1 adult alone with 3 kids

[dzneprincess]

Ages 6 5 and 2. Has anyone done this or am I simply crazy for thinking of it. We have been a few times before, and we just returned from a 2 week trip in July. With the great AP rates that are out, I dont want to pass up on these good rates. Also on our July trip my 2 yr old ddnt get to go, he was sick. I have been planning on taking one of them with me, bt I just wouldnt feel right leaving the other sitting at home. My children are pretty well behaved, in fact the one that runs me the most ragged is the 2 year old. Im thinking they could help me with them. We are going October 19- 23 just a short trip, we drive. BUT my DH is strongly against me taking all 3 of them, as he doesnt want to hear me complaining LOL. Are there any parents out there that have braved a trek to WDW being outnumbered by the kids?? LOL I would appreciate anyones advice.

 

[ABCMom]

WOW! Can't help with you advice - we always take extra help FOR the kids
All I can say is you are a brave, BRAVE woman!!

(But hey - for another trip to WDW, I would go for it! Good luck)

 

[LKS]

I have three ages 9,7 and 4 now, and I would never even consider taking all three to WDW by myself even at these ages. Maybe in a couple more years. We last went when they were 5,3 and infant and I took my mother AND my MIL to help since my husband couldn't come on that trip.

Even with the good rates, it is too expensive to go and not have a good time. Can't you take a grandparent, a teen-age sitter or SOMEONE? It would be worth the price of someone's admission to have that help. Or perhaps you could hire a fairy godmother to go with you to the parks. Of course, all of these ideas pretty much use up your savings from the good rates.

 

[dzneprincess]

would you still feel that way if you had ap's? We all have AP's and like I sd we have just gotten back from a trip pretty much. Plus I have decided to do MNSSHP. So in theory (lol) i will only pay 220.00 for the room (4 nights yipee) plus food money. "YEAH RIGHT!!!!" referrring to earleir post about shopping and souvenirs. I am definetly going to take 2, because one will help me alot with the toddler. BUT I would feel just so darn guitly having a great time and knowing that the other is sitting at home. ESPecially since we are going to MNSSHP. My kids love WDW, and each has been going since they were 2, so its not like I havent done WDW with a toddler before. PLUS each would have to understand that this trip is for the toddler. SO we wont be able to do some things that they love, such as Tower of Terror.
Now taking these things in point, do you still feel that way? I really appreciate your advice so keep it coming LOL. OH yeah, since we go once a year, no one is going to be disappointed if we dont hit everything. I basically want my todller DS to have his 1st experience at WDW while he is 2 yrs old like his brother and sister did. This child LOVES Mickey. Everytime I am on the boards, and he sees MM clip art he screams in glee " MI MOU!! MI MOU!! mommy!!!!!" which means mickey mouse btw !! LOL For those of you who arent familiar with toddlerese!!!!!What would you yhink?? LKS and anyone else that would kindly give me there opinion.


BTW LKS what part of GA are you in? I am in Columbus!

 

[LKS]

I'm outside of Savannah. And, unfortunately, yes, I would feel that way even with the APs. I just would not have a good time there with three to run after and try to keep happy. Three in my house or around town is no problem. Three at the grandparents, siblings ball games, and stuff like that, I can manage, but three at an amusement park - no way! No matter how good they are, kids are kids and they are going to get excited.

My husband and I often take a subset of the kids on certain adventures. Makes them feel special and we make sure that everyone eventually gets their turn. In fact, in 2003, I will be taking my then 11yo son to Europe - just the two of us, then my daughter when she is 11, etc... That being said, taking two is going to be more difficult, because whoever doesn't get to go it really going to feel left out unless you play it just right. Maybe take the middle child since they alway have to be the middle child and make your husband promise to do something amazing with the oldest while you are gone. I agree that will be hard.

So, if it were me, I would probably just take the 2 year old. I got away with just taking my youngest to Epcot when he was two and it was a lot of fun. Of course, my husband was taking the other two to Seaworld, so there were no hurt feelings. (It was the day after our cruise and we had APs to Seaworld, but I didn't want to go again, so paid for a single day to EPCOT and the little guy was free.) I don't need help with him when I have him on his own. Think how easy it would be - just the two of you! It would be an easy sell since he missed the last trip - he'd eat free at buffets (I took mine to Akershus - great!) thus lowering your expenses even more. I could go on.

But, I think it sounds like you are strongly leaning towards going and taking all three, so for goodness sakes order some matching t-shirts from Lands End or something so that you can keep your eye on them all.

 

[Pooh2U]

Personally, if I lived close enough, I would NOT hesitate going to Disney with three of my children, given the opportunity!!

YOU know your children better than anyone! All children behave differently in crowded situations. When the Disney excitement sets in, some children run, some jump up and down, and some just grin from ear-to-ear. It sounds as if your older children are already aware of "Mom's" rules for Disney Parks since they've been often (and recently). Even if you just spent the days walking about leisurely so your toddler will enjoy it...you might have a great time! If all is not going well in the parks, you could always return to your room (or pool) for some "chill-out-wind-down" time.

I agree, if you explain to the 5 & 6 year old BEFORE you go that there is not going to be any "big kid" rides this time, perhaps their expectations will be in-check. Maybe you could tell them they may come along if they promise to be big "helpers" this time!

I, like you, can't imagine leaving either the 5 or 6 year-old at home. So, my vote would be to take all three! If you don't think you can handle it, maybe take only the 2yo. It is all in what you are used to! If you are used to "doing-it-all" as a parent, and do not need to depend on others for help, by all means...go to Disney World!! If you are a bit more on the "dependent" side, maybe you could recruit another grown-up to come along and join the fun!! JMHO

(Mom to five daughters...8,7,5, and 2yo twins!)

 

[BounceyOne]

I would do it in a second!!!! If you go to the MK and it proves to be to much for you, you can keep the kids around your resort and still have a spectacular time

 

[BrerMom]

If I understand correctly, the two-year-old definitely gets to go, right? Then I say there are two choices:

A) Explain to the older kids that it's not a family trip, just a trip because the 2-year-old missed out last time. You could have a WONDERFUL time with just your toddler. On our last trip, we ended up doing several hours of "divide and conquer." DH took the two older ones and I rode Winnie-the-Pooh, Small World, and the carousel over and over and over. My little one was very happy, but the older ones would have wanted some variety.

B) Take all three kids. It's not impossible; many of us are mostly responsible for three or more on a daily basis. If you take it really slow and put the toddler's needs first, you should be ok. I would be more concerned about keeping an eye on all three. Do they stay with you pretty well? It could be a great mommy/kids bonding experience - but would your DH feel left out?

 

[dzneprincess]

is definetly going. I am so torn about what to do about my others. I will let everyone know what I decide to do, and how it goes. Has anyone out there done this? Even with 2 kids?

 

[SleepyatDVC]

If your older two are good at sticking close to you and are good at obeying your instructions, it might be doable. Only you know. Me, I only have 2 kids - 2 1/2 & 4 months. NEVER. Case is different 'cause your kids are older. I would be afraid of my older one running off while I'm taking care of the baby. Not enough hands to pull her out of danger.

Good luck!!!!

 

[campingcorgi]

All or none would be my choice. Of course, you know your kids, but if your 5 & 6 year-olds stay with you well, then you can do it. Just pack light and take it easy. No commando trip but lots of memories and photos--and I bet that's what you want for your 2 year-old. And that way you don't have to explain later why one of your kids isn't in the photos.

Barbara

 

[Disneymomma]

I would take all three and have a blast. I would never have the heart to leave one at home especially going to DW. You can do this and you will have a great time! Explain to the older ones that the two year old did not go before and they have to "show" the baby all thier favorite things. They need to understand why they may not be able to do things such as Tower of Terror or they may be disappointed. Don't forget NAP time!

 

[tiggersmomof4]

Wow, I have children exactly these ages plus a 10 year old! Any reason to go to Disney and I am there but to go alone with three of them would be a little scary! This coming from a woman who drove from New Jersey to Key Largo alone with the kids earlier this summer.

It would break my heart to leave the 5 & 6 year old home and only take the two yr old, but if the two yr just missed a trip, I would definitely just take the 2 yr old! My 5 & 6 year olds are really good girls but they would be interested in things the two year can't do. They LOVE splash mountain, etc. I would want to concentrate on the two year old and have a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to have Mom and Mickey all to himself! JMO...Have a wonderful time whatever you choose!

 

[Barb D]

I went alone with a then-5yo and a then-7yo. We didn't do a some of the rides that the 5yo wouldn't go on because we couldn't baby swap with only one adult. I did let the 7yo ride Space Mountain and Star Tours - his favorite rides - by himself. We stood in line with him and then went to the baby swap area to wait for him to get off.

It would definitely have been a challenge adding a 2yo to the mix. You'll want to get a double stroller and let the big kids trade off riding with the little one. Also, make sure they know that they had their turn for rides last time, and it's the little one's turn this time. Fortunately there are SO many fun rides that you can all go on together. And it's not like this is a once in a lifetime trip, so they shouldn't be too upset about missing a few thrill rides.

Take it slow, take LOTS of breaks, keep your days fairly short.

Have you thought about staying at the All Stars? With the money you'd save you could pay for some extra character meals! We got a $49 a night rate code from http://www.mousesavers.com. I don't know if she has any $49 codes now, but it's worth checking.

I'm taking my 10, 8, and almost-2yos in a few weeks, but Grandma is coming along to help. If there's any way you could swing a helper, I'm sure you'd all have an even better time.

 

[dzneprincess]

BarbD, we are staying at the AsSP that is why we are taking atrip too soo LOL Cant afford to pass up those 49.00 AP rates! Just a small update tho, right now I am leaning toward only taking my 2 yr old and my 5 yr old DD. When I asked my kids what they would feel if I was only able to take on, my oldest, my DDDDDS LOL( who is 6) was more concerned about what my DH would do while we were gone! How sweet. He decided that he would rather stay with DH because he didn't want his Dad to be lonely!!Of course that alone made me want to take him with us!!

I may decide at the last min to take him with us tho, The worst can happen is that they drive me NUTS. Well I get that at home everyday, so if I am gonna get driven nuts it may as well be at Disney huh?? LOL

Quick question tho, right now I only have MNSSHP tix for me and DD since 2 yr old is no charge. We are going on the 21st. I really dont want toget a tick for my DS in case he doesn't go, so do y'all think it will be a problem to buy a ticket when we get there? I was worried that it may sell out. Do these generally sell out?

 

[PattiPB]

My kids turned 7, 5 and 3 in June at WDW this year when we were there for two weeks. July 1 my DH came home, and I stayed with my parents in Ocala for a few more weeks.

Since we have AP's, I decided to take all of the kids to WDW just for one day. Being very clearly told that if they misbehave we leave immediately worked wonders. Of course, it never works at home, but at WDW, it was a threat worth listening to, I guess! We all did great.

Another day, I just took my 7 year old (My only girl) for a "special Princess day" for helping out so much with her brothers. I picked her up out of bed, put her in the car and started driving. All the way to Orlando (65-70 miles) she still believed we were doing an errand for Granma. Then, when she saw the signs, she thought we would just "drive by". It was priceless.

My suggestion would be to do what's best for your family and the situation you are in. Don't not do it because you have more kids than hands, and don't take them all just to "take them all".

Patti

 

[bobcat]

I would and I do!

I always travel alone with my DD and DS. Being a single Mom there is no other way! You know your kids best and know if you can handle it.