5 Ways to Share Some Magic as a Disney “Aunt or Uncle”

Let me start by saying that this member of WDW Parkhoppers (Sarah-Irene) is not a parent.  I am half of a married couple that do not have children but love going to the parks with friends and their kids.  Here are a few of the great ideas we have learned about this fun and sometimes challenging role.

#1.  Take your camera!

Parents can get very busy keeping little Bobby in the stroller and making sure that little Susie eats more than popcorn and ice cream during the day.  They have their hands full with diaper bags, strollers, sippie cups, stuffed animals, and making sure they leave with same amount of kids they started with.  You can be the family photographer.  Being able to hand my cousin a thumb drive with 300+ pictures of their family vacation (when she took about 10 pictures total) was priceless.  They will love and appreciate you for it.

#2  Slow down.

Kids just don’t move at the speed of a group of ride hungry adults.  And that is OK.  Enjoy watching the shows through their eyes.  Watch the joy as the kids discover new characters, music, and experiences.  Trust me, you will enjoy it even more next time and maybe even learn a thing or two.

#3  They are not your kids.

OK, I admit, I struggle with this sometimes.  Why don’t they listen to mom and dad?  Maybe they will listen to me?…  Even if they do, it’s not your place.  Help, absolutely!  Hold bags, watch the kids while adults potty, carry food trays, all that little stuff that we take for granted while having 2 arms that can do what we want them to do.  Support the parent’s decisions and don’t undermine their rules.  If mom says no chocolate until after lunch, do not slip cookies in the stroller when mom is distracted.  Relax, you can mess up your own kids soon enough.

#4  Offer to babysit.

Yes, I am serious.  I know it is your vacation too, but offering to watch the kids while mom and dad ride a roller coaster is huge.  Or offer to take them around the park for a few hours, or even the day.  Stay at the hotel with them while parents get a chance to have an adults only dinner.  Eating, shopping, and even walking at Disney without their kids is a treasure to parents.  Trust me, they will never forget it.

#5  Love the kids.

In our circle, if you go to Disney with us, you are O’hana.  You are family.  We try to treat the kids the same way.  Try it this way; refer to everyone as “aunt so-in-so” or “uncle blah-de-blah”.  Ask the kids if they will ride with you on the next tea cup, pirate ship, or tram.  Hold their hand as you walk.  Take a small stuffed animal in your bag for them to play with (or even keep at the end of the day).  Talk to them.  Ask them questions.  The memories you help create will ensure that Disney will always be a part of their lives.

Do you have anymore ideas for us to share?

Leave us a comment and let us know!

Written by WDWParhopper Sarah-Irene

Married, living in North Tampa, FL. Audio geek, power tool junkie and recently converted dog person. Sarah is married to WDW Parkhopper John and they have 2 four-legged kids, for now…

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