Do us a favor? Read the title of this post again.

There are two important things in there we don’t want you to miss.

Did you do it? Good.

The first thing we want you to notice is how we said “when a kid gets lost” and not “if a kid gets lost.” The fact is, kids get lost in Disney World every single day.

The second thing we want you to notice is…

…we said “Don’t Panic.” That is the number one step for relocating a lost kiddo. Because a kid gets lost in Disney World every day, the cast members on property are prepared and experienced when it comes to reuniting families. If you have a child, chances are you’ve experienced that pit-of-dread feeling — in a grocery store, at the mall, or even in Disney World — of your kiddo there one second and gone the next. *If* your kid ever gets lost, these are the actions you need to take.

Stay Put

When a kid gets lost, it’s easy to slip into that mindset of “I’ve got to go find them.” But when you first notice your kid is no longer walking next to you down Main Street, U.S.A., don’t run off to find them. More than likely, your kid will still be in the nearby vicinity.

If there’s another adult member in your party, have them go search for them while you keep rooted where you are — or vice-versa.

While you hold down the fort, wave down a cast member (you shouldn’t have to wander too terribly far from where you are to find one — cast members are ready to help around every corner!).

Calmly explain the situation to the cast member. They’ll be ready to take action immediately.

Let’s plan a Disney World trip your kids are going to love together! Click HERE!

Trust The Cast Members

It’s easy for us to say “Don’t panic,” but we understand it’s difficult to put into practice. If a little panic bubbles over, it’s normal. Losing your kid is a stressful situation and no one’s going to blame you for getting upset. Just don’t take your frustrations out on the cast members.

These cast members are going to do the best job possible to locate your kid. If they’re asking you questions, don’t be short with them. Breathe, focus, and work with the cast member, not against them.

This might seem obvious now, but when you’re in the heat-of-the-moment and your whole heart is worried sick, that reminder to still be kind despite it all is good to keep in mind.

When you tell a cast member about your missing kid, they will notify their supervisor and security ASAP. They’ll ask you for a recent picture and to list off some defining characteristics (ie: height, age, what they’re wearing, hair color, etc.). As soon as you give them enough details to go off of, the cast member will report the missing kid’s description to the central communication center so all cast members can be on the lookout.

When a cast member finds a child, they’ll escort them to either the park’s Baby Care Center (if they’re under 10 years old) or Guest Relations (if they’re over 10 years old). 

Cast members are trained to keep kids calm during this stressful situation. first of all, they usually tell your child that their PARENTS got lost, not the kiddo (talk about diffusing the situation!). Then they’ll ask them the important details first (“When did you last see your mom/dad/guardian?” “What does your mom/dad/guardian look like?”), and then they’ll ask some fun questions to keep them from panicking. (“Who’s your favorite Disney character?” “What rides have you ridden today?”)

Oops — we didn’t realize THESE Disney World rides would freak kids out! 

Know The Baby Care Center/Guest Relations Locations

Don’t know where the Baby Care Centers and Guest Relations Locations are in Disney World? Don’t sweat it! A cast member will guide you to the correct place once your kiddo has been tracked down.

But, if it makes you more comfortable knowing where they are ahead of time, we’ve got you covered.

Magic Kingdom:

• Guest Relations is located at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A., and at the Guest Relations Window. (The Guest Relations Windows will all be located at the main entrances of each of the parks.)
• The Baby Care Center is also off Main Street, U.S.A. between Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace.

EPCOT:

• EPCOT has 3 Guest Relations locations — the first is at the Guest Relations Window at the entrance, the second is at the lobby of Innoventions East, and the third is at the International Gateway (between the France and United Kingdom pavilions.)
• The Baby Care Center is in the Odyssey Plaza between Showcase Plaza and Test Track.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Guest Relations is located at the Guest Relations Window at the entrance and directly to the left after you enter the park.
• The Baby Care Center is in the same building as Guest Relations! So just head to the front of the park and you’re golden.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Guest Relations in Animal Kingdom is at the Guest Relations Window at the entrance and, just like Hollywood Studios, directly to the left after you enter the park.
• The Baby Care Center is on Discovery Island in a building to the left of The Tree of Life.

Check out the BEST Disney World rides for toddlers HERE!

Plan Ahead

No, we don’t mean “plan to lose your kid ahead of time.” That’d be terrible. We hope NONE of you ever have to go through the panic of not knowing where your kiddo has run off to in Disney World, no matter how brief of a time it may be.

What we really mean is plan ahead to help prevent an accident like this from taking place with these 6 tips:

1. Wear BRIGHT clothes! It’s easier to spot your kid (or any of the members in your party, for that matter) if they’re wearing something neon or eye-catching.

2. Quiz your kiddos to make sure they know your cell phone number. That way, if your kiddo gets lost and finds a cast member, they can give the cast member your number and get in contact with you immediately. 

3. Give your kid a tattoo phone number on their wrist if they’re too young to memorize it. You can find them for $5 on Amazon.com!

4. Create a game plan. Give your kid an easy-to-find spot in the park that they can go to and wait if they can’t find you. (ie: “If we ever get separated, meet me at the back of Cinderella Castle, next to the carousel!”)

5. Show your kid how to identify a cast member. Namely, point out the oval shape of the name tags they wear. That way, your kid will know they’re approaching someone trustworthy and not just a complete stranger. 

6. Take a picture of your kiddo at the beginning of each day so you always have the most updated photo with their most recent outfit/hairdo/etc. on-hand. 

Let’s think back to the title again.

“When A Kid Gets Lost” doesn’t mean your kiddo will be one of the dozens of kids who accidentally get separated from their parents during their day at Disney. But if they are, don’t panic. There aren’t just ways to prevent this because, sometimes, you can’t. But there are *definitely* ways to get reconnected a give your aching heart that sigh of relief — and the Disney team will help you every step of the way.

Don’t stop preparing for your Disney World vacation now! Read about the 13 things you need to know before you go to Disney World with kids HERE!

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Have you ever lost a child at Disney world? Any tips you want to share?

The post Don’t Panic! This Is What Happens When A Kid Gets LOST In Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.