Any Single Dads out there? First trip solo with the kids

[joeytdog]

Hello All

MY family and I go to WDW each year in June for the last 3 years

My children are now 4 and 5 and my wife and I are going through a divorce

I am seriously considering taking the kids myself for our annual trip in June and staying at the Poly. We usually stay at one bedroom villa ta BCV or BWV but I figured I dont need all the space this time around, plus I have always wanted to stay at the Poly

Any other single dads traveling to Disney soon

Any advice

TIA

 

[connie1042]

I don't have any advice, but I which my dad would of been a dad that would of spent time with me like that. I think it is great that you want to keep things as normal as possible. Good for you.

 

[woodkins]

Kudos to you for being brave enough to do it alone. You will LOVE the Poly!! It is our fave & has the largest standard rooms we have seen. The location will also be a plus for you with 2 little ones. I traveled as a single mom with my dd, one thing I would suggest is finding out where the companion restrooms are. I don't know if you have daughters but you may not want to bring them in the men's rooms with you and certainly not send them into the ladies room alone. They companion rooms would be a great help for you.

I would also suggest a stroller, even if your kids don't normally use one. One of them will inevitably get tired and you can't carry 2 kids and your gear, so the stroller is great for that or simply for carrying your stuff. You can always leave it in stroller parking if you are doing well without it & at the Poly you can just roll on and off the monorail without folding it up.

Have fun!!1

 

[Perditamarie]

Hugs to your family..hope you get through this as smoothly as possible.

I think it is a great idea to keep your Disney tradition going. The Poly has a great location and transportation options too. Staying at a new place while also keeping the Disney tradition could help your family with a fresh start.

I am not a Dad, but this thread may be enjoyable:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2366118

Also, if you have girls and don't want to take them in the mens room, get a list of the locations of family bathrooms.

Happy planning!

 

[jdvm]

I continued going to WDW lots when I got divorced with my 3 daughters...great fun...you'll be fine.

I'm now remarried with four daughters...but that's another story!
j

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I'm sorry you are going through a rough time right now, but I think you are right on point taking your kids.

It's tough being a single dad (I don't expect you to tell us anymore about the divorce, it's not our business!) and you need to be able to create your own traditions while you establish your new life. Plus I think it'll be a nice way to get away from the situation for a few days.

Since you said you go often, why not try to find something new to do in the World? Something that is special to you.

Good luck!

 

[joeytdog]

Thanks for the encouragement guys

Yeah we have gone the last 3 years in June, so I figured why break tradition

Plus before, we always stayed in a 1 Bedroom at a Villa Resort

Now, being just the 3 of us a hotel room would be fine

I am gonna bite the bullet and book 6 nights at the Poly 5.29 to 6.4 tommorrow after I get paid

Being 4 and 5 I just dont want to pass up an opportunity to see the magic at least one more time before they get too old

Disney is part of our lives and I am keeping it that way

Now more than ever my kids need the magic

Sorry to be so dramatic

Just the way I feel

 

[joeytdog]

And I definately need the family bathrooms as I have a girl and a boy!

Thanks for the tip

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Sorry to be so dramatic
Just the way I feel

You are not being dramatic at all. You are showing how important it is to you to provide a sensible moment of peace in a time of chaos.

Your kids should be able to do a few more things this time around as compared to last year so you guys should have a blast!

 

[cj9200]

I had shared custody since DD was 7 and am single dad for the last two years so my experiences are close to yours but not quite. You may not believe this but the biggest thing is the bathroom. At 7, I did not want to take her into the Men’s room and I worried when I let her into the Ladies room alone. Companion bathrooms are great. The stroller suggestion is also a good idea.

Take them and have fun. We have done multiple trips on our own and even with her mom. Just got back from a trip with DD and 6 of her girl friends to WDW to celebrate her 16th birthday. We dads can deal with it too. Best advice is to relax and try not to do everything, take lots of pictures and step back and enjoy the moment. Nothing like watching your kid interact with a character for instance. Sear that picture into your memory banks. Have a great time. Ask away if you have any questions Disney related or not.

 

[duckybelle]

My son decided he did NOT want to go with us this time either. He didn't like it when we took him, and doesn't really care for any aspect of it SO he is staying with his father while we go. I did buy him a new TV for his room (which he did need) but instead of having him miserable with us, leaving him behind was the best option for us. He does vacation with me many other places, and we are planning a cruise for 2011, but a big NO to the Mouse for him.

 

[Kat&Dom]

I think it is totally awesome that you are taking your children to Disney - it will be good for them to just have fun with dad. My marriage broke up when my son was 18 months old and divorce really sucks big time but keep your focus on the kids and know that they sense every emotion from you and need you to be healthy and happy. It will help them to adjust if they know you are okay emotionally.

My first trip after I got divorced was to take my son to Disney too - he is now 4 and we have been to Disneyland twice, Disneyworld twice and are heading for our 3rd trip to Disneyworld in April. He loves Disney and is so much fun. When my marriage fell apart, I saw my son go from a happy, fun-loving little boy to a very sad little boy so I realized that I had to pull myself up and move on with as little anger and bitterness because my emotions affected his happiness so much. Now we have an awesome life with just the 2 of us.