Single Dad in love with a mouse! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Love That Mouse

02-07-2005, 11:05 PM

Okay, so I've been a recently seperated/divorced father of one who still loves going to Disney World. I've taken my 6 year old son for two trips over the past year and we have had an absolute blast! Honestly, it is my favorite place in the whole world and sharing memories with my son is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Well, as luck would have it, I have a chance to return to my magical place and I am thinking about doing this trip on my own (I won a sales contest with my company through alot of hard work). You know, just a chance to relax and have some "me" time. The question is, should I do it solo or take my 6 year old.

I would like to experience PI and great restaurants, things I can't do with a 6 year old. But, is it "strange" that a single guy would want to go to Disney World by himself for a little R&R. So my fellow DIS members, I leave it to you. . . .Can relaxation and fun be had for a single dad?

Or do I relent and make more memories with my son? Not that there really is a "bad" choice given my options. :earsboy:

rhiansmom

02-08-2005, 12:00 AM

He is six... it's magical at that age... I say take him!

I'm going solo with my five year old in May.... I am really looking forward to it and also planning some mommy only nights (2) when she can do the daycare.

Valentine

02-08-2005, 12:24 AM

I am one for go solo... Take some me time... and then go back on your dime and take him!! Seeing as this is a trip you won from work, with there be other sales folk also going to Disney at the same time?? If so.. then definitely go alone... you can hang with the adults when you want to... and strut on your own when you are ready! It's a blast.. have fun.. and you can take notes as to what you would do with your son when you go back !

MariettaC

02-08-2005, 05:05 AM

I would take him. Seeing the Magic through a child's eyes is the best :flower:

TLinden16

02-08-2005, 06:24 AM

Welcome to the DIS, Love That Mouse! :wave:

I say take the solo trip this time. If you've already taken your son twice in the past year, leave him home this time, and have some adult fun! Go to PI. Eat a Mickey bar for lunch. Go to my favorite spot on Disney property for adult fun--Jellyrolls at the Boardwalk.

Just be warned, you will have those "I wish my son was here" moments. I go solo quite a bit now, and I always think of my nieces and nephews all the time during the trip.

You'll still have a blast!

Karen

MickeyMonstersMom

02-08-2005, 09:29 AM

I'm a single mom who scrimped and saved for 3 years to take my kids on the "trip of a lifetime," just to discover the DIS and realize that I can afford to bring them more often. We've taken 3 family trips to WDW in the past 3 years, and I am currently planning my second solo trip. I did feel quite guilty at times during my first solo - for that reason, I avoided the MK completely! - but relished the chance to relax and do whatever I wanted to do, such as sit on a bench in the Morocco pavilion for a while and people-watch, or hang out at the Poly beach with a book. That time alone, doing something just for myself, was wonderful, especially since I'm almost always focused on my children's needs. For that reason, I urge you to go solo this time. Reward yourself for the hard work you do at your job and at home with this unexpected opportunity - and then just plan another trip in the future for you and your son. :)

Villain Dude

02-08-2005, 10:19 AM

He'll only be your little boy for a short time ... soon he'll be older. Enjoy life with your son because he'll be only young once but will have memories with his Dad for a lifetime... So I say take 'em.

Dude

spiceycat

02-08-2005, 10:40 AM

at 6 he won't remember it - so go solo - have fun - enjoy yourself - have a blast - party all night long!!!!

make this your 'once in a lifetime' trip - because until he is grow up - it might be....

kar313

02-08-2005, 11:39 AM

I say do the solo trip. You earned the trip and should give yourself a chance to enjoy it. Think of as giving your son a "break" from having to do the boring things adults like, touring FW at Epcot, watching the shows, having a nice dinner, PI, even riding some of the more adventerous rides. That way when you take him back next time you don't have to feel like you are missing out of some of those things and can just enjoy your time doing exactly what he wants.

dturner

02-08-2005, 11:49 AM

at 6 he won't remember it - so go solo - have fun - enjoy yourself - have a blast - party all night long!!!!

make this your 'once in a lifetime' trip - because until he is grow up - it might be....

Oh yes he will remember it at 6 - I took DS(8) for the first time when he was 6 and that's all he STILL talks about - he remembers everything (little details that I've forgotten about :) ) - yes, it was only 3 years ago but I would never ever think about going to Disney and not take my son with me.

spiceycat

02-08-2005, 12:37 PM

once he turns 11 - then ask him about the trip - if he stills remembers then I will be impressed.

My niece has been going since she was 2 1/2 - now that she is 14 (going to be 15 this year) - she gets very mad when anyone mentions the earlier trips - and would like to say she wasn't there -but hey we have the pictures to prove it - and boy does she get mad.

her attitude is if I don't remember it - it doesn't count.

however when she was 6 she still remember her first trip at 2 1/2.

jenelope

02-08-2005, 12:51 PM

I'd say taking a solo trip after taking your son on two trips in the past year isn't going to put your nomination for Father of the Year in jeapordy. You've had time at WDW for you and your son, take some time for yourself.

Terk-1

02-08-2005, 01:58 PM

From one solo Disney fanatic, I say go for it!!! I love going to WDW with my family, but have just as much fun going solo. Plus it allows me to do, see and dine at places that I may miss going with others. It does not mean you're a bad dad or anything, just that you love Disney and would like to enjoy it on an adult only level, which is perfectly fine. You can do all those nice sit down meals, you can do attractions that your son is too small for, but you always wanted to go on, you can wander around DTD or PI. You can get to the parks at early entry or sleep in. I love going with family, but I just feel like you have more flexibility to see and dine where and when I want. I've been solo 4 times, with a 5th planned for this fall!

Love That Mouse

02-08-2005, 09:15 PM

Wow! Thanks for all the great responses! It's also nice to know I'm not the only Disney fanatic in this place. I think I will go by myself. It's time for Dad to be a single guy again, and there is no place I would rather have adult fun than at Disney World. Since I'm not much of a wild and crazy party person, the atmosphere is perfect! Besides, maybe I'll find my Minnie Mouse while I'm there. . . . . .
"When You Wish Upon A Star". . . . . .Hey I still believe in the power of Wishes and dreams.

Schweet

02-09-2005, 12:57 AM

Good for you! Taking time for yourself is a good thing!

I'm a divorced mom actually taking my son to WDW this summer for his graduation present. It's the only way I could justify the trip. He's 18 so he's old enough to take care of himself when I ditch him now and then so I can go into some of the places he won't be allowed into for 3 more years. I'm guessing he's going to want to ditch me sometimes too. I've only been to WDW one other time '98 (when we were a family of 4) and I never made it into a single nice restaurant. I didn't even know you could buy alcohol in WDW. I figure a nice relaxing drink in the evening would be the perfect way to end the day. When did you say you were going? ;) ;) Where did you say you were staying? ;) ;)

DonaldDuckFreak

02-09-2005, 05:41 PM

Love That Mouse-
Go alone!You deserve a little time to be a grown up at Disney! Maybe I will see you at PI! ::MinnieMo

TammyAlphabet

02-09-2005, 07:58 PM

As far as I am concerned, you sound like the PERFECT MAN!!!!!!!!!

DonaldDuckFreak

02-09-2005, 08:20 PM

I know huh???

TammyAlphabet

02-09-2005, 10:38 PM

Hey, Love That Mouse, looks like you are developing a fan club....... :cheer2:

3DisneyNUTS

02-10-2005, 07:53 AM

I say take him six is old enough for you guys to go out to eat together. I think once you get there you would miss him and be sorry you left him home otherwise.

3DisneyNUTS

02-10-2005, 07:55 AM

Love That Mouse

02-10-2005, 03:44 PM

Thanks for the support. You know it's funny. One of the reasons for my divorce (though certainly not the only) was that my passion for Walt Disney World was not reciprocated by my ex-wife. Believe me, this was not the sole reason, but, it was. . . .well. . . .hard to explain.

For the last three years of my marriage it had been my son and I only going on our yearly pilgrimage to WDW. While I had a great time with my son, there were times when I "wished upon a star" for somebody else who could share in my passion as well. . . .A female companion who enjoyed the "wow" factor I feel when I see the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle. Somebody that understands and appreciates the uplifiting feeling I get when that little mouse appears at the top of the mountain at the end of Fantasmic that all I can do is cheer and shout. Somebody else who would enjoy a romantic lunch in Paris. I don't know, maybe I'm rambling.

Anyhow, that is why I am having a hard time deciding whether to go by myself or take my son. I appreciate all of your comments and is it refreshing to know there are other people in this world that share my feelings about "the most magical place on earth"!

Am I too strange to wish for these things? I have to tell you as a 37 year old man, sometimes it can feel strange to love these things. You know, men are supposed to love Vegas and he-man stuff, and I love a mouse! For me, it is far more romantic to share a boat ride on the lagoon at sunset than a night of gambling and drinking.

Thanks for all of your support :earsboy:

beansmom

02-10-2005, 04:20 PM

DonaldDuckFreak

02-10-2005, 05:08 PM

Believe me Love That Mouse- you will have no trouble finding someone who loves your passion for WDW as much as you do. I think you already have some of us dreamy eyed over you!

Schweet

02-10-2005, 05:16 PM

Hi Mike,

You sound like a wonderful father. I think the best parents can be the best because they take time for themselves. I really think you'll have a wonderful time going solo this time knowing that you've spent a lot of quality time there with your son there in the last year. I can tell your son is the world to you and I'm sure he knows it.

I understand you wanting the "wow" feeling watching the fireworks and Fantasmic with someone special. I really can't think of a more romantic thing to do! And lunch in Paris? You have my heart going pittypat!

I also dream of having some "wow" in my life again. I've been separated/divorced for 5 years now and have gone on at least 4 different trips with my sisters and without my kids. It was hard for me to leave without them each time and I worried about how they were doing the whole time I was gone, but my kids survived just fine and I had a lot of fun. And my kids were thrilled to have a happier mom come home to them.

When I was married, I was able to get my husband to go to Disneyland one time, but that was enough for him. I took the kids a few times after that and we had a ball, and I went once alone with my sister and we had a ball then too!

I'm taking my son to WDW this time for his graduation trip, but I said he could go only if I get to go with him. We'll be there from June 28th till July 6th and we'll be staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

Just call me Minnie! ::MinnieMo

Nanabug02

02-12-2005, 02:37 PM

Wow.....looks like we've got a lovematch between these two! :lovestruc:

ThePhantomsGirlfrien

02-12-2005, 03:50 PM

Hey....

I'm on the other end - I'm a female who has often wished I could find a guy who shared my enthusiasm for Disney! (and interestingly - it has also been hard to find FRIENDS that share it as well..)

I stopped waiting for that and starting going solo! Now I've moved right near the parks and I go as often as I can.

My son loves Disney and went with me a few times. Now he's going for the first time as an adult and bringing HIS son. I loved both my trips with him when he was a child as well as my solo trips. My solo trips weren't until he was in college so I didn't have to do the guilt thing - so I understand that. But I say - go ahead by yourself! (and too bad you weren't like 10 years older...LOL)

Smiles,

Holly

Sherri

02-12-2005, 04:45 PM

From a Mom who has children who are growing up to fast, I say take him.
Before you know it you will mention Disney and he will mention things he doesn't want to miss at home in order to go. I'm one to say spend every minute with him you can. Maybe be can take a niece or one of your parents along to enjoy the days with you two and be able to babysit at night if you want to enjoy pleasure island.
My kids remember their first Disney trip when they were 6 and 7.

disneyworld!

02-12-2005, 10:39 PM

Hi Mike!

I am a sinlge mom and I took my daughter everytime.....from 90-2001. She is now 21!! and I have done 1 solo....doing my next solo may 20th!

I have to admit......I feel gulity! I did love my solo(well, was with a friend...he does not like disney so he left!) so I ended up solo....

It really gives you time to be alone...time to think, and wonder the "World" it was a little strange at first....but I have counted the minutes to do solo again!!!

take some time for yourself....If you find yourself feeling gulity...just plan a trip with your son....to take that edge off!!!!
good luck!
Janet :wizard:

Taja

02-12-2005, 10:47 PM

Glad you decided to go solo and enjoy yourself, Love That Mouse! You'll see a completely different side of WDW, and discover a few things to encourage your DS to do next trip with him!

If you feel up to it, spend an evening at the Adventurer's Club in PI. It's silly and fun, but not something you could do with a six-year-old! :) You also can visit other PI clubs, as well, but you'll probably enjoy yourself so much at the AC that you'll stay there most of the evening! There are a lot of solos, as well as couple and groups, so you can feel comfortable there.

Love That Mouse

02-13-2005, 12:30 AM

Actually I have been to the Adventurers Club and I LOVE it. My favorite place in PI. Second place would have to be 8-Trax. Fun, Fun, Fun! Don't worry, I can also keep up at Motion and Mannequins. I love them all. The problem is I have always done them by myself and there are times it can be a bit depressing. . . . .Anyone else have this problem?

Schweet

02-13-2005, 12:34 AM

Wow.....looks like we've got a lovematch between these two! :lovestruc:

Hey, a girl can always dream! :blush: Isn't it nice though, to know that there are some single guys out there that have their priorities straight? :lovestruc

Love That Mouse

02-13-2005, 12:36 AM

Thanks ladies. It's equally nice to know there are ladies out there that have their priorities straight!

tmli

02-13-2005, 11:17 AM

I can so relate to this thread. I also have recently seperated from a man who didn't share the "passion". Although like you it wasn't the only reason we sperated, it was one of them. My ds (8) and I have made 6 trips to WDW without him. He just would never take the time, always a reason. Often I am there and look at the other families and feel a hint of sadness. We are returning again in June for my ds's b-day.

I can tell you though, I have seriously thought of a solo trip. Sometimes extended family have been with us and I have tasted the thrill of TOT and Splash mountain...things I can't do with my ds.

I also feel guilty..disney is supposed to be for kids right? I can't explain the joy I feel looking at that castle for the first time or strolling main street. The tears that always come when I see fantasmic, or leave the MK for the last time...most people think I am a little crazy.

I have spent alot of time lurking on this board, secretly wondering if I could do it alone. Would my ds ever forgive me?

I am glad you have decided to go, good for you. Yes they are only young once, but he has been before and will be again. And yes I am better at giving advice instead of taking it!!!

I will watch anxiously for your trip report upon your return. Hey if you can do it maybe I can to...afterall my AP doesn't expire until Sept.

GorshGoofy

02-13-2005, 03:28 PM

I can tell you though, I have seriously thought of a solo trip. Sometimes extended family have been with us and I have tasted the thrill of TOT and Splash mountain...things I can't do with my ds.
I also feel guilty..disney is supposed to be for kids right? I can't explain the joy I feel looking at that castle for the first time or strolling main street. The tears that always come when I see fantasmic, or leave the MK for the last time...most people think I am a little crazy.
I have spent alot of time lurking on this board, secretly wondering if I could do it alone.

My 2 cents: I just got back from a solo trip and share many of the emotions alrady expressed ... frustration at not having a partner who understood WDW and longing for a new partner who did. As a divorced man (48) I had a lot of strange looks when I revealed my plans. (You are going to Disney World alone? Who are you meeting?) Still, I would recommend going solo just to be able to do all those things that you put off or just walked past "until another time". My solo trip was great. Now, I can plan for a trip with my kids next year and will be able to skip some things that I won't be able to do with them knowing I enjoyed them on my first solo trip and I'll enjoy them again when I take my second solo trip. They may only be young once, but I'm not getting any younger either. Go solo this time and enjoy every moment of it!!

Love That Mouse

02-13-2005, 04:46 PM

I'm sorry to hear of your seperation. Although I'm not there, I can somewhat relate. I will be sure to post the results of my trip alone. Now if I could just pick a date. . . .on the calendar that is! :-)

tmli

02-13-2005, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the kind words Mike...good luck finding a "date" ;) for your upcoming trip!

Hey Gorshgoofy, I was also at POP in Jan of this year, when were you there?

Schweet

02-14-2005, 12:00 AM

Like I said, I'll be at WL from June 28 - July 6! Wink wink! ;)

Have a good time whenever you go, you're a winner Mike. Either you'll find the right person or she'll find you! Let us all know how it goes. I gotta admit though, I'm having fun flirting. ::yes::

Shawn (I SWEAR it's a girls name!)

lynn71092

02-14-2005, 02:02 PM

I also vote for the solo trip.
You've already taken your son twice this year so you don't have anything to feel guilty about.
I am also planning my first solo trip sometime this year.
I went with my sister and my son and his roommate the first week in December and I know they won't be ready to go back for a while so after reading all the Solo reports, I'm going for it!! :wave:

DSNYRose

02-14-2005, 03:27 PM

Love That Mouse

02-14-2005, 08:28 PM

Yes, I must say, I get the same looks when I announce how much I love Disney to anybody. I know there thinking, "and he's a straight man????? No, way!" But it is true! It's equally hard for them to believe it when I tell them of my love for drama, musicals, and anything Rock and Roll (okay, maybe the rock and roll thing is not to hard to believe. . . .)!

GorshGoofy

02-14-2005, 08:48 PM

I love this thread!! My best friend and I are both single. I love disney and she'd rather be out cruising the Caribbean. Therefore, she gives me a hard time everytime I opt to take my daughters to WDW instead of joining her for some adventure of a lifetime. :moped:

I once told her, WITHOUT PROOF, that there are plenty of good single men who love Disney. Her reply: There are no "sane" or "straight" single men out there who would willingly go to WDW alone. I can't wait to show her this thread. :teeth:

Tell her that there's at least one straight guy out there who not only does Disney solo but would enjoy cruising the Caribbean too, solo if necessary! I'm hoping for a Windjammer cruise this fall, or as soon there after as I can arrange it!

GorshGoofy

02-14-2005, 08:49 PM

Hey Gorshgoofy, I was also at POP in Jan of this year, when were you there?

I was there January 27 -- February 2. Had a great time. U?

tmli

02-15-2005, 01:37 AM

I did have a great time...it was our 2nd stay there. Missed you by a couple of days we were there Jan.12-24th. Heading back in June just not sure if it will be POP again or may try AKL. It's hard for me to justify the extra $ though so we will see. While I will have my ds with me in June I have decides to get him a sitter for a day and enjoy the world solo. You all have inspired me!

Montana Minnies

02-15-2005, 05:42 PM

Not strange at all! I know lots of women (me, for one!) who would kill to meet a guy like you that shares the passion for Disney. I think it's so important to enjoy fun things together.

I say go alone...enjoy yourself and do what you want to do. It's not like you haven't taken your son and aren't going to take him again. I'm going alone in March---single for a while now--and I am going to have the time of my life!!!
Grab for that gusto, baby! We only live once!

:wave: Hi :)
I have no children, but will put my 2 cents worth in anyway. I totally agree with what beansmom said, "Go solo!" You only live once.
It looks to me like you go at least once a year and since your son has already been there twice this year I would think it would be all right for you to go solo.
Enjoy and have a Magical Time :goodvibes

ColoradoBelle1

02-16-2005, 09:57 PM

Forgive me if this is too touchy feely personal:

I too am recently divorced. Since it was my X who introduced me to WDW...and actually proposed to me at the Poly luau, my married life memories are VERY tied up with the MOuse. We went every year....engagement ,honeymoon, pregnancy, baby-toddler-teen daughter.
Unfortunately, X also took the other woman to Disney!!!!

BUt I refuse to let his betrayals and just plain rude behavior sully my love for the mouse. THat being said: be careful!. Your frame of mind when going to Disney solo can alter the experience. I found myself getting misty watching Wishes this December...even tho I was there with friends...if I had been alone, I think I might have lost it completely.

When I go now with my daughter, I can still remember all the good memories with her as the focus (meaning I don't dwell on the memories of X).

NOW A FUNNY STORY:
Have two bricks at Disney. A family brick in front of MK and another over by luau cove announcing our 'engagement'......Next time I go to Disney I think you might find me chipping out X's name in those bricks!!!!! :confused3
Hope I don't get arrested :rotfl2:

Finally: my daughter remember EVERY time she went to Disney because when she was a baby, we videotaped HER...and since she's watched those tapes so often....she has a 'memory' of all her toddler years. I think a 6 year old, even without videotape, will long remember his vacas with dad....especially during what must be a very difficult time for him with the divorce.

So dad....go solo and have a grand time. You will see things and think: oh I wish son was here but you will also see Disney from another angle and that is always a good broadening experience. :goodvibes

Colorado Belle

Love That Mouse

02-17-2005, 03:59 PM

God bless you! What a great message and inspirational letter of "moving on". I always wondered about those bricks. . . .I mean what if. . . . .

Love That Mouse

02-27-2005, 06:33 PM

Okay, I've officially won the contest, and I just couldn't stand to see the look in my son's face if he found out that I was going to Disney World and not taking him. So, I will be going with my son in Early June for an entire week of fun. Any other single parents going in Early to Mid-June with a six or seven year old? I have a six year old boy who would love to see the park with someone else. He's an only child. Let me know and we'll try to meet up with someone for an afternoon. Much fun planned between my son and I! YEEHAW!!!!!

doubletrouble_vb

02-27-2005, 06:50 PM

This thread is proof positive that there has got to be some profit in singles tours of Disney. I enjoy Disney solo and sometimes its better but at other times I really wish someone were with me. Of course that might be because I've only done one entirely solo trip. EVery other trip I met someone at least one day.

Sherri

02-27-2005, 08:06 PM

Love that mouse- Congratulations on winning your contest. And I am thrilled that you are going to bring your son. I wish my kids were 6 again, because the older they get the less you see them. I'm 35 and we will be there next Sunday. Can't wait!

tmli

02-27-2005, 09:36 PM

We'll probably miss you. My ds and I are arriving June 15th-22nd. He will be turning 9 while we are there. Hope you guys have a great time, and congratulations!

ValDisney

03-01-2005, 08:17 AM

I will be going in oct w my(then) 6 yr old son. If you decide to go for MNNSHP..
I will also have my 8 yr old daughter
MY son's 2 favorites..halloween and disney. it will be our 1 st time there for MNNSHP and I can't wait. ( I didn't tell them yet.. shhh)

slk537

03-01-2005, 10:52 PM

This is such a wonderful thread!!

Mike - I love your desire for someone special to share WDW with. I always liked Disney...went as a child with my family. When I met DH, it was a foregone conclusion that we would honeymoon there, because he LOVES everything WDW. I enjoyed sharing it with him and remembering being a child. Then he surprised me with an anniversary gift for "me" ;) - another trip down there for anniversary #3. Then again for #5. And then? I got hooked. Now we own DVC and visit twice a year...with our 3 1/2 year old son. And even though our friends and family tease us and think we're crazy...well...we don't care. It is something that we can share and the planning and obsessing and thread reading keeps us enthralled year round.

What a wonderful thing to enjoy together!! And from what I've read, there are some magnificent women on this thread who could share this with you - friendship or otherwise. Love of Disney and WDW isn't as superficial as it may seem on the surface...it's a love of family, childhood innocence, fun...show me someone who loves WDW and I'll show you someone who has much more in common with other WDW lovers than just a simple enjoyment of a location. But we all understand that, don't we??

Mike, I hope you find your Minnie Mouse. In the meantime, enjoy your trip with your son and maybe think about going back to enjoy all the adult entertainment WDW can offer...maybe with someone else who can share it with you. I can understand why you decided to bring your DS in the end...DH wants a "solo" trip without our beautiful son at some point (2007 for #10) and yet everytime we think about it, we look at him and imagine the expression on his face when he discovered we were going without him - a cross between incredulous and ticked off is my guess.

Ah, maybe someday...

Good luck Mike!! And seriously contemplate meeting up with some of these lovely ladies here. You never know, do you? :teeth:

Jennifer.

Love That Mouse

03-01-2005, 11:25 PM

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I too believe that somewhere out there a Minnie is waiting for me. I think you hit the nail on the head when you spoke of childhood innocence and a belief in the power of dreams! I agree that this forum could be a wonderful opportunity for me to meet someone who shares the love of Disney with me.

My friends have just resigned to the fact that I love Disney! So when discussion of vacation comes up, they now where I will be going. Actually, I'm thinking of buying into the DVC. I have some extra money coming to me from the sale of my home and I am giving it some consideration. It's nice to have choices!

Now about my trip: It may happen sooner that I thought! It looks like I will be going with my son the first week of May! Yippee! I have some vacation time coming from my work that I don't want to lose and I need to use it by then. :wizard: I'm so excited as is my son!

So, if you are planning on attending the first week of May, let me know. Perhaps we should start a new thread for actual trips and dates. . . .

ColoradoBelle1

03-14-2005, 01:39 AM

Hi Mike...
There are a couple of threads going for solo trips in May (and I think it counts even when you bring your child), so you might want to check there.

Insofar as DVC...I just took the plunge this past week, and I'm going for my first visit to my home resort (BWV) in May. I figured out that for me and my d, that this could be MORE than just a vacation plan. Renting out the points we don't use can actually give a good return on investment. So you might want to look into it while you're there.

Make special memories with that 6 year old!

Love That Mouse

03-15-2005, 11:27 PM

pezpam

03-17-2005, 07:51 PM

Yeehaw! I just got my confirmation today and I booked the airline! My son and I leave on April 30 and return on May 8! 8 fun days and 7 fun nights! What more could I ask for!?!?!? Let me know if you will be there during this time, and perhaps we could meet up! :earsboy:

Well, it looks like we'll miss you by just a few days (April 19-27 for me and DD7) but I know that somehow you'll manage to have a wonderful time even without us. ;)

Good luck with everything. It sounds trite, but I really have found that everything works out the way it's supposed to, even if it looks awful at the time. You'll find your Minnie when the time is right. :love2:

WOW

03-17-2005, 08:54 PM

We all love our children dearly, but sometimes you need to do something just for you. Since your son has experienced WDW already and probably more times in the future, go solo. When you go solo, you can really relax and enjoy and since you worked so hard for this prize, I say treat yourself this time and take your son again sometime soon. He will be with his Mother while you are at WDW, so you know that he will be in good hands. So, I say go for it! :cool1:

mmmagique

03-18-2005, 05:45 AM

I am a single mom of three who is going solo late April to May 3rd.
Some of these posts have made me feel more guilty than I already did, HOWEVER....I think I will be a better mom if I get away for a while.

I have been raising these children for three years by myself now, and am stressed to the breaking point. I'm thinking sun, fun and pina coladas!! :drinking1

I will plan a trip for everyone in Dec or Jan.

Hope everything works out well for you!!

Christina

stemikger

03-18-2005, 06:31 AM

I didn't read the other replies, so forgive me if I am repeating other sentiments already expressed. I say at that age you should take him, six is such a magical age that I would take him until he thinks it is uncool to vacation with you. In a blink of an eye he will be a teenager with the I'm too cool to hang with my parents syndrom. So enjoy the trips together until then and then do your solo trips.

I love Disney so much, but a big part of that is sharing it with my family. When my daughter gets older, I wonder if I can go alone without getting too sentimental thinking about all the great memories we shared together at this very magical place. As you could probably tell - I'm a big softee. From one Father too another, I'm glad there are other guys who love Disney too.

stemikger

03-18-2005, 06:35 AM

Feralpeg

03-18-2005, 11:42 AM

As a single mom whose favorite memories are of the trips I took to WDW with DD when she was little, I say take your son. I think you will find yourself a little sad when you get there because he is not with you. They grow up so quickly and then it just won't be the same. Take him!

rhiansmom

03-18-2005, 02:15 PM

If you do decide to go solo don't feel guilty. These are just opinions and only you know what you need. It would not make you a bad parent if you do decide to go it alone. So I say follow your heart.

As Dr. Phil has said many times, your life didn't end when your child's began.

So whatever you choose have fun either way.

I'm gonna take a second and reply for Mike since he seems to be MIA on the thread... HEY MIKE... WHERE DID YOU GO???

He decided to take his son because he didn't want to see the look on his face when he was told that dad was going to Disney.

I have had the opportunity to chat with Mike and get to know him and he is an AWESOME dad!! Our vacations schedules will have some overlap so I'm looking forward to meeting Mike and his son!

(Sorry if I stepped on your toes Mike!)

Love That Mouse

03-18-2005, 10:48 PM

Thanks Rhiansmom! Sorry for the delay in getting back to this!

Rhiansmom is right. The reason I decided to take my son is because of the look on the face when I told him I was considering going by myself. The look was so precious and sad, how could I say no. It was a look of total abondonment! So off we go. My time will come for an alone trip. When I take that adult trip, I want to save it for a special time.

Boy, are we looking forward to this trip. I tried to communicate on the Single Trips thread, but seemed to get booted because of the DS. No problem! We'll just keep it going right here!

So any other suggestions for our magical trip? I have never visited a water park and DS is requesting to visit one. Any suggestions folks? He can swim okay, but he has never been in water over his head. Actually, he surprised my ex-wife and I this past summer. He went from being completely afraid of the water to jumping in on his own and going underwater! This is a fringe benefit of day care filled with slightly older kids.

So any suggestions folks? Are the pools "deep" or could a 4 ft. 6 year old get by in them? As always, I await your replies.

DSDopey48

03-22-2005, 12:43 AM

Disney is great, the chance to go solo is an oportunity you dont want to miss it will give you more insight to when you do go with you child. you have the oportunity to do and go on rides he or she cant and to understand more for them that when he or she go with you next time you can share. Go solo relax enjoy and just enjoy DW Magic.

ExPirateShopGirl

03-22-2005, 03:28 AM

I read this thread and I had one of those 'I can laugh about it now' moments...

6 plus years ago... as I was planning the long-awaited first family trip to WDW, I put down my WDW planning guide, dog-eared as it was, and asked my then husband to pick a hotel. I wasn't nearly so planning-obsessive then (just one planner book, not the half dozen that grace my nightstand today) but I knew if I didn't plan it no one would. After a brief read, I told him to pick one of the monorail resorts. I was torn between the CR and the Poly, but I made it clear I would be happy with either, and I would love it if he made the final decision so I could book a room. He shrugged to indicate it made no difference. I asked if he would be okay with whatever my decision was. Again, he shrugged. I persisted, asking why he wouldn't pick one. He reluctantly stammered that he didn't know if he would be around at trip time. He needed to find himself. He thought he might be somewhat commitment-phobic (after 11 years of marriage, no less.) Blah blah blah. I don't have to tell you what happened, and I don't have to tell you her name.

We spent the trip money on a divorce. No concierge service. No free upgrade. I went back to what I was doing before I became a mother. I packed the guidebooks away in moving boxes. Disney would have to wait.

That spring seems a million miles away, but I can recall that afternoon as if it were yesterday. My kids and I have grown in so many ways since then. They've tagged along as I traveled all over the country and europe for work. They made an extra spot at the homework table for me when I went back to finish my degree. They never let me forget why they are the most important things in the world to me. But beyond all that...none of us stopped dreaming of going to WDW, and this October we get our chance.

Anyhow... your comment about your spouse not sharing your enthusiam for Disney reminded me of that moment in my life. Not one of the best, as far as moments go... but it was pivotal, and I thank you for letting me remember it here.

Enjoy your trip with your son. They are only 6 for about 20 minutes, and before you know it you'll be visiting prospective colleges with him. PI will always be there...

:hourglass

Love That Mouse

03-22-2005, 09:15 PM

ExPirateShopGirl

03-23-2005, 11:28 PM

Thanks for the note! It made me laugh and cry (the planning books made me laugh, the divorce and hurt made me cry). I know "there is a great big beautiful tomorrow just waiting at the end of every day. . . ." I'll keep looking and believing. Thanks again for the great note!

No need to cry! It's definitely a moment moment I laugh about now. It's almost a running joke about choosing hotels! :earboy2:

Life is good, and you will rediscover that before you know it. The moment I discovered that introducing the world to my kids was far more rewarding than any vacation I took by myself was the moment that brought sense and realization of purpose to my life. The adventures we have had, and the work we do to get there... an important lesson in life! We work hard and we play hard!

Have a fabulous time with your son... his 20 minutes are almost up!

:wave:

tmli

03-24-2005, 03:37 PM

Boy laptop girl, you weren't kidding when you said you were where i was 6 years ago...I was very moved with your story. You will be my motivation to get through this very difficult time. I am only a few short minutes into this part of my life, so it is great to read about life a little further into the journey.

tinkfan4ever

03-26-2005, 01:55 PM

Mike... I'm not sure when you are going but I've heard rumors of a new character breakfast that is more boy oriented. I've heard that it will have a trial run around mother's day and if it's successful will continue. Just thought your son might like that. :)

I couldn't imagine not taking my dd with me to DW. I think you've made a decision that you won't ever regret! Although I'd like some "mommy" time she'll only be little once. I will always have time when she's grown. Now it's my time to be both mom and dad for her.

Have Fun!!!!