As a parent, don't forget to note what your children are wearing, in case you need to notify a CM when your child is late. A recent photo of your children may also be a good thing to have in your possession. This is true not only for parents letting children explore alone but for any group that may split up during the day. Do not let such devices take the place of prearranged meeting times and locations, however. You may find yourself with an unexpected dead battery, in a location without cell coverage, or even stuck with a cell operator telling you that the system is unavailable or busy when you want to use it.
Family radios are also limited in range, and have problems with impediments such as buildings.
And because these radios are audible to others, you should practice their use, and phrases to say. For more information, see my previous column . Finally, consider some other options that allow everyone to experience as many magical memories as possible. For example, your oldest child may be old enough and willing to baby-sit your younger children in exchange for a day of freedom and a bit of extra spending money inside the park. Such an arrangement leaves a world of possibilities available for you and your spouse.