Walt Disney World Lost Children: Tips to Avoid Losing Kids at Walt Disney World

One of the things you don't want to happen on our Walt Disney World trip is losing one of your kiddos! Being prepared in advance for your trip and talking to your kids can help you avoid any disasters.

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Talk to Your Kids Before Entering Disney World

Here is a checklist to prepare your kids for a day at Walt Disney World. Have this conversation with them before you head to the parks whether you do it at home before you leave or when you arrive to the hotel.

1. Before you enter Walt Disney World: help your child memorize your phone number if they are old enough.
2. If your child isn't old enough to memorize you phone number then find a way to attach your number to them. One favorite option is the SafetyTat -which is a temporary tattoo that will stick to your child's arm for up to two weeks. We recommend putting your name and phone number. It's a much better way of attaching your info to your child because clothing can become lost.
3. Make sure to have your child wear bright colored clothes which helps them stand out in a crowd. Take a picture of your child in your morning so you can remember what they were wearing.
4. Be prepared for the night shows and prepared- these times of days are the most hectic when people crowd closely together. Children can easily get lost in those moments. Buy glowing wristbands from the Dollar Store and that will make them stand out.
5. Make sure your child knows what to do if they become separated from you. This discussion will vary depending on their age.

Tips for Staying Together Inside Disney World

1. Decide on a meeting place for the whole family at the start of the day for each park you visit. Make sure the meeting place is close to the gates.  Physically walk to that place and pick out an exact spot. Most of the big landmarks have many different areas so your child could be confused if you just say, “Big Thunder Mountain.”
2. Make sure your child can recognize who a Walt Disney World Cast Member is when you first enter the park, point out their Cast Member name badge and explain that anyone who has these badges could help them if they were to be lost.
3. Keep your cell phones on vibrate and keep them in your pocket so you know when you are getting a call. The parks can be pretty noisy.
4. Some restrooms have multiple exits- be aware of this if your child is old enough to go the restroom alone. Accompany our child inside the restroom so you don't become separated.
5. Always keep a direct eye on your child and try not to get too caught up (I know, it's hard) in the shows and fireworks where you become distracted from them. Keep small children in strollers and hold hands with older ones.
6. Speaking of holding hands, always hold hands when leaving the park during the crowd rush towards the exit. This is a hectic time full of easy chances to become separated. Hang on tight!

If you do lose your child, here is the protocol that is followed by all Walt Disney World Cast Members if your child is lost inside of the parks.

Walt Disney World Lost Child Protocol

If a Disney Cast Member encounters a lost child under the age of 11 years old, then they are escorted to the Baby Care Center. There is one Baby Care Center in each Walt Disney World park.

If you have lost contact with your child that is 12 years or older then they can either wait for you at City Hall or leave a message for you there.

Stick to the efficient process that Disney has put in place and you will find your child in no time. If you have taught your child to ask for the help of a Disney Cast Member, children can be found very easily and in no time at all.

Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation!

Be sure to subscribe to our Disneyland deals newsletter for all of the latest information on deals and saving tips to help you save money and experience more! Sign up here. Check out our other Disney World articles:

• Exploring All the Magic of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in One Day: Our Quick Guide for a Successful One-Day Adventure!
• Walt Disney World My Experience App: How to Use this App to Maximize Your Time
• Walt Disney World MagicBand Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Mickey Visit’s Ultimate Guide
• Guide to Dining Packages Offered at Walt Disney World: Reserve Your Spot for the Magical Entertainment