1st trip as a single mom of 5 kiddos (posted in single parent forum, no responses)

[WildReekies]

Top of the morning to ya!
INFO:
I have been divorced for 2 years now, I have 5 amazing kids who all have ADHD. DD 14, DS 12, DS 10, DD 6, DD6. So normally you'd think "hey you have two teens who can help!" Yeah, it really doesn't work that way in my home. My kids are so very helpful, but they have more limitations because of their ADHD and disney can be stimulation overload. The last trip we took was pre-divorce when i was pregnant with the twins. We are going end of May 26th- June 2nd and staying at POP with two rooms.
CONCERNS
I am worried about getting separated from them while im toileting the twins, im worried about my sons going into the bathrooms by themselves, they also are pretty anxious about that.

I will need down time, not sure how to make that happen. These kids never want to be chill lol.

POP hotel? Did i pick the right resort for going as a single parent? Would a different resort work better for my family dynamics? The kids are excited about the sky-liner

I want my older two kiddos to enjoy the vacation too and not always feel like im using them as "helpers" all the time.

Last trip we were rope drop dyhards, but would staying late into closing be more logical as a single parent?

How do you single parents handle swimming with multiple ages???

Any other tips or tricks you can offer up?

I am just so worried im going to lose one of them....

Thank you all in advance!

http://www.**************/id/.png

 

[ralphie]

First off, bless you, we have five children - and I wouldn't have it any other way, thought I should have had one more! At Pop you need to have an adult in each room - over 18. You have to have eyes in the back of your head at all times, I was and still am a helicopter parent. My suggestion is to have another adult along. Have a great time.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Top of the morning to ya!
INFO:
I have been divorced for 2 years now, I have 5 amazing kids who all have ADHD. DD 14, DS 12, DS 10, DD 6, DD6. So normally you'd think "hey you have two teens who can help!" Yeah, it really doesn't work that way in my home. My kids are so very helpful, but they have more limitations because of their ADHD and disney can be stimulation overload. The last trip we took was pre-divorce when i was pregnant with the twins. We are going end of May 26th- June 2nd and staying at POP with two rooms.
CONCERNS
I am worried about getting separated from them while im toileting the twins, im worried about my sons going into the bathrooms by themselves, they also are pretty anxious about that.

I will need down time, not sure how to make that happen. These kids never want to be chill lol.

POP hotel? Did i pick the right resort for going as a single parent? Would a different resort work better for my family dynamics? The kids are excited about the sky-liner

I want my older two kiddos to enjoy the vacation too and not always feel like im using them as "helpers" all the time.

Last trip we were rope drop dyhards, but would staying late into closing be more logical as a single parent?

How do you single parents handle swimming with multiple ages???

Any other tips or tricks you can offer up?

I am just so worried im going to lose one of them....

Thank you all in advance!

http://www.**************/id/.png

be sure Disney is okay with you having 2 rooms and only 1 adult, not Disney adult. you may have a problem with your plan because of only one adult as connecting rooms are not a booking type of room just a request

 

[sponica]

I can only address park logistics, not the "omg I'm way outnumbered" part of your question.

A) Ask all 5 kids for 3 priorities for the trip and 3 priorities for each park
B) Do your older kids have cell phones?
C) Take a photo every day of the kids, works as a fun memory but also in the event you are separated, you'll at least have an idea of what they're wearing.
D) Do you trust your older 2 to break off from the herd for 30 to 60 minutes? (this loops back to question B)


As far as room type, while I understand the appeal of Pop and the skyliner, if you can swing a family suite at All Star Music and they are available, I would feel more comfortable with that. At Pop you do run the risk of the rooms being not connecting, and you need an adult in both rooms.
If you want to stay with Pop, I'd recommend seeing if another adult can join you.

 

[RoseGold]

Your kids haven't been in public bathrooms without you? Go to a public place and practice it. It's a lot easier at your local mall or zoo or whatever. I'd do a day at the zoo or whatever and consider it a test run.

Disney is CROWDED and large. It's easy to get lost for anyone. I'd consider Apple Airtags, phones, some way to get back in touch with each other, even the smallest one.

You know your kids better than we do. Are they responsible enough for this? With this age spread, I don't see how you can please everyone without giving the teens some freedom. If this is going to be all stress and constant wrangling, then maybe it isn't worth the extreme cost. If your older two can go ride some stuff by themselves, maybe that would be a really cool trip for them. If not, do they really want to ride teacups and dumbo? It is worth paying this much money for Disney to have everyone disappointed at the compromise? You need to have a realistic plan for what you plan to do when you actually get to Disney.

Six is also a tough age where you are too old for strollers, but boy are they nice when you have a passed out kid at the end of the day.

If you want chill down time and are worried about your kids being overstimulated, maybe this isn't the right trip for your family. Disney is busy and stressful and crowded and a lot. With five kids, it's really going to be a lot.

As for the room, I'd do the Art of Animation family suite. But it's probably too late for that. I'm surprised they let you book two rooms as one adult.

 

[tjmw2727]

Agree with rosegold - I was going to post most of what was said above so I won't repeat.

If you're not used to doing overnight and or day trips, I would 100% start there. Before I took my 2 kids solo we were very used to going to the zoo, park, mall chuck e cheeses and such.

In case your not aware each of the 6 year old children must be seated with someone 14 or older so become familiar with the seating of the attractions so you can plan.

 

[Rory607]

I would personally want another adult, just to make life easier. Otherwise, I see a lot of whining and disappointment from whoever isn’t getting to do what they want. Is there a friend or relative who would be up for going? There are nannies you can hire to go into the parks with you, but I don’t know the cost.

As far as swimming, can everyone swim independently? Definitely put the younger ones in life jackets.

 

[popy]

One. tell them if they separated go back to last place you seen me, I will be the.
2, have them pair up with the little ones and one have a phone.
3. Figure out a meeting when first entering the park, like in front of Mickey and Walt statue, get there, And wait.

 

[WildReekies]

Your kids haven't been in public bathrooms without you? Go to a public place and practice it. It's a lot easier at your local mall or zoo or whatever. I'd do a day at the zoo or whatever and consider it a test run.

Disney is CROWDED and large. It's easy to get lost for anyone. I'd consider Apple Airtags, phones, some way to get back in touch with each other, even the smallest one.

You know your kids better than we do. Are they responsible enough for this? With this age spread, I don't see how you can please everyone without giving the teens some freedom. If this is going to be all stress and constant wrangling, then maybe it isn't worth the extreme cost. If your older two can go ride some stuff by themselves, maybe that would be a really cool trip for them. If not, do they really want to ride teacups and dumbo? It is worth paying this much money for Disney to have everyone disappointed at the compromise? You need to have a realistic plan for what you plan to do when you actually get to Disney.

Six is also a tough age where you are too old for strollers, but boy are they nice when you have a passed out kid at the end of the day.

If you want chill down time and are worried about your kids being overstimulated, maybe this isn't the right trip for your family. Disney is busy and stressful and crowded and a lot. With five kids, it's really going to be a lot.

As for the room, I'd do the Art of Animation family suite. But it's probably too late for that. I'm surprised they let you book two rooms as one adult.

They have used public restrooms but they are just super timid about it (the boys). My older kids can totally handle going off on their own. My twins will gladly ride in our city mini double so im bringing that! I will look at AOA and all stars music.. Alot of people saying i shouldnt have been able to book the two rooms.. so i will switch that asap! THANK YOU!

 

[lanejudy]

Do you already have the resort reservation? As others have mentioned, typically an adult must be booked into each room regardless of where people sleep. This is because connecting rooms are not guaranteed. I suggest comparing the cost of an All Star Music family suite with the 2 rooms at POP, it may be similar. Other options for that size group include family suites at Art of Animation, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, and some deluxe villas.

Restroom time -- have the boys go then the girls. I would expect children 14, 12, and 10 can be trusted to stand/sit together, while the younger girls go with you. Similarly, the 2 boys should be able to enter the men's room together, wait for each other, and exit together. ADHD impacts different kids in different ways, so I'm not sure how it is with your kids. The fact you are concerned about the kids while you use the restroom, does make me question whether this is an appropriate vacation at this time.

As for downtime...plan ADRs. That negates QS for most meals and probably increases the food budget, but it will give you a definitely period of "controlled" chill time to catch your breath and rest. And maybe scheduled "return to room" times each day.

 

[WildReekies]

Agree with rosegold - I was going to post most of what was said above so I won't repeat.

If you're not used to doing overnight and or day trips, I would 100% start there. Before I took my 2 kids solo we were very used to going to the zoo, park, mall chuck e cheeses and such.

In case your not aware each of the 6 year old children must be seated with someone 14 or older so become familiar with the seating of the attractions so you can plan.

Thanks for the seating tip!

 

[WildReekies]

Do you already have the resort reservation? As others have mentioned, typically an adult must be booked into each room regardless of where people sleep. This is because connecting rooms are not guaranteed. I suggest comparing the cost of an All Star Music family suite with the 2 rooms at POP, it may be similar. Other options for that size group include family suites at Art of Animation, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, and some deluxe villas.

Restroom time -- have the boys go then the girls. I would expect children 14, 12, and 10 can be trusted to stand/sit together, while the younger girls go with you. Similarly, the 2 boys should be able to enter the men's room together, wait for each other, and exit together. ADHD impacts different kids in different ways, so I'm not sure how it is with your kids. The fact you are concerned about the kids while you use the restroom, does make me question whether this is an appropriate vacation at this time.

As for downtime...plan ADRs. That negates QS for most meals and probably increases the food budget, but it will give you a definitely period of "controlled" chill time to catch your breath and rest. And maybe scheduled "return to room" times each day.

I will book adrs at least once a day for sure thanks for the tip!

 

[WildReekies]

First off, bless you, we have five children - and I wouldn't have it any other way, thought I should have had one more! At Pop you need to have an adult in each room - over 18. You have to have eyes in the back of your head at all times, I was and still am a helicopter parent. My suggestion is to have another adult along. Have a great time.

Thanks for the encouragement! I have done disney before but with their dad with me.. Im probably worried about nothing. I will look into the family suits. Thanks again!

 

[skyp4WDW]

I used to go to WDW regularly as a single mom of 4. Our best trips were stays at Ft Wilderness. (You can rent a Cabin that sleeps 6 with a full kitchen for the same price as two rooms). There's so much to do at Ft Wilderness that we often enjoyed being there as much as going to the parks. It also offers space and nature which are much appreciated after the crowds and sensory overload of the parks.

 

[sponica]

I used to go to WDW regularly as a single mom of 4. Our best trips were stays at Ft Wilderness. (You can rent a Cabin that sleeps 6 with a full kitchen for the same price as two rooms). There's so much to do at Ft Wilderness that we often enjoyed being there as much as going to the parks. It also offers space and nature which are much appreciated after the crowds and sensory overload of the parks.

I always forget about the cabins at Ft. Wilderness.

 

[jo-jo]

I'd bring an stroller anyway. For 6 people that's a lot of snacks needed. Order a couple of cases of water. Something I did with my grandkids were bring along some little paper 3 oz cups. Someone thirsty, open one bottle give ever one a drink. No more keeping track who has whos bottle. Water spilled, water fights, flipping bottles....rest of the bottles stay cold.

Also bring along a box of pb/ cheese crackers or even make a bunch of pb sandwiches and stack them in a plastic container. Even eating out, you'll need extra drinks and snacks. In the morning use the stroller as a cargo carrier. Later as a kid carrier.

 

[HopperFan]

I would look at the suites at AllStar Music. They are newly renovated and keep you all in one space, kitchenette & dining table which makes it easy to do breakfast in room in shifts while others are getting ready ... and the fun decor of AllStars.

 

[Karin1984]

One. tell them if they separated go back to last place you seen me, I will be the.
2, have them pair up with the little ones and one have a phone.
3. Figure out a meeting when first entering the park, like in front of Mickey and Walt statue, get there, And wait.

I would say teach your children what a CM looks like and where they can find them (go to the nearest shop/ride if you do not see them). When a child starts to panic when they lost the group, they might have forgotten where they last saw the group and where the meet up place was. Go to the nearest CM, tell them they are lost and need help.

Same for a parent, your natural urge is probably to start looking when you lose someone, especially when in panic mode, and forget your own rules. Go to the CM as well.

Take a group picture each morning so you can look up what every child is wearing. For the kids without a phone, maybe put a card with your phone number for in their pocket or a tag with your contact details.

And indeed: ask each child what they want to do in each park. But I would limit it to one per child, before you know it you need to achieve 15 things per park and sometimes days don't work out the way you think.

Practise whatever you can in advance. Like the toilets, being in crowded environments, a lot of walking. Is there a pool nearby where you can practise going to the pool?

Schedule downtime. If you google 'quiet places in wdw' for a list: go sit, have some snacks, talk about their likes of the day, what they want to do next or what the plan is for the next 2 hours.

I have no idea when DAS passes exactly are given, but maybe with all 5 having ADHD and queues getting more and more interactive maybe it helps to skip queues to avoid overstimulation and a group meltdown. Maybe ask that question on the DAS board?

 

[Rory607]

I love the idea of Ft. Wilderness Cabins for your group! I’ve always wanted to stay there. We went there to eat once (RIP Mickey’s Backyard BBQ) and I loved it. The opportunity to have some outside space to decompress from the parks sounds lovely and beneficial for everyone.

 

[WildReekies]

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. I decided to spend the extra money and stay at the cabins. I am absolutely bringing a double stroller for my crazy twins, and my older kiddos will have their phones on them. I cant wait to start making ADRS!