Any tips on taking a child by yourself without your spouse?

[amarberry]

Hi! We were only back for a week from our trip before Disney-crazy-me booked another trip. We're going Dec. 11-18th to check out the holiday festivities! Really though, this is a trip that I couldn't not book! Airfare was VERY reasonable from Chicago and we had some airline vouchers that I couldn't see go to waste making our airfare unbelievable. I got an AP this time, so no park admission for me. DD is 2, so she is free too. To top it off, an AP rate at Pop was a mere $59 per night. Woo hoo!

DD and I are going to be on our own for the first couple of days until DH meets up with us later in the trip. I'm looking for tips on surviving WDW with a 2 yo as a "single parent". For the most part, she is a pretty easy going kid who has been to WDW enough to not be overwhelmed or freaked out by the experience. We're pretty commando as a family, but I am anticipating a much slower paced trip with just DD and I. We'll speed it up when Daddy arrives!

Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I would say to take some time to stop and smell the roses instead of going commando for your time on your own. Stroll around enjoy the holiday decorations see what your DD seems interested in, take a mid-day nap with your DD or read a book. Go to Downtown Disney see if your DD is interested in the lego's or get a mr. potatoe head. You can always eat in the food court at the pop if she's had enough for the day. Enjoy your trip, they grow up so fast. When you take your time you notice things you don't when you're rushing around.

 

[Twingle]

I was alone with my twin 2 y.o.'s for three days and nights - and it was very fun. Hard, but we had a good time. Definately go at her speed. I found that Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom were the easiest for me to do alone.

In Downtown Disney, my girls enjoyed looking at the Lego statues at the Lego store, making Mr. Potato Head postcards in Once Upon A Toy, riding the little carosel (doesn't look like I spelled that right), playing in the water jets, and eating ice cream and pretzels. They also found a little water puddle by the Disney store that entertained them for about 40 minutes!

In the Magic Kingdom, everything was pretty great for us to do alone. We did all the things for the preschool set, and all the CM's I ran into were REALLY great. Very helpful - especially when I was getting food, or trying to shop.

Using Disney transportation was a bit difficult for me - but that was mainly because I had two little ladies. It's pretty hard to carry two sleeping toddlers in the best of times, but then add the bags and stroller on top of it, and I felt and probably looked like a pack mule.

Potty breaks took a bit of planning. Not because my girls are potty trained, but because I wasn't always by a baby care facility. There were lots of times we just went into the handicapped stall, and while I never noticed anyone waiting for it, I'm sorry if I took it from you. No flames please.

You and your daughter will have a blast - make sure to take advantage of the Photo Pass! The CM's took some wonderful pictures of me with my girls!

 

[amarberry]

Thanks for the tips! I really like the DTD ideas. We really haven't spent any time at DTD on our last two trips so that will be a fun place to spend a few hours (and maybe do a little Christmas shopping). I'm really going to make a big effort to take this trip at a slower pace (this is VERY difficult for me to do!!!) and let DD kind of guide us.

Any other tips out there?

 

[BuzzandAriel'smom]

Pop is great for 2 yr olds! The baby pool is zero entry and has shoot up fountains. My 2 and 4yr olds played there almost everyday. I know how tiring it is to hold your child in a big pool all the time and this made it super easy. The Pop jet fountain is a great time also.

As for the parks, I agree with taking it at a slow pace. Go first thing in the morning and leave at lunch. That way the lines are shorter and you can leave before meltdowns occur. If your child does fall asleep on your way back to Pop, there are always others around that could unfold your stroller for you, maybe even the driver. You can then roll her all the way to the room.

Our son (2) really enjoyed the following things: Decorating his dessert cookie at Concourse, Pocahontas show and Festival of the Lion King, Dumbo, the dino dumbo-type ride at AK, the safari and walking tour at AK, the aquarium at Epcot. He hated all non face characters.

I would stay away from buffets or counter services that you have to walk with your food on a tray. I am a fanatic about not leaving my kids alone at the table. I pushed a double stroller with my 2 kids in it while carrying a tray full of food and nearly missing spilling all over while trying to find a table. It was tricky.

I also used the handicapped restrooms that are separate from the others. I think it is also called a unisex or family bathroom. I could just roll the stroller right in. The only down side is that there aren't usually changing tables in there if you need one.