How to Make the Most of Vacation Setbacks
You all know that I LOVE theme parks and am generally positive. If I don’t have something good to say about a place, I usually won’t mention it. However, I’m also one of those who love getting super excited ahead of an event. When things don't go according to plan, I have to deal with disappointment in the moment. It happens to the best of us, right?
Let's talk about some things I've experienced during our countless theme park adventures. Brace yourselves:
Someone gets sick and throws up (due to nerves, exhaustion, or plain old motion sickness).
Meltdowns happen - and guess what? It's not just the kids; grown-ups are not immune to getting snappy and yelling at everyone to have fun already.
Muscle pain and injuries can unexpectedly pop up. Ouch!
Rides shut down - even after you've been waiting for what feels like an eternity to ride them.
Mother Nature has her own agenda - whether it's pouring rain or the relentless sun beaming down on you.
No matter how prepared you are, life still happens, and sometimes you have to change your plans mid-stream. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your family for the unexpected.
Plan Ahead
Yes, I just mentioned how things can go awry even with a plan in place, but trust me, planning still helps. It's like having a safety net for your day of thrills and excitement. Before heading out, be sure to pack some essential items that can come in handy during unexpected situations. Bandaids, water bottles, and snacks should find their way into your backpack or bag. These simple supplies can be lifesavers when someone needs a quick patch-up or energy boost. Here’s some extra help so you don’t forget to pack anything.
Planning isn't just about the physical necessities. It's also about creating a game plan for tackling the park's attractions. Research the park layout and the popular rides, and prioritize the ones you don't want to miss. Having a rough schedule of what to hit when will give you a sense of direction and help you make the most of your time.
Take A Break
If it's within your means, I highly recommend taking a breather in the afternoon. I know you want to power through and do everything, but trust me on this one. Find a shaded spot or a cool restaurant/bar inside the park and let everyone sit down. Grab a bite to eat, have a refreshing drink, and let the little ones nap in their stroller. If you have the luxury, head back to the hotel for a nap or a dip in the pool. Taking a break during this time of day can prevent so many issues.
Manage Expectations
Ah, the unexpected twists and turns. Just last week, we visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the first time in a while, and my son was finally ready to ride Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure. I knew the wait would be long, but I didn't expect to wait in line for an hour only to have the ride close down. I was so disappointed. I could have stubbornly insisted we wait when it reopened an hour later, but that would have consumed most of our day, causing us to miss out on other attractions like the Hogwarts light show and my son's favorite activity - casting spells. So, I adjusted our plans and ensured we had a fantastic day, despite not getting to do what we initially set out for.
While planning your trip, remember that life is unpredictable, and theme park days are no exception. Embrace the unexpected, adjust your plans when needed, and make the most of your day. After all, these adventures are about creating lasting memories and having a blast with your loved ones. So, plan smart, and enjoy every moment of your theme park experience!