Any tips for single parent going with an almost 5 year old?

[MBELSANTI]

Hello,
Although I have been to WDW many times, this October will be my first as a single parent with my almost 5 year old DS. Can anyone with similar experience give me some ideas and tips on what to do. Have you ever placed your child in the kids clubs to have one night alone exploring the parks? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[suevee]

Take a penlight flashlight for the dark rides. This really helped my granddaughter last year when she was five. Relax, and have a great time.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

Watch out when the characters come around if you will be making movies.. Easiest way to lose a kid.

I tried enjoying the parks by myself once and it felt so lonely! But if you are ready, by all means do so. Childcare can be very expensive. I felt bad about enjoying the parks and leaving my child in a hotel room with a strange sitter during a vacation.

Just enjoy the time that the two of you have and make it very special! YOU are the bosses



Wanda

 

[CarolAnnC]

Our Disney for Families Board is a great place to find lots of tips.

 

[staylor]

Enjoy! I just got back from taking my 5 yr old. He loved everything. We did everything he was tall enough to ride, except the Tower of Terror. Go to a character meal. if you can. My DS loved those. Also, he loved the pool. Just set yourself up to go at their pace and you'll be fine.
Have fun!

 

[bobcat]

Staylor is right try to go at your childs pace. I travel with my DD 8 and DS 6 as a single mom and this year will be our third WDW trip. Relax and remember this is your vacation as well. Just pace yourself. And if you need help with anything be sure to ask. We take a stroller for DS and there were times when we had a little difficulty menuvering on the buses and people were great. The cast membersare also a great resource.

Have a wonderful trip! WDW is our favorite family spot. We can all be kids!

 

[ReneeQ]

I travel to Disney about once a year solo. I've also taken my best friend's kids (don't have my own kids!), which are my godchildren. They're about 3.5 years apart, boy and girl. They don't like doing the same things, so last year they each got their own trip. The girl was nearly 4 (and is really tiny) so I took a stroller. Much easier to keep up with her that way. The boy is 8, so no stroller on his trip.

I let the trips totally be theirs, anything they wanted to do, and totally at their pace. I go enough solo that it didn't bother me to miss things this time. One day my goddaughter played in the fountains at Epcot for one hour. Other kids would come and go with the parents constantly saying, "lets go, that's enough, don't get wet, we're going to be late, etc., etc." She would look at me and say, "do I need to get out now?" And I would say, "not until you are ready." She couldn't believe it. She had the greatest time.

Both trips were great. The BEST thing I did was give them each a disposable camera to take their own pictures. Their pictures were better than mine, and so funny! Have fun!

 

[Reflection]

My daughter (will be in 8 in two weeks) and I will be at WDW in August. This will be our fourth trip in three years. My suggestions: go at a pace that your child can handle and definitely plan on taking afternoon breaks--go back to your hotel to for swim, nap, rest breaks.

You son would also enjoy the special programs offered at the Grand Floridian, such as the Pirate's Adventure.

And yes, I have used the Disney child care clubs to enjoy the parks at night alone. My daughter had such a good time at the Harbor Club that she wanted to go there every night.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Thanks to all who replied! Your encouragement was greatly needed!!! Can anyone give me details about the kids clubs at the deluxe resorts? Can kids from the value resorts use them too? Thanks!

 

[Michigan]

Call for a PS for the pirate cruise at GF then hop on the monorail and go ride the rides he can't or doesn't want to then hop back on the monorail to GF and pick him up.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Hi there!
OK what is the pirates cruise that you are referring to? I assume you mean priority seating right??? OK I know dumb questions and I should know this but I never heard of it.
Thanks for your reply

 

[Reflection]

Pirates' Cruise is one of three special children's activities offered at the Grand Floridian. You and children do not have to be guests at the GF to participate. These programs are rather popular and you should make reservations thru 407-W-DINE. A credit card is needed to guarantee the reservation. There is a 24-hour cancellation period.

There is plenty of info on this board about the cruise, just do a search for Pirate's Cruise. The cost is between $22 or $23 and children board a boat at the GF marina and explore specially designated areas in search of pirates' treasure. This program is an hour.

There are other two programs:Wonderland Tea Party--where children have tea (apple juice) and snack with Alice in Wonderland and MadHatter (or other characters) and make a special project (cost around $22 or $23), make reservations through 407-W-DINE. The other Grand Adventures in Cooking (there is a description on the first page of Resorts board); children decorate aprons and chef's hat, cook a special treat, and distribute the treats to guests in the lobby. Cost is $15, and reservations are made thru the same number above.

My daughter will do the Pirate's Cruise for the first time this year, but had such a good time in the other two. She really loved the cooking program and still wears the apron she decorated.

I found the cooking program provided enough time to pop over to the MK and for me to do one of the rides that my daughter does not like to do--such as Space Mountain.

Lastly, guests at the Value resorts may use the child care clubs at the deluxe resorts. Again, use the W-DINE number to make reservations.

 

[Michigan]

You have to be there at 9:45 so your child can get a life jacket and pirate bandana. The boat leaves at 10:00 and returns at 12:00. The kids are given juice and snacks while they search for treasure on the island. My oldest DD did it in Nov and loved it.

 

[Reflection]

sorry about the typo and wrong ph number to make reservations for GF kid programs or WDW child care clubs. The number is 407-WDW-DINE (or 407-939-3463)

 

[All Aboard]

I have done nearly 20 daddy-daughter trips with Natalie. On the first she was just 20 months old, she's now 3yrs and 4mos old. The key to our happiness is reading her signals. I let her take part in decisions about which attractions we see, where we go next, what we eat. I pay close attention to her mood and energy. Some days she naps, some she doesn't. Some mornings we hit the park early, others we sleep a little longer. Some days we see alot of attractions, others we leisurely stroll.

Garden Grill is a great character meal because you don't have to go to the buffet. Not sure if you are a man or woman, but if you and are your child are opposites, look for the family bathrooms. They are great. It's a big room and you lock the door and have it all to yourselves.

Believe me, these trips have been the greatest thing. It's our special place. You will build tremendous memories.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Thank you to all who posted replies. Your tips are great! I am really looking forward to going again!!

 

[clutter]

Tip #1 - HAVE FUN

Tip #2 - RELAX and let your child lead you. They are so neat. Ice cream for lunch? Relax in the room in the morning? Pool time? Whatever.

Tip #3 - Re read Renee Q's post.

We've gone with others, had the absolutely PERFECT trip with a couple of friends just before Christmas. But my daughter and I had the best time when it was just the two of us.

 

[mom2boys]

Don't feel guilty about your child spending a couple of hours in one of Disney's Kid's Clubs while you tour or even just have some time to yourself. At his age, your son will appreciate the unstructured play time much more than he would appreciate being drug through World Show Case or shopping. That is if he is anything like my 5 year old. The break will rejuvinate you and allow you to focus on what interests your son during the rest of the trip.

 

[Planogirl]

My DS loved the Neverland Club at the age of 5. He got the biggest thrill out of doing something away from his parents which never occurred to me. I just rode a few of the things that he was scared off and had an "adult" meal. We all enjoyed it!

 

[Disneydays]

Kudos to ReneeQ for a great post.

Take light snacks and small bottles of cold water into the parks with you in case DS gets hungry/thirsty.
If you are flying...take precautions with little ears...my 6yo had problems with this that lasted a couple of days into our vacation.
Take a small first aid kit with you...nothing fancy necessary.
Avoid shops with a heavy perfume...dd went to a store that sold perfumed candles/potpourri and promptly ran outside and "hurled" on the sidewalk.
Get your Disney ears early...one pair for him and one for you...wear them proudly through the parks!!
Buy a couple of autograph books at World Showcase...have fun getting autographs together.
***the only other thing I can add is based on my own experience...youngest dd wanted to swim in the hotel pool...ALL THE TIME...even tho we took significant rest breaks from the parks which included rest time and pool time....she most loved the pool....going to the parks were just not that interesting to her....(I could have installed an in-ground pool at home for the cost I spent during that trip to WDW)!!
Lastly...take lots of video and pictures...this will be an adventure that you will always remember....RELAX mom...you can do this and will you ever be glad you did!!!
If you think you will need any other assistance....feel free to email me 3 multi-day passes and we will be there to help you out!!!!!!!
inkbounc