Alone at DL?

[clairabell29]

My DH just suggested that I go into DL alone and leave him with the kids at the hotel for a few hours in the afternoon. Is this a good idea? Would you do it? Is it still fun alone? I am a SAHM and never without my little ones, my youngest is 7 months today and still strictly nursed. He can go about 3 hours between feedings during the day. We are there from march 29-April 2. Any suggestions on what to do or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[bumbershoot]

You have a wonderful husband! Being solo for a few hours is wonderful. Heck, I've found that being solo there for a day or two is great, too!

Especially as an at home parent, especially as a nursing mom with an exclusively nursed child, you know you probably don't get much of a chance to think about what you want to do. (not that other parents think of themselves exclusively! but with my old friends, the ones that worked (and this includes my husband, a very hands on parent when he's home) got to have what they wanted for lunch, sit around at breaks, etc...but I know from being at home that it's not always like that at home, LOL)

So anyway, just write up a list of things that YOU want to do. Snacks you might want to have and don't feel like having the family conversation "hubby do you mind waiting while I get in that massive line for *whatever snack he doesn't want to have at that moment*?" etc. If all you want to do is wander, then wander. If you want to take pictures of buildings, or the ducks, or whatever, just do that. IF you want to ride Screamin' 18 times in a row, do it. Whatever you want to do, do it.

I've since taken a one-night solo trip, a one day solo trip (at the end of a longer trip with some old friends), and I went on the ladies trip last weekend which is sort of like an en masse solo trip,LOL, but it all started with one rainy late afternoon at DCA, when it was cold and started raining and hubby and son refused to stay. So they went to the hotel and I had some glorious hours alone!

 

[mechurchlady]

Toy Story sometimes has single rider lines, Indy has single rider and sometimes Splash Mountain. it depends on the hotel you are coming from but you could get Tower of Terror out of the way as well as some of the big rides.

You may want a sedate day and do Jungle Cruise and Tiki Room.

I tried to hook up with people this weekend but you know how it is for us neurovariants. I was happy with Cast Members and others being on my own.

 

[luvsmickey1968]

I have left my children with my husband before so that I can go to the park and just walk around and take in the scenery without distractions!
It is amazing what you notice when your little ones are not your primary focus.
I also take the opportunity to look in all the shops as shopping and children really don't mix, in my opinion. I really don't buy much but I love to look in peace!
Go and just do what you want to do for a few hours!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would use the break too. I think it would be fun to wander where you want. Just leave some extra milk with your DH just in case, that way you are not stressed about it.

Are you staying within walking distance?

 

[DisneyNic]

This is my dream. Even just a few hours in DL all by myself. I am going to get pretty close to that on our next trip. My DH and my dad want to take off one of the days of our trip to go golfing so we told them that that was OK with us but it meant that they were going to take the kids for atleast a few hours on another day so that my mom and I could tour around DL a little bit by ourselves. That will be great since my mom and I are amazingly similar when it comes to pretty much everything, especially DL.

 

[clairabell29]

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. I do have a fantastic husband and he's a great daddy too. He hasn't been home for 3 months and the bonding time would be good for him. Unfortunately my youngest Completely refuses a bottle. We are staying within walking distance. We have reservations at both the desert inn and Park Vue, indecisive about that too Guess I am not the great decision maker I thought I was I do think it would be nice to be alone again...haven't been alone for ohhhh 3.5 years...it'll be weird though.

 

[bumbershoot]

It is definitely a weird feeling at first! You keep patting down pockets and purse, b/c you think you forgot something. (yes you did! your family! back at the hotel or home!)

And then you get back to the hotel or home and it's all the sweeter for the few hours away.

 

[pixiewings71]

Oh I think you should do it for sure. I don't that I personally could do DL alone but I've done with no kids and boy it sure is fun!! Do some SR lines, eat some yummy snacks and just relax and have fun. You'll appreciate that break.

 

[Eeee-va]

Having a few hours to yourself is a lot of fun! I did that when my traveling partner (my mom ) was tired after a day at DCA and went back to the hotel. I enjoyed walking around--my mom was really tired so it was a lot of fun to move as quickly as I wanted (and that might be the case for you too ). I also caught the tail end of the Christmas parade and saw the 50th Anniversary show at the Opera House. I also went first thing in the morning alone and had fun riding rides even though I was by myself.

I agree with finding things that you would like to do so you can have a plan, but also be open to just do whatever catches your fancy. I think shopping and/or dining is a great idea even if the parks are busy.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I would agree with everything the other posters said. Take the time to make a list of things that your family might not do together.

As a mom of two girls under age 4 - I often sit out a lot during my youngest one's naps. (The oldest is a daddy's girl....) That's my time to push the sleeping child's stroller around through the shops, stand in lines for candy canes (when they are in season), and whatever floats my boat. I love that time!!!!

 

[Aprilisdisney]

I completely agree with everyone else ~

I've hung out with myself for a few hours here and there on previous trips. Ex-DH and the kids would go back to the hotel and swim/nap. It was so nice to do what I wanted and at a pace that was mine. I often found myself sitting on the bench along Main Street, eating a churro or Mickey Head pretzel, just people watching. So relaxing!

Enjoy your time!!

April

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

It is definitely a weird feeling at first! You keep patting down pockets and purse, b/c you think you forgot something. (yes you did! your family! back at the hotel or home!)

QUOTE]

Shopping is the best in DL alone...

 

[BecBennett]

I would love to do DL by myself!! I don't have kids, but I'd love to not have to ask "what do you want to do now? " I'd love to not have that feeling that I'm being a tour guide around DL!!

But DF seems to think it would be too dangerous... I'll just run one day, lose him in a crowd some where...

 

[Snow Orange]

OMG! Being a SAHM of 3, my only free time is grocery shopping on Friday night!

Might just ask for a few free hours myself next month during nap and swim time!

Advice:
Don't take anything with you - no purse, no bag - pocket stuff only.
Sit down to have a drink or snack you don't have to share.
Don't call back to the hotel.
Go on at least one ride with a single rider lane.
Have one picture taken.
Look up!
Have fun and don't worry - they are all fine!

 

[swimrsal]

What a dear sweet husband!

I don't know if I would personally do rides much by myself just because I so enjoy those with someone.

But man... just to sit and have a cup of coffee and people watch without keeping an eye on my little ones would be bliss! I would shop in Downtown Disney and relax!!!

Enjoy it... you so deserve it.

I just weaned my baby so I so know where you are!!!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I think you should GO GO GO.

Know what...don't ride the rides.......take time for yourself to savour the environment. People Watch, do a little shopping, get an ice cream cone and watch the children with the characters. Walk around, sit in the shade, tke photographs of the flowers.

Look for things you miss when you are with your entire family.

I met my DH in line at BTMRR at WDW 3 1/2 years ago. He was a commando...and I am a stroller. We have now combined and have the best of both experiences.

DH now sees so much more when he travels with me....Disney or other places.

 

[Funbobbi]

Wow you have a wonderful husband. You can definitely have fun by yourself. I have a friend who went by himself on vacation to DLR, while his wife as visiting family in Australia. He had a great time!! Plus you can do the single rider lineups for many of the rides. Much faster!!

 

[DisneyloverinWA]

My DH just suggested that I go into DL alone and leave him with the kids at the hotel for a few hours in the afternoon. Is this a good idea? Would you do it? Is it still fun alone? I am a SAHM and never without my little ones, my youngest is 7 months today and still strictly nursed. He can go about 3 hours between feedings during the day. We are there from march 29-April 2. Any suggestions on what to do or thoughts would be appreciated.

I think this is a good idea, even if you just spend the time shopping on main street without the little ones. I love my kids to pieces, but it is nice to have a few hours to yourself sometimes. Good luck!

 

[CanadianPaco]

On our last trip, when we finished our morning at DCA, DD and DH wanted to go back to the hotel for a swim. I wanted to get FP's for Splash for when we returned that evening. So I took all our passes and spent a little time in DL alone.

OMG it was heavenly. Just walking your own path was better - you know, not being pulled left when you think right. It was so neat. I took a ton of park shots too! It was only an hour but it was very very cool!