At DW Aug 8-13, alone w/ 4yr old;meet me to take turns watchin our kids & swap rides?

[Alesasia]

HELP, PLS! Hubby is there for a conference, so for all but one day and a couple of evenings, it is just myself and my daughter, who will be 4 later this month, exploring Disneyworld (for the 1st time) by ourselves. The trouble is, I want to go on some non-toddler-oriented rides, too! We cannot afford to pay a sitter for their time PLUS a DW day pass - that is just crazy. I was wondering if there are any other Moms coming to Disney at the same time as us, that might want to meet up there one day? That way we can take care of one another's children while one of us goes on a ride or two for adults. (Naturally, we cannot spend the whole day making the kids wait while we ride, but a couple, I think, would be do-able!) What do you think... anyone out there that can help us out - help one another out??

About me: I am an educated stay-at-home Mom, coming from Calgary, Alberta.
It will be our first time at DW (and actually only my 3rd time in the U.S. even). We are staying at the Dolphin hotel. My daughter and I are both excited that we get to tag along on hubby's business trip and have this possibly once-in-our-lifetime chance to check out Disney!

Thanks for reading this!

TJ

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

Is your daughter going to stay with a complete stranger?

 

[Gigi22]

Just a thought--given that your DH's conference is at WDW, does the conference offer any childcare services? Alternately, you might be able to take your DD to one of the onsite childcare facilities for say a 3 hour period to try out--then try again, if successful?
According to my copy of Birnbaum's 2010 WDW Guide (p. 40), several resorts at WDW have onsite childcare facilities (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Dolphin). They care for (potty-trained) children from 4-12. You can check availability and hours for all but the Dolphin childcare facility at: 407-939-3463. "Camp Dolphin" operates daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight and accepts children 4-12. Camp Dolphin costs $10 per hour, per child. For information, call: 407-934-4241.
Staying at the Dolphin, you are within easy walking distance of the childcare facility at the Yacht and Beach Club.

 

[damo]

Perhaps there will be other moms from the conference in the same situation.

 

[Gigi22]

Here's another thought--since your DH is attending a conference at/near WDW--can you find out if there is anyone else from your DH's workplace who going to the same conference and taking their family? Maybe you could buddy around with the wife and children of one of your DH's co-workers?

 

[casper_jj11]

How tall is your daughter? If she's 40in, she'll be able to do most rides. My dd was able to go on most of the rides when she was just over 3yrs. The only ones she couldn't do were Space Mtn in MK, RocknRoller Coaster in HS, and Expedition Everest in AK. We also avoided Tower of Terror in HS and Mission Space in Epcot just becuase they were a bit intense for her age. All the others she did once. She wasn't afraid but didn't want to do them a second time. This time, she can't wait to do all of them ... she's just 4 1/2.

 

[princess pooh]

Maybe you could put your daughter in Camp Dolphin for a few hours while you and your husband do some thrill rides?

Have you picked up a guide book yet. Most of the rides can be enjoyed by the whole family - they're not the typical toddler rides you'd find at a local amusement park.

 

[MinnieMommy]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised as to how many rides you will be able to take your DD on with you.
Just leave the age/size/thrill factor in-appropriate rides for when you're with your DH, they you will benefit from the child-swap feature.