Safety Tats to the Rescue

By Elisabeth

We are surprising our boys by taking them to Disneyland this weekend. We aren't telling them a thing until we are in the car and on our way. The 2 yr old will have little concept of any of this, but the 5 yr old is going to lose his marbles. Can't wait to catch that on film!

We've been to Disneyland once before, last year. We took the then 4 yr old and had a blast. This time, we just couldn't leave the 2 yr old behind (even though we REAAAALLY thought about it.) While it will pose much more work for us, it will provide many adoring memories. (right? RIGHT??)

So, to help ease our efforts, I remembered a gal friend of mine had purchased these tattoos you can write on to display your phone number in case your child gets lost. This brilliant idea came to me last night, THREE days before we're to head down South. Luckily, the one-day shipping on this item was only $3.99 and the extra cost was definitely worth our peace of mind.

From what I have read, these little doo-hickies can stay on for days at a time (of course, if your child doesn't lick them, eat them, or play scratch and sniff.) If I can distract the young one with "something shiny" and convince the older not to touch his with some sort of Mickey bribery, I think we are in the clear.

Now, here's where I NEED YOUR HELP. If you've been to the Happiest Place on Earth, or someplace like it, are there any tips you have for me to make this the BEST TRIP EVER? I am planning on packing most of our lunches, drinks and snacks for the days, but I don't know if I am missing something that will make or break this family adventure.

Ideas?

{photo credit: Amazon.com}

Comments

[Stacy]

We just got back from the happiest place on earth with a 2 year old and a 5 year old and they both had a great time.

My only recommendation is that if you have an iPhone, you get the MouseWait application (it's free). It helps you identify what lines are like around the park and was really helpful in planning where we would go during the day to avoid waiting an hour for a ride with a cranky 2 year old.

If you don't have an iphone, they also have an official Disney application - but I think you must be on Verizon to use it. They have more information on the Disney website.

Have a great time - we were surprised by how much our 2 year old really enjoyed it!

[Home Sweet Sarah]

Bring a flask! (Sorry, that's all I got.)

Have a blast, though! I can't wait to hear about the 5-year-old's reaction!

[Stevie]

Even though you're planning on bringing snacks and packing lunches, if you can swing it I would highly recommend taking the kiddos to Goofy's Kitchen for one of the meals. All the characters are there and they dance with you and they have all kinds of fun foods for kids. It's a blast for adults, too!

[Emiliy Marino]

I worked at Disneyland for 8 years. Your youngest won't be able to go on all the rides the older one can because of his height. All rides at the park have a rider-swap option. Just ask one of the Cast Members (that's Disney-speak for "Employee") and tell them you are interested. Basically, one parent/child (i.e. you and your 5-year-old) wait in the full line while your husband waits with the 2 year old. After they get off, you should get some kind of pass so your husband can skip the line and go on the ride again - AND take the 5 year old! So, your oldest gets to ride the ride twice!
Also, look in to getting a Fast Pass. If you were at the park last year then you already are familiar with this. Also, go on rides in the same "land" before moving on (i.e. don't be like my dad and want to ride Matterhorn, then Space Mtn, then Splash...you can waste a lot of time doing this!)

[Jules]

Dumb question here... but can't you just write your phone # on your kid's hand with a sharpie?

[little miss mel]

Jules, I'd LOVE to just use a pen on their arms, but my boys get messy and probably a bit sweaty on occasion. I would think the marker would smear and not be ideal in this situation.

Thought giving them their first tattoo ever, that would benefit me AND them was reason enough to buy these little suckers.