My oldest is almost 4 and has trouble with impulse control and bolting but does much better if he has rules laid out (especially with a visual) ahead of time so I’m coming up with a list of rules that I can get printed and laminated before our trip in 9 days.
What would your rules be for this age? We can definitely throw some fun rules in there too like dessert can be eaten any time or something.
Thanks!
I answered on chat a bit but here are some I make/ made for my 3-6 yos
Agree an ‘independence distance’ - call it something fun but give them practice holding hands in crowds and give them space when you feel it’s safer will make them less likely to bolt.
Maybe set a code word for ‘I see this exciting thing and I need to go get up close quick’ so you know to run after them
Figure out what at-home rules apply and which ones don’t- and tell them why.
Cast members are the boss- even of the grownups, so they know that when someone other than you sets a rule, they know to follow (like hands up to check a safety latch)
I’ll edit to add others if I think of them
My biggest fear would be him running off.
I think you should also have some code words or gestures that stop the behavior by getting him to do something fun! Disney can be over stimulating and even the best intentions can go sideways.
When my two were young each got to pick an animal to call out. Any animal but we all picked cats- we’re cat people! When they would get too rowdy and we’re not listening I would call out my animal (Maine coon). DD would sound off Siamese (and sing We are Siamese if you please from the Aristocrats) and DS would say Russian Bllllllluuuuuuueeeeee (then started to follow it with Blue Berry Bubble Gum). I forgot DHs cat, lol.
Another trip I would twirl my finger and they would sing, “I’m a disco penguin” (club penguin was a THING,lol) and spin in a circle penguin style.
These types of things have always helped us to rally together and regroup.
I also like to do the what if scenarios that way we could talk about things and the kids felt confident in what to do.
At 4 the rules should be simple. It will be easier for him to follow. Maybe even make a rhyme or song out of them.
I’ve always been of the mind set to let my kids know the consequences up front. And I stuck to them. If I felt we were going down a certain road, I would remind them “of that time” and ask them to tell me what happened.
For fun, maybe make a grab bag and for every time you see him trying real hard to behave you let him grab a little treat or a card with a promise of something. And I know sugar is EVERYWHERE at Disney but it’s also best to limit it until they will have some free time to burn off that energy. Those lines can be tough even for the adults when they have excess energy building.
I had 5 rules for at home but I can not recall needing them at Disney. Even the bolter didn’t take off.
Our most needed rule at home was kids don’t make the rules so I’m liking CMs rule everyone
Climb a fence - no ice cream
One souvenir a day
Tho we usually discussed before leaving home what plush toys were needed - like Tramp to go with the Lady we already had.
No whining
Possibly at least one bite tho none of the kids we brought were picky 
Oh!!! If one person goes to the bathroom - all kids have to accompany and at least try
This was a major rule. Inconceivable that I forgot it
Lady and the Tramp…
Yep. Brain fart.