Worried about meltdowns at Magic Kingdom? Tantrums, crying, and totally wild behavior tend to happen at Disney World, but there are ways to work around (and avoid) it.

Disney World truly is the most magical place on earth…until your little one decides to have an epic meltdown! From excitement overload to tired feet, there are plenty of reasons why kids can get overwhelmed in the theme parks (and even at the resorts). 

But don’t worry! As a mom who’s been there, I’m sharing some common triggers for those mini freak-outs – and helpful tips to keep the magic alive for everyone. 

Disney World Is Incredibly Overstimulating 

Photo by Marisa Alvarado

Disney World is busy and buzzing all day and night. There are so many sights and sounds to take in, it’s overwhelming for even the most seasoned adult. Even on a calmer park day, the spaces across Disney World are always full of large crowds, and there are always lots of new, unfamiliar sights to see, and for a child, all the noises and crowds can be very overstimulating. 

Factor in the need to  wait in long lines for rides and to meet characters, which can also be highly overwhelming (all while your little one is bursting with excitement), and a meltdown is very likely to happen. 

When you find your kiddo is too overstimulated, it’s time to take a break. Find a quiet spot at the park (yes, those exist), and give them a few minutes to decompress. 

There’s Tired, and Then There’s Disney World Tired 

As magical as every day at Disney World is, it’s equally exhausting. Waking up for rope drop, running from attraction to attraction, and staying up super late to catch the fireworks can wear any kid out. A child having a freak out because they are overtired is very common at Disney World; in fact, you’ll see it happening all around you. 

These tiredness-induced meltdowns happen because kids are out of sync with their everyday routines, and they probably aren’t sleeping as much as they would at home. 

And that’s not even to mention the Florida heat. Add the oppressive high temperatures and humidity to an already exhausted kiddo, and a freak out is bound to happen. 

You can try having your kiddo take a stroller nap to catch up on sleep or plan for mid-day breaks back at your Disney World resort so your child can take a proper nap. A good, lengthy nap will ensure they’re ready to handle the rest of the day. (The same goes for adults who are cranky, too!)

Your Kids Are Amped Up on Sugar and Toys 

Photo by Marisa Alvarado

At every Disney World theme park and resort, you’ll discover a wide variety of sugary treats. In fact, it’s literally in the air. As you walk down Main Street, U.S.A., the delightful aromas of chocolate and freshly baked goods will stop you in your tracks. It smells so good. Each store has a fantastic selection of treats shaped like Mickey or Minnie, among other characters, enticing kids to want all the treats. 

Moreover, at each store and as you exit every ride, you’ll find an abundance of toys, making it even more of a treasure trove for little ones. All of that sugar paired with toys they absolutely need to have is a recipe for a meltdown waiting to happen. Any kid is going to want one of everything and could freak out at any time when they’re told no. 

I recommend setting expectations ahead of time of what (or if) they can have for a treat during the trip and what souvenir they are allowed to get, if any. With my son, for example, we always have him save up some of his own money, which he can use to buy himself one thing at the World of Disney store when we visit Disney Springs. It’s become a fun tradition for him, and he looks forward to selecting his own treasure (within reason, of course – it has to fit on the plane!) 

Disney World Meltdowns Happen, and It’s Totally Okay

Every child may have a meltdown at some point during a Disney vacation. However, if you are prepared and ready to handle the situation when it arises, you can still enjoy a magical experience with your family. Trust me: Disney World truly is the most magical place on Earth, and any freak out will all be forgotten when you stand in front of Cinderella Castle watching the Happily Ever After fireworks display.