a wealth of knowledge about how to keep your family happy while at the happiest place on earth! Here's a few tidbit's of information we have learned:

• Obviously, this trip proved to be a bit more difficult when half of the crew fell down sick halfway through the week. We spent the last half of our trip hauling several bottles of medicines, including two which had to be refrigerated! We started out the day double bagging the medicines and using ice from our freezer in the cabins. Halfway through the day, the bags would begin to leak and that's when we knew it was time for new ice! The restaurant's were always kind and willing to give us new ice, so it worked out well. Next time, we will bring a small cooler.. just incase!
  

• This year we stayed at Ft Wilderness, which was a wonderful decision made by my Dad. Last year we stayed at The Animal Kingdom Lodge, and had a blast especially since our room was on the Savanna so we had views of the giraffes and zebra's. This year, it wasn't going to work for all nine of us to stay there again.. both financially and physically! The cabins at Ft Wilderness were perfect and everyone ended up having their own bed.

• We went to breakfast one day, and it cost $90 for everyone to eat. To save money, we bought groceries at the nearby Winn Dixie (outside Disney premises) and had breakfast in our room each morning. The cabins all have their own full kitchen, and the maids do all of the washing up so you don't have to worry about it!
• We ate breakfast a little later, and then kept the kids satisfied with snacks until lunch. To avoid the rush of everyone at lunch time, we usually waited until closer to 2 pm when most of the restaurants are a little less full! With our family, arriving at a restaurant is like a mission. Upon entering the restaurant, we send a team to find a table for nine people. This often includes putting together two or three tables and stealing chairs from nearby tables. Once the table is put together, the older ones take turns deciding on what they want for lunch. (The younger kids don't have a choice.. you either eat or starve) Half of the team is up at the register ordering, while the other half stays at the table keeping the younger varmints happy until the food arrives. Upon the arrival of food, it's a delegation.. you either cut up someone's chicken nuggets or put straws in the milk cartons. We use the "eat it or starve" method which keeps us from having to get up several times and try to find what each child will want. We usually order the same thing for the younger four, and the hungrier ones (ahem Asher) often finish what the smallest ones don't eat (Emma).
  
• We kept a bag full of supplies inside of the stroller at all times. It was stocked full of snacks, water bottles, band-aids, paper towels, wipes and other necessities! (Even an extra pair of flip flops since my new Spurry's were giving me BAD blisters!) Definitely keep a bag full of snacks and drinks for your kids- it saves money and keeps you from having to feed them Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and churro's.
  

• Throughout the day we often keep count of our tribe of nine, and it's a good thing we do because we've ended up with seven, instead of nine before.
• Keeping the kids happy is the key to having a fun time at Disney. Now, when I talk about kids I am normally referring to Ian (age 9) Asher (age 8) and Esther & Emma (both, age 5). Being 18, I'm the other adult and Elena (age 16) and Kayla (age 13) are old enough to know how to behave!

• At the beginning of the trip, each child received their own lanyard, which is the "necklace" you will see on the kids throughout the pictures. You can buy these anywhere in each of the parks and use them to display pins. Almost all of the Disney cast members wear the lanyards, and they are almost always willing to trade pins with guests. Our kids know that in order to get more pins, you have to be good. Bad children will suffer from the loss of a pin. While we don't usually condone bribing at home, it does work when you're at Disney World.
  
• We rented a double stroller during the day for the younger kids. It ended up being $18 per day, and we could rent a stroller at each park. If you are going to rent a stroller, make sure you ask about their "weekly" deal and you will end up saving about $2-$3 a day. Hey.. you gotta save money where you can! =)

If all else fails, just remember that you're hear to have FUN and these memories only last so long. And don't forget, we're located only 10 minutes away from Disney, so if you have any other questions.. I'll try my best to answer them!