1parent w/2kids

[nala'smom]

I'm planning on taking my ds(8) and dd(6) to WDW alone in the fall. They're easygoing kids and great travelers and I'm not at all concerned about the trip except for one issue - the rides. My ds is now interested in going on some of the faster rides, but NOT without me, and my dd is not tall enough (and just not interested). I don't think I can leave my dd alone while I'm on the rides with my ds. I think child swap only works if you have another adult to leave the child with. Is there a solution?

 

[momoflizandains]

I'm interested in this too. I'm off with my two girls (6 and 8) for Spring Break. We're leaving this Saturday.

My oldest (and I) want to ride the faster rides. My youngest will not hear of it. My plan is to wait in line and let my oldest ride. Youngest and I will take the "ckicken exit".

 

[Kimmy]

I went last summer with my DS 9 and DS 7 and we skipped the rides we all could not go on. I think they are too young to wait alone, and the child swap is switching between adults.

 

[twinspluscade]

I agree, the younger one would be too young to wait alone, and obviously you don't want to force them on a ride they'd be scared on.

I would however be okay with letting my 8 year old ride alone, as long as I could wait in line with him and leave right before the ride starts (using the chicken exist).

Another option would be to hire a babysitter to go with you guys to the parks, and then stay with the 6 year old while you rode. I remember a Mom on disboards last year who did that, and it worked fine. The downside is it'd be expensive--not only do you have to pay the sitter for his/her time but also pay for their park ticket.

Either way, I'd prepare the 8 year old in advance about what will happen regarding the rides before you get to the parks.

Kelly

 

[pl'smama]

I wouldn't leave my youngest (or oldest for that matter) alone while riding with the other child. But, maybe you could inquire at your resort if there are other children your child's age that will be there at the same time. It sounds silly and I am sure the kids will meet other kids at meal times etc.. But if your older child finds a buddie then maybe you can arrange even an hour or so when they can be buddies on a ride.

I know it sounds strange but when you are at a ride just have a look around and see who else is in a similar situation. I am sure you will see many parents riding with one child while the other parent stays back with the younger child. YOu could always stay in line, as you planned and ask if your child could sit with the other child and parent combo. I know this is a trust issue, but it would be almost the same as letting the child ride alone.

Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

It's just me and my 2 dd's on most of our trips. When they were younger it was all ride or nobody rides. We have been doing our "girls" trips since they were 2 and 4 years old.

You can't babyswap unless you have another adult to swap with and the CM's will not care for a child.

You can all go through the line and let the older child ride while you and the younger child take a chicken exit **Provided the younger childs meets the height restriction** If the one of the children isn't tall enough to ride they can't even enter the line.

Also keep in mind that some of the rides have long queues and preshows (Test Track and RnRC) so your child may be alone for some time.

As always alot depends on the child and your comfort level. When my oldest was 8 I would not have been comfortable letting her ride alone even after walking her through the queue area together. My youngest would have been fine although it was never necessary.

Even if you have to skip a couple of the bigger rides remember they are only a very small % of the many great attractions you will be able to enjoy together.

TJ

 

[brymolmom]

I posted about a month ago....I went to MK with two - but they're only 3 and 4 so I'm sure there are some differences in ride choices.

We went on (almost) everything that could fit 3 people across. The one exception was Goofy's Barnstormer. Both my kids love it and I had read on the DIS that some have been allowed to ride 3 across with little ones - so we got in line. It was practically no wait so I was thrilled. Then the CM sternly told me 'only 2 max per car' so my ds4 had to ride alone in front of me and dd3. He did not like riding alone and wanted me to take a turn with him next - but I couldn't let dd ride alone so we had to skip this one the rest of the day.

I guess it would depend on the child if I would be able to let the older one ride completely alone and just meet at the exit. Depending on the ride - there is a long walk to the exit - would older dc get confused which way to go - would she talk to anyone on the way? I don't know - I second the bringing a friend if possible and if older dc REALLY wants to do all the rides.

 

[gottagodisney]

How about put the kids in the seat together in front of you? I have employed this method with my own kids- Lets you make sure all is ok with them and they have one another to ride next to. The kids kind of make it a game with me about how brave they were but, I was scared.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

How about put the kids in the seat together in front of you? I have employed this method with my own kids- Lets you make sure all is ok with them and they have one another to ride next to. The kids kind of make it a game with me about how brave they were but, I was scared.

That is a great idea for the rides where they both meet the height restriction!

Anyway, this is a great thread. I'm off in 3 weeks with DS6 and DD3. One of the days I will have BF with me, bot I was a bit worried about the next day when it is just the 3 of us. I can't wait to spend this special day alone with them though!!!

 

[disneyfreak74]

My solution to this problem. . .we are going in Sept for a QUICK trip while DH is out of town!! (I KNOW. . .I am SOOOO mean!!!)
But i am taking my little sister (she is 16). My mom and I are splitting the costs. Not sure if that is available to you, but it works for us!!!

 

[Traveliz]

I would consider using one of the kids clubs for an evening for the one who doesn't want to do the fast rides and then make a mad dash to the parks with a plan to do the fast rides with the older one.

With some planning during the day you might also be able to pick up fast passes for the evening ride times while you are at the parks during the day.

THe kids clubs are really fun and that would be a special treat for the younger one.

I am thinking the Neverland Club opens at 4 or 5 so you could start the run early and be done early as well...depending on how many parks you have to run to.

Sounds like fun to me!

Liz