any other single moms/dads been

kdtwiss

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Jan 17, 2005
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or going with some advice for me? I will be going in Oct with my 4 children - 2 5 7 9 years. Not single (yet - but on my way) but would rather go w/o dh. I usually handle family single handed anyway - but would appreciate any advice about how to make it the best trip I can. Also any potential pitfalls I could avoid would be great! Thanks! Trip getting close and mom getting nervous! :earsgirl:
 
I am single but go down at the same time as my parents. If it is possible that a friend or family member could go so that you have a little help and companionship, I would suggest that. If it is not possible, the most important thing for you and them is to not overdo it. When I try to do it all, we all get tired and the trip is not as much fun. Take breaks. Have a great time. :flower:
 
I've always been a single mom. My son and I have had a blast on each of our trips. :cheer2:

I think the best thing you can is to lay some ground rules before you leave home.

How are you getting there? If you're going by plane, I'd make sure each had a backpack full of "busy items" that he/she has to be responsible for?

Are you staying on site? If so I'd use ME. That way you won't have to deal with your luggage.

Don't try to do to much. Make a list of must do rides/shows for each child and try to hit those.

Figure out how you're going to handle break and/or nap times. Will the baby sleep in a stroller? Are you ok with letting the 9 and 7 year old ride a few rides alone?

Think about lines, parades, and bathroom issues. When picking a spot for the parades, I'd try to find one close to a restroom. I'm sure people around you wouldn't holding your spots while you make a bathroom run with the kids.

Make up labels or cards with your cell phone number and resort in case one of the kids gets lost.

Be sure take plenty of film or memory cards.:cloud9:

My son and I will also be there in October to celebrate his 14th birthday. :wizard:
 
kdtwiss said:
or going with some advice for me? I will be going in Oct with my 4 children - 2 5 7 9 years. Not single (yet - but on my way) but would rather go w/o dh. I usually handle family single handed anyway - but would appreciate any advice about how to make it the best trip I can. Also any potential pitfalls I could avoid would be great! Thanks! Trip getting close and mom getting nervous! :earsgirl:


One thing you are going to want to plan out in advance is what rides/attractions the whole family are going to be able to get on. The 7 and 9 year old will be able to ride certain rides, while the 2 and 5 year old, and therefore you will not. If there is anyway you can take a friend, even teenager girl that you use to babysit at home, and pay their way, you will have a better time, simply because you will have someone that can watch the younger kids while you go on attractions with the older kids and vice versa.

I would also highly recomend getting matching Tshirts in bright colors. I would go to Walmart and get cheap $4-$5 tshirts for the entire family. Maybe three or four sets, all matching colors, bright neon if possible, so you can pick out your children at a glance, if one steps away from you. At minimum, matching baseball caps or something like that.

I would also get the adheisive name tags and put their full name, your full name as parent, your resort and room number on them each day. That way, if they get lost, CM's will know where you are staying.

Plan on spending some time each day, a couple of hours, doing something that you dont have to worry about the kids getting seperated, lost,etc. For example, spend an hour or two at the pool where you can keep all kids in plain view. It will help to relax and rejuvinate.

But most of all. Have fun!
 

thank you so much guys for all the helpful hints. My guys are very good little kids, and we do just about everything on our own as it is - movies, restaurants, playgrounds, beach,amusement parks, BUT WDW is a biggie! I am going to look again to see if I could possibly bring a friend of mine who sometimes babysits when I work. I just can not see it costing less than $1000 tho and that is alot of $$. She has a daughter also so of course I would pay for her as well. I am going to print out all your answers and encouragement! Thanks again! :sunny:
 
Just remember that there will be bumps in the road, but also remember, the road your on is at WDW, so how bad could the bumps be when you put them in perspective...HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! :earboy2:
 
I"m going on my first trip as a single mom...we're doing a cruise in Feb...then hopefully a day or two at the World... - But I am soo excited about it!!

Hoping to meet others to conversate with tho, at least on the cruise while the kids are in the club......anyone have experience with that??
 
raysnkaysmom said:
I"m going on my first trip as a single mom...we're doing a cruise in Feb...then hopefully a day or two at the World... - But I am soo excited about it!!

Hoping to meet others to conversate with tho, at least on the cruise while the kids are in the club......anyone have experience with that??

I havent been on a cruise by myself with the kids as my boyfriend goes too.. and not sure if you are going on a Disney cruise, but we usually go on Carnival and Ive seen where they have get togethers for singles.. maybe you can at least just meet some other singles to hang out with or talk to ... Carnival has the childrens program too so the kids are usually gone off doing their own thing while us adults get adult time.. Very nice..
 












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